Tony Yoka Open To Entering Talks For IBF Title Eliminator Versus Filip Hrgovic

Tony Yoka is interested in fighting Filip Hrgovic next.

According to BoxingScene.com, Yoka has accepted an invitation from the IBF to enter talks for a final title eliminator versus Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic. His decision comes just before the three-day deadline to decide whether to pursue such a fight.

“Tony Yoka has formally accepted tonight in writing the challenge to fight Filip Hrgovic in a final IBF Final Eliminator for the heavyweight world championship,” Nisse Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing, Hrgovic’s co-promoter announced Thursday afternoon via social media. “’El Animal has found a dance partner.”

The new process of the fight booking will be for the IBF to formally order the fight. Once that happens, the two sides will be given 15 days to negotiate terms to avoid a purse bid hearing. Yoka’s willingness to take it to this point comes on the heels of the same offer being extended to Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker, both of whom declined for varying reasons.

Meanwhile, Yoka and Hrgovic have a history with one another. They met in the 2016 Olympic super heavyweight semifinals, with Yoka claiming a decision as part of his Gold medal run. Hrgovic went home with a Bronze medal for Croatia, and they both have turned pro and are both undefeated.

Tony Yoka (11-0) is coming off a TKO win over Petar Milas back in September. Prior to that, he scored a TKO victory over Joel Tambwe Djeko to win the vacant European Union heavyweight title. He also holds notable wins over Christian Hammer, David Allen, Johann Duhaupas, and Michael Wallisch.

Filip Hrgovic (14-0), last fought back in Emir Ahmatovic back in December where he scored a TKO win to retain the IBF heavyweight title. He holds notable wins over Rydell Booker, Eric Molina, Kevin Johnson, and Amir Mansour.

Would you like to see Tony Yoka vs. Filip Hrgovic?