Filip Hrgovic has revealed who he believes are currently the top three heavyweights in the division.
Hrgovic takes on Demsey McKean on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte 2 next weekend, a fight in which he is risking his position as mandatory challenger for the IBF world title, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
And Usyk’s name was the first out of his mouth when asked by Wasserman Boxing who the top three fighters at heavyweight are, alongside Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
“Top 3 heavyweights? Usyk, Fury and probably Deontay Wilder.”
“But I am confident I can beat anyone in the division. My ranking at the moment is not so high, but I am confident that in one year when you ask me that question, I will say, “Number one, Filip Hrgovic.”
Though Hrgovic emerged with the victory against Zhilei Zhang last year, many felt he was fortunate to get the decision that night and his reputation as a “boogeyman” has subsequently taken a hit.
Zhang’s victory against Joyce has franked Hrgovic’s form somewhat, however there are still question marks over whether or not ‘El Animal’ can hang with the likes of Usyk and Fury.
He will therefore be keen to delver a statement performance in London against unbeaten Australian southpaw McKean to remind the boxing world of how dangerous he is.
Should Hrgovic defeat McKean, a shot at Usyk seems inevitable for the first half of 2024, provided the Ukrainian retains his titles against Daniel Dubois later this month.
Dubois is the first of three mandatories for Usyk, and Hrgovic’s IBF position is next up.