What did Prince Charles have dinner plans for that night? Seems like one of the most winnable title eliminators he could seriously expect.
Confirmed by the scene. Official letter from the IBF sent to both Hunter and Hrgovic. The IBF is moving closer to determining who’ll be the next mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight crown. The New Jersey-based sanctioning body has ordered a heavyweight bout between the No. 4 ranked Michael Hunter and No. 5 ranked Filip Hrgovic, *******.com learned Tuesday after reviewing the IBF’s letter. Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and Hrgovic (12-0, 10 KOs) have until Feb. 26 to contact the IBF in writing and accept the fight. Hunter told *******.com on Tuesday that he’s accepted the fight. “It’s definitely a breath of fresh air, because my entire career, I’ve been hit with uncertainty not knowing what the next move is going to be. For me to just know what my next step is a blessing,” said Hunter. “Hrgovic imposes a little bit of a challenge, but I’m going to be putting the heat on him. I’m more of a challenge for him than he is for me. He hasn’t fought anyone of my caliber, and that’s a fact. They puffed him up. It’s still too early for him. He would’ve been better off fighting Martin Bakole, someone I’d already beat, but he wanted me. There’s no pressure on me. So be careful what you wish for. They’re going to get all that they can handle. He’s in my way now. Whoever wins this fight could have their lives changed forever.” Hunter said the IBF’s No. 2 ranked heavyweight Charles Martin, a friend and sparring partner, was initially considered for the mandatory challenger spot, but Martin declared an injury, further clearing an opening for Hrgovic to enter the picture. Oleksandr Usyk, who has beaten Hunter at cruiserweight in 2017, is ranked No. 3 by the IBF.
Is this going to be one of those eliminators where only one guy can be eliminated? Where maybe one person gets KO'd brutally in an eliminator, and then gets an immediate rematch? If so, count me out. I do like the fight though, just the eliminator tag grinds my gears sometimes.
Charles Martin turned down an IBF final eliminator against Hunter. There is a rumor he will fight Wilder instead. This content is protected
Glad Martin pulled out. This is between two much better fighters now. This is actually a quality heavyweight fight.
Why in the actual **** is Martin being considered for an eliminator? He's absolutely terrible...100% not top 20...corruption is rife in boxing
