---
title: "Filip Hrgovic Plans First IBF Title Defense in Croatia Against Frank Sanchez"
description: "IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic is negotiating his first title defense against Frank Sanchez, planned for Croatia in early 2027."
date: 2026-10-23T12:16:27.303Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/hrgovich-plans-first-ibf-title-defense-croatia
tags: [boxing, filip-hrgovic, frank-sanchez, ibf, heavyweight, croatia, frank-warren]
author: "Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Filip Hrgovic Plans First IBF Title Defense in Croatia Against Frank Sanchez

![Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic celebrates victory in the boxing ring with raised hand](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/23/hrgovich-gotovit-pervuyu-zashchitu-ibf-v-khorvatii/hrgovich-gotovit-pervuyu-zashchitu-ibf-v-khorvatii-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Filip Hrgovic is preparing for his first IBF heavyweight title defense
- Mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez of Cuba is set to be his opponent
- The fight is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 in Croatia
- Promoter Frank Warren confirmed active discussions are underway

IBF heavyweight world champion Filip Hrgovic is in the final stages of negotiations for his first title defense. The Croatian boxer's opponent is expected to be mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez from Cuba, with the bout planned for the first quarter of 2027 in the champion's homeland.

### Negotiations and Match Details

According to Ring Magazine insider Mike Coppinger, holding the fight in Croatia was a personal request from Filip Hrgovic himself. His promoter Frank Warren confirmed the active negotiation process, emphasizing the team's commitment to making the boxer's dream of performing in front of his home crowd a reality. The bout against Cuban Frank Sanchez is a mandatory defense, and the parties expect to officially announce the details soon.

### The Road to the Championship Clash

Filip Hrgovic captured the vacant IBF belt in August with a victory over British prospect Moses Itauma. The Croatian athlete now holds 22 wins with one loss and 16 knockouts. His future opponent Frank Sanchez earned mandatory challenger status in May by brutally knocking out American Olympic medalist Richard Torres Jr. in the second round, handing him his first career defeat.

### Significance of the Event for World Boxing

Hosting a major boxing event featuring the IBF champion in Croatia will be a historic milestone for local sports and strengthen the country's position on the international heavyweight stage. Fans will witness a spectacular clash between two powerful punchers, each boasting a solid record and high ambitions in the elite tier of global boxing.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Хргович готовит первую защиту титула IBF в Хорватии: кто станет соперником](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/hrgovich-gotue-pershiy-zahist-titulu-ibf-1792757630.html) - The primary source confirms all negotiation details, fight status, and participants.
- [Хргович хочет переступить защиту титула IBF и устроить бой по своему вкусу](https://korrespondent.net/sport/boks/4917057-khrhovych-khochet-perestupyt-zaschytu-tytula-IBF-y-ustroyt-boi-po-svoemu-vkusu) - Подтверждено по источнику korrespondent.net

## FAQ

### Who is Filip Hrgovic's opponent for his first title defense?

Cuban boxer Frank Sanchez is the mandatory challenger set to face Hrgovic.

### When and where is the fight planned to take place?

The bout is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 in the champion's homeland of Croatia.

### How did Hrgovic win the IBF championship belt?

Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF belt in August following a victory over British prospect Moses Itauma.