Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye: Collision Set for August 16th

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Riyadh is quickly becoming the global hub of heavyweight boxing, and on August 16, it will host yet another compelling clash. As part of the undercard for the Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte showdown, Filip Hrgovic 18-1 (14 KOs) will face off against David Adeleye 14-1 (13 KOs) in a bout that could shape the near-term picture at heavyweight.

Hrgovic, the towering Croatian and current WBO International champion, enters the ring on the heels of a decisive 10-round points win over Joe Joyce in April. It was a brutal and dominant showing, reaffirming Hrgovic's place among the top 10 contenders in the division. With a controversial victory over Zhilei Zhang and only a single loss to Daniel Dubois on his resume, Hrgovic is inching closer to a world title shot.

Adeleye, on the other hand, is making a leap in competition. He last appeared in the co-main event of the same April card, where he stopped Jeamie "TKV" Tshikeva in the 6th round to win the vacant British heavyweight title. That win, however, came with controversy. Adeleye capitalized on a break enforced by the referee to land a decisive left hook, leading to a stoppage that many felt was premature. A rematch was ordered by the British Boxing Board of Control and initially set for August 23, but Adeleye has now pivoted to this higher-profile opportunity.

The step up is undeniable. Adeleye, while athletic and explosive, has not yet demonstrated the ring IQ or endurance needed to hang with elite-level opponents. Hrgovic, despite criticisms over his technique and occasional lapses in discipline, has faced—and beaten—far tougher opposition.

This fight could also mark a defense of Hrgovic's WBO International title, adding further stakes. A convincing win for the Croatian would keep him in the conversation for mandatory challenger status across multiple sanctioning bodies. For Adeleye, it’s a massive gamble. A win catapults him into the global conversation; a loss, especially a one-sided one, may confirm the doubts many observers already have.