Anthony Joshua vs Filip Hrgovic

AJ had a confidence-restoring performance yesterday against Wallin. Some of that was down to him having success against Wallin early (he cut him and Wallin was having trouble breathing by the 4th round) - because it prevented him from doing dumb **** while trying to force a stop.

But yesterday did not reveal anything in AJ's game that wasn't there when he first challenged Usyk in 2021. He's not a "new man". He won't beat Usyk unless Usyk is in decline.

Usyk will be 37 next month. I really don't expect him to do more than fight Fury a couple of times before he hangs it up. He's not young and keeping yourself sharp at his age is a difficult life and an ultimately losing battle, anyhow.

 

When has AJ faced a prime 26-36 year old guy who was a serious threat? Parker? Andy Ruiz? Usyk? The Parker fight was close, he got battered by Andy, and he got battered twice by Usyk. He's 1-3 in this category of matchup. It's not in the playbook for Hearn at this point. There's gotta be an old name they can dig up somewhere.

 

Poor job? That depends on what you think Hearn's actual motives are. I think Hearn has been treating Hrgovic kind of like he was treating Ortiz in 2016.

 

Agreed. If a Wilder fight seems viable, that's the route Hearn will go. Considerably less risk.

Maybe you know more than I do, but I suspect that if Hearn & Filip's primary promoter are offered step aside money for the IBF - they will accept it and Filip will not be able to prevent that.

 

Would love to see this fight between two quality fighters.

I would favour AJ, just because Hrgovic has a tendency of being complacent and leaving chinn hight out (as he got caught by Molina and De Mori caught with one when he did it last night). If Hrgovic does against AJ, that's an clean AJ one two right there.

 

Either AJ or Wilder will fight big stiff idiot Efe Ajagba in their next fight and they'll be "back"

Hrgo will continue to be frozen out and have to fight the skilled no-names

 

Joshua is favorite to me. Doesn’t mean Hrgovic can’t win.

 

I use to rate Hrgovic as the future but he has looked dreadful in his last handful of fights, I'd fully expect AJ to do a number on him.

 

How is IBF heavyweight title is vacant?

 

AJ by decision probably, just seems to be more complete and more dynamic than Hrgovic. Also more powerful.

Hrgovic has a chance though. Young, big guy that hits hard with good speed and an iron chin. Also well schooled.

 

We really are so blessed to have such a boxing mastermind such as yourself on here

 

You say that and whilst i agree he looked lackluster in his last fight, the performance against Zhang has certainly gone up in estimation after what Zhang has done recently. People gave Hrgovic alot of stick for the Zhang fight me included because Zhang was unproven at world level, but the win over Zhang certainly looks considerably better now with hindsight.

 

You sure you're in the right thread?

 

Yes because you've gotten every prediction you've ever made correct.

What nonesense

 

Tough fight for AJ. Win it though & he's back. Fast Eddie has done his bit for the cause by feeding Hrgovic soft opposition in the lead-up. First round blowouts do nothing to prepare him for a tough title fight.

Despite coming in with the wrong lead-in fights, it will be nice seeing Hrgovic given his shot. I think he was the best Heavy to come out of the 2016 Olympics. Let's see if he can claim the gold against the 2012 Olympic Super Heavy champ.