Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dillian Whyte is set to be preceded by plenty of heavyweight action on August 12 at London’s O2 Arena.
The pair will fight again after their 2015 British title bout which saw Joshua emerge victorious via highlight-reel knockout.
There’s more on the line this time, with the winner staking a claim for being at the top of the division, but the loser out in the cold.
To justify the PPV pricepoint, Matchroom are looking to provide a stacked undercard with at least three more heavyweight fights.
First up is number one ranked contender, Filip Hrgovic, against Aussie southpaw, Demsey McKean.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Boxing Social that the winner would move straight into an IBF world title shot – one of the three belts currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The pair are undefeated, and it’s a welcome return to the ring for Hrgovic since his close fight with Zhilei Zhang last August.
“We want to make as many heavyweight fights as we can, and two very different heavyweight fights added as the first announce for the card.
First, the fight that has massive implications on the world heavyweight scene. The mandatory challenger for the world title, Filip Hrgovic, fighting Australia’s Demsey McKean. Demsey’s got a massive chance to just steal that mandatory position.
We know 100% now that after Usyk-Dubois the winner will get ordered straightaway to fight their mandatory. Next, with no exceptions. It’s a massive fight.”
Next up is the progression of fan-favourite, Johnny Fisher, who will face Harry Armstrong in his first ten-rounder for the vacant Southern Area title. Armstrong is 5-1-1 and is coming off a loss to Jeamie Tshikeva.
He was also recently tipped to fight Frazer Clarke before those plans changed.
“So it Johnny Fisher against Harry Armstrong. It’s a dangerous fight for the Southern Area title. Johnny moving to ten rounds for the first time, the whole O2 is gonna be erupting for him … Armstrong is six foot six, he’s got fast hands, it’s a good fight.”
Thirdly, Hearn said heavyweight stalwart Derek Chisora would be in a ‘proper’ fight on the card, but is yet to announce an opponent.
The promoter left the door open for a Fabio Wardley fight, but also said the British champ could headline in September instead.