Via Jack Tiernan: Heavyweight Zhilei Zhang has accepted to face Filip Hrgovic in the IBF title elimination to become the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk.
Dan Rafael reports that 38-year-old Chinese athlete Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs) has agreed to face the undefeated Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) in the IBF title elimination. . However, the two still need to negotiate their battle.
Normally, Hrgovic has the punching power of his shorter opponents, but in this case his shots will go in a straight line. That’s assuming, of course, that Hrgovic won’t hit Zhang in the back with rabbit-like punches all night long. If you watch Hrgovic’s matches, he tends to land with bunny shots.
The IBF previously asked these fighters to face Hrgovic:
- Luis Ortiz
- Joseph Parker
- Tony Yoka
- Joe Joyce
- Agit Kabayel
- Andy Ruiz Jr.
- Murat Gassiev
- Demsey McKean
To be fair, they were injured and not ready to jump into the ring to face Hrgovic in April for the IBF title.
Zhang can’t refuse the fight
In the case of Parker and Ruiz, they were popular enough fighters that they didn’t need to compete in a title elimination bout for little money against Hrgovic.
They should have fought Hrgovic fairly because he would have a chance to beat the big guys in the US and around the world.
The downside of Zhang and Hrgovic fighting in an IBF title knockout match is that the winner will need to wait until 2023 before claiming the title with whoever holds the IBF title at the time.
However, the chances of Zhang or Hrgovic being awarded the title through the voluntary process are virtually non-existent as they are not common enough to be of combat value unless one of the champions feels the need for an enemy. challenge.
Unsurprisingly, IBF 13th place contender Zhang agreed to fight Hrgovic, as his chances of winning the title later on are relatively low. At least by fighting Hrgovic, Zhang had a chance, no matter how small.
It was good that someone finally stood up to the 29-year-old Hrgovic, because they needed to get rid of the IBF title. There’s been a lot of fuss since the fight against Hrgovic 6’6″, making him a better man than he is.
Hrgovic was a good amateur boxer, but he lost against heavier opponents like Joe Joyce and Tony Yoka. His problem was that he was too robotic, and the heavier contenders took advantage of that flaw in his game to beat him.
Zhang lost a lot for his performance in a 10-round draw with adventure skater Jerry Forrest last February. He made Forrest look like a big weight, and he didn’t. In that match, Zhang rushed into the later rounds and was said to be severely dehydrated.
Hrgovic will be favored a lot
Hrgovic will easily take care of Zhang thanks to his superior knockout strength and ability. If Zhang can punch and move, he’ll give Hrgovic a run because his money isn’t a great heavyweight.
“According to the source, Zhang Zhilei has accepted a position to negotiate to eliminate the IBF heavyweight belt with Filip Hrgovic in order to gain the right to become Usyk’s mandatory opponent.
“Negotiations are underway. Demsey McKean was rated higher than Zhang, who was also offered the opportunity but turned it down. #boxing,” said Dan Rafael Twitter.
“Before Zhang accepted, those who had a chance to face Hrgovic in the qualifying round were Luis Ortiz, Joseph Parker, Tony Yoka, Joe Joyce, Agit Kabayel, Andy Ruiz, Murat Gassiev and Demsey McKean.
“If it comes to a purse bid (uncertain, as Matchroom is involved with both boxers), Hrgovic would be better off with a 60-40 split.”
