IBF Likely To Order Martin Bakole Next For Filip Hrgovic
The IBF could be on the verge of ordering a heavyweight fight between top contender Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (15-0, 12KO) and Martin Bakole (18-1, 13KO) next. The organization is struggling to secure a fight involving the interim title featuring the Croatian.
The organization’s most recent order called on former unified champion Andy Ruiz to face Hrgovic. However, that fell apart when Ruiz opted out of the purse bid. It is no secret he is more than likely going to be fighting former WBC champion Deontay Wilder next.
Another debacle that frustrated Team Hrgovic was when the IBF rescinded a mandatory order for a fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
WHY THE IBF MAY BE FORCED TO ORDER BAKOLE NEXT
With Usyk currently out of reach, El Animal will need another IBF-ranked opponent to battle for the interim title. The IBF #2 slot is vacant, and the aforementioned Ruiz holds position #3, with Wilder sitting at #4. Fishing deeper into the rankings will find a similarly unavailable Anthony Joshua at #5. He is scheduled to face Jermaine Franklin on April 1. This makes IBF #6 Bakole the next viable option.
The United Kingdom resident shocked the boxing world after giving Tony Yoka a serious beating in May 2022. Furthermore, Bakole recently made headlines by signing a multi-fight deal with promotional company BOXXER. It is worth mentioning that he is hoping to force a fight against WBA Regular champion Daniel Dubois. Nonetheless, he could hear his name called by the IBF very soon.
