Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is finally official after years of back and forth between the UK’s two heavyweight superstars, and reigning IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic has cast his verdict on the long-awaited showdown.

Fury and ‘AJ’ have been linked to one another for almost a decade, but they reignited their rivalry back in April when ‘The Gypsy King’ called the clash on, following victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in his comeback fight.

Ever since, fans have been patiently waiting for talks to progress and when the duo competed in separate warm-up bouts in July, it felt as though the deal was all but done.

However, stalled negotiations led to fears that the fight could collapse, particularly due to the much-reported stumbling block of where the event will take place, with event organisers Sela and broadcaster Netflix initially wanting the bout to take place in New York.

An agreement has finally been reached with Fury-Joshua going ahead at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday, December 11, with Joshua and Eddie Hearn winning their battle to bring the show to the UK.

Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Hrgovic, who captured the IBF heavyweight crown with a shock victory over Moses Itauma last month, admitted that he favours Fury to come out on top.

“I think Fury [will win].”

The fight will make for Fury’s first three-fight year since 2018, when he ended a two-and-a-half year hiatus by defeating Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta before a controversial draw in his challenge for Deontay Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title.