FILIP Hrgovic could be prepared to combat Zhilei Zhang as soon as once more.
The two heavyweights confronted each other final August as a part of the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua 2 undercard in Jeddah. Hrgovic obtained the choice on all three scorecards which had little between them (114-113, 115-112 twice).
Many thought that Zhang had accomplished sufficient to get the nod and his case was made all of the stronger when he dropped the Croat in the primary spherical.
Since that combat the Chinese southpaw turned in a profession greatest win and efficiency when he defeated Joe Joyce final month. The method of his victory caught a lot consideration with Zhang repeatedly catching the Brit with large damaging punches earlier than the combat was stopped in spherical six.
Hrgovic 15-0 (12) spoke to Boxing News about the opportunity of a return bout towards Zhang.
“One hundred per cent I would like to fight him. I’ll go whenever he wants. I go to China to fight him, to give him rematch. I think it was close fight, but I think I beat him. It was my worst performance ever. It was [a] few months after my father passed away. I was not feeling very well, and I think in the rematch I knock him out definitely.”
The 30-year-old watched Zhang overcome Joyce and was glad of the end result. Hrgovic now believes that end result boosts his personal credibility.
“He destroyed him,” stated Hrgovic.
“In one way I’m glad that happened because he showed he’s the real deal that he’s a real fighter. I beat him so my price go up with him beating Joe Joyce. I’m happy that I shut the mouth of lot of haters that was telling [me] that Zhang, when I beat him, he’s too old, that he’s not so good, that he’s not elite. So, in my worst performance I beat him.”
Zhilei Zhang celebrates beating Joe Joyce (James Chance/Getty Images)
Joyce has stated in latest interviews that he plans to take up the rematch clause and face Zhang as soon as once more. BN requested Hrgovic how he sees Zhang-Joyce 2 enjoying out ought to it happen.
“I don’t see how Joe will beat him,” he answered.
“Zhang totally outclassed him and neutralised all his weapons. I don’t see Joyce beating him, so I expect similar night like the first fight. Joe’s a tough guy but he’s limited technically and he’s not so fast. So, it will be very hard for Joe to beat him especially because now Zhang his confidence is in the sky and I think [it’s] a very hard task for Joe Joyce to come back.”
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