Filip Hrgovic takes a beating from Daniel Dubois and suffers GRUESOME cuts above both eyes which result in an eighth-round stoppage – as Queensberry THRASH Matchroom in 5X5 Saudi Arabia showdown
- Dubois claimed an eighth-round stoppage against Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia
- It was the 31-year-old’s first career defeat in 18 professional fights
- Frank Warren’s Queensberry opened a huge lead over Hearn’s Matchroom
Gruesome cuts above Filip Hrgovic’s eyes prematurely ended his fight against Daniel Dubois and handed the Brit the interim IBF heavyweight title.
The pair fought in the highly anticipated Queensberry vs Matchroom 5v5 in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening.
Dubois, who is part of Frank Warren’s Queensbury staple, pulled off an impressive eighth-round stoppage against the Croatian after the fighters traded heavy blows for much of the encounter.
The 26-year-old has suffered career losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Joy Joyce, who appeared to have honed his approach. Hrgovic, on the other hand, had yet to face an opponent of Dubois’ caliber and was ultimately confronted with the harsh reality in the Gulf state.
Hrgovic was put out of his misery after an examination by the ringside doctor, who wisely determined that the cuts he suffered warranted an immediate stoppage of the fight.
Filip Hrgovic suffered serious cuts above both eyes, resulting in an eighth-round stoppage against Daniel Dubois
The Croat suffered the first defeat of his professional career in 18 fights on Saturday evening
Daniel Dubois created the possibility of a mouth-watering all-British clash against Anthony Joshua
‘It was a learning experience for me to get through that. I’m just so proud of myself.’ Dubois told TNT Sports after the fight.
Remarkably, his victory gave Warren’s side an 8-0 lead after previous wins for Hamzah Sheeraz, Nick Ball, Willy Hutchinson and Dmitry Bivol.
Dubois’ victory may also have opened the door for an all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua, who will compete at Wembley in September in his quest to become a three-time world champion.
‘Bring it on!’ he said Saturday evening when asked about the possibility.