Filip Hrgovic's pursuit of a world heavyweight title unification clash with Daniel Dubois is being put on hold as his team explores plans for a homecoming defence in his native Croatia during early 2027.
The Croatian captured the IBF heavyweight world championship with a stunning stoppage victory over Moses Itauma in August. According to Sky Sports, Hrgovic was present at The O2 arena on Saturday to witness Daniel Dubois successfully defend his WBO heavyweight championship, and the two fighters came face to face.
Rather than pursuing an immediate unification bout with Dubois, Hrgovic is now expected to fulfil his mandatory IBF title defence obligation against Frank Sanchez. The fight is anticipated to take place in the first quarter of 2027, with Zagreb emerging as the likely venue.
Sanchez's manager Mike Borao outlined the timeline to Sky Sports:
I expect Frank Sanchez versus Filip Hrgovic to take place in the first quarter of 2027, perhaps in Zagreb, but too early to know for sure.
Borao added further detail about his fighter's credentials and ambitions:
I have already communicated with 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 match and so do I. Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.
According to Boxing News Online, Hrgovic's manager Keith Connolly confirmed that the Sanchez fight represents the likely next step, with the Croatia homecoming serving as a platform before potentially pursuing a larger opportunity afterwards. The Sanchez bout would help build up Hrgovic ahead of that bigger showdown.
The background to this mandatory defence traces back to Sanchez's original positioning as the IBF mandatory challenger. According to Boxing News Online, Sanchez had agreed to a step-aside deal that allowed Hrgovic to pursue the Itauma fight for the vacant title, with the understanding that a future clash between the two would be mandatory.
Arena Zagreb has already signalled its enthusiasm for hosting the event. Sretan Saric, the managing director of Arena Zagreb, told Sky Sports:
Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb.
Promoter Frank Warren is actively working to bring the fight to Croatia and expects to be close to an announcement, with Sanchez remaining the opponent unless a significantly larger opportunity emerges, according to Boxing 247.
Dubois open to unification with Hrgovic
Despite the delay, Dubois has previously defeated Hrgovic and has indicated his willingness to face the Croatian again once Hrgovic has completed his mandatory defence. Hrgovic suffered a stoppage loss to Dubois on cuts in June 2024, giving a potential rematch significant narrative weight as a chance for redemption.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his ambitions, Dubois outlined his strategy for consolidating the heavyweight division:
To win all the belts. That's the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts. It would mean everything to have all those belts. No one can take that away from me. That's what I'm after now.
When asked about potential opponents, Dubois named both Hrgovic and WBC champion Agit Kabayel as possibilities:
Any one of them, Hrgovic, he was there on Saturday, maybe him or [WBC champion Agit] Kabayel. Hrgovic was tough as well, Kabayel, we'll see, we'll see what he's about. He ain't been in with a guy like me but he's a good fighter. Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it.
Timeline and regulatory deadline
The IBF has set a regulatory deadline for Hrgovic's mandatory defence. According to Boxing News 24, the IBF defence against Sanchez must take place by March 1, 2027, establishing a firm window for the fight to be staged.
While Warren's team is progressing negotiations, no official date or venue announcement has yet been confirmed, though Zagreb remains the leading candidate and discussions are expected to advance further in the coming days.
