Filip Hrgović (Photo: Maja Bota/Team Sauerland)

7 April 2019 – One of the best heavyweight champions of all time believes Croatian boxer Filip Hrgović has the goods to go all the way to the top of the sport.

Former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world champion Wladimir Klitschko believes Hrgović will one day be a world champion.

“Filip is extremely talented. He showed in the past, through his Olympic record and his professional record. I have been sparring with him and he was really, really tough, even in my best days back then. I think he is gonna become a champion, absolutely. Does he have a chance? Absolutely, yes,” Klitschko told RTL.

Wladimir Klitschko with Filip Hrgović (Photo: Filip Hrgović PR)

Klitschko, who holds the record for longest cumulative title reign of any boxer with, 4,382 days as world champion and has 25 title wins against 23 fighters, the most in heavyweight history, knows the Croatian heavyweight’s capabilities very well after training with him.

The 43-year-old Ukrainian called requested Hrgović join his team as sparring partner when he prepared for his fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium two years ago. Hrgović also sparred with Klitschko before the announced rematch with Tyson Fury which was cancelled.

Hrgović has made an impressive start to his professional career, racing to seven wins from seven fights, with five of those wins coming by knockout since making his pro debut in September 2017.

Filip Hrgović (Photo: Maja Bota/Team Sauerland)

The 26-year-old is aiming to position himself for a World title fight within the next couple of years and revealed recently that will move to Miami for an extended period to train and fight.

His first fight in America will be on 18 May in Chicago with his opponent still to be confirmed. Hrgović has teamed up with Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn alongside his current promoter Team Sauerland.

