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Filip Hrgovic, the undefeated heavyweight sensation boasting a record of 17 wins, including 14 knockouts, has laid down a stern ultimatum for his future in boxing. The Croatian powerhouse has declared that if he suffers defeat on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, against Daniel Dubois, he will retire from the sport.
Hrgovic, currently ranked as the IBF's top-rated heavyweight contender, is set to take on the formidable Daniel Dubois as part of a groundbreaking concept presented by Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions. The event, dubbed '5 vs 5,' will feature five members from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable facing off against fighters from Frank Warren's Queensberry stable. This showdown will serve as the undercard to the highly anticipated undisputed light-heavyweight title clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitri Bivol.
With the possibility of challenging for a vacant title looming should the belts splinter after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's unified bout on May 18, the stakes for Hrgovic and Dubois have never been higher.
During yesterday's press conference, Dubois briefly referenced a past sparring session with Hrgovic, suggesting that he has since evolved into a different caliber of fighter. However, Hrgovic dismissed Dubois' comments, asserting that while Dubois may have improved, his fundamental character remains unchanged.
"Of course," he responded. "I think I am the best. If I lose to Dubois, then f*** that s*** man. I would not be as good as I think, so I would retire."
In an interview with IFL TV, Hrgovic expressed his confusion over Dubois' mention of their sparring session, emphasizing that he believes his own character and skills are superior.
"If I were him, I would have kept quiet about it," Hrgovic remarked.
When pressed on whether he would retire from boxing if defeated by Dubois, Hrgovic left no room for doubt.