Filip Hrgovic's search for an opponent comes to an end as Tony Yoka accepts challenge
Filip 'El Animal' Hrgovic and Tony 'La Conquete' Yoka are set to meet in 2022 in an IBF Heavyweight Final Eliminator
Unbeaten Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12KOs), highly ranked by the IBF, has been frustrated in recent weeks as fights with Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker have failed to materialise. However, Frenchman Tony Yoka (11-0, 9KOs) accepted the challenge with no hesitation.
Both boxers are undefeated with only two of their fights going the distance, and each were amateur rivals at the highest level.
29-year-old Parisien Yoka took an Olympic gold medal back to France in 2016 and the Croatian, also 29, was one of his victims along the way.
Both fighters have adapted to the pro ranks in impressive fashion and the winner of their bout, which is yet to be officially confirmed, is likely to be made mandatory contender by the IBF.
“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,” wrote Nisse Sauerland on Twitter. “'El Animal' has found a dance partner.”
Hrgovic has fought in America three times in the past three years, whereas Yoka hasn't fought outside of his country as a pro yet.
Hrgovic has collected WBC and IBF International titles, and Yoka is the current EBU European Union heavyweight champion.
News on the date and venue will be announced in due course.
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