Filip Hrgovic in talks to fight Frank Sanchez in Croatia in early 2027

IBF heavyweight titleholder Filip Hrgovic is set to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in Croatia, with promoter Frank Warren confirming negotiations are underway. The bout follows Hrgovic's comeback stoppage victory over Moses Itauma in August, while Sanchez confirmed he is exercising his mandatory status after stepping aside for that initial contest.

Warren stated that Hrgovic's reward for his recent victory will be staging the title defense in his home country. Sanchez, who earned his position following a second-round knockout of Richard Torrez Jnr in May, indicated the matchup could take place between December and early 2027.