Filip Hrgovic is clearly feeling confident as he takes on Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (June 1).
The two will compete in the Matchroom vs. Queensberry tournament, which will take place on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol's WBA light heavyweight title defence against Malik Zinad, who took over after Artur Beterbiev withdrew from the full showdown with Bivol due to injury.
Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) and Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) have a sparring history together, having fought some rounds together a few years ago.
Speaking on Queensberry's YouTube channel ahead of the fight, the Croatian Hrgovic believes his mental toughness will play a decisive role in defeating Dubois in Riyadh on June 1.
“I think I had a psychological advantage in sparring, but a fight is a fight. That was a long time ago. We'll see what happens this Saturday,” Hrgovic said.
He was accused of taking the easy route and questions were raised about his heart after losses to Joe Joyce last December and Oleksandr Usyk last August, but Dubois proved his critics wrong with a bold and dogged win over Jarrell Miller.
Hrgovic went on to describe Dubois as a fighter who gave up, but praised the Briton for his win over Miller, adding that the 26-year-old is a “solid fighter.”
“he [Dubois] “He's had two withdrawals. It's not good when a fighter withdraws, but I think he's a solid fighter. He's proven in some fights, especially in the last one, that he's a good fighter. He's proven that he can fight in the late rounds,” Hrgovic said.
Despite Dubois putting up a brave fight against Miller, Hrgovic is confident Dubois can stop opponents at range, and believes Dubois has a hard time dealing with fighters coming at him or taking hits.
“he [Dubois] “He doesn't like taking punches he doesn't like. He doesn't like being punched or getting hit. He doesn't like that sort of thing. I think it's the opposite. I've proven that I have a really strong chin,” Hrgovic added.
“I've had over 100 amateur fights and have never been stopped in sparring. I believe I have the qualities to never give up and if I apply the right pressure and land my best shots, I believe I can stop him.”
