Filip Hrgović set to fight next in Zagreb in December 

Filip Hrgović (Photo: Instagram)

Croatian heavyweight boxer Filip Hrgović (28) arrived back home in Zagreb on Monday after beating Rydell Booker (39) in Florida on Saturday. 

Hrgović, who now has a 12-0 record in his career, talked to the press at Zagreb Airport after landing. 

“It is the nicest being home, I am happy that I have come back,” a happy Hrgović said, thanking those who had come to welcome him back. 

“The referee made a good decision to end the fight. Booker could not return to the match, he would have survived another round, but he would not do anything, he would only get even more beatings,” said Hrgović to HRT.

The Croatian is set to get back in the ring as earlier as next month and said the plan was to fight next in Zagreb on 19 December. 

Hrgović expects all the details to be announced in the next ten days. 

“It will probably be a show without any public, we just need a place for the ring and cameras,” he said. 

After the victory over Booker, Hrgović named a number of boxers he wants to fight.

“I went through a lot in amateur boxing and in the world boxing series and I have a feeling that I haven’t warmed up yet, as I would say. I’m waiting for a bigger name, but I also don’t need to rush. With each camp I progress and become a complete boxer. I go step by step. I feel ready for everyone.”

Hrgović could possibly get a big name opponent in 2021. 

“Then I should make that step forward and move up the challengers’ ladder The fight would be in February or March and the opponent would be someone from the very top of the world. With a victory I would move into the Top 5 in the world and maybe next year or possibly in 2022 I could also fight for the IBF title. I don’t care who comes, Whyte, Povetkin, Dubois, Joyce, Hunter, I’m ready for anything. To show how much I am worth and for my victory to resonate,” he said.