Filip Hrgovic to face Jerry Forrest on Prograis-Hooker undercard

Top heavyweight prospect Filip Hrgovic’s appearance on the April 17th Regis Prograis-Maurice Hooker card in Oxon Hill, MD will see him face veteran Jerry Forrest in a 10-round affair.

Hrgovic (10-0, 8 KO), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, has given little cause for worry during his 2.5 years in the pro ranks, handily passing every test sent his way. He’s big, skilled as hell, and has dispatched the likes of Amir Mansour and Eric Molina without issue.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Hrgović. “I have good memories from fighting at the MGM National Harbor. This is where I made my American debut when I knocked out Gregory Corbin in the first round, and I’ve been training hard to give the fans another exciting performance on April 17.

“Jerry Forrest is a good boxer. He is a southpaw with a good record, and I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m confident I will beat him.

“2019 was a great year for me. I fought in America, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. I had three fights against three strong opponents and got three knockouts wins. This year will be even better. My goal has always been to become World Champion, and I’m now closing in on that goal. I’m coming for belts!”

Forrest (26-3, 20 KO) hasn’t lost since dropping consecutive bouts to Gerald Washington and Michael Hunter in 2013-2014, though that has a lot to do with mostly fighting guys with losing records. His first taste of real competition in ages saw him give Jermaine Franklin everything he could handle en route to a questionable split decision loss and he was recently slated to welcome Murat Gassiev to the heavyweight division before “Iron” withdrew.

Matchroom’s press release also confirmed the previously announced welterweight crossroads bout pitting Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov against former unified super lightweight champion Julius Indongo.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Yeleussinov. “I had a great end to the year, and I feel I am building real momentum in the pro game now, but this is a big leap in quality of opponent. Julius is a former unified World champion and has huge experience at the very top level, so I will need to put on a career-best performance to keep my run going.”