Dubois unification waits
Filip Hrgovic’s unification fight with Daniel Dubois is on hold. The IBF heavyweight champion is expected to make a mandatory defence against Frank Sanchez first, and Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao says the date is the first quarter of 2027.
Hrgovic won the IBF belt in August with an upset stoppage of Moses Itauma. He was ringside at The O2 when Dubois defended his WBO title, and the two faced off in the ring afterwards. Dubois has already beaten Hrgovic once, which gives the rematch extra weight whenever it is made.
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Zagreb in the frame
The venue is not confirmed, but Arena Zagreb is the likely host. Its managing director, Sretan Saric, backs the idea: “Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb.” For Hrgovic it would be a homecoming night in front of a Croatian crowd.
Borao has been bullish about his man. “Frank Sanchez versus Filip Hrgovic to take place in the first quarter of 2027,” he said, adding that “Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.”
Dubois is happy to wait
Dubois has not ruled anything out. “Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it,” he said. That keeps the door open for a unification, but only once Hrgovic clears the mandatory obligation.
Nothing is signed. Until paperwork lands, Zagreb and the first quarter of 2027 remain targets, not a booked card.
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