Filip Hrgović vs David Adeleye: Preview and Prediction

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - When Filip Hrgović and David Adeleye step into the ring on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte, it will be more than just a supporting bout — it’s a pivotal moment for two heavyweights at different crossroads.

Hrgović, 17-1 (14 KOs), has long been positioned as a dangerous contender, touted for years as a future title challenger. Adeleye, 14-1 (13 KOs), is the British champion who recently vacated his title to pursue bigger fights. The collision is set for a night where the entire card is packed with storylines — but this fight might be the sleeper thriller.

The Stakes for Hrgović

For the Croatian, this bout is about reasserting momentum. Once the IBF’s #1 contender, Hrgović’s road to a title shot stalled after his loss to Daniel Dubois. A win over Adeleye would keep him in the conversation for major fights against top-10 opposition, especially as the heavyweight landscape splinters following Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed run.

Hrgović’s size, strength, and patient but punishing style make him a formidable test for any heavyweight. Against Adeleye, he’ll be looking to impose himself early and sap the younger man’s confidence. His edge in experience against higher-level opponents will be something he leans on heavily.

Adeleye’s Big Jump

For Adeleye, this is both a risk and an opportunity. He enters with confidence after beating Solomon Dacres for the British title but acknowledges that Hrgović is “levels above” anyone he’s faced. By vacating his domestic belt, Adeleye signaled his readiness to mix it at world level — and now he gets the chance.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Adeleye was direct about the challenge:

“He’s levels above what I’ve fought before, but I believe in myself. I know I’ve got what it takes to beat him. This is what I’m in boxing for — big nights, big fights.”

The War of Words

Hrgović hasn’t been overly complimentary, reportedly saying Adeleye is not at his level. Adeleye fired back with typical swagger:

“If he really didn’t rate me, he wouldn’t be training properly. And I’ve seen him pouting like a woman on Instagram — I don’t think he’s as calm as he’s making out.”

This bit of verbal sparring adds an edge, though both men know the real talking will be done under the lights.

Power and Style Match-Up

One of the most interesting comparisons Adeleye made was to Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese puncher who has already beaten Hrgović in the amateurs and gone on to trouble the division. Adeleye said Zhang’s power is “heavier” while his own is “snappy and sharp,” warning:

“These guns don’t jam.”

The key question is whether Adeleye can land that sharp power before Hrgović’s size and pressure begin to wear him down. Hrgović, standing 6’6”, has a significant reach advantage and tends to control fights with his jab before opening up with combinations.

Camp Notes

Adeleye has been sparring with former opponent Joe Joyce, whose size and style offer useful preparation. He’s also stayed off social media during fight week, focusing entirely on the job ahead:

“I keep my mind off the hype and just work. When the bell rings, nothing else matters.”

Hrgović’s camp has been quieter publicly, but insiders note he’s been training with intensity, aware that a slip here could derail his career.

Prediction

This fight has the feel of a test for both men — Hrgović to prove he’s still a threat in the top tier, and Adeleye to prove he belongs there. If Adeleye can withstand early pressure and land with the speed and snap he promises, an upset isn’t impossible. But over 10 or 12 rounds, Hrgović’s size, power, and experience may tilt the fight his way.

Prediction: Hrgović by late stoppage, but expect Adeleye to have his moments and raise his stock even in defeat.