Filip Hrgovic is closer to a world heavyweight title shot than most, but he’s looking for a big fight beforehand.
‘El Animal’ is undefeated in 17, and currently fills the IBF’s number one spot. With 14 stoppages to his name, he’s a handful for any top heavyweight.
Previously the frontrunner to face Anthony Joshua next, Hrgovic’s team must forge a new path with the announcement that the Brit will headline against Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia.
Hrgovic said on social media he was ready.
“Hey what’s up? El Animal in the house. I heard that Joseph Parker wants to fight me in March on Joshua-Ngannou undercard, so I’m very happy to hear that. I accept your offer, Joe. Let’s do it. Let’s go, baby. Let’s get down, let’s get down to business. See you soon.”
Parker would certainly represent Hgrovic’s toughest test since his fight with Zhilei Zhang back in 2022.
Wins over Demsey McKean and Mark De Mori since have underwhelmed fans as the Croatian heavyweight looks to keep hold of his IBF mandatory position in the hope that a title fight – against the winner of Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk or for the vacant belt – comes around soon.
With both Parker and Hrgovic insisting that they want to keep momentum and not step backwards, the fight is there to be made for March.