Filip Hrgović has made his prediction ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight clash with Dave Allen at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, England. He insisted that he expects to leave with a victory, regardless of how the fight unfolds.
Hrgović enters the contest looking to continue rebuilding momentum following the first defeat of his professional career against Daniel Dubois. Since that loss, the Croatian heavyweight has responded strongly with victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, putting himself back into the heavyweight conversation.
Meanwhile, Allen enters the fight with little pressure and plenty of motivation to pull off a major upset in front of his home crowd.
The British heavyweight recently bounced back from defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov by scoring a 57-second knockout over Karim Berredjem and has repeatedly stated he believes he can shock the boxing world.
However, Hrgović appears fully confident in his own chances.
Filip Hrgović expects victory either way against Dave Allen
Speaking during the final press conference, Hrgović admitted he sees multiple ways the fight could play out.
“I have big power to knock him out,” Hrgović said.
At the same time, the Croatian contender also praised Allen’s toughness and durability.
“But also he’s durable, he has a good chin,” he added.
Rather than guaranteeing an early finish, Hrgović acknowledged the fight could potentially go the distance.
“So it might go to the scorecards.”
Despite considering various scenarios, Hrgović remained convinced there would be only one winner.
“And yeah, I will win,” he said. “Anyway I will win on Saturday.”
Allen believes one punch can change everything
Allen, however, has made it clear that he is not entering the fight simply to make up the numbers.
“The same way people can’t get the fight for me, I wish they could,” Allen said.
While he stopped short of boldly predicting victory, Allen insisted he genuinely believes he belongs in the ring with Hrgović.
“I can’t sit here and say I’m definitely gonna beat him,” he explained. “But I know I can compete with him.”
Allen also pointed toward boxing’s unpredictability and the possibility that one punch could completely change the fight.
“You never know, really, because you only need one night,” he said. “All I need is one night.”
The British heavyweight then revealed exactly what kind of shots he believes could end the fight.
“I need that Lucas Browne left hook to the body,” Allen said. “I’ll finish him. That right hook from Nick Webb, if I hit him with either of them, it’s game over.”
Allen also admitted he is entering the fight with a level of belief he has rarely felt before.
“I go into it with a bit of confidence, actually,” he added. “More confidence than I’ve ever had before.”
Hrgović has significant momentum riding on this fight beyond simply getting another victory.
Reports suggest that the Croatian is in place that could open the door to major heavyweight clashes if he wins this Saturday. He could face names such as Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Fabio Wardley, or even another opportunity against Daniel Dubois.
For Allen, meanwhile, a win would instantly become one of the biggest victories of his career, and he expressed his desire to face Tyson Fury.
But heading into fight night, Hrgović appears convinced that regardless of whether it comes by knockout or decision, his hand will ultimately be raised.
