Filip Hrgovic vs. Zheili Zhang is scheduled for 10 rounds in the heavyweight division as the featured undercard event on the Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk card from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, August 20. The bout, an IBF eliminator, was previously rescheduled from May this year, and these two heavyweights are battling for a future shot at the title.
The Croatian Hrgovic hopes his power and activity carry him to victory, and boxing bettors have him instilled as a massive -1,000 favorite. Zhang needs to command a huge performance here as the Chinese heavyweight is a decided underdog at +550.
Let’s get a breakdown of what to expect with our Hrgovic vs. Zhang picks and predictions.
Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang odds
| Method of victory | Filip Hrgovic | Zhilei Zhang |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -1,000 | +550 |
| Win by KO/TKO | -450 | +700 |
| Win by points or decision | +550 | +2,500 |
| Draw | +2,200 | +2,200 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of August 18, 2022.
Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang betting predictions
Picks made on August 18. Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang betting preview
The previously-delayed bout between these two power punchers is finally coming to fruition. Both fighters were scheduled to meet in May, but Hrgovic pulled out due to the untimely death of his father. The undefeated Croatian is climbing the ranks in what is becoming a wide-open division at heavyweight, and the big-hitting Zhang could either be a short night or a rough out.
The always-attacking Hrgovic has stopped 12 of his 14 opponents, with the last two fights he’s had ending inside three rounds. He’s a busy heavyweight with good power and hasn’t been in a situation where his chin has been tested. That rushed attack sees him starting strong and hitting hard, being a relentless finisher if he feels he’s got his opponent hurt.
China’s Zhang hasn’t inspired a lot of promise, but he’s a huge puncher in his own right. The 39-year-old has had a longer professional career, and recent activity has indicated he has no time left to waste. In a 2021 fight with Jerry Forrest, Zhang was out of gas right away and was bailed out by the judges with a majority draw. Following that bout, Zhang was hospitalized for low-level renal failure, yet he still fights on.
Though undefeated, he’s more unproven than Hrgovic. What he will bring into the ring is that he’s a 6’6 southpaw with clubbing strength. Since the Forrest debacle, he’s fought twice with neither fight seeing the third round.
Whoever wins this fight will be closer to reaching a mandatory contender status for the winner of the main event. Bettors are virtually unchanged from when the fight was initially delayed as Hrgovic is a huge favorite. Zhang’s power cannot be counted out, however, especially as Hrgovic is going to be right in the range of his shots.
Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang boxing prediction and best bet
Prediction: Hrgovic to win
Both fighters come into this critical match undefeated, but it’s clear that Hrgovic has outpaced Zhang in terms of opponent class and overall development. Being strong is only one part of the game at heavyweight, and seldom in the past has strength alone bore a champion. While neither fighter looks like they’ll be the class of the future at this point, Hrgovic has the right stuff to win here.
He’s had tougher opponents in 14 fights than Zhang has in 24 fights, and Zhang doesn’t use his height as a natural defense, as he gets hit quite often. There’s little doubt that he’ll be able to get to the inside of Zhang and cause trouble, but he has to worry about the dreaded southpaw left that is coming from a near 280-pound boxer.
That said, we believe the line is right and Hrgovic should be a lead-pipe lock to win. Even so, value isn’t found on the moneyline, and this fight is definitely not going to need the judges to determine a winner.
Prediction: Hrgovic moneyline (-1,000 at DraftKings)
Best Bet: Hrgovic to win in first three rounds
Hrgovic isn’t going to stand around too long for the aging Zhang to hit him with something huge. He’ll swarm him with shots, back him into a corner, and try to hit paydirt to the head or body. Under the weight of the pressure, Zhang is getting caught and dropped in what could end up being an awful mismatch.
There are levels to this game, and Hrgovic is a few levels above with just 14 fights. Our best call here flips the negative line to a big positive, calling for Hrgovic to handle and batter Zhang inside three rounds for a +800 score.
Pick: Hrgovic to win in first three rounds (+800 at DraftKings)
