Moses Itauma v Filip Hrgović: IBF heavyweight championship - live
Filip Hrgović defeated Moses Itauma to claim the IBF heavyweight championship in London. Following his victory, Hrgović expressed a strong desire for unification bouts against Daniel Dubois and Agit Kabayel, while also requesting a future title defense in his home country of Croatia.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant shift in the heavyweight boxing landscape, setting the stage for potential high-profile unification matches that could define the division's hierarchy.
Hrgović is already looking beyond tonight – and the new IBF champion has little interest in simply satisfying his mandatory obligation.
Frank Warren initially said Frank Sanchez, who stepped aside to allow tonight’s fight to happen, would be next. Hrgović immediately had other ideas.
“Come on, man. What Frank Sanchez? I want a unification,” he said, pointing toward ringside at Daniel Dubois, who holds the WBO title. “I want this guy right here, Daniel Dubois. Unification. If he wins next fight, I want [WBC champion] Agit Kabayel. I want a unification. Frank Sanchez will wait. He’ll get another step-aside. He’ll make money without fighting and everyone’s happy.”
Kabayel, also at ringside, was only too happy to entertain the idea. “Why not? We make this fight,” he said. “I’m ready. I fight everyone. Kurdish power fights with Croatian power. Why not? Let’s go.”
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