The heavyweight division has once again found itself at the center of a fierce controversy, and this time, the ire of a reigning world champion has been directed squarely at the World Boxing Association. According to prominent promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, the upcoming blockbuster clash between British rivals Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is set to feature the WBA “super” heavyweight title on the line at Cardiff’s iconic Principality Stadium on December 11.
While the sanctioning body itself has yet to officially confirm the arrangement, the mere prospect of the belt being contested in this matchup has provoked sharp condemnation from within the division. Chief among the critics is IBF champion Filip Hrgovic, who did not mince words when discussing the decision, arguing that it undermines the integrity of professional boxing and turns the sport into a spectacle rather than a legitimate athletic competition.
The core of the criticism surrounding the December 11 showdown stems from the recent activity—or lack of top-tier competition—displayed by both Fury and Joshua. Neither fighter has merited the opportunity to contend for or become a three-time world champion based on their most recent outings. In July, Fury secured a stoppage victory over Mariusz Wach, while Joshua picked up a stoppage win against Kristian Prenga.
Critics and observers alike have pointed out that these were far from high-calibre opponents who would typically warrant a championship opportunity. Even looking slightly further back in their respective campaigns, it could hardly be said that victories over fighters like Arslanbek Makhmudov or Jake Paul were particularly inspiring or indicative of a mandatory climb back to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
Despite these underwhelming recent credentials, the commercial gravity of the two British superstars appears to have overridden traditional sporting merit. Promoters have pushed forward, and it now appears that Fury and Joshua—affectionately known to fans as “AJ”—will collide for a major title on December 11. Meanwhile, the administrative landscape of the division grows even more convoluted, with Murat Gassiev seemingly set to remain in place as the WBA “regular” heavyweight champion, further muddying the waters of the sanctioning body’s divisional hierarchy.
Speaking out in an interview with The Stomping Ground, IBF titleholder Filip Hrgovic delivered a scathing assessment of the WBA’s handling of the situation. Hrgovic pulled no punches, describing the sanctioning decision as a joke that damages the broader reputation of the sport.
“That’s funny, man. It’s a bulls**t decision. I don’t know how they find a belt for that kind of fight. Who they fought in their last fights? They’re both big superstars, but how are they fighting for a title?” Hrgovic remarked during the interview.
The Croatian heavyweight champion went on to emphasize the broader ramifications of such administrative maneuvering, suggesting that it alienates fans and diminishes boxing’s standing among major global sports.
“These kinds of decisions are killing the sport; [they’re] not good for the sport. Because of these funny decisions, people don’t consider boxing a serious sport,” Hrgovic added.
The frustration voiced by Hrgovic is rooted in a stark contrast regarding how world titles are earned and defended. Unlike the administrative shortcuts and star-driven exemptions that frequently materialize at the elite level of heavyweight boxing, Hrgovic earned his status and championship credentials through rigorous athletic competition inside the ring. Most notably, Hrgovic secured his position and captured his world title in an honest fashion earlier this year, scoring a stunning and dramatic ninth-round finish over Moses Itauma in August, a bout that also famously handed the talented British heavyweight star his first career defeat and shattered his previously unblemished record.
As the countdown to December 11 continues and the promotional machinery behind Fury versus Joshua rolls on in Cardiff, the debate over the value of championship belts and the influence of superstar matchmaking shows no signs of slowing down. While fans eagerly anticipate seeing two of the era’s biggest names finally share the ring, voices like Hrgovic’s serve as a persistent reminder of the ongoing tension between commercial entertainment and sporting integrity at the highest level of professional boxing.
