Filip Hrgovic's pursuit of a world heavyweight unification with Daniel Dubois has been put on pause while his team explores a homecoming defence of his IBF title in early 2027. According to Sky Sports, the Croatian champion is being lined up to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in his native country rather than pursue an immediate clash with the WBO champion.
Hrgovic captured the IBF heavyweight world championship in August with a stunning stoppage victory over Moses Itauma, making him Croatia's first heavyweight world champion. He attended Dubois's WBO title defence at The O2 arena on Saturday and the two fighters came face-to-face, fuelling speculation about a unification bout. However, IBF regulations require Hrgovic to first defend against Sanchez, who had previously agreed to step aside to allow the Itauma fight to take place.
Sanchez's manager Mike Borao outlined the timeline for the mandatory defence.
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 that negotiations were already underway with Queensberry Promotions.
I have already communicated with George Warren 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.
The fight's potential location has already generated interest locally. Sretan Saric, managing director of Arena Zagreb, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the bout.
Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb.According to 24sata, Sanchez is the IBF's official mandatory challenger, and the bout is being discussed for the first quarter of 2027, though no confirmed date or venue has yet been announced.
Borao expressed confidence in his fighter's prospects against the Croatian champion.
Eddie Reynoso loves the match and so do I. Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.Reynoso, Sanchez's trainer, has backed the matchup as a significant opportunity for his fighter to claim world honours.
Dubois keeps unification door open
While Hrgovic pursues his mandatory defence, Dubois has signalled his willingness to face the IBF champion once their respective obligations are fulfilled. The WBO champion retained his title on October 17 when he stopped Fabio Wardley in the second round, demonstrating the destructive form that has made him a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
Dubois has previously defeated Hrgovic and remains open to a rematch, though his immediate focus is on collecting all available heavyweight belts.
To win all the belts. That's the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts,he told Sky Sports.
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 Kabayel,he said.
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.Dubois's willingness to face any champion reflects the current state of the heavyweight division, where multiple title holders are vying for supremacy and unification opportunities.
What comes next
The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, with Hrgovic's mandatory defence against Sanchez expected to take place in the opening months of 2027. Once that obligation is fulfilled, a unification clash between Hrgovic and Dubois could finally materialise, bringing together two of the division's most prominent champions. The exact timing and location of the Sanchez fight remain subject to ongoing negotiations between the camps and their promoters.
