Filip Hrgović is set to return to action this Saturday when he faces Dave Allen in a crucial heavyweight clash. The bout represents another important step for Hrgović as he continues rebuilding momentum and aims to return to world title contention.
The Croatian enters the fight following victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye after suffering the first defeat of his professional career. Meanwhile, Allen comes into the contest with confidence of his own and has repeatedly insisted he believes he can produce a major upset.
Ahead of the fight, Hrgović spoke about his long-term ambitions and revealed that one particular matchup remains high on his wishlist.
Filip Hrgović calls Daniel Dubois rematch a dream fight
During the final press conference backstage, Hrgović was asked whether becoming heavyweight world champion in a rematch against Daniel Dubois would make the achievement even more special, as Dubois captured the WBO heavyweight title defeating Fabio Wardley last week.
“Of course that will be for me a dream fight,” Hrgović said.
The Croatian explained that a rematch with the world titles involved would represent the perfect opportunity.
“To have a rematch and to challenge for world titles both in one punch. So it will be amazing.”
However, Hrgović admitted boxing can change quickly and stopped short of looking too far ahead.
“We’ll see. You never know in boxing what will happen next, who is going to fight who.”
Hrgović believes things would be different against Dubois
Hrgović also reflected on his previous fight with Dubois and explained what he believes went wrong.
According to the heavyweight contender, Dubois’ jab became a major factor throughout the fight.
“The only punch he connected was the jab,” Hrgović said.
“He has a great jab and I wasn’t blocking his jab.”
The Croatian also claimed he was dealing with several issues heading into the fight.
“I was sick before the fight. I was injured. He cut me from round one, so I was in a bad shape.”
Hrgović admitted he approached the fight too aggressively and believes his mindset ultimately worked against him.
“I was too confident, coming forward too much, rushing too much. I thought I was going to destroy him.”
Now, Hrgović believes a different approach would change everything.
“I will have a different mindset and I really think I’m a better fighter and I can beat him.”
Hrgović squared off against Dubois in June 2024, where he was stopped in the eighth round, marking his career-first and only defeat. If the path gets crossed, Croatian will definitely try to avenge and capture the title.
Reports have been swirling that if he gets past the Allen challenge without suffering major injuries, he could fight Moses Itauma in August.
For now, Hrgović’s focus remains on Dave Allen, but a future meeting with Dubois clearly remains one of the heavyweight contender’s biggest ambitions.