Anthony Joshua NAMEd Filip Hrgovic On The Candidates Against List In 2023

British boxer, Anthony Joshua. (PHOTO/IG @anthonyjoshua)

JAKARTA - British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua included Filip Hrgovic's name on his list of potential opponents for next year's fight after failing to make a comeback later this year.

The 33-year-old fighter was previously reportedly ready to take on Otto Wallin, Dillian Whyte, and Deontay Wilder, after his duel plans with Tyson Fury in early December were confirmed to fail.

Last week Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, named Otto, Wilder, and Whyte, as the leading names for his potential opponents next year. However, now Joshua added Hrgovic to his comeback plans later.

"Yes, I will fight Otto. Yes, I will fight Dillian. I will fight Hrgovic. I like to fight with good opponents," Joshua said as quoted by Boxing Scene, Wednesday, November 2.

Hrgovic, who is a Croatian boxer, has so far had a charming record in his professional career. The 30-year-old fighter, who has not suffered a defeat in the 15 fights he has fought (12 KOs).

"Always feel it's important for me to fight with the best in my era. In boxing, if you want to get to the top, you have to be brave to take risks and I'm happy to take risks," Joshua added.

Joshua just suffered his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last August. The defeat prevented him from reclaiming the WBO, IBF, IBO world title, WBA champion.

After that defeat, Joshua was challenged by Fury who risked the WBC championship belt. However, the fight was later canceled because Joshua had not signed the contract until the deadline set by Fury.

Thus, it is interesting to wait for Joshua's next fight next year. However, what is certain is that from the names of his potential opponents above, it is certain that Joshua will get a tough test when he decides to return.

One thing is for sure, the rivalry between them has started since the amateur level. Wallin once gave Fury one of the toughest fights of his career in 2019, while Whyte was eliminated by Joshua in seven rounds in 2015.