Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic Says that Michael Hunter is Running Scared
With the coming of the new year, heavyweight Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KO’s) is hopeful that it will be much more productive than 2021. When last in the squared-circle, on December 4, 2021, the Croatian bruiser laid waste to Emir Ahmotvic in three short rounds. While he was happy to get the win, this was far from the level of competition that he has sought out. It’s no secret that El Animal, who is ranked #3 (IBF), #11 (WBO), #9 (WBC) and 12 (WBA), is hungry for a big fight.
WHERE YOU GOING?!
Out of all the fighters that he feels are avoiding him though, Hrgovic points out the man who started the evasion as being Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (20-1-2, 14 KO’s). El Animal chronicled his explanation while conducting an interview with Behind the Gloves.
“It started with him. he also called out my name. He said I don’t have a good jab and he said he will knock me out, he said lots of things. And when it comes to the signing contract, he just pulled out. He didn’t even give any reason. Ortiz at least said he is injured. We all know that he is not injured but at least he give something. But, Michael Hunter just pull out.
He tell that…he made some smart business move with Triller. But, you saw a few weeks ago his smart business move when he fought Jerry Forrest and he should’ve lost and he was lucky to get draw. So, he just knew that I would knock him out and he didn’t want the fight.”
NOW WHAT?!
Not only did Hunter call out Hrgovic’s name, the fight was actually an IBF ordered title eliminator. Regardless of this fact, Hunter still walked away from the potential fight. This was a move that got him lambasted by El Animal and the fans alike. Yet, let the Bounty tell, the whole matter boiled down to a matter of money and he could’ve made more elsewhere.
Yet, even after Hunter, who is ranked #2 (WBA), #7 (WBO) and #7 (WBC), made his business move, both competitors still need a fight. So, perhaps after the failed attempt the first time, now is the perfect time to challenge one another. Let’s wait and see how it all plays out. One thing is for certain, once Hunter hears that Hrgovic is calling him yellow-bellied, he is sure to have a rebuttal!
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By: Bakari Simpson
