Daniel Dubois Wears Out Filip Hrgović to Stoppage Win

Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) gradually broke down Filip Hrgović (17-1, 14 KOs) to earn a technical knockout victory.

The time of stoppage was 0:57 of round eight after a ringside physician deemed Hrgović to be in no position to continue due to cuts. With the win, Dubois is now in line to challenge for the IBF heavyweight title. The strap is currently held by undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Should the Ukrainian vacate or be stripped of the belt, Dubois would become the titleholder.

The fight took place on a card that pits five Matchroom Boxing fighters against five from Queensberry Promotions. Fight fans were able to catch the action live as a PPV on DAZN. Those in the United Kingdom could also purchase it from TNT Sports, discovery+, Sky, EE TV and Prime Video.

Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5v5 took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.

Check out our earlier recaps of the card that saw Dmitry Bivol get his first knockout win in over six years and Nick Ball winning a close fight to become world champion.

Daniel Dubois wears out Filip Hrgović to stoppage victory

From the opening round, it was clear that the fight was not going to go the distance. Hrgović had no issues landing the right cross, but from time to time Dubois would land a power shot that served as a reminder of his knockout abilities. A cut opened near the right eye of Hrgović, but it was ruled to have been caused by an accidental headbutt.

Dubois’ consistent pressure helped to wear his opponent down as the rounds went on. Although Hrgović was having more success with his power shots early on, “Dynamite” took his time, breaking his opponent down with his own right hands. By the middle rounds, another cut also became visible on the left eye of Hrgović.

In round seven, Dubois continued to come forward and land his right hand, stunning Hrgović towards the end. The bell to end the seventh saved the Croatian, but not for long. Referee John Latham paused the action to have the ringside physician check the cuts of Hrgović, after which the fight came to an end.