Unbeaten heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (7-0, five KOs) will face Gregory Corbin (15-1, nine KOs) on the Devin Haney vs. Antonio Moran undercard Saturday, May 25, at the MGM National Harbor Theater in Oxon Hill, Md., and live on DAZN. Sporting News caught up with the 6-6 Croatian as he prepared for his U.S debut.
SPORTING NEWS: Your opponent on May 25 is Gregory Corbin; what do you know about him?
FILIP HRGOVIC: I think Gregory Corbin is a good opponent and a good test for me at this stage of my career. I know he has 15 wins and only one loss so I expect a tough fight, but I am very confident I will beat him.
SN: For those who may not have seen you fight; how would you describe your fighting style?
FH: I am a good technical boxer with good speed and power also.
SN: You are unbeaten in seven fights since you turned professional, with five of them coming within the distance. Would you say that Corbin will be the toughest opponent you have faced?
FH: Yes, I think maybe he could be the toughest opponent I have faced so far, but we will find out when we get in the ring on Saturday. I am looking forward to the challenge.
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SN: Corbin has described his fighting style as "Winning by any means necessary." Are you prepared for a war when you step into the ring on May 25?
FH: I am prepared for a war every time I step into the ring and Saturday will be no different. I want to win, and I want to give the American fans an exciting fight.
SN: Last time out for Corbin saw him disqualified against Charles Martin for low blows. Are you expecting him to resort to the same tactics when things get tough?
FH: I am not concerned with his tactics. I will stick to my game plan and do what me and my coach, Pedro Diaz, have planned and that will be [to] ensure victory for me.
SN: You’re 26 and have 12 years on Corbin and have fought less than half the bouts than he has. Are you confident that youth and speed will overcome experience come Saturday night?
FH: I am young and I am fast. I believe I am also a better boxer and a big puncher. All these things will count in my favor on fight night. Corbin might have more professional experience, but I have fought all over the world and against all different types of opponents as an amateur, so I am prepared for everything.
SN: You are fighting on the Devin Haney vs. Antonio Moran undercard in Maryland. How much are you looking forward to making your American debut?
FH: It is very exciting and a great honor to be fighting in America. It is something I have dreamed of for a long time. I will make sure I give the fans a great performance. I am happy my promoter, Team Sauerland, has done a deal with Matchroom [Boxing] and DAZN. I look forward to showing the American audience what I can do.
SN: You had a successful amateur career, won bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, was awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska and were shortlisted for The Ring magazine’s Prospect of the Year award in 2018. Which of your achievements would you say you were most proud of?
FH: My greatest achievement will be unifying the heavyweight division."