Hrgovic on course for title defence in Croatia before Dubois unification

IBF heavyweight world champion Filip Hrgovic looks to be on course for a mandatory title defence against Frank Sanchez next; Hes likely to have a homecoming bout in Croatia next against Sanchez; Hrgovics hopes of an immediate unification with WBO champ Daniel Dubois are on hold

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Filip Hrgovic's hopes of a world title unification fight with Daniel Dubois are on hold as plans are being explored for a homecoming fight in early 2027.

Hrgovic won the IBF heavyweight world championship when he scored an upset stoppage win over Moses Itauma in August.

He was ringside on Saturday at The O2 arena to watch Daniel Dubois defend his WBO heavyweight championship and even faced off with the Londoner.

But rather than an immediate unification with Dubois, Hrgovic looks set to make a mandatory IBF title defence against Frank Sanchez in Croatia.

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Sanchez's manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports: "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."

Source: Sky Sports