IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) is targeting his first world title defense against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez (26-1, 19 KOs) in early 2027, along with a potential homecoming fight in Zagreb, Croatia.
The 34-year-old became Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion in August, previously stopping unbeaten British prospect Moses Itauma in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF title.
Attention has now turned to Hrgovic’s first defense, with Sanchez emerging as the leading candidate following his second-round stoppage victory over Richard Torrez Jr. in May. Borao has also held extensive discussions with Queensberry Promotions’ George Warren regarding the potential fight. The Cuban’s only professional defeat came against Agit Kabayel in 2024.
Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao confirmed that discussions were underway regarding a potential championship fight in Croatia.
“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 said.
Hrgovic has acknowledged the possibility of facing Sanchez but suggested that a unification fight remains another option.
“Sanchez is a good fighter, big puncher. [He’s] my mandatory challenger, so maybe that fight is possible to be in Croatia next,” Hrgovic said.
“Maybe that fight is next, or maybe a unification – we still don’t know. But [Sanchez is] a good puncher.”
Hrgovic has expressed interest in unification bouts against WBO champion Daniel Dubois or WBA titleholder Agit Kabayel, but his mandatory obligations could determine his next opponent.
No official date or venue has been announced, but Hrgovic’s team is working toward a title defense in the first quarter of 2027.