Heavyweight contender Dave Allen has cast doubt on Filip Hrgovic’s ability to ever turn the tables on Daniel Dubois, despite the Croatian’s recent career-resurrecting triumph on the global stage. Allen, who suffered a third-round stoppage defeat to Hrgovic earlier this year in May, has been weighing up the landscape of the heavyweight division and whether "El Animal" could successfully exact his revenge on Dubois should their paths cross once more in the future.
The discussion surrounding a potential rematch comes in the wake of a dramatic career milestone for the 34-year-old Croatian heavyweight. In August, Hrgovic etched his name into the history books by becoming his nation’s first-ever world heavyweight champion. He claimed the vacant IBF title by scoring a dramatic, come-from-behind ninth-round finish over rising star Moses Itauma in a contest that showcased both his vulnerability and his remarkable resilience.
Prior to that stoppage, however, the fight had not been plain sailing for the newly crowned champion. Hrgovic suffered a heavy second-round knockdown and was generally being outclassed by his faster, sharper, and far more explosive opponent. Itauma’s superior speed and combination punching caused the veteran serious problems in the opening frames, leaving many observers to wonder if the younger fighter was poised to pull off a defining upset.
Yet, heavyweight boxing remains a sport where momentum can shift in a single heartbeat. By absorbing many of Itauma’s best and most punishing punches during the mid-rounds, "El Animal" weathered the storm. He eventually capitalised on a crucial window of opportunity when the exhausted 21-year-old began to fade under the relentless physical pressure, ultimately closing the show in the ninth round to secure the championship belt.
As a result of this monumental victory, Hrgovic’s professional trajectory has taken an exciting turn. He is now set to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in the new year as he looks to firmly establish his reign at the top of the division. Beyond that initial defense, the Croatian has his sights set firmly on high-profile unification matches against elite division operators, explicitly targeting reigning champions such as Dubois and WBC titleholder Agit Kabayel.
Before any such unification bouts or potential rematches can be seriously discussed, however, immediate business must be attended to within the upper echelons of the division. First, Dubois must successfully retain his WBO title against British rival Fabio Wardley this coming Saturday. The champion enters the ring looking to reaffirm his dominance after previously surviving two terrifying knockdowns before ultimately scoring a dramatic 11th-round stoppage in their first unforgettable encounter back in May.
Should both heavyweights successfully navigate their next respective contests—with Dubois getting past Wardley and Hrgovic dealing with the dangerous Sanchez—a high-stakes rematch between the 29-year-old Briton and the Croatian could become a realistic possibility on the boxing calendar in 2027. The boxing world loves a narrative of redemption and unfinished business, making a second meeting between the two powerhouse heavyweights an enticing prospect for promoters and fans alike.
Allen, meanwhile, has been offering his expert perspective on how such a clash would likely unfold. Speaking candidly to talkSPORT, the popular British heavyweight admitted that despite suffering a decisive defeat at the hands of Hrgovic earlier this year, he would still confidently back Dubois to emerge victorious if they were to share the ring again.
Reflecting on his own experience sharing the canvas with the Croatian, Allen explained why he believes Dubois possesses the specific physical attributes required to neutralize Hrgovic’s strengths. "I don’t see him overturning the Dubois fight," Allen told talkSPORT. "Hrgovic, when I boxed him – as strong as he was, as good as he was – didn’t punch hard enough, in my opinion, to keep a guy like Daniel Dubois off him."
This assessment touches on the contrasting styles and power dynamics that defined their previous encounters. Dubois and Hrgovic are no strangers to one another, having already squared off in the professional ring previously. Dubois famously won their first encounter via an eighth-round stoppage back in June 2024. That bout, however, came with its own distinct circumstances and tactical narrative, unfolding the way it did largely because Hrgovic had sustained severe, fight-altering cuts over both of his eyes, which ultimately forced the ringside physician and referee to wave off the contest.
With both fighters continuing to evolve, accumulate accolades, and chase the ultimate undisputed dreams of the heavyweight division, the prospect of a renewed rivalry remains an intriguing subplot. As Hrgovic prepares for his mandatory challenges and Dubois focuses on his upcoming domestic blockbuster against Wardley, the wider boxing community will continue to monitor whether a future collision course will eventually give the Croatian the opportunity to prove doubters like Dave Allen wrong.
