Filip Hrgovic has delivered a damning verdict on Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, predicting that both British heavyweights are nearing the end of their boxing careers, while tipping Moses Itauma to become undisputed champion.
The Croatian heavyweight believes Joshua may have just one fight left after his long-awaited December showdown with Fury, whom he also considers close to retirement despite his status as one of boxing’s biggest attractions.
Joshua and Fury are expected to finally meet in a Battle of Britain later this year, with their proposed clash drawing considerable interest from boxing fans. However, Hrgovic doubts either man has much left to offer in the ring.
“[Anthony] Joshua is a great champion but I think he’s done as well. Maybe he will have one more fight,” Hrgovic told DAZN.
The former unified heavyweight champion received a similar assessment from the Croatian, who acknowledged Fury’s legacy but questioned how much longer he would remain active.
“[Tyson Fury] is also a living legend but he’s done. He’ll maybe have one more fight,” he added.
“I hope he will continue after the [Anthony] Joshua fight. He is a big star and we need him. But I think he is near the end.”
Neither Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, nor Fury has officially announced his retirement, leaving their respective futures under scrutiny as anticipation builds for their potential December encounter.
Hrgovic made the comments during an interview with DAZN at the O2 Arena on Saturday, where Daniel Dubois retained his heavyweight world title. The Croatian did not limit his criticism to Joshua and Fury, aiming for several other leading names in the division.
He suggested Fabio Wardley should consider retirement following his knockout defeat to Dubois, questioned Efe Ajagba’s boxing ability and argued that Murat Gassiev was undersized for the heavyweight division.
Dubois, however, earned some praise from Hrgovic, who acknowledged the champion’s jab while expressing reservations about his speed.
The Croatian was particularly bullish about Itauma’s prospects, predicting that the young British-Nigerian heavyweight could dominate the division and eventually unify all the major world titles.
Hrgovic, who previously defeated Itauma, believes the youngster’s mental response to that setback will determine whether he fulfils his enormous potential.
“[Itauma] is the future. This guy will be undisputed in a few years. No one will ever beat him if he comes back mentally,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hrgovic could next face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, with a potential bout in Croatia reportedly under consideration.
His outspoken assessment of the heavyweight landscape added another layer of intrigue to the anticipated Joshua-Fury showdown, while his backing of Itauma reinforced the growing expectations surrounding the British prospect.