Filip Hrgovic tells rival heavyweight world champion ‘he doesn’t belong here’: “Go back to cruiserweight”

Filip Hrgovic is relishing life as a heavyweight world champion and is on the verge of finalising his first title defence, but when analysing his fellow titleholders, the Croatian picked out one man who ‘doesn’t belong’.

Hrgovic halted Moses Itauma to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight world title back in August, but he must now fulfil his mandatory and face Cuba’s Frank Sanchez, who originally stepped aside to allow Hrgovic and Itauma to compete for the belt.

Should he come through Sanchez unscathed, Hrgovic has made it clear that unifications are on his mind, where he would presumably rematch WBO champion Daniel Dubois in the UK or travel to Germany for a clash with WBC world champion Agit Kabayel.

The Croatian has been complimentary of both men – despite saying he would ‘smash’ the Brit given the chance – but another champion in the division did not receive such praise.

On the DAZN broadcast of Dubois’ most recent triumph, Hrgovic seemed unimpressed by two-division conqueror and reigning WBA heavyweight world champion Murat Gassiev, whom he told to ‘go back to cruiserweight’.

“He is a midget from Russia. He doesn’t belong here, he needs to go back to cruiserweight.”

It was believed that Gassiev was elevated from WBA (Regular) champion to full WBA heavyweight world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated his three world titles earlier this year.

Yet, the recent and controversial decision to place a vacant WBA (Super) title on the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua showdown has lessened Gassiev’s recognition as a genuine world champion.

The Russian defended the WBA heavyweight belt with a knockout of Peter Kadiru back in July and he is expected to fight again in the coming months, with either Derek Chisora or Jarrell Miller anticipated to be his opponent.