Filip Hrgovic’s hopes of a world title unification fight with Daniel Dubois are on hold as plans are explored for a home fight in early 2027.
Hrgovic won the IBF World Heavyweight Championship when he scored a knockout victory over Moses Itauma in August.
He was in the ring on Saturday at the O2 arena to watch Daniel Dubois defend his WBO heavyweight championship and even took on the Londoner.
But instead of an immediate unification with Dubois, Hrgovic looks set to make a mandatory IBF title defense against Frank Sanchez in Croatia.
said Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao Sky Sports: “I expect Frank Sanchez vs. Filip Hrgovic to take place in the first quarter of 2027, possibly in Zagreb, but too early to know for sure.”
He continued: “I have already spoken to George Warren (of Queensberry Promotions) and will likely speak again this week. Frank has speed and power but also brings experience and stamina so he is anxious to fight Hrgovic.
“(Sanchez’s trainer) Eddie Reynoso loves the fight and so do I. Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.”
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Highlights of the IBF world heavyweight title fight between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. Video courtesy of DAZN
Zagreb is a possible venue for the Hrgovic-Sanchez fight and the local arena has welcomed the opportunity.
Said Sretan Saric, the managing director of Arena Zagreb Sky Sports: “Of course I support the possibility of holding the match in Arena Zagreb.”
Dubois Will Fight ‘Anyone Who Wants’
Dubois has beaten Hrgovic before, but will be open to boxing the Croatian again.
“Winning all the belts. That’s the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts,” he said previously. Sky Sports.
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WBO world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois says he is looking at a future clash against Tyson Fury next year, admitting the fight would be ‘fundamental’
“It would mean everything to have all those belts. Nobody can take that away from me. That’s what I’m looking for right now.
“One of them, Hrgovic, he was there on Saturday, maybe him or (WBC champion) Agit Kabayel,” he said. “Hrgovic was also tough, Kabayel, we’ll see, we’ll see what he’s about. He hasn’t been with a guy like me, but he’s a good fighter.
“Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it.”
