Hrgovic has been the International Boxing Federation's mandatory challenger for over a year, thanks to a narrow points win over Zhang Zhilei. Two and a half weeks ago, Hrgovic returned to the ring and knocked out Demsey McKean in the twelfth round.
“I’m bigger than Usyk, physically stronger and I always throw a lot of punches. And I won’t be as tight in the ring as Joshua or Dubois. I’m going to crush Usyk, hit him in the body, and my jaw is hard enough that I’m not afraid of his blows. He won't be able to knock me out. I’m the guy who will beat Usyk,” Hrgovic said.
On Saturday evening, Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois (19-2, 18 KOs), who was the WBA mandatory challenger, in the ninth round.