Filip Hrgović vs. Zhilei Zhang is added to Canelo

The IBF world heavyweight title final between Filip Hrgović (14-0, 12 KOs) and Zhilei Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs) will be held in a match under Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol on May 7 at the T- Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Hrgović was looking for a partner for a showdown to select the required challenger for the IBF World Title held by Oleksandr Usyk. The 29-year-old Olympic bronze medalist crossed the deadly limit through the professional levels to sit in the top spot for a well-deserved shot at the grand prix, ending all but two of his games. he’s in the gap and failed to get past fifth laps in his last seven outings.

A series of heavyweight contenders were offered to clash with the dangerous Croatian, but it was not until 13th place that Zhang found a partner, with the lofty Chinese star accepting the try. challenge. The 38-year-old took part in a grand showdown, and ‘Big Bang’ granted his wish against Hrgović in Sin City with two KO artists promising to leave it all in the ring with no. high stakes.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for over a year,” says Hrgović. “Finally, I have an opponent ready to go up against me for the chance to win the IBF World Championship. A lot of fighters turned down this challenge, so give Zhang credit for being brave enough to accept.

“I know he is a good opponent. He won a silver medal at the Olympics, which means he’s a good boxer, but he’s too slow, and I believe he has better qualities. My speed, fitness and strength will be too much for him. I will break him, and I will defeat him.

“Now I am one match away from achieving my boxing dream to win the World title, and nothing can stop me. Canelo is the face of boxing, and I am delighted to have this opportunity in such a great show. I’m ready to show the world that ‘El Animal’ is coming! ”

“I am very happy that this fight will happen,” said Zhang. “I have been waiting for an opportunity – now it is here, and I will not let it pass.

“When no one else in the top 15 wanted to face Hrgovic, I told myself I had to do it for me and the sport of boxing. This is the most important fight of my whole career. I all participate. Do not miss! “

“Finally, we found an opponent willing to take on the challenge,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. Having gone through the IBF rankings twice, Zhang stepped up to face Filip Hrgović in the final elimination match of the IBF World Title. Now we have ‘El Animal’ and ‘Big Bang’ competing for the biggest prize in boxing. This epic battle will light up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where fans can witness the World’s next Heavyweight Champion in action. ”

Eddie Hearn said: “I loved the match between Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang. It’s been a long time since someone stepped on the plate and fought Filip, crediting Zhilei and his team for taking on the challenge. Both men carried immense strength, and they knew that victory would bring them one step closer to the sport’s ultimate prize – the World Heavyweight Champion. There won’t be a single step back when they rumble; it will be fireworks on a night with electricity. “

Hrgović vs. Zhang is the latest addition to what promises to be a Las Vegas stack, with Montana Love and Gabriel Valenzuela also set to go head-to-head in a gripping Super Light battle in support of the blockbuster event It’s the pound- Mexican pound weight king Canelo will become two-time world ruler at 175lbs ahead of longtime WBA champion Bivol on Cinco De Mayo at the weekend.

Ticket will be on sale starting at $105 (plus fees) on the following days and hours (anytime PT) at AXS.com.

• AXS, Fighter, DAZN, and Matchroom pre-sale (code): Tuesday, March 22, 10:00am to 10:00pm
  Public Sale: Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 am