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Tony Bellew predicts ‘nasty knockout’ if Filip Hrgovic faces former Oleksandr Usyk rival next

While not known for his one-punch knockout power, Tony Bellew believes Filip Hrgovic could deliver a “nasty” finish if he faces one of Oleksandr Usyk’s toughest challengers in recent times. The Croatian became his country’s first world heavyweight champion in…

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 8:36 AM
Tony Bellew predicts ‘nasty knockout’ if Filip Hrgovic faces former Oleksandr Usyk rival next
Key Things to Know
  • Tony Bellew predicts Filip Hrgovic would stop former Oleksandr Usyk opponent Rico Verhoeven via a nasty knockout.
  • Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in matching Hrgovic against former kickboxer Verhoeven in a future bout.
  • Hrgovic won the vacant IBF heavyweight title in August by stopping Moses Itauma in nine rounds.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former world champion Tony Bellew believes IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic would defeat former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven by a "nasty knockout." Verhoeven, who was stopped in the 11th round by Oleksandr Usyk in May, is a potential future opponent eyed by Turki Alalshikh if Hrgovic wins his upcoming bouts.

Hrgovic won the vacant IBF title by stopping Moses Itauma in nine rounds in August and is expected to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next. Although open to fighting Verhoeven, Hrgovic is reportedly prioritizing a unification bout, potentially against Daniel Dubois.

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