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Filip Hrgovic Could Become the IBF World Champion at the Expense of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Rematch Clause

Published 12/24/2023, 5:47 AM EST

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Filip Hrgovic’s latest victory could catapult him into an unexpected championship spotlight. The Croatian heavyweight, after demolishing Mark De Mori in a mere 1:46, now eyes a grander prize. Yet, it’s not his fists alone steering this journey. A peculiar clause in the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout might pave his golden path.

Picture this: a rematch clause reshaping the heavyweight hierarchy. Intriguing, isn’t it? Hrgovic’s knockout prowess mixed with contractual intricacies might just rewrite boxing history. Or Anthony Joshua might just stop him from doing so.

Filip Hrgovic’s path to the IBF crown

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Let’s delve into the core of this narrative: the rematch clause that might crown him IBF World Champion. This clause, nestled within the contract for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, holds the key. It permits the loser to request a rematch, a standard yet pivotal detail in this saga.

Significantly, this clause intersects with the IBF’s stringent policies. According to the IBF’s rules, the winner of Fury-Usyk must defend their title immediately, without any intervening bouts. This is where Hrgovic’s chance for glory comes into sharp focus. As Michael Benson, a noted boxing reporter, tweeted, the winner between Fury and Usyk is expected to “drop the belt due to their rematch clause.” This essentially opens a door for Hrgovic to step in and potentially fight for the now-vacant IBF title.

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The situation presents an unusual but exciting twist in the heavyweight division’s narrative. Hrgovic, known for his devastating right hand, as demonstrated in his swift victory over De Mori, finds himself at the center of a unique opportunity. This convergence of a rematch clause and a mandatory defense policy not only highlights the complexities of boxing contracts but also showcases the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport’s championship battles. Let’s now see who the Zagreb-born boxer could fight next.

Eddie Hearn reveals plans for Joshua after dominating win against Otto Wallin

After Anthony Joshua’s impressive performance, Hearn highlighted the reshaped trajectory of Joshua’s career. In a statement brimming with confidence, Hearn declared, “He’s back, he’s destroying people in sparring, I believe he’s the best heavyweight in the world.” This bold assertion came following Joshua’s tactical dismantling of Wallin, a fight that ended with a corner stoppage and a bruised and battered opponent.

 

 

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Hearn further elaborated on Joshua’s future, pointing towards a potential clash with Filip Hrgovic. “It was a tough decision, between the championship and Wilder, we signed for Wilder, he lost, that’s OK. Maybe it’s a blessing. This guy is about championships, he wants to become a three-time world champion. Wallin was No 2. It’ll be Hrgovic vs AJ for the world title,” Hearn stated. This pronouncement sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter between Joshua and Hrgovic, adding another thrilling chapter to the heavyweight division’s unfolding drama.

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Who will emerge as the IBF World Champion in this high-stakes game of boxing chess? Will Hrgovic seize this unexpected opportunity, or will Joshua’s renewed vigor lead him to reclaim the title?

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

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"Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring," said Sugar Ray Leonard. Growing up engrossed in sports, it was the compelling narrative of the Mike Tyson documentary that first pulled me into the magnetic world of boxing.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal