Hrgović ahead of career-defining fight: 'The whole world underestimates me'

Croatian heavyweight boxer Filip Hrgović is on the cusp of the biggest fight of his career, facing undefeated British talent Moses Itauma for the IBF world championship title this Saturday. Hrgović, known as 'El Animal,' has embraced a rigorous training camp in California under coach Abel Sanchez, focusing on isolation to enhance his mental and physical readiness.

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The whole world underestimates me and thinks I'm just another step on Itauma's path to the title. He's the star, and everyone wants me to lose, that's why they invited me. I'm aware of that, he's someone the whole world is talking about, but plans change quickly in the ring.

Despite the intense preparation, Hrgović acknowledges the media obligations during fight week. He shared his perspective on isolation in training, stating, "I think isolation is important in a training camp. Besides the training which is always hard, isolation makes all of that harder and builds you up mentally. You spend more time alone with yourself, thinking without distractions. I think that way you become the best version of yourself."

Hrgović recognizes the immense pressure and the role of an underdog he faces. "The whole world underestimates me and thinks I'm just another step on Itauma's path to the title. He's the star, and everyone wants me to lose, that's why they invited me. I'm aware of that, they want to build him as a star. He's someone the whole world is talking about, but plans change quickly in the ring," he stated.

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I think isolation is important in a training camp. Besides the training which is always hard, isolation makes all of that harder and builds you up mentally. You spend more time alone with yourself, thinking without distractions. I think that way you become the best version of yourself.

For Hrgović, winning the IBF belt represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. "Fighting for the IBF belt against Moses means everything to me. I've dreamed about it for the last 20 years, and my happiness will be immense. I don't need anything, I don't need celebrations and people around me, I just need that belt and the feeling inside me. That will be enough, the feeling when I know what I've been through and what sacrifice I've made," he explained. He remains committed to continuous improvement, stating, "I'm always working on fixing everything. I'm convinced that tomorrow I can be a better fighter than I am today."

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Fighting for the IBF belt against Moses means everything to me. I've dreamed about it for the last 20 years, and my happiness will be immense. I don't need anything, I don't need celebrations and people around me, I just need that belt and the feeling inside me. That will be enough, the feeling when I know what I've been through and what sacrifice I've made.