Being known as the hardest hitting heavyweight in the world is an accolade regarded in almost as high esteem as being the greatest fighter in the division.
There are few who would argue that former world champion Deontay Wilder is the heaviest hitter amongst the current crop of heavies, having stopped every man to share the ring with him – bar a certain Tyson Fury of course.
IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic, who is no feather duster himself, is better placed than most to judge which of his rivals packs the biggest punch, having shared the ring with the likes of Zhilei Zhang as well as having sparred with Wilder and Daniel Dubois.
And the Croatian explained to Talksport that, even from just sparring him, he could tell that ‘The Bronze Bomber’s reputation was well deserved.
“Wilder has more power but at the time when I was sparring him, and still, his punches are wide, and you can see them.
I think he has improved from that time we sparred. At the time, he was not the champion of the world. I think he’s improved but I think his punches are very wide and you can see them coming.”
Fans are still hoping that Anthony Joshua will be the next man to put Wilder’s famed power to the test, with Skills Challenge Entertainment reportedly interested in holding the blockbuster fight in Saudi Arabia next year.
On a potential clash between Wilder and Joshua, Hrgovic claimed that the Brit is the better fighter, though Wilder’s power makes the fight a pick ‘em.
“In my opinion, Joshua is a better fighter. When you look at everything [he has] better technique, but Wilder has that big right hand and if he finds a way [to land it] it’s finished.”
“I don’t know. I would say it’s 50/50.”