It is shaping up to be a spectacular summer of action as boxing emerges again from the pandemic, and Filip Hrgovic vs Michael Hunter adds yet more spice to an intoxicating heavyweight mix.
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered that Hunter and Hrgovic lock horns in a final eliminator – with the right to become mandatory challenger for the title currently held by Anthony Joshua on the line.
Hrgovic vs Hunter purse bids
Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn announced this week that he has won purse bids to promote the bout. While a date and venue are yet to be announced, Hearn and DAZN have a number of upcoming dates planned in the United States.
Delighted to win the purse bid for @Filip_Hrgovic v @MichaelHunterII – IBF final eliminator – big fight!!! @SauerlandBros
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) April 20, 2021
Hunter appears to be one of the most avoided men in a booming heavyweight division, while Hrgovic is seen as one of the next generation of great big men.
‘The Bounty’, now 32 and with a record of 19-1-1, fought the very best at cruiserweight before stepping up to heavy. He will take on anybody, but takers have been few and far between.
Hunter went a year without a fight after that draw with Alexander Povetkin on the Joshua vs Ruiz 2 undercard in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic it has to be said.
He returned just before the end of 2020 with an easy defeat of the overmatched Shawn Laughery in Texas.
Next great heavyweight?
Croation star Hrgovic meanwhile has been seriously impressive in moving through the ranks to stand at 12-0 and on the cusp of a potential world-title shot.
The 28-year-old ‘Stone Man’ was last seen stopping Rydell Booker in November 2020, and he appears ready for the step up again to face Hunter.
Hrgovic vs Hunter is a fascinating clash of styles. Hrgovic all power while Hunter is a talented and slick operator who presents special headaches for any heavyweight.
Whoever wins this fight may have to wait a little while for a title shot of course – Joshua has not one but two fights against Tyson Fury lined up for the remainder of 2021.
