Filip Hrgovic got his opponent, David Adeleye, in a state of rage today, when he calmly told the media that he’s “coming to destroy” him on Saturday night in their 10-round heavyweight contest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Adeleye (14-1, 13 KOs) blew his stack at that remark, looking like he was about to cry. He seemed very insecure in the way he got emotional.
Hrgovic’s Calm “Destroy” Threat
It was the way that the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs) spoke in a matter-of-fact manner that set the British fighter Adeleye off. Hrgovic talked like it was a given, as if he were going to take out the garbage on Saturday.
You could tell from the way Filip spoke that he doesn’t view the domestic-level fighter, Adeleye, as a serious opponent. He’s just a random guy who was brought in as his opponent for him to wipe out in their undercard fight on DAZN PPV. Hrgovic has been fighting much higher-level opposition than Adeleye, and this is a massive step down in class for him.
Interestingly, the Hrgovic vs. Adeleye fight is buried four-deep on Saturday’s card at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, beneath fights that haven’t attracted nearly as much attention during the buildup. Turki Alalshikh made a mistake of placing this fight below less appealing contests that haven’t gotten fans in the U.S or the UK excited.
Saturday’s Full Fight Card Order
- Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte – main event
- Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman: Co-feature for Ball’s WBA featherweight title
- Ray Ford vs. Abraham Nova: Super featherweight contest involving Ford fighting a replacement opponent.
- Filip Hrgovic vs. David Adeleye
- Hayato Tsutsumi vs. Qais Ashfaq: Super featherweight
Adeleye’s Fiery Press Conference Rebuttal
David Adeleye: “On Saturday night, everyone is going to see what’s going on,” said David Adeleye during today’s final press conference for his fight against Filip Hrgovic.
Filip Hrovic: “I was never down in my career. I feel very strong and very confident. I’m coming to destroy this guy.”
Adeleye: “Yeah, and if he keeps talking like that, I’m going to knock him just like I knocked out Jeamie [‘TKV’ Tshikeva].”
Hrgovic: “I’m looking forward. Let’s get down to business.”
Adeleye: “The talking is done. On Saturday night, we’re going to see each other. I definitely believe in myself. If I’m a walk in the park, I want to show you what we’re going to walk through.”
Hrgovic: “Did I tell you, ‘Let’s get down to business?'”
