Filip Hrgovic predicts that he’ll defeat David Adeleye (14-1, 13 KOs) by a “stoppage” on Saturday night in their heavyweight fight in Riyadh. Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs) is using Adeleye as an opponent to rebuild after being stopped by Daniel Dubois a year ago.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Hrgovic wants to KO Adeleye and use the victory to put himself in a position to fight for a world title in 2026.
“I will do my best to defeat him. I trained very hard for this fight, and may the best man win,” said Filip Hrgovic to talkSport Boxing about his bout against David Adeleye on Saturday. “I’ll win on Saturday by stoppage.”
Hrgovic has sized up Adeleye and knows that he’s way above his class talent-wise. He’s got to be surprised that Queensberry are willing to sacrifice their fighter, Adeleye, by putting him in with him of all people. It’s too much of a step up in class for him.
Adeleye Responds to Disrespect
“It’s my opportunity. Everyone talks about Hrgovic like he’s something crazy,” said Adeleye. “He’s been very disrespectful, but it doesn’t mean nothing. On Saturday, I’ll do what I have to do. I’ll keep it professional. Cool, calm, and collected. I’ve never been disrespectful in my life. I’ve been boxing for 15 years. No one has ever been disrespectful, but it’s something new to me. It’s something I’m getting used to.”
Adeleye’s Anger vs. Hrgovic’s Confidence
Adeleye is bothered by Hrgovic’s self-confidence. Instead of ignoring it, he’s focusing on that, and clearly angry. You see that behavior with fighters who are accustomed to always being the favorite. When they finally face someone who is good and believes they’re going to win, they get all bent out of shape, as we’re seeing with Adeleye.
“I can’t be making the same mistakes as I made against Jeamie TKV like an opponent like Hrgovic. I give him his credit. He’s a way better fighter. If it goes early, it goes early. If it goes late, it goes late. But I know I’m heavy-handed, that’s one thing for sure. That’s one thing I know for sure, how hard I hit. What I don’t know is how hard his chin is. We’ll find out on Saturday,” said Adeleye.
Hrgovic may get to Adeleye early like Fabio Wardley did, and prevent him from using his punching power. There’s a big difference in technical ability and experience between the two fighters. Adeleye’s promoters at Queensberry are betting that he can outlast Hrgovic, just as Daniel Dubois did. However, there’s a difference in talent between Dubois and Adeleye. He may not be able to handle the kinds of shots that Hrgovic will be hitting him with.
Last Updated on 08/12/2025
Read the full article here
