Filip Hrgović officially challenges Luis Ortiz for IBF final eliminator
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
After a disappointing 2021, 2022 is set to be a big year for heavyweight boxer Filip Hrgović.
The Croatian has been promised the IBF final eliminator and it could come as soon as March against one of the world’s top 10 boxers.
Hrgović has officially challenged Luis Ortiz, who beat Charles Martin on New Years Day.
“Official IBF letters are out. Challenge accepted by Filip Hrgović – 3 days and counting for Luis Ortiz to accept. Let’s go,” the Sauerland brothers, who manage Hrgović, tweeted on Monday.
Official IBF letters are out. Challenge accepted by @Filip_Hrgovic – 3 days and counting for Luis Ortiz to accept. Let’s go 🥊 #hrgovicortiz
— Kalle & Nisse Sauerland (@SauerlandBros) January 3, 2022
Speaking to Wasserman Boxing, the 29-year-old Croatian is hoping Ortiz will accept the fight.
“I hope in the next few days Ortiz will accept the offer from my behalf and I can start my preparation and we can have that fight in March or April.”
Hrgović, who is 14-0, is confident he can get the job done against the 42-year-old Cuban.
“I am confident I can beat Luis Ortiz. I respect him, he had a great career and he is a good fighter but it is time for retirement, I am ready to send him into a well deserved retirement.”
“In my amateur career I beat three Cubans by KO, I am looking forward to put 4th Cuban on my list. My next goal is to win the IBF final eliminator fight.”
The winner of a the IBF final eliminator would earn a fight for the belt held currently by Oleksandr Usyk.
You can see Hrgović’s full interview with Wasserman Boxing HERE.
