Veteran heavyweight Dave Allen claims Johnny Fisher hits harder than Filip Hrgovic, despite Hrgovic stopping him in three rounds last month. The assessment adds a new dimension to Hrgovic’s upcoming August 29 bout against unbeaten prospect Moses Itauma in London.
Most view the fight as the toughest test of Itauma’s young career. Yet Allen, who is uniquely qualified to compare the two power punchers, suggests the danger from Hrgovic comes from a different source than pure, single-shot force. Having been stopped by Hrgovic and also by Fisher in a rematch, Allen’s perspective carries weight. He points to Fisher as the bigger puncher.
“Johnny Fisher hits harder, but he has not got the same output or experience,” said Allen. He expanded on the point, emphasizing the Croatian’s ring craft over raw power.
“Johnny Fisher hits really hard and harder than Hrgovic, but it’s just the experience, really. Hrgovic has got a lot of experience. He’s really good, Filip, to be fair to him, but Johnny Fisher hits harder.”
Allen’s analysis shifts the focus for the upcoming Itauma fight. The 21-year-old prospect may not need to fear a one-punch knockout as much as a sustained, educated assault. Hrgovic’s high work rate, experience, and overall technical skill are the assets that have broken down opponents, including his recent victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye following his loss to Daniel Dubois. These are the tools he will bring to the O2 Arena.
The stakes are clear for both fighters. For Hrgovic, this is an opportunity to reassert his position as an elite contender and halt the momentum of one of boxing’s most talked-about prospects. For Itauma, it is his chance to bypass the traditional contender route and prove he belongs at the top of the heavyweight division with a single victory.
