The Croatian certainly didn’t hold his opinions back.
Filip Hrgovic will fight rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August.
Itauma has surged through the rankings and is regarded as the division’s brightest young prospect.
However, Hrgovic questioned the 21-year-old’s credentials during the launch press conference for their showdown.
The Croatian stated: “He was given everything on a plate, when I compare his path with my path and other guys who are coming from small countries.
“I think my path was much harder, much, much harder. I worked so hard to get into the position. I think everything he achieved was given.”
Despite his opponent’s comments, Itauma seemed unfazed.
The Briton responded: “Whether he thinks my path has been easy or not, it won’t do him any favours.
“He’s almost 14 years older than me, and we’re still in the same position. He doesn’t know anything about me to comment on that.
“At the end of the day, the position I’m in wasn’t given to me. I still had to beat and overcome challenges.”
The last time the young star was in action, he claimed an impressive win over Jermaine Franklin.
In doing so, Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 14-0 and retained the WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental titles.
Now, he steps up to take on his toughest test yet in Filip Hrgovic.
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