Filip Hrgovic’s ambitions of immediately stepping into a heavyweight world title unification showdown against Daniel Dubois have been officially placed on hold. Instead of proceeding straight into a high-stakes belt-unification clash, plans are actively being developed for the Croatian powerhouse to make a mandatory title defense on home soil in early 2027.
Hrgovic captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight world championship in August after delivering a dramatic upset stoppage victory over the highly touted Moses Itauma. That monumental victory elevated Hrgovic to the top tier of the division, positioning him directly in the frame for major championship unification bouts.
The Croatian champion was present ringside on Saturday night at London’s O2 Arena to watch WBO heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois defend his title in a fierce rematch against Fabio Wardley. Following Dubois’ victory, Hrgovic entered the spotlight to engage in a tense face-off with the Londoner, tantalizing fans with the prospect of an explosive belt-unification clash between two of the division’s top titleholders.
However, despite the public face-off and the intense fan interest surrounding a potential clash with Dubois, Hrgovic’s immediate championship roadmap has been diverted by mandatory title obligations. Rather than securing an instant unification bout, Hrgovic is now expected to defend his IBF world title against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in a high-profile showdown targeted for the first quarter of 2027 in Croatia.
Mandatory Defense Set for Zagreb as Negotiations Progress
The framework for Hrgovic’s mandatory defense against Frank Sanchez is actively taking shape behind the scenes. Mike Borao, the manager representing Sanchez, confirmed that negotiations and planning are already underway to finalize the details for the mandatory world title defense.
Speaking about the prospective timeline and location for the championship bout, Borao indicated that early 2027 is the targeted timeframe for the two heavyweight contenders to collide.
"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 stated.
Borao further revealed that discussions have already commenced with key promotional figures to bring the high-stakes heavyweight contest to fruition. He confirmed direct communication with George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, with further discussions scheduled to continue as the parties work toward finalizing terms.
"I have already communicated with George Warren [of Queensberry promotions] and will likely speak again this week," Borao said. "Frank has speed and power, but also brings experience and stamina, so he is anxious to fight Hrgovic."
The upcoming bout carries immense historical significance for Sanchez and his team. Trained by renowned coach Eddie Reynoso, Sanchez is aiming to make history by becoming the first Cuban fighter to capture a recognized world heavyweight championship. The combination of Sanchez’s technical skills, endurance, and elite training camp led by Reynoso has generated immense confidence within his team ahead of the proposed clash.
"[Sanchez’s trainer] Eddie Reynoso loves the match and so do I," Borao added. "Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion."
The prospect of staging the IBF heavyweight title defense in Zagreb has generated considerable excitement in Croatia. Staging a world heavyweight title fight would represent a landmark event for the region, and local authorities are eager to facilitate the contest.
Arena Zagreb has emerged as the premier candidate venue to host the championship event. The multi-purpose indoor arena, located in the Croatian capital, regularly hosts major sporting and cultural events and stands ready to welcome Hrgovic’s return to home soil as a world champion.
Sretan Saric, the managing director of Arena Zagreb, publicly expressed strong enthusiasm for bringing the world title clash to the venue.
"Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb," Saric confirmed, signaling strong local support for hosting Hrgovic’s mandatory defense.
Dubois Targets Undisputed Status as Heavyweight Contenders Circle
While Hrgovic turns his attention to his mandatory commitment against Sanchez, Daniel Dubois remains firmly focused on his overarching objective: achieving undisputed status by conquering every world championship title in the heavyweight division.
Dubois, who holds a previous victory over Hrgovic, has made it clear that he is open to facing the Croatian once again in the future if it serves his primary goal of collecting all the major world title belts.
Reflecting on his future in the division and his ultimate boxing ambitions, Dubois reaffirmed that his entire focus centers on belt collection and undisputed glory.
"To win all the belts. That’s the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts," Dubois stated. "It would mean everything to have all those belts. No one can take that away from me. That’s what I’m after now."
Addressing the potential opponents remaining on his radar, Dubois acknowledged Hrgovic following their ringside encounter at The O2 Arena, while also highlighting other major players in the division, including World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel and former champion Tyson Fury.
"Any one of them, Hrgovic, he was there on Saturday, maybe him or [WBC champion Agit] Kabayel," Dubois 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."
In addition to considering unification matches against Kabayel or a future re-encounter with Hrgovic, Dubois has also voiced his desire for a blockbuster, all-British showdown against Tyson Fury next year. Dubois described a potential collision with Fury as a "ground-breaking" spectacle for modern heavyweight boxing.
Regardless of who steps up next, Dubois maintains an open-door policy for any opponent holding a major world title or standing between him and total division supremacy.
"Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it," Dubois asserted.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, the immediate future requires patience from fans hoping for instant belt unifications. Hrgovic must first navigate a dangerous mandatory defense against the slick and experienced Frank Sanchez in front of a passionate Croatian crowd in early 2027. Only after the completion of that mandatory obligation will the path clear for Hrgovic and Dubois to potentially meet once more with full division unification on the line.
