Heavyweight banger Filip Hrgovic fully intends to enforce a mandatory world title shot at Anthony Joshua.
This past Friday in Austria, Hrgovic blasted out unbeaten boxer Marko Radonjic in three rounds. Hrgovic scored five knockdowns before the contest was waved off.
Hrgovic was in line for an IBF final eliminator against Michael Hunter. The two sides were unable to reach a deal.
After picking up a stay-busy win, the unbeaten Olympic bronze medal winner will now pursue his IBF eliminator.
"Next for Filip Hrgovic is the final eliminator for the IBF world heavyweight championship and that is a fight that will take place later this year," said the boxer's promoter, Kalle Sauerland.
"It's a massive opportunity for him to fulfil his dream of becoming World Champion. El Animal is coming."
Joshua currently holds the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO world titles. He makes a mandatory defense on September 25 against Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Sauerland is trying to get someone else to replace Hunter in the IBF eliminator, but there aren't many takers stepping up to face Hrgovic, who presents a very high risk scenario for top contenders.
If Joshua is still champion in 2022, Hrgovic hopes to be in line to force an IBF mandatory shot.
In a past interview, Hrgovic suggested that Joshua would be a more dangerous opponent than current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who will defend his belt in a trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder on October 9 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
"He [Joshua] is the bigger puncher, he throws more combinations, he is good with the jab and fast with his feet. He is better at inside-fighting. Fury has his awkward style but that's all he has. Joshua is the more complete fighter," Hrgovic said.