Egis Klimas, Oleksandr Usyk’s manager, has confirmed that the IBF interim champion Filip Hrgovic will fight the Ukrainian if the undisputed fight with Tyson Fury cannot be made.
The unified heavyweight champion beat Daniel Dubois, who was his WBA mandatory, in a controversial ninth-round TKO. However, he had been helped by a knockdown being deemed a low blow in round five. But now that the fight is over, Usyk is already looking ahead to the future. Standing in his way will be Hrgovic, who has already confirmed that he will not accept step-aside money.
“They don’t want to do that fight, Fury’s fighting some guy who’s never boxed before, they don’t want to do that. So fight your mandatories, I’m not gonna step aside and I want to get my shot. I deserve it, I work hard, I’ve been in this sport for 17 years and I want to get my chance,” Hrgovic
Therefore, the Croatian appears to be a viable opponent.
“Hrgovic is the mandatory but if we’re going to get the unification [against Fury] we’re going to go for the unification. If the unification is not done of course Hrgovic will be next,” Klimas
Nevertheless, that news would only push back any undisputed fight. And since boxing fans have been waiting for an undisputed champion since 1999, the fan base have been left frustrated at another mandatory. And this was reflected in the comments that followed on social media.
Social Media Reaction
How many more dull power punchers does usyk have to break?
— jonnyIguana (@jonnyk999) August 27, 2023
Usyk pummels him too.
— bombs boxing™ (@bombsboxing) August 27, 2023
Hergovic doesn't belong in a ring with Usyk. https://t.co/evLMPU0Y4W
— ฟิลลิป พอโชลเลอร์ (@ASAP_Pipa) August 28, 2023