In a fight that can perhaps dictate the future ruler of the heavyweight division, Filip Hrgovic and Tony Yoka are set to meet in 2022.
Hrgovic, highly ranked by the IBF, has been frustrated in recent weeks as fights with Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker have failed to materialise. Yoka had no such problems accepting the contest.
Amateur rivals at the highest level, Yoka took an Olympic gold medal back to France in 2016 and the Croatian was one of his victims along the way. Both fighters have adapted to the pro ranks in impressive fashion and the winner of their bout, which is yet to be officially confirmed, is likely to be made mandatory contender by the IBF.
“Tony Yoka has formally accepted tonight in writing the challenge to fight Filip Hrgovic in a final IBF Final Eliminator for the heavyweight world championship,” wrote Nisse Sauerland on Twitter.
“’El Animal’ has found a dance partner.”