Filip Hrgovic Loses Father. Will his Title Hopes be Collateral Damage?
Undefeated heavyweight Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (14-0, 12KOs) was devastated by the loss of his father Pero Hrgovic. The event is ultimately the reason he had to pull out of the elusive IBF title eliminator coming up. The talented young Croatian posted the news on social media to an outpour of condolences by the fans.
Hrgovic has been unlucky with trying to get a fight for the IBF title eliminator since defeating Rydell Booker for the vacant IBF International title back in 2020.
THE WOES OF GETTING A FIGHT FOR THE IBF ELIMINATOR
In 2021, the IBF ordered a fight between El Animal and Michael “The Bounty” Hunter. The fight went to purse bid, which was won by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn in April 2021. However, Hunter pulled out of the fight. During an interview with 3Kings Boxing, Hunter revealed passing on the fight for a better deal with Triller.
In 2022, Hrgovic continued to try and get a creditable name to fight in the eliminator. He was highly disappointed with two-time world title challenger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz for turning the fight down. Moreover, he expressed frustration when former WBO champion Joseph Parker’s team did not even want to negotiate.
Next, a fight with IBF #5 ranked Tony Yoka got the rug pulled from up underneath him. Yoka was forced to pull out after the IBF ruled him ineligible since he was still under contract to face Martin Bakole.
All of this took place in January. it was like a continued loop of a Charlie Brown moment where Lucy kept pulling the football away at the last minute.
CONDOLENCES TO THE HRGOVIC FAMILY
Hrgovic was excited when an opponent was finally secured in the form of Zhilei Zhang. This fight was set to take place on the undercard of Mexican mega-star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez taking on WBA Super light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
As previously stated, his father’s untimely passing undoubtedly interrupted his ability to focus on training. Hopefully, the IBF allows Hrgovic to keep his place in line while dealing with a sensitive situation.
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By: Garrisson Bland
