Filip Hrgovic has cemented his status as one of the most compelling and talked-about figures in the heavyweight division over recent months. Following a sensational victory over Moses Itauma that crowned him the IBF world champion, the granite-chinned Croatian powerhouse has captured the imagination of the global boxing community, not only through his impressive in-ring exploits but also via his increasingly viral commentary on the sport’s past and present greats.
The Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist has recently revealed his pick for the greatest heavyweight of all time, while simultaneously outlining his ambitious future plans. Following his stunning shock win over Itauma, Hrgovic has consistently and loudly called for high-stakes unification showdowns against his fellow titleholders in the division. Chief among his targets is a potential rematch with WBO champion Daniel Dubois—notable as the only man to have handed Hrgovic a defeat in his professional boxing career.
The appetite for that specific rematch skyrocketed following the events of a recent Saturday night of boxing. Dubois delivered a dominant two-round triumph over Fabio Wardley, a performance that immediately sent shockwaves through the heavyweight landscape. In the wake of that explosive contest, Hrgovic went viral across social media platforms for his unfiltered, highly engaging analysis of his heavyweight rivals and contenders. His infectious personality, sharp wit, and willingness to break down the division without any corporate filter have quickly won over a legion of fight fans, many of whom are now actively campaigning for a blockbuster rematch between Hrgovic and "Triple D."
However, "El Animal" did not limit his analytical eye solely to the current generation of heavyweights. During a conversation with Rex K-Addo on fight night, Hrgovic cast his gaze back across decades of boxing history to evaluate the legends of yesteryear. When asked to name the ultimate heavyweight of all time, the Croatian champion did not hesitate to point toward British boxing royalty.
"Heavyweight, for me, the GOAT is Lennox Lewis," Hrgovic declared, singling out the former undisputed champion for his exceptional blend of size, technical mastery, and devastating punching power.
Hrgovic’s historical appreciation did not stop at the heavyweight division. Expanding his analysis into the realm of pound-for-pound greats, the IBF titleholder explained why he favors certain modern legends over the widely accepted historical consensus. Specifically, he detailed why icons such as Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, and Oscar De La Hoya rank higher in his personal estimation than the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson.
"One of my favourites is also Manny Pacquiao. I like Bernard Hopkins a lot, [Oscar] De La Hoya I like, a lot. There are a great deal of great fighters, it is a hard question," Hrgovic reflected.
Challenging traditional boxing orthodoxies, the heavyweight champion offered a candid critique of eras past. "Everyone say that Sugar Ray Robinson is pound-for-pound the best ever, but it’s like old-school boxing. It cannot match the skill and speed of the 1980s or 1990s fighters. I think that the 90s were the best."
While his insights into boxing history have drawn widespread praise from fans and analysts alike, Hrgovic’s immediate focus remains firmly anchored on his professional career and the defense of his newly acquired world championship. The hard-hitting Croatian is widely expected to return to active competition in February, marking his first title defense against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez. Anticipation is already building around the fixture, which is heavily rumored to take place on home soil in Zagreb, giving Hrgovic an opportunity to showcase his championship credentials in front of his passionate home supporters.
Meanwhile, the timeline of the heavyweight division appears to be aligning for future drama. February is also understood to be the targeted month for Daniel Dubois’s next championship appearance. Should both fighters successfully navigate their respective tests in the spring, the path will be cleared for a high-profile unification rematch between Hrgovic and Dubois, potentially materializing by mid-2027 and offering fight fans a definitive chapter in an already compelling rivalry.
