Today we're going to talk about some of the latest developments in the world of boxing, but first of all, don't take it too seriously, after all, boxing is a game that can be guessed.
Speaking of Hrgovic, the Croatian tough guy is a hot topic in boxing right now. Did you know that the fighter has been in the professional arena for 17 fights, and that's not the scariest thing to be, he's won all 17 of those fights, and 14 of them have been knocked out! Imagine standing in the ring, facing one challenger after another, winning by a landslide every time, and what a lot of mental and physical fitness it takes.
Then let's take a look at the match between him and Zhang Zhilei. That's one of the highlights of 2022. The bout lasted 12 rounds, and while there was some debate about the final score, Hrgovic was statistically leading in both punch counts and field percentage. Especially in the final rounds of the match, it was clear that Zhang Zhilei had a physical problem, while Helgovic continued to strengthen his attack. The bout ended in Hrgovic's victory, and he became the only fighter to defeat Zhang Zhilei in the professional arena.
Interestingly, though, Hrgovic himself doesn't think that's his best. He's a firm believer that he's the best fighter in the heavyweight division, but he hasn't had a chance to prove himself thoroughly. In his opinion, most people only see him as a top 10 heavyweight class, but in his own heart, he is undoubtedly the strongest. Does this confidence, or conceit, remind you of classic characters from some movies?
In addition, there is also the interesting fact that the IBF World Belt may soon be vacant. It is said that this title may not be held by anyone in February this year. Helgovic, as a forced challenger to the IBF, is naturally the first choice. Think about it, what kind of fight would it be with an empty world title and an ambitious fighter?
But Hrgovic isn't the only contender. Joshua, the second-ranked fighter in the IBF, is already planning a bout with Naganno in March. If Joshua wins, he has a chance to fight Helgovic for that vacant belt in the second half of 2024. It sounds like it's all about money, but who can guarantee that there won't be any surprises? If Joshua loses unexpectedly, won't his chances of competing for the IBF title be ruined?
Okay, let's put aside these speculations and expectations for a moment. Finally, I'd like to ask you who you think will be the next IBF World Belt holder, Hrgovic, Joshua, or some other fighter who is secretly gaining momentum?