The heavyweight threat everybody avoids? 'I'll show I'm the best'

Filip Hrgovic says his heavyweight rivals are swerving him and he is awaiting an opportunity to showcase his world title credentials against some of the biggest names in the division.

The Croatian returns to the ring for the first time since December 2021 on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday August 20 when he faces China's Zhilei Zhang in a final eliminator for the IBF crown.

It is a fight that had been due to take place on the Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol card in May before being pushed back in light of Hrgovic's father passing away.

Prior to then, there had been well-documented issues when it came to finding an opponent willing to face the 30-year-old. That being despite the prospect of a shot at Usyk's IBF belt.

"Definitely [people avoid me]," Hrgovic told Sky Sports. "A lot of people didn't want to fight me. I had a big opportunity to become IBF mandatory challenger so a lot of people reject the fight and one of the reasons is that I am dangerous and everyone knows they're going to have a hard time fighting me.

"Another reason maybe is I don't put so much money on the table like some other guys from Great Britain or USA.

"But I'll make my way to the top, hopefully I become mandatory and nobody in the future could avoid me anymore. I just wait for my opportunity for the big names and big fights to show I'm the best."

Hrgovic, who is No 3 in the IBF rankings, has been biding his time and building an unbeaten record of 14-0 (12 KOs) in view of a place among the elite.

The Olympic bronze medallist can appreciate why high-profile fights may have not yet landed at his doorstep, but insists he just needs one chance to demonstrate why he warrants more recognition.

"When I become