ZAGREB — IBF heavyweight world champion Filip Hrgovic is moving toward a homecoming title defense in Croatia, with promoter Frank Warren confirming that mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez is the targeted opponent. The bout is currently being discussed for a December or January date, marking Hrgovic's first defense since his ninth-round stoppage victory over Moses Itauma in August.
Warren confirmed the matchup during an interview with Playbook Boxing, noting that the fight fulfills a previous agreement made when Sanchez accepted a step-aside deal to allow the Hrgovic-Itauma bout. “We paid him to step aside for the fight so yeah, he will be the opponent,” Warren said. “We are going to put him on in Croatia. He wants to fight in Croatia. We are just working on that and it’s another big heavyweight world title fight.”
Sanchez, who has expressed confidence in his ability to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion, stated that he is preparing to exercise his mandatory position. “I look forward to beating Hrgovic,” Sanchez told Boxing News. “I will win that fight and become the first Cuban Heavyweight Champion. For this, I am very motivated.”
While the event is expected to take place in Croatia, the specific venue remains under consideration. Although the 11,000-seat Kranjčevićeva Stadium in Zagreb is a potential site, the facility will not be ready for events until March, leaving organizers to finalize an alternative location for the winter timeline.