Manager Mike Borao expects Filip Hrgovic to defend his IBF heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in early 2027, perhaps in Zagreb; nothing is signed.
What we know
- Sanchez is Hrgovic's mandatory challenger; Hrgovic told DAZN nothing is set in stone and a unification may also be possible.
- Hrgovic won the IBF heavyweight title in August by ninth-round stoppage of Moses Itauma, becoming Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.
- Sanchez beat Richard Torrez Jr. in two rounds in May; his only loss was a seventh-round knockout by Agit Kabayel in 2024.
Reported, not confirmed
- Manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports he expects Frank Sanchez vs. Filip Hrgovic in the first quarter of 2027, perhaps in Zagreb; he said it is too early to know for sure. Boxing News
Filip Hrgovic's first IBF heavyweight title defence is taking shape, but nothing is signed. His manager, Mike Borao, told Sky Sports he expects the mandatory challenger, Frank Sanchez, in the first quarter of 2027, with Zagreb a possible venue. His own caveat was blunt: "too early to know for sure."
A home date would be a natural reward. Hrgovic became Croatia's first world heavyweight champion in August, stopping Moses Itauma in round nine. By Boxing News' account he was losing the fight for most of it: Itauma, 21, was faster, had scored a second-round knockdown and led early, before tiring and being stopped on away soil.
Sanchez brings a different problem. He comes off a second-round finish of Richard Torrez Jr. in May, and his only defeat is a seventh-round knockout by Agit Kabayel in 2024. Hrgovic called him a "big puncher" and a good fighter when speaking to DAZN. Both men are 34.
The mandatory order is what makes Sanchez the likely opponent, and Hrgovic acknowledged it. Still, he left the door open, saying the fight could be Sanchez in Croatia or a unification, and that the decision rests with his promoter and manager. Borao added that he has spoken extensively with Queensberry Promotions' George Warren.
Boxing News says Hrgovic would prefer a unification with Kabayel or Daniel Dubois, though it considers Sanchez the more likely next opponent. Watch for a purse bid or formal announcement, a confirmed date and venue, and any sign that a unification offer changes the plan.
A home date would be a natural reward. Hrgovic became Croatia's first world heavyweight champion in August, stopping Moses Itauma in round nine. By Boxing News' account he was losing the fight for most of it: Itauma, 21, was faster, had scored a second-round knockdown and led early, before tiring and being stopped on away soil.
Sanchez brings a different problem. He comes off a second-round finish of Richard Torrez Jr. in May, and his only defeat is a seventh-round knockout by Agit Kabayel in 2024. Hrgovic called him a "big puncher" and a good fighter when speaking to DAZN. Both men are 34.
The mandatory order is what makes Sanchez the likely opponent, and Hrgovic acknowledged it. Still, he left the door open, saying the fight could be Sanchez in Croatia or a unification, and that the decision rests with his promoter and manager. Borao added that he has spoken extensively with Queensberry Promotions' George Warren.
Boxing News says Hrgovic would prefer a unification with Kabayel or Daniel Dubois, though it considers Sanchez the more likely next opponent. Watch for a purse bid or formal announcement, a confirmed date and venue, and any sign that a unification offer changes the plan.
- Summary
- Manager Mike Borao expects Filip Hrgovic to defend his IBF heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in early 2027, perhaps in Zagreb; nothing is signed.
- Key points (one per line)
- Mike Borao expects Hrgovic vs Sanchez in the first quarter of 2027, perhaps in Zagreb.
Sanchez is Hrgovic's IBF mandatory challenger; no deal is signed.
Hrgovic says the next fight could be Sanchez or a unification.
- Also reported by (Name | URL per line)
- Boxing News | https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/hrgovic-close-to-agreeing-first-defence/
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Fighters in this story
Filip Hrgovic
Daniel Dubois
Moses Itauma
Agit KabayelSources
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