Hrgovic’s comments arrive less than two months before the highly anticipated showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The two British heavyweights are scheduled to face each other on 11 December 2026 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The IBF titleholder pointed specifically to Joshua's performance against Kristian Prenga in July. Although Joshua secured a knockout victory in a two-round contest in Riyadh, he was floored twice by his opponent early in the fight, a moment Hrgovic described as concerning.

Hrgovic stated, "I think he's done. He shouldn't be fighting anymore. But he wants to do, of course, one more fight. I think he's going to make a huge amount of money, and he's doing it because of that."

The 37-year-old Joshua has faced a challenging period in his career. Since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, he has struggled to regain his status as a world-level contender, having fought only twice in the interim.

Beyond his recent ring performances, Joshua has navigated significant personal adversity, including injuries and the emotional toll of a car accident that resulted in the loss of two close friends. These factors have contributed to a difficult phase for the former champion.

Hrgovic emphasized the inherent dangers of the sport when discussing why he believes Joshua should consider retirement. He noted that boxing is fundamentally different from other sports, where athletes can prolong their careers despite declining physical attributes.

"It's a dangerous sport. It's a war. And I think you come to a point where you can't fight anymore. You can't mess around with boxing," Hrgovic added during the interview, reflecting on the risks involved at the elite level.

Looking ahead to the upcoming December clash, Hrgovic suggested that he does not expect the winner of the Joshua-Fury bout to pursue a unification fight with him. He believes both men are currently past their prime, regardless of the result.

The heavyweight division is currently undergoing a period of transition. While Joshua and Fury prepare for their December meeting, other titleholders, including WBO champion Daniel Dubois and WBC titleholder Agit Kabayel, remain active within the Queensberry Promotions stable.

Hrgovic, who holds a professional record of 21 wins and one defeat with 16 knockouts, also offered a critical assessment of the wider heavyweight landscape. He dismissed several other titleholders as "fake champions" during his assessment of the current division.

The Croatian specifically criticized Daniel Dubois, who recently secured a victory over Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena in London on 17 October. Hrgovic suggested that the current hierarchy of the division does not reflect true championship quality.

Despite the criticism from his peers, the focus remains firmly on the upcoming Cardiff event. The bout between Joshua and Fury is expected to be one of the most significant events in the 2026 boxing calendar, drawing massive global interest.

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff has been confirmed as the venue for the December encounter. The fight is expected to have implications for the WBA (Super) heavyweight title, adding further stakes to the long-awaited contest between the two rivals.

As the date approaches, the boxing world continues to debate the readiness of both fighters. While Hrgovic remains skeptical of Joshua's prospects, the upcoming bout will provide a definitive answer regarding the current standing of both men in the division.

The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, with various promotional entities and fighters maneuvering for position. With unification bouts potentially on the horizon for 2027, the results of the final months of 2026 will be crucial for the division's future.

Hrgovic remains a key figure in the IBF rankings and continues to monitor the activities of his fellow champions. His recent comments highlight the intense scrutiny that top-tier heavyweights face as they navigate the later stages of their careers.

For now, the boxing community awaits the December 11 event in Cardiff. The outcome will likely shape the narrative for the heavyweight division heading into the new year, potentially setting the stage for further unification opportunities.

The sport of boxing remains as unpredictable as ever, with veteran fighters often facing difficult decisions regarding their future. Hrgovic’s intervention serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in every professional appearance for these elite athletes.

As the year concludes, the focus will shift from the speculation surrounding Joshua's career to the reality of his performance in the ring against Fury, a fight that promises to be a defining moment for both competitors.

The contest, a highly anticipated rematch of their encounter five months earlier, ended abruptly when Wardley’s trainer, Ben Davison, threw in the towel with 39 seconds remaining in the second round. The referee, Steve Gray, officially waved off the bout at that moment.

Dubois displayed immediate aggression from the opening bell. Within the first 17 seconds of the fight, he cornered Wardley and landed a powerful straight right hand that sent the challenger to the canvas, marking a dramatic start to the evening.

Although Wardley managed to rise and survive the remainder of the first round, he appeared overwhelmed by the champion's relentless pressure. Dubois continued to land heavy combinations, leaving the challenger in significant difficulty before the bell sounded.

The second round saw a continuation of the one-sided assault. Dubois forced Wardley into the corner once more, unleashing a sustained barrage of punches that left the challenger unable to effectively defend himself, prompting the immediate intervention from his corner.

Reflecting on his performance, Dubois stated, "Fabio is a great boy, coming in for the second time, but it was my time and my era. I had my intentions, bad intentions from the beginning."

He added, "My back was against the wall the first time, this time we just had to go out there and show that we mean business, which is what we did tonight."

Wardley, 31, remained gracious in the aftermath of his second professional defeat. "I have always thrown myself in with the best competitors out there, the best in the business, the biggest, hardest, meanest guys around so, there is no shame in a loss when you're testing yourself against the best," he said.

The atmosphere at the O2 Arena was electric, with a sell-out crowd of 19,000 spectators in attendance. Notable figures present included actor Paddy Considine, comedian Rob Beckett, Oasis musician Noel Gallagher, and darts world champion Luke Littler.

This victory marks the second time in five months that Dubois has defeated Wardley. Their initial meeting in Manchester was an 11-round thriller in which Dubois had to recover from two knockdowns to eventually claim the title.

Following this latest win, Dubois has extended his professional record to 24 victories and three defeats, with 23 of those wins coming by way of knockout. Wardley’s record now stands at 20 wins, two losses, and one draw.

The fight was widely viewed as a test of whether Wardley could make the necessary tactical adjustments following the punishment he absorbed in their first encounter. However, the challenger struggled to find his rhythm, with his punches appearing telegraphed against the champion's agile movement.

Following the conclusion of the bout, IBF champion Filip Hrgovic entered the ring, leading to a face-off with Dubois. Both fighters have expressed interest in a future clash, though promoter Frank Warren has indicated plans for Hrgovic to defend his own title in Croatia first.

Future prospects for Dubois remain significant, with potential unification bouts on the horizon. The heavyweight division is currently awaiting the outcome of the upcoming December showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, which is expected to carry the WBA 'super' title.

When asked about his next steps, Dubois noted that he is eager for further high-profile contests. "Whoever is next in line, really. I'm the champion now, and I want to get some big fights in. At this stage in my career, big money, big fights."

For Wardley, the defeat represents a difficult setback in a career that has seen a rapid ascent. The former recruitment consultant turned professional in 2017 after limited experience and had successfully navigated his way to a world title challenge within a decade.

The decision to pursue an immediate rematch against a puncher of Dubois' calibre was a high-stakes gamble for Wardley. Following two bruising encounters, observers suggest he may now benefit from a period of rest and recovery.

Dubois has maintained a busy schedule, having previously faced opponents such as Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. Despite a loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year, his recent back-to-back victories over Wardley have solidified his position among the world's elite heavyweights.

The event was broadcast live on DAZN, with fans and pundits alike noting the clinical nature of the champion's performance. The speed of the finish underscored the power disparity that proved decisive in the rematch.

As the dust settles on the O2 Arena, the focus now shifts to the broader landscape of the heavyweight division. With multiple champions under the Queensberry banner, including WBC titleholder Agit Kabayel, the path toward potential unification remains a key narrative for 2027.

The final pre-fight formalities took place at Old Spitalfields Market in east London on Friday. The two heavyweights took to the scales amid the bustle of shoppers, with a couple of hundred fans gathering to witness the final head-to-head encounter.

WBO champion Daniel Dubois, 29, tipped the scales at 18st 2lb (115kg). The Londoner, who holds a professional record of 23 wins and three defeats, enters the ring aiming to repeat his victory from their previous meeting earlier this year.

Challenger Fabio Wardley, 31, weighed in at 17st 10lb (112kg). The Ipswich-born fighter, who holds a record of 20 wins, one defeat, and one draw, is looking to reclaim the title he lost to Dubois in their first professional encounter.

The two British rivals previously met in Manchester this past May in a contest widely regarded as a contender for fight of the year. In that initial bout, Wardley managed to floor the champion twice in the opening rounds.

Despite the early setbacks, Dubois demonstrated significant resilience to rally back into the contest. He eventually secured a dramatic stoppage victory over a bloodied and battered Wardley in the 11th round to claim the WBO championship strap.

Reflecting on the upcoming rematch, Wardley expressed confidence in his ability to adjust his tactics. He stated that he draws significant belief from his early successes in the first fight and intends to deliver a much cleaner performance this time.

Wardley told reporters that he is fully prepared for the physical demands of the bout. He noted that he has come to terms with the intensity required, expecting the fight to reach the same challenging depths as their first meeting.

When asked for his prediction for Saturday night, the challenger was direct. Wardley told the media he is looking for revenge and is aiming to secure a knockout win to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division.

Dubois remained characteristically brief during the pre-fight proceedings. The champion affirmed his readiness to execute his game plan, stating that he is familiar with his opponent's style and is prepared for another intense battle inside the ring.

The champion's trainer, Don Charles, emphasised that Dubois remains entirely focused on the task at hand. He described the fighter as an intense athlete who avoids outside distractions once a fight date is locked in for his charge.

Charles added that the team has prepared for an improved version of Wardley. He stressed that they are not taking the challenger lightly and are guarding against any potential complacency following their previous success in Manchester five months ago.

The weigh-in event was attended by a crowd of several hundred fans beneath the market's Victorian roof. While the atmosphere was described as relatively subdued, the tension between the two rivals remained palpable during the final face-off.

With a combined total of 41 knockouts from 43 professional victories between them, industry experts and observers anticipate an explosive contest. Few expect the fight to last the full distance given the immense power both men possess.

Promoter Frank Warren, who is overseeing the Queensberry Promotions card, highlighted the self-belief displayed by both fighters. He noted that both men are convinced they have the tactical advantage to secure a win on Saturday night.

Looking beyond Saturday's event, Warren spoke about the future of the heavyweight division. He expressed a desire to see more unification fights in 2027, noting that the landscape of the division has shifted significantly throughout this year.

While there is no contractual clause for a third fight between the two, Warren did not rule out the possibility of a trilogy. He suggested that such a fight would be a natural progression if Wardley manages to avenge his defeat.

Wardley also addressed the broader heavyweight landscape, mentioning potential future bouts against other top-tier fighters. He expressed a desire to hold all the major belts, stating he has no personal vendetta against other champions in the division.

The rematch is set to be broadcast live as a pay-per-view event on DAZN. The fight card at the O2 Arena represents a significant moment for the British heavyweight scene as both men look to cement their standing.

Wardley enters the ring carrying the physical scars of their previous encounter, including a recurring cut on his nose. Despite the punishment absorbed in May, he remains determined to secure a victory on the biggest stage.

The heavyweight division's four major world titles are currently held by different champions. Warren notably promotes three of these prominent title-holders, giving his promotional stable immense leverage in orchestrating major fights over the coming seasons for boxing fans globally.

Daniel Dubois stands as one of Warren's key fighters, and he prepares to defend his WBO heavyweight belt against compatriot Fabio Wardley. The high-stakes championship encounter is scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday evening.

The upcoming bout follows a thrilling first encounter between Dubois and Wardley that took place in Manchester five months ago. During that memorable contest, Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns before ultimately stopping his British rival in the eleventh round.

Warren spoke about his overarching vision for the division during an appearance on the 5 Live Boxing podcast. He emphasized that his primary goal is to make these major unification bouts happen while successfully luring Usyk back into competition.

"The plan is to make the unification fights happen and try to get Usyk back in it," Warren told the 5 Live Boxing podcast. The promoter specifically stressed that nobody can fairly accuse his promotional team of keeping top fighters apart.

In addition to managing Dubois, Warren also promotes WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel and IBF title-holder Filip Hrgovic. The veteran promoter firmly believes that the winner of this weekend's clash will secure an exceptionally strong position for further honors.

Warren also revealed significant details regarding the anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. According to the promoter, the WBA super heavyweight championship will officially be at stake when the two British rivals meet in Cardiff on December 11.

"The WBA have put that belt up for them," Warren stated regarding the Cardiff bout. However, the relevant sanctioning body has not yet publicly confirmed this specific arrangement, maintaining Russia's Murat Gassiev as its sole recognized champion.

Gassiev could potentially be relegated to regular champion status if the WBA ultimately decides to award its primary super title to the winner of the Fury versus Joshua matchup. The heavyweight landscape remains dynamic as promotional talks continue to develop.

Oleksandr Usyk famously became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the modern four-belt era. The Ukrainian secured this historic status by defeating Tyson Fury in a closely contested bout that took place back in May of 2024.

Since achieving undisputed status, Usyk has vacated his various world titles. This sequence of events has effectively left the heavyweight division wide open for a new generation of emerging champions to establish their dominance on the world stage.

The Ukrainian star also managed to narrowly escape a significant scare against combat sports novice Rico Verhoeven. That intriguing encounter took place in May, adding another chapter to Usyk's eventful period away from traditional title defenses.

Warren addressed the current rebuilding phase of British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma. The young fighter is officially scheduled to return to the competitive boxing ring in January as he looks to rebound from his first career setback.

"He's fighting in January. We'll be announcing his fight in the next couple of weeks," Warren said regarding Itauma's imminent return. The promotional team intentionally took time to let the dust settle following the fighter's recent defeat.

Itauma suffered his maiden professional loss back in August when he was stopped in the ninth round by Croatia's Filip Hrgovic. That bout saw Hrgovic claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title after wearing down the fast-rising British contender.

The Chatham fighter had dominated the early exchanges of the contest before noticeably tiring in the later rounds. He was ultimately overwhelmed by his more experienced opponent, who capitalized on the fatigue to secure a stoppage victory.

Warren noted that he held a constructive meeting with the young fighter a couple of weeks ago. During their discussions, they evaluated what went wrong against Hrgovic and mapped out a sensible pathway for his future development.

Before his setback against Hrgovic, Itauma had compiled an impressive record of fourteen victories from fifteen professional appearances. Twelve of those prior wins had come via devastating knockouts, showcasing his immense punching power.

The Chatham-born athlete had been fast-tracked toward a world-title opportunity following a string of exceptionally destructive performances. Long touted as a future star of the heavyweight division, he now confronts a necessary rebuilding process.

"Moses comes back and has a fight and wants to be in the mix," Warren added while discussing the youngster's mindset. Despite being only 21 years of age, Itauma maintains a firm ambition to make 2027 his breakout year for world titles.

The broader heavyweight landscape continues to shift rapidly as various promoters position their stables for major matchups. Warren's strategic blueprint aims to capitalize on this competitive environment through disciplined matchmaking and timely championship opportunities across the board.

The bout marks a continuation of a remarkable promotional journey for Warren, who has spent decades working alongside boxing's biggest punchers. From staging bouts featuring Joe Bugner inside a hotel banquet suite back in 1982 to guiding modern heavyweight stars, Warren's longevity in the sport remains unmatched by his contemporaries.

Saturday night's championship contest serves as a direct sequel to their brutal first encounter which took place in Manchester back in May. On that dramatic evening, Dubois emerged victorious in the eleventh round after surviving two early knockdowns in a truly savage and bloody contest.

That previous meeting set an exceptionally high standard for domestic heavyweight battles, capturing the imagination of boxing fans across Britain and beyond. Warren himself described that initial clash as resembling something straight out of a Hollywood film due to its sheer drama, sustained action, and competitive intensity.

The heavyweight division has provided both immense triumphs and bitter disappointments for Warren's stable over the decades. While fighters like Frank Bruno and Herbie Hide achieved world title glory under his guidance, others experienced difficult professional journeys that highlighted the ruthless nature of the sport.

Prominent heavyweights such as Pele Reid, Danny Williams, Funso Banjo and Delicious Orie highlight the unforgiving nature of boxing's premier division. Banjo famously fought former world champion Greg Page in north London, while Orie, an Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion, had just one professional fight before walking away from the sport.

Despite occasional setbacks, Warren's current heavyweight roster boasts extraordinary depth and championship pedigree. Alongside the Dubois and Wardley rivalry, the veteran promoter also holds promotional agreements with reigning IBF champion Filip Hrgovic and WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel.

The broader British heavyweight landscape has enjoyed an unprecedented golden era over the past seven or eight years. Figures including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Dubois, Wardley, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora have consistently featured in high-profile world championship bouts, mostly staged on British soil.

Warren's promotional achievements are mirrored by the intense commercial interest surrounding upcoming major events in the division. Tickets for the looming December showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua recently sparked a massive rush, with more than 500,000 boxing fans joining online queues to secure a seat.

That upcoming mega-fight has also intensified a promotional rivalry involving Eddie Hearn and UFC executive Dana White. Hearn has maintained a firm stance regarding promotional boundaries and insisted that White will not be involved, while White has expressed an interest in promoting the spectacle.

Amid these promotional skirmishes, Warren remains focused on the immediate future of his fighters on Saturday night. Beyond the main event championship clash, the card offers a platform to emerging heavyweight prospects such as Adam Olaniyan, who is just twenty years old.

Olaniyan has quickly built a reputation by winning all four of his professional bouts inside the distance via stoppage. The youngster represents the continuous cycle of heavyweight talent that Warren hopes will sustain his promotional empire for many years to come.

The demanding nature of heavyweight boxing means that planning for the future is an ongoing, relentless process. Warren acknowledges that the division operates under its own unique rules, noting that boxers and heavyweights are fundamentally different breeds who carry distinct challenges.

Looking back at historical milestones, Warren's major championship successes at heavyweight truly gained momentum in the mid-nineteen-nineties. Frank Bruno captured the WBC heavyweight title by defeating Oliver McCall in 1995, followed swiftly by Herbie Hide securing the WBO equivalent in 1997.

It would be roughly two decades after those notable triumphs before Warren began his high-profile promotional association with Tyson Fury. That partnership ultimately yielded some of the most lucrative and defining heavyweight championship contests of the modern boxing era.

Comparing eras, Warren's current output in 2026 stands as a statistical anomaly compared to previous decades. Promoting three world heavyweight title fights within a single twelve-month period is a feat that would have seemed entirely implausible back in the nineteen-eighties hotel banquet days.

The heavyweight division has also seen recent tragedy and unexpected twists, including the fate of young prospect Moses Itauma. The twenty-one-year-old suffered a shocking defeat in an IBF world title fight at the O2 Arena back in August, reminding everyone of the division's volatility.

Despite the inherent risks and unpredictable swings of the sport, the appetite for heavyweight boxing shows no sign of diminishing among British sports fans. Saturday night's championship rematch at the O2 Arena is expected to draw a capacity crowd eager for more heavyweight drama.

As fight night approaches, the focus centres entirely on how Dubois and Wardley will approach their second encounter inside the ring. Both men carry the physical scars and strategic lessons of their punishing first meeting into this latest chapter of British boxing history.

Reflecting on the extraordinary milestones of the current calendar year, Warren emphasized the unique nature of his journey with the division's biggest competitors. He noted that it has truly been some year for the stable, bridging the gap from past legends to modern titleholders.