Within the boxing community, there is a lot of excitement about the impending heavyweight fight between Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic, which is scheduled for June 1st in Saudi Arabia. This match seems to be a crucial test for Hrgovic, possibly ending his unbeaten streak against the formidable Dubois.
A major heavyweight fight between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang may also take place at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena as part of an exciting undercard that also includes the light heavyweight contest between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Furthermore, should the incumbent IBF champion vacate the belt, the victor of Hrgovic vs. Dubois may be eligible for a lucrative matchup with Anthony Joshua for the IBF title.
The younger, 26-year-old Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) will put Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs), the 31-year-old Croatian sensation, at risk of losing his mandatory challenger status with the IBF. Hrgovic appears to be driven by money, even in spite of the risks, which is why he entered this high-stakes fight rather than holding out for a more secure opportunity versus Joshua.
Conversely, Dubois recently overcame Jarrell Miller via tenth-round knockout, making up for his contentious defeat to Usyk, the IBF, WBA, and WBO champion, in December of last year. Many feel that the controversial referee call that ended Dubois’s fight against Usyk unfairly prevented him from winning. With a victory over Hrgovic, Dubois has the opportunity to not only challenge Joshua for the coveted IBF gold, but also to sabotage Joshua’s anticipated megafight with Tyson Fury.
This bout not only puts both heavyweights at a crucial crossroads, but it also enhances an already exciting fight programme, paving the way for an unforgettable evening in Riyadh that has the potential to completely change the heavyweight division.
Beterbiev, Bivol, Wilder, Zhang and now Hrgovic, Dubois! Blind me, the Saudi’s have made boxing great again!
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