Filip Hrgovic Blasts Decision to Sanction World Title for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury

IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic did not hold back on The Stomping Ground podcast, arguing that sanctioning a world title for Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury is actively harming the sport.

"These kinds of decisions are killing the sport," Hrgovic said.

"It is not good for the sport."

"Because of these funny decisions, people do not consider boxing a serious sport."

The Croatian champion was reacting to reports that the WBA super heavyweight title will be on the line when the British rivals meet at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11.

Hrgovic made his position known during an appearance on The Stomping Ground podcast.

"It is a f*****g decision," he said.

"I do not know how they find a belt for that kind of fight."

The IBF champion questioned why Joshua and Fury should receive a world title opportunity given the quality of their recent opponents.

"Who did they fight in their last fights?" Hrgovic asked.

"I mean, they are both big superstars, but how are they fighting for a title?"

"Where did that come from?"

Both boxers last fought in July 2026.

Fury stopped Mariusz Wach.

Joshua defeated Kristian Prenga.

Critics have argued that neither opponent was of high caliber.

Their previous victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Jake Paul have also come under scrutiny.

The World Boxing Association has not officially confirmed the title status of the December 11 contest.

Promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren have maintained that the super title will be at stake.

A victory would make either Joshua or Fury a three-time world heavyweight champion.

Murat Gassiev is expected to retain his WBA regular heavyweight title, as that belt is not part of the fight.

Hrgovic won the IBF heavyweight title in August 2026 after stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round.

He is expected to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next.

Hrgovic said he will be keeping a close eye on the Joshua vs. Fury encounter.

The heavyweight division has a long history of sanctioning body politics influencing major fights.

Boxing has four major sanctioning bodies: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO.

Each organization has its own rankings, mandatory challengers, and championship titles.

The WBA super title is considered the organization's primary championship, sitting above the regular title.

Critics have long argued that the proliferation of titles and sanctioning fees has damaged the sport's credibility.

Hrgovic's complaints echo those of many fighters and fans who believe politics often outweigh merit in determining championship opportunities.

The IBF champion's mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez is a Cuban heavyweight with an undefeated record.

Hrgovic's victory over Moses Itauma in August marked his first defense of the IBF title.

The Joshua vs. Fury fight has been in discussion for years, with negotiations repeatedly falling through.

December 11 represents the first time both fighters have agreed to meet in the ring.

The fight is scheduled to take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, which has a capacity of over 70,000.

Both Joshua and Fury have held world titles multiple times in their careers.

Joshua was a two-time unified heavyweight champion before losing his belts to Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury held the WBC heavyweight title and defeated Deontay Wilder in their trilogy.

The winner of the December 11 fight would become a three-time world champion.