Filip Hrgovic Talks Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker Turning Down IBF Eliminator Fight!
Unbeaten heavyweight contender Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (14-0, 12KOs) is on the prowl for an opponent to face in an IBF title eliminator. The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist is one fight away from earning a world title opportunity. However, with both Luis Ortiz (33-2, 28KOs) and Joseph Parker (30-2, 21KOs) turning down the fight, he’s stuck in neutral.
He recently broke his silence on both Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker turning down the fight in an interview with Behind The Gloves.
KING KONG NOT INTERESTED!
“We go through whole list starting with Luis Ortiz, he was the first one. But, he refused offer in like a few hours, he didn’t even want to start negotiations.”
“Why? I don’t know why, I just don’t understand it. He was calling out my name, he said everyone who want a title need to go through him. So I was excited and happy, I hoped he will sign the contract. But, when the offer came to him, he did not even want to start negotiations.
I’m very disappointed, I don’t know what it is with these guys. I never refused a fight in my life. So, I know boxing is business, but for me boxing is not going to ever be only business. So I want the challenges, I want to box with the best in the division, no matter what money is there.”
JOSEPH PARKER PASSES TOO!
“Next in the line was Joseph Parker. He also refused, also didn’t even want to start negotiation, and now I see that his manager said money is too low. But look, if he beat me, he’s mandatory challenger and he fight for a title and he can make a lot of money.
“So, I don’t know what this, all these excuses about. I just think they don’t want to fight with me. They know I’m dangerous and I think they think I’m too big a risk for them.”
Hrgovic, who’s ranked #3 in the IBF, #11 in the WBO, #9 in the WBC and #12 in the WBA is obviously a guy who poses a major threat to every fighter in the division. He’s 6’6 with good skills and power and also has a very deep, rich amateur career. It’s unfortunate for him not to be able to secure a bigger name opponent for the IBF title eliminator. The bright side is a win against whoever he decides to step up and face guarantees him a world title shot in the future.
As for why both Ortiz, ranked #10, and Parker, ranked #4, declined, apparently both men are injured and wouldn’t be ready to go by April. Ortiz, who looked bad against Martin, getting dropped twice before scoring a sixth round knockout, is in a tough spot. With this injury, his advancing age, and the fact he didn’t look as sharp as we’re accustomed to makes you wonder if he will get another world title opportunity. As for Parker, although he picked up a good win in his rematch with Derek Chisora, the former WBO heavyweight champion hasn’t looked good since losing to Dillian Whyte in July of 2018.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates once they become available.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
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