Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has made a knockout prediction ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic.
Other than just being an intriguing clash and a suitable test for both men, the fight could carry huge significance in the heavyweight landscape. With the IBF set to strip newly crowned undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk of his belt, and with Hrgovic being number 1 ranked in the organisation, there is a chance the vacant title could be on the line come June 1. Even if not, the winner of the fight will be in prime position to compete for it later in the year.
Speaking to DAZN Boxing, Bellew questioned how much desire the Croatian has left.
“How much does Filip Hrgovic want it? How much will inactivity ruin this brilliant fight, because he has got the ability Filip Hrgovic, it’s yet to be seen.
I think he should have a loss on his record, I believe Zhilei Zhang beat him, I really think Zhang deserved that fight, but this is boxing and he’s still undefeated.”
‘The Bomber’ also isn’t holding much merit for Dubois’ last outing, a stoppage win over Jarrell Miller.
“‘Baby’ Miller just turned up. He was just a big mattress with arms on, he was absolutely ginormous he just absorbed everything, he’s the most durable mattress I’ve ever seen in my life, he just absorbed everything, so don’t read too much into that victory.”
Bellew can’t see the fight going the distance and believes Hrgovic will walk away with the stoppage.
“I’ll be honest I don’t think Dubois is going to defeat him. I genuinely believe Filip Hrgovic will stop Daniel Dubois.
I like Daniel, I think he comes across a lively individual and a really nice guy, but something tells me that something’s missing there at a certain level and I think that will be exposed again against Filip Hrgovic.”
Hrgovic-Dubois takes place in June 1 in Saudi Arabia as part of a Queensberry vs Matchroom card headlined by Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang.
