Filip Hrgovic has never been one to hold back, and on Saturday night at the O2 Arena he went further than ever. In a live interview with DAZN, the Croatian heavyweight worked his way through almost the entire division, handing out blunt – and often unprintable – verdicts that forced presenter Ade Oladipo to apologise to viewers on air.
Key takeaways
- Hrgovic dismissed most of his heavyweight rivals in a foul-mouthed DAZN interview in London.
- He urged Fabio Wardley to retire after his two-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois.
- The only fighter he called unbeatable was Britain's Moses Itauma – the man he beat.
- DAZN host Ade Oladipo apologised live for the language used.
A night of harsh verdicts
The 34-year-old former Olympic bronze medallist was ringside as Daniel Dubois kept hold of his world heavyweight title with a crushing second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley. Hrgovic did not soften the blow for the loser, saying Wardley should think about hanging up his gloves.
That was only the beginning. Asked for his thoughts on the rest of the division, Hrgovic took aim at one name after another. Uzbek giant Bakhodir Jalolov was written off as too dull to watch, Australian Justis Huni was someone he claimed never to have seen, and Efe Ajagba, he suggested, would be better suited to kickboxing.
Even the champion got only half a compliment: Dubois, in his view, is slow but owns an excellent jab. Russia's Murat Gassiev was told in insulting terms to return to cruiserweight, while Agit Kabayel was labelled a "normal" fighter whose style would make for an easy night's work.
Who's done – and who's the future
Hrgovic saved some respect for the division's biggest names, but not much hope. Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua were all described as living legends who are either finished or close to it, with perhaps one fight left in each. He did say he hopes Fury carries on after his long-awaited December showdown with Joshua, because the sport still needs stars of his size.
Hrgovic's verdicts at a glance
- Moses Itauma: the future – undisputed within a few years if he recovers mentally.
- Usyk, Fury, Joshua: legends, but at or near the end.
- Frank Sanchez: a big puncher and his mandatory challenger – possibly next, in Croatia.
- Joseph Parker: a friend and "the best guy ever" – a fight he does not want.
- Nelson Hysa: experienced, could still spring a surprise.
- Jarrell Miller: finished; Richard Riakporhe: still has to prove himself at heavyweight.
The most striking comment came about Moses Itauma. The young British prospect suffered his first loss against Hrgovic, yet the Croatian believes nobody will beat him again if he comes back strong mentally – and predicted he will become undisputed champion within a few years.
DAZN forced to say sorry
The interview made for compelling television, but the language crossed the line for a live broadcast. Back in the studio, lead host Ade Oladipo offered a brief apology to viewers for the swearing.
As for Hrgovic himself, his next step is still open. He named Frank Sanchez as the most likely opponent, possibly on home soil in Croatia, but said the decision now lies with his promoter and management.
Source: The Sun
