The boxing world is brimming with anticipation as the undercard line-up for Anthony Joshua’s high-profile rematch against Dillian Whyte is revealed. The much-awaited event, scheduled for Saturday, August 12 at The O2 Arena in London, will see Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic battle Australian contender Demsey McKean, while an all-British showdown between Johnny Fisher and Harry Armstrong takes center stage, with the Southern Area title hanging in the balance.
Hrgovic, an undefeated Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist (15-0, 12 KOs), last tasted victory in August 2022, defeating Zhilei Zhang and securing his IBF mandatory challenger spot. He issued a firm challenge, asserting, “The Heavyweight Champions cannot avoid me any longer and once I have defeated Demsey McKean on August 12, they will have no other option but to face me.”
Demsey McKean (22-0, 14 KO), undeterred, echoes Hrgovic’s high-stakes sentiment. His last fight in October 2022 saw him KO Patrick Korte, earning him the IBF Intercontinental belt. McKean believes that a win in this encounter would position him one step closer to fighting Usyk for four World Titles, declaring, “This is my World Title fight.”
The third crucial fight will see 24-year-old Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) square off against Harry Armstrong (5-1-1, 0 KOs), with the Southern Area title up for grabs. Fisher will be hoping to maintain his winning streak following his victory against Emilio Salas, while Armstrong aims to bounce back from his first career defeat against Jeamie Tshikeva in February. As fight night looms, one thing is for sure: August 12 at The O2 will be a night to remember in the heavyweight division.
Image Credit: DAZN