This content is protected 09:25 on the video unsurprising. Hrgovic is a big mouth but isn’t very good.
Hrgovic would not stand a chance against Itauma. Unless there was a big offer on the table, then I am not sure anyone would expect him to take this fight. He is on the comeback trail after the constant headbutt laden loss against Dubois. However, its clear based on where he is with his boxing that he would only ever be able to be a temporary fringe world title belt holder at best, someone who could test the elite on his day.
If they’d have offered him the money they did to Whyte, he’d have taken it. but why take a normal purse to get beat up and lose? Ituama’s team wanted Hrgovic as a durable punching bag, figuring with his chin he might make it a few rounds, but also thinking (rightfully so) that he’s got almost no chance of winning.
Hrgovic has worked his way into a decent position again in the division. With wins over Joyce and Adeleye he is back up there in the rankings and potentially one fight away from a title fight, especially if Usyk drops the belts. Plus he has recently changed camps and looks to have improved a bit, so he might be feeling the fire more and wanting to chase title dreams. Plus he has had the reoccurring cut and just had a hard fight against Adeleye, after taking punches like those he should really have a minimum of 6 months to recover if he cars about his longevity. All of this means that Hrgovic won't be taking the risk of Itauma this year unless there is a tangible reward in it for him, and if Warren isn't offering the money he is not going to take it. If you are saying that Hrgovic is ducking Itauma on this situation, then what must Usyk be doing to Parker?
Hrgovic is doing what Kabayel has done, leverage a position and not risk it. The likes of Parker, Joyce, Dubois they risk it all and we love it, but in a world with an undisputed champion we have to accept there'll be 4 mandatories waiting their turn. In an ideal world mandatories would be unified but i doubt that will ever happen.
Kabayel and Hrgovic don’t have the profile or promotional backing. They can’t really afford to sit and wait. They need to take the high profile fights when they’re afforded to them
Not surprised. Boxing is a business and a livelihood. Itauma is the new kid on the block and not calling the shots yet.
They dont, they just need to back themselves to do the job when they get the title shot. Both are already millionaires.
He probably figured that/ was advised that ... in December the opened cut, fight waved off early scenario was a strong possibility. If so, that's not so much of a duck, as a calculation based on reasonable reasoning.
They might not get those title shots if they wait around. The heavyweight mandatories can take years to come around
Perhaps they will, but if they want to earn a decent money they ain’t gonna get it fighting stiffs in Germany whilst waiting to get mandated to fight for a vacant title in two years time.
There’s a lot more money there for them if they take high profile, risky fights. As a fan I’d rather see them fight the likes of Itauma and Parker. Rather than sit around fighting nobodies waiting for a title shot.