Andy Ruiz and Murat Gassiev refuse to eliminate IBF against Filip Hrgovic
Via Dan Ambrose: Andy Ruiz Jr and Murat Gassiev are reported to have turned down the IBF heavyweight fight against Filip Hrgovic. Former IBF/WBA cruiser class champion Gassiev (28-1, 21 KOs) is rumored to be injured.
Dan Rafael is reporting on Ruiz and Gassiev turning down a fight with 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs). The next two that will be required to face Hrgovic in the IBF rankings are the following fighters:
12. Demsey McKean
13. Zhang Zhilei
It’s hard to imagine either heavyweight turning down the chance to play 29-year-old Hrgovic because of the possibility of becoming the IBF’s must-competitor for the Usyk title.
Olympian Zhilei’ Big Bang]Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs) is flourishing at 38, so there’s a chance he’ll take on Hrgovic, but you never know.
If you’re a promoter for Zhang 6’6 ″, you might not want to throw him in with a puncher like Hrgovic because it’s not a good match for the Chinese boxer.
As for former IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Ruiz Jr (34-2, 22 KOs), it’s likely he will face Deontay Wilder next.
Ruiz is a popular cog gear used by champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury as an opponent after going up in smoke after this year’s fights.
Recently, the 2016 Olympic gold medal, Tony Yoka accepted to fight Hrgovic, whom he defeated twice in amateur content.
However, Yoka was unable to participate in the match due to contract issues with Martin Bakole. But at least one boxer is ready to confront Hrgovic.
Dempsey Mckean 6’6 ″ (20-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to fight later this month against Ariel Esteban Bracamonte on February 27, which could make him unsuitable as an opponent for Hrgovic. unless he feels like waiting until the end of the month.
Hrgovic’s recent wins:
- Emir Ahmatovic
- Marko Radonjicl
- Rydell Booker
- Alexandre Kartozia
According to the source, Murat Gassiev and Andy Ruiz both had the opportunity to negotiate the removal of the IBF heavyweight title with “The Boogeyman”. @Filip_Hrgovic. That makes 7 IBF rated passersby so far. Next on the clock when the letter is released will be Demsey McKean & Zhang Zhilei. #Boxing
– Dan Rafael (@ DanRafael1) January 31, 2022
Joseph Parker wants Andy Ruiz rematch
Who cares about this rematch with @ Andy_destroyer1 ? 🤔 My team has been in contact with the brother. Let’s make it happen! 👊🏼 # ParkerRuiz2 pic.twitter.com/B9sxE7wWJs
– Joseph Parker (@joeboxerparker) January 29, 2022
Former WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker wants to fight Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch in 2016.
Ruiz and a lot of boxing fans feel that he’s done enough to deserve the win, but haven’t had a chance until now. It’s a bit late for the rematch to be offered to Ruiz, as his star has overtaken Parker.