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Boxing

Anthony Joshua set to defeat Tyson Fury, claims Filip Hrgovic

Alexander Netherton
Anthony Joshua set to defeat Tyson Fury, claims Filip HrgovicDAZN
Hrgovic could soon emerge as Joshua's mandatory challenger.

Anthony Joshua is the favourite to beat Tyson Fury according to Filip Hrgovic, his potential IBF mandatory challenger.

Joshua holds the WBA and WBO belts in addition to the IBF and will be putting them on the line he fights in his expected summer bout with WBC champion Tyson Fury, with Eddie Hearn expecting an imminent announcement.

The fight has long been anticipated and given the delays to get the match-up agreed it is not clear which if any of the belts the victor will be able to retain once the dust has settled.

Hrgovic is likely to face American fighter Michael Hunter for the title of IBF mandatory challenger, meaning he could consider himself next in line to fight either Fury or Joshua. The 28-year-old Croatian believes that Joshua would be his  most likely opponent for the title.

Hrgovic told Sky Sports: "It will be a huge fight. I can't wait, like a fan, to see that. I hope they make an agreement soon. A lot of people are writing off Joshua and are giving Fury the advantage because of their last performances.

"[They say] Joshua has slowed down. But in my opinion Joshua has more tools to beat him. He is the bigger puncher, he throws more combinations, he is good with the jab and fast with his feet, he is better at inside-fighting.

"Fury has his awkward style but that's all he has. Joshua is the more complete fighter. I give a little edge to Joshua."

However, Hrgovic is content to fight either Joshua or Fury.

"After this fight, I will be IBF mandatory," Hrgovic continued. "Whoever wins, Joshua or Fury, I look forward to that fight.

"It will be a huge fight for me. They are both big names, huge stars, great boxers."

For a rundown of how the world heavyweight title picture may go during and after Joshua and Fury's planned two-fight series (or if talks fall apart and that doesn't happen), check out DAZN's comprehensive roadmap of contenders in the various sanctioning bodies' rankings here.