Filip Hrgovic Dealt Major Blow in IBF Mandatory Order Reversal!
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn and top heavyweight contender Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (15-0, 12KOs) have been dealt a major blow. Social media is buzzing with news that the IBF has rescinded the mandatory order of unified champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13KOs) to face Hrgovic. This removes a huge obstacle for fans looking forward to the undisputed showdown between WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and Usyk.
THE BACK STORY
On November 13, 2022, during an interview with iFL TV, Hearn revealed that the IBF ordered that Usyk must face Hrgovic. Furthermore, he acknowledged that this was not a popular decision and that team Hrgovic wanted to order an immediate purse bid.
“We are not willing to negotiate; this is a request of the team, and [they] want to have immediate purse bid.”
For the past few months, things have been quiet on that front. It now seems that new information is being brought to light shattering the hopes of team Hrgovic.
SORRY HRGOVIC, MAYBE NEXT TIME
According to Fight Freaks Unite, on November 14, 2022, the IBF was notified by the WBA that they are next in rotation. Upon reviewing the documents, the IBF agreed and is rescinding the order for the mandatory defense. One month later, on December 14, the WBA ordered a belt consolidation between Usyk and ‘regular’ champion Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois.
Ironically, Queensberry Promotions CEO Frank Warren promotes Dubois and Fury. With the undisputed fight in the balance, he more than likely will hold off on enforcing the WBA’s request.
Hrgovic has been waiting to fight for his title fight since defeating Zhilei Zhang in an IBF title eliminator in August 2022. It will be interesting to see what the response will be from Team Hrgovic following this devastating news.
By: Bo Bland
