Hrgovic admitted the game was not what he had in mind as he pushed for his next outing, having targeted a higher level of opposition following a long period of inactivity.
“I didn’t expect it to be honest,” Hrgovic told iFL TV. “I was looking for some top 10 guy, maybe Wardley or Kabayel or something like that.” Despite that, he accepted the fight and moved forward. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t happy with the offer, with the deal.”
Asked how Allen compared to the opponents he’s faced, Hrgovic gave a blunt assessment that stripped the fight down to its basics. “He’s a medium opponent, durable. He doesn’t have some big abilities, but he’s brave,” Hrgovic said. He added that while Allen’s toughness is not in doubt, the overall level is clear in his mind.
That view is directly included in how Hrgovic sees the competition play out. “This should be a simple fight for me,” he said, before adding a brief note of caution. “But you never know in boxing, he’s a strong, solid puncher. He’s definitely going to win, and I’m going to win.”
Hrgovic also dismissed the idea that Allen’s home crowd in Doncaster will play any role once the fight begins. “There’s only two of us will be in the ring, so fans can’t help him,” he said, keeping his focus on the task at hand rather than the surroundings.
The Croatian heavyweight has already made it clear that this fight is about staying active and positioning himself for bigger opportunities. “It is important for me to win this fight,” he said. “And to get bigger name later.”
Heavyweight contender Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs) fights Allen (25-8-2, 20 KOs) on May 16 at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster.
