Hrgovic calls heavyweight champions “fake”

The IBF champion questions the legitimacy of Dubois, Kabayel and Gassiev following his comeback victory over Itauma.

Filip Hrgović was crowned IBF heavyweight world champion following his impressive comeback victory over Moses Itauma, further solidifying his status. Since becoming champion, he has clearly enjoyed speaking out, as he has once again openly discussed other titleholders, even going so far as to call some of them “fake.”

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, he sharply criticized the other world champions.

"I feel they're all fake champions right now. Dubois is a fake champion because he beat fake champion Fabio Wardley. Fabio Wardley shouldn't have won against Parker. He was losing the fight, and I think it was a big robbery. When you beat a fake champion, you're a fake champion as well. Agit Kabayel received his belt without fighting. I also think he's a fake champion. And this Murat Gassiev is also a fake champion. He beat nobody and received his belt without fighting"

To be fair, there is also some history between Filip Hrgović and Daniel Dubois. Daniel Dubois knocked out the Croatian in the eighth round back in 2024 during their bout for the IBF interim title, which is why his comments might still have a slightly personal tone.

With Agit Kabayel, it’s a little different because the two don’t have any history. Here, he’s probably just criticizing the fact that he was simply promoted from interim world champion without having to fight another bout.

At the same time, however, Filip Hrgović’s comments could also stem from a tactical motive, as he’s using such statements to ramp up the pressure and potentially secure unification bouts. What do you think?