In a thrilling match, Daniel Dubois defeated Filip Hrgovic, positioning himself for a potential bout with former champion Anthony Joshua. Dubois’ victory propels him closer to heavyweight title contention.
Daniel Dubois Triumphs Over Filip Hrgovic
Daniel Dubois Advances Towards Heavyweight Title Contention with Victory Over Filip Hrgovic
In Riyadh on Sunday, Britain’s Daniel Dubois took a significant stride towards heavyweight world title contention by defeating IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic in the eighth round. Referee John Latham stopped the fight 57 seconds into the round on doctors’ advice, as the Croatian fighter was bleeding from cuts over his eyes.
The bout was for the interim belt, which could potentially become a world championship title if Ukraine’s undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk vacates or is stripped of the title by the sanctioning body. The victor could also be in line for a title fight with former champion Anthony Joshua, who watched from ringside.
“I’ve heard the next opponent will be AJ, so bring it on,” Dubois said to DAZN after what he described as the outstanding performance of his career thus far. “I’m eager to become the best, this is my era and my time. I’m glad I’ve got this IBF belt and on to the next.”
Promoter Frank Warren mentioned that the fight could take place at London’s Wembley in September. This defeat marked the first professional loss for Hrgovic, whose record now stands at 17-1, while Dubois has 21 wins and two defeats, including a loss to Usyk in August.
Hrgovic took the lead in the opening rounds, but blood began to flow from his cuts in the second round, and Dubois sensed the momentum shifting in his favor. The Croatian appeared unsteady in the seventh round, with Dubois landing some significant blows and exacerbating the damage from the cuts, but Hrgovic managed to make it to the bell.
“The round before the last, I was getting to him. It was just coming together like magic,” said Dubois, who admitted it took him some time to get warmed up. “It’s all a learning experience. I’ve come from rock bottom last year and now we’re back on top.”
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