IBF mandatory challenger for the heavyweight title Filip Hrgovic could be the next opponent for Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury to fight for the world heavyweight title.
According to ESPN journalist Mike Coppinger, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) has notified Usyk and Fury's sides that the winner of their fight will have to defend the title against Hrgovic. However, if Usyk and Fury activate the rematch clause, the IBF belt will not be at stake and will become vacant.
As a reminder, the Usyk vs Fury fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additional details, including the official date of the fight, will be announced later.
Usyk last fought against Daniel Dubois in August 2023. Oleksandr won that fight by knockout in the ninth round. He has 21 wins (14 by knockout) and no defeats on his account.
Fury last entered the ring against Derek Chisora in December 2022. This fight ended in favor of Tyson by technical knockout in the tenth round. He has 33 wins (24 by knockout), one draw and no defeats in the professional ring.