The much-anticipated bout Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang culminated with a unanimous decision win for Croatian Hrgovic on 20th August, 2022, know the purse and payout
In an exciting IBF world heavyweight title eliminator on Saturday, Filip Hrgovic defeated Zhilei Zhang by unanimous decision. The match between Hrgovic and Zhang served as the co-main event to much-anticipated Usyk vs Joshua rematch event and now the winner Hrgovic will get a IBF world title opportunity against Usyk.
Zhilei Zhang vs Filip Hrgovic Purse, Prize Money, Payout, Who Won, Full Fight Winner, Undercard Results, Score And Boxing Highlights
On August 20, 2022, King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah hosted the Zhang vs Hrgovic IBF Eliminator fight. The fight between Zhang and Hrgovic, the night’s co-main event, began at about 15:30 EST and preceded the main event fight between Usyk and Joshua. There were huge expectations for the final eliminator between Filip Hrgovic and Zilhei Zhang for the IBF heavyweight title. Both combatants had their chances in the intriguing and odd 12-round contest, but Hrgovic emerged as the victor by scores of 115-112, 115-112, and 114-113.
As the higher-ranked competitor, Croatia’s Hrgovic was qualified to receive 60% ($390,000) of the prize purse. Meanwhile, Zhang, a two-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic Bronze medallist for China, bagged the remaining 40% worth $260,000.
Full Fight Card Results
| Weight Class | Winner | Loser | Method | Round |
| Heavyweight | Oleksandr Usykย (c) | Anthony Joshua | SD | 12 |
| Heavyweight | Filip Hrgoviฤ | Zhang Zhilei | UD | 12 |
| Light-heavyweight | Callum Smith | Mathieu Bauderlique | TKO | 4 |
| Cruiserweight | Badou Jack | Richard Rivera | SD | 10 |
| Heavyweight | Andrew Tabiti | James Wilson | RTD | 5 |
| Super-bantamweight | Ramla Ali | Crystal Garcia Nova | TKO | 1 |
| Light-heavyweight | Daniel Lapin | Jozef Jurko | UD | 8 |
| Super-middleweight | Benjamin Whittaker | Petar Nosiฤ | UD | 6 |
| Lightweight | Bader Al Samreen | Fuad Tarverdi | TKO | 4 |
| Light-welterweight | Ziyad Almaayouf | Jose Alatorre | TKO | 1 |
| Welterweight | Traycho Georgiev | Money Kicks | SD | 4 |
Zhang Zhilei vs Filip Hrgovicย Match Events & How it Unfolded?
The Croatian, who weighed 15 kg lighter than his opponent, was knocked out in the first round by a right hook but swiftly got back up. Later, Hrgovic increased his aggression and the force of his punches, but Zhang continued to land more strikes, and in the sixth round, the Croatian was once more rocked by the Chinese fighter. As Zhang grew weary, Hrgovic was able to rediscover his rhythm and start to exert more of a dominant presence. The judges unanimously ruled in favor of the Croatian after the two heavyweights traded blows throughout the entire twelve rounds.
Zhang Zhilei vs Filip Hrgovic Post-match Reactions and Next Fight for Hrgovic
Croatian Filip Hrgovic became the mandatory IBF Heavyweight Title challenger following his win against Zhang in the eliminator. However, Oleksandr Usyk announced in his post-match interview that he is determined to fight Tyson Fury in his next fight and become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Hence, Philip Hrgovic’s next fight might not be against Usyk but he is bound to get his title shot soon enough. Depending on the circumstances, he might face the winner of the potential unification clash between Usyk and Fury.
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