When a professional boxer changes trainers, it’s never a trivial decision. For many fighters, a new coach represents not only a shift in tactics but also a fresh outlook on their entire career. In the case of Filip Hrgovic, the towering Croatian heavyweight known as El Animal, the decision to partner with Abel Sanchez is a calculated step toward unlocking his full potential. Hrgovic has already proven himself as one of the more technically sound and dangerous contenders in the heavyweight division, but with Sanchez now guiding his corner, he is embracing a new chapter one that he hopes will propel him toward a world title.
This is not just about working with an experienced coach. Abel Sanchez is a man whose name is permanently etched into boxing history, thanks to his role in creating the fearsome version of Gennadiy Golovkin that terrorized the middleweight division for nearly a decade. Under Sanchez’s tutelage, Golovkin developed an aggressive, relentless fighting style that broke down opponents and electrified crowds. For Hrgovic, joining forces with a trainer of that pedigree signals a willingness to push himself to physical and mental limits he has not yet reached in his professional career.
The Appeal of Abel Sanchez and the Summit Gym
Abel Sanchez has built a reputation as one of the most demanding and successful trainers in boxing, largely because of his results and the environment he has created at his famous Summit Gym in Big Bear Lake, California. Sitting more than 6,700 feet above sea level, the gym offers an unforgiving training ground. Fighters who commit to Sanchez’s program endure long days of high-altitude conditioning, grueling sparring sessions, and technical drilling that sharpens their craft while testing their endurance.
Sanchez’s “Mexican style” philosophy is a hallmark of his approach. He believes in constant forward momentum, breaking opponents with pressure, volume, and calculated aggression. It’s not simply about throwing punches—it’s about imposing one’s will on the opponent in every moment of the fight. When Golovkin was at his destructive peak, much of the credit went to this style, which combined precise technique with an unrelenting pace. For Hrgovic, who already possesses natural size, reach, and power, adopting a more aggressive style under Sanchez could transform him from a calculated boxer into a nightmare for anyone standing across the ring.
In interviews, Sanchez has praised Hrgovic’s physical tools and boxing IQ, but he has also pointed out areas for improvement. Specifically, he wants Hrgovic to maintain a high work rate throughout the fight, even in the later rounds, and to close the distance more decisively when he senses an opponent is hurt. By pairing those tactical improvements with his already solid fundamentals, Hrgovic could become a more complete and dangerous heavyweight.
Filip Hrgovic’s Career in Perspective
Born in Zagreb, Croatia, in 1992, Hrgovic began boxing at the age of 13 and quickly developed a reputation as one of the country’s most promising talents. His amateur career was decorated with notable achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a European Championship gold medal in 2015. His skill, discipline, and ability to adapt in the ring made him a standout prospect as he transitioned to the professional ranks.
Since turning pro in 2017, Hrgovic has compiled an 18–1 record, with 14 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His early fights showcased a blend of power punching and technical precision, and he wasted little time stepping up his level of opposition. Wins over seasoned fighters like Eric Molina and Rydell Booker demonstrated his readiness for bigger challenges, while his close but controversial victory over Zhilei Zhang in 2022 highlighted both his resilience and the areas where improvement was needed. His lone professional defeat came in a razor-thin decision against Daniel Dubois, a fight that exposed some vulnerabilities but also reaffirmed his durability and toughness.
The move to work with Abel Sanchez comes at a pivotal moment in Hrgovic’s career. At 33 years old, he is entering what is often considered a heavyweight’s prime years. While time is still on his side, the window to secure a world championship opportunity is narrowing. This makes his decision to change trainers less about comfort and more about making the necessary adjustments to seize the biggest fights available.
Adapting to the Sanchez Training Philosophy
Training with Abel Sanchez is not for the faint of heart. Fighters who have been through his programs often talk about the intensity of the regimen. It begins with early morning runs through the mountain trails surrounding Big Bear, followed by hours of sparring and technical drills inside the gym. The altitude alone makes every activity more taxing, and Sanchez intentionally designs the workouts to push his fighters beyond what they believe is possible.
For Hrgovic, this environment represents both a challenge and an opportunity. He has always been known for his disciplined approach to preparation, but the level of conditioning required at the Summit Gym will demand even more. Sanchez has already hinted that one of his primary goals is to ensure Hrgovic can sustain a high output for all 12 rounds without any noticeable drop in pace. This could be crucial against opponents who have previously been able to exploit moments when Hrgovic’s activity dipped.
Another key focus area will be ring generalship. Sanchez’s fighters are taught to control the tempo of the fight, dictate where the exchanges happen, and keep opponents constantly under pressure. This will require Hrgovic to not only throw more punches but also to cut off the ring more effectively, limiting the escape routes for elusive opponents. The hope is that, by adding these elements to his game, Hrgovic will become a more complete threat capable of outthinking and outworking his rivals.
The David Adeleye Test
The first major test of the Hrgovic–Sanchez partnership will come on August 16, 2025, when Hrgovic faces British heavyweight David Adeleye in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Adeleye, with a professional record of 14–1 and an impressive knockout ratio, is considered one of the UK’s rising stars in the division. While Adeleye lacks Hrgovic’s height and reach, he compensates with explosive power and an aggressive mindset, often looking to end fights early.
This bout is significant for several reasons. It will not only test Hrgovic’s ability to execute Sanchez’s game plan under live-fire conditions but also serve as a gauge of how quickly he has adapted to the new training methods. Adeleye’s forward-moving, power-oriented, and sometimes unpredictable style could force Hrgovic into situations where his conditioning, defense, and tactical discipline are all put to the test.
Sanchez has been vocal about respecting Adeleye’s punching power, acknowledging that a momentary lapse in focus could be costly. However, he also believes that if Hrgovic applies the pressure and pace they have been working on, he can break Adeleye down over the course of the fight. The matchup promises to be a compelling clash of styles and a pivotal stepping stone toward Hrgovic’s ultimate goal of securing a world title opportunity.
A Potential Turning Point in the Heavyweight Division
The heavyweight division is currently one of the most competitive in boxing, with established champions like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk holding the belts, and contenders such as Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Daniel Dubois lurking in the wings. In this crowded landscape, a fighter needs more than just talent to break through they need a signature style and the ability to generate momentum with consecutive high-profile wins.
By aligning himself with Abel Sanchez, Hrgovic is betting that the transformation in his style will be enough to separate him from the pack. If he can combine his natural advantages size, reach, and technical skills with the kind of relentless pressure that Sanchez champions, he could pose a serious threat to any heavyweight in the world. Moreover, if he starts racking up decisive, crowd-pleasing victories, his marketability will grow alongside his ranking.
In many ways, this partnership mirrors the early stages of Golovkin’s rise. While Hrgovic is a very different fighter in terms of build and division, the underlying principle remains the same: take a talented, disciplined boxer and refine him into a relentless, well-conditioned, and tactically ruthless competitor. If the formula worked once for Sanchez at the elite level, there’s reason to believe it could work again.
The Broader Significance of Trainer Changes in Boxing
Switching trainers mid-career is always a calculated risk. Some fighters thrive under new guidance, while others struggle to adapt to different philosophies. The success of the transition often depends on how open the fighter is to change and how well the new trainer understands the fighter’s strengths and weaknesses. In Hrgovic’s case, early indications suggest that he is fully committed to the process, embracing the harder training sessions and openly discussing the adjustments he is making.
From a broader perspective, this kind of move can send a signal to the rest of the division. It tells potential opponents that Hrgovic is not content to simply rely on what has worked in the past he is evolving. In a sport where small improvements can be the difference between victory and defeat, that willingness to evolve can be a major advantage.
Conclusion
The union of Filip Hrgovic and Abel Sanchez is one of the more intriguing developments in the heavyweight division this year. It represents not just a tactical shift but a philosophical one, as Hrgovic commits to a more aggressive, high-output style that could redefine his place among the sport’s elite. The upcoming bout with David Adeleye will be the first real litmus test for this new partnership, but if the early signs are any indication, the boxing world may soon see a reinvigorated version of El Animal one capable of challenging for and potentially capturing a world title.
Whether or not this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hrgovic’s decision to work with a trainer who once created a modern legend shows that he is aiming for more than just incremental improvement. He is aiming for greatness.
FAQs
Who is Filip Hrgovic’s boxing trainer now?
As of August 2025, Hrgovic is working with Abel Sanchez, the renowned trainer behind Gennadiy Golovkin’s rise.
Why did Hrgovic choose Abel Sanchez?
He wanted to add more pressure, aggression, and stamina to his style hallmarks of Sanchez’s training.
Where is Sanchez training Hrgovic?
At Summit Gym in Big Bear Lake, California, famous for its high-altitude conditioning.
What’s next for Hrgovic if he beats Adeleye?
A win could set up a rematch with Daniel Dubois or even a title eliminator against a top-ranked contender.
Is Sanchez still training other big-name fighters?
While his roster is smaller now, Sanchez continues to work with select professionals who match his demanding approach.
