Australian heavyweight boxer Mark de Mori has delivered an ominous warning to rival Filip Hrgovic, revealing plans to "break him in half" at the Day Of Reckoning pay-per-view.
Just days out from one of the biggest boxing cards in history, the experienced de Mori (41-2-2) heads into the event as one of the biggest underdogs against the fearsome Croatian.
In earlier fight week interviews, the 41-year-old West Australian native had expressed his desire to rupture the spleen of his opponent, before doubling down at Friday's press conference.
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"Hrgovic is obviously a big favourite," De Mori said.
"He's a big strong guy, good long punches, good chin – but every man is human, every man his organs and with my kind of power, it's simple – I'm not going to win this on points.
"I'm going to get in close and try to break him in half. That's the only way it's going to happen and that's the way it will go."
Hrgovic (16-0) is the mandatory IBF world title contender and is expected to prove too strong for the Aussie when the two square off on the undercard in Riyadh, potentially setting up a clash with Oleksander Usyk or Tyson Fury in 2024.
In response to de Mori's comments, the 31-year-old admitted the bout had turned personal and will be on a mission to finish him.
"I had a plan for this guy to let him box a few rounds – but because of these nasty words, I will need to punish him earlier," he said.
"I had planned to be nice with him, but this changes everything. I need to punish this guy … really bad – like he stole something."
De Mori rebutted and claimed the pressure is all on Hrgovic.
"I expect him to try and make a big statement," he said.
"I've been brought in, there's a script, it's up to me to try and flip it."
De Mori will join fellow Australian Jai Opetaia on the card, while global stars Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua will also be in action.
The event will begin at 3am AEDT on Sunday.
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