Filip Hrgovic vs Frank Sanchez is being lined up for early 2027, with the IBF heavyweight champion reportedly preparing for a mandatory title defence in Croatia before pursuing a potential unification showdown with WBO champion Daniel Dubois.
Hrgovic is expected to make a homecoming appearance after winning the IBF heavyweight world championship with a surprise stoppage victory over Britain’s Moses Itauma in August 2026.
According to Sky Sports, Zagreb is being considered as a possible venue for the proposed contest, which could delay Hrgovic’s hopes of immediately challenging Dubois for another major heavyweight championship.
The proposed matchup would give Sanchez an opportunity to challenge for the IBF title, while Hrgovic would aim to defend his championship and strengthen his position among the division’s leading fighters.
Filip Hrgovic vs Frank Sanchez Expected in Early 2027
Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao, indicated that the fight could take place during the first quarter of 2027, although the exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Borao said: “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.”
He also revealed that discussions had taken place with George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, with further conversations expected as preparations for the potential bout continue.
Borao expressed confidence in Sanchez’s ability to challenge the Croatian champion, highlighting the Cuban boxer’s combination of speed, power, experience and stamina.
“Frank has speed and power, but also brings experience and stamina, so he is anxious to fight Hrgovic,” the manager said.
He added that Sanchez’s trainer, Eddie Reynoso, also supported the proposed matchup.
“[Sanchez’s trainer] Eddie Reynoso loves the match and so do I. Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.”
If the contest proceeds as anticipated, Sanchez will have an opportunity to challenge for the IBF heavyweight championship, while Hrgovic will seek to begin his title reign with a successful defence.
Zagreb Considered for Hrgovic’s Homecoming Fight
Croatia is being considered as the location for Hrgovic’s next appearance, potentially allowing the champion to compete before his home supporters.
Zagreb has emerged as a possible host city, with Arena Zagreb expressing support for the opportunity to stage the heavyweight contest.
Sretan Saric, managing director of Arena Zagreb, told Sky Sports: “Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb.”
However, the venue and date remain subject to confirmation, with the proposed first-quarter 2027 timeframe still under discussion.
A homecoming contest would give Hrgovic an opportunity to celebrate his championship success in Croatia while facing a recognised heavyweight contender.
For Sanchez, the proposed fight could provide a major platform to establish himself as a world champion if he can overcome the reigning IBF titleholder.
Daniel Dubois Unification Fight Put on Hold
The expected mandatory defence means Hrgovic’s potential unification fight with Daniel Dubois is unlikely to happen immediately.
Dubois holds the WBO heavyweight championship and has made clear his ambition to collect the remaining major belts and become the undisputed champion.
The British fighter has previously defeated Hrgovic, making a possible rematch an attractive prospect for heavyweight boxing fans.
Hrgovic was ringside at The O2 Arena on Saturday to watch Dubois defend his WBO title, with the pair also facing off during the event.
Despite the prospect of another encounter, Hrgovic’s immediate priority appears to be his mandatory IBF title defence against Sanchez.
A victory would allow Hrgovic to retain his championship and potentially return to discussions about a future unification showdown with Dubois.
However, the timing of any subsequent contest will depend on the outcome of the proposed defence and the plans of the fighters and their respective promotional teams.
Dubois Targets the Remaining Heavyweight Titles
Dubois has repeatedly emphasised that winning all the major heavyweight championships remains his principal ambition.
Speaking previously to Sky Sports, the WBO champion said: “To win all the belts. That’s the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts.”
He also explained the significance of achieving that goal.
“It would mean everything to have all those belts. No one can take that away from me. That’s what I’m after now.”
Dubois indicated that he would be willing to face several leading contenders as he pursues his ambition, including Hrgovic and WBC champion Agit Kabayel.
“Any one of them, Hrgovic, he was there on Saturday, maybe him or [WBC champion Agit] 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.”
The British heavyweight concluded by emphasising his willingness to fight any opponent holding a championship belt.
“Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it.”
What Filip Hrgovic vs Frank Sanchez Means for Heavyweight Boxing
Filip Hrgovic vs Frank Sanchez could influence the direction of the heavyweight division during the opening months of 2027.
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For Hrgovic, the immediate challenge is to defend his IBF championship against a determined opponent while keeping his ambitions of winning additional titles alive.
For Sanchez, the contest represents a possible opportunity to capture a heavyweight world championship and make history as Cuba’s first heavyweight champion, as predicted by his manager.
Meanwhile, Dubois continues to pursue the remaining titles, with Hrgovic among the potential opponents who could eventually stand in his way.
Although the proposed Croatian bout could delay a unification showdown, it would give Hrgovic an opportunity to defend his championship before pursuing further challenges.
The fight’s date, venue and final arrangements have yet to be confirmed. Boxing fans will therefore have to await further announcements before the next steps in the heavyweight title picture become clear.
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