Promoter Frank Warren has told iFL TV that Filip Hrgović is expected to make his first defence of the IBF heavyweight title against Frank Sanchez in early 2027. Warren said Hrgović will not fight again in 2026 and that a Sanchez defence is “what he signed up for”, adding the Cuban was paid to step aside for the Itauma-Hrgović fight. Hrgović has been pushing for a homecoming in Croatia and has expressed interest in unification fights; Sanchez’s team, however, have indicated they intend to enforce his mandatory position.
Promoter update
Warren: Hrgović 'due to fight Sanchez' and won't fight this year
Speaking to iFL TV, Frank Warren said Hrgović will not box again in 2026 and that plans currently point to an early-2027 defence against Frank Sanchez. Warren said: "He won't fight this year but he will fight early next year. We will get him out. At the moment, he is due to fight Sanchez." He added that the Sanchez defence is what Hrgović contracted to do and noted the Cuban was paid to step aside for the Itauma–Hrgović fight. Warren said any alternative would require talks with Sanchez and described the matchup as "his contractual obligation."
How he won the belt
Hrgović shock halts Moses Itauma to claim IBF title
Hrgović captured the IBF heavyweight title last month by stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round. Itauma, described as a 21‑year‑old prospect, had scored an early knockdown and had been ahead on the cards before tiring. Hrgović capitalised in round nine to halt the Brit and, according to the report, became Croatia’s first‑ever heavyweight world champion with the victory.
Homecoming hopes
Champion wants Croatia return as Zagreb stadium project nears completion
Since winning the belt Hrgović has been lobbying for a homecoming fight — potentially his first bout on Croatian soil since 2018. The reconstruction of an 11,000‑seater stadium in his hometown of Zagreb is reported to be due for completion in February, a timeline that has been mentioned as a possible opportunity for a heavyweight world title re‑opening event.
Mandatory situation
Sanchez camp signals it will activate mandatory position
Frank Sanchez reportedly stepped aside to allow the Itauma–Hrgović bout and, according to Warren, was paid to do so. The Boxing News report says Sanchez’s team have made it clear the Cuban will not accept another step‑aside deal and intend to activate his mandatory entitlement, leaving open the possibility that negotiations will be needed if Hrgović pursues other opponents or unifications.
