Filip Hrgovic, the Croatian heavyweight boxer, has surprised fans by naming an unexpected fighter as the hardest puncher he's faced in his career. It's not Daniel Dubois or Zhilei Zhang, as many might have guessed.
Hrgovic has been in the ring with some big names. He stopped Dubois inside seven rounds in June 2024, which led to Dubois being elevated to full IBF champion. In 2022, Hrgovic secured a unanimous points win over Zhilei Zhang. He also claimed victory against Joe Joyce in April 2025.
But when it comes to raw punching power, Hrgovic looked back to his early days in boxing. In a recent interview with talkSPORT.com, he revealed:
"I fought Zhang, who is considered a big puncher, but I didn't feel his power. I didn't feel any special power from Daniel Dubois. I have faced some guys in the amateurs and the WSB who were big punchers. Some guys who aren't very famous. For example, this Romanian guy, Mihai Nistor. I don't know what is going on with him. I haven't seen him in a while. He was a big puncher, I always remember his power. But I have a really good chin and a big heart, and I don't feel so much power for many."
Mihai Nistor, the Romanian boxer Hrgovic mentioned, faced him three times in the amateurs. Hrgovic won two of those encounters. Nistor's claim to fame? He was the first man to stop Anthony Joshua during the European Amateur championships in Turkey in 2011.
Nistor turned pro in 2020, but his career got derailed by COVID. He's had eight fights in total, with his last bout taking place in 2024.
Hrgovic's revelation sheds light on the unpredictable nature of boxing power. Sometimes, it's not the most famous names who pack the biggest punch.
The Croatian boxer's career continues to move forward. He recently called for a rematch with Dubois as he aims to compete at the top level once more. With his self-proclaimed "really good chin" and "big heart," Hrgovic seems ready for whatever challenges come his way in the heavyweight division.
