Hrgovic admitted the matchup was not what he had in mind when he pushed for his next outing, having targeted a higher level of opposition after a long spell of inactivity.
“I didn’t expect that to be honest,” Hrgovic said to iFL TV. “I was looking for some top 10 guy, maybe Wardley or Kabayel or something like that.” Despite that, he accepted the fight and moved forward. “I wouldn’t be here if I’m not happy with the offer, with the deal.”
Asked how Allen compares to the opponents he has faced, Hrgovic gave a blunt assessment that stripped the fight down to its basics. “He’s a medium opponent, durable. He don’t have some great abilities, but he’s brave,” Hrgovic said. He added that while Allen’s toughness is not in doubt, the overall level is clear in his mind.
That view feeds directly into how Hrgovic sees the contest playing out. “It should be simple fight for me,” he said, before adding a brief note of caution. “But you never know in boxing, he’s strong, solid puncher. He’s going to come to win definitely, and I’m coming to win as well.”
Hrgovic also dismissed the idea that Allen’s home crowd in Doncaster will play any role once the fight begins. “We only two of us will be in the ring, so fans cannot help him,” he said, keeping his focus on the task in front of him rather than the setting.
The Croatian heavyweight has already made it clear that this fight is about staying active and positioning himself for bigger opportunities. “It’s important for me to win this fight,” he said. “And to get bigger name later.”
Heavyweight contender Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs) is fighting Allen (25-8-2, 20 KOs) on May 16th at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster.
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