Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) is expected to make his first defense of the IBF heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez (26-1, 19 KOs).
Hrgovic claimed the vacant belt on Saturday by stopping Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs) in the ninth round. The fight was originally scheduled as a non-title bout before the IBF sanctioned it for the vacant championship. Hrgovic secured the TKO at 2:27 of Round 9.
Sanchez had previously agreed to step aside to allow Itauma-Hrgovic to take place while retaining his No. 1 ranking. As part of the IBF’s approval, the winner was required to satisfy the mandatory against Sanchez before taking another fight, unless otherwise authorized by the sanctioning body.
“Per the IBF, no intervening bout, including unification bouts, are permitted prior to the satisfaction of Frank Sanchez’s mandatory. That said, Queensberry is going to be our partner on Frank’s next bout, presumably versus Hrgovic, and we will discuss that in the coming days with Frank and George Warren,” Borao said.
Hrgovic has said he would prefer a rematch with WBO champion Daniel Dubois or a fight with WBC titleholder Agit Kabayel, but the IBF mandatory currently takes priority.
An immediate Itauma rematch is therefore off the table unless the IBF grants an exception.