Frank Sánchez and Filip Hrgovic in Negotiations for IBF Heavyweight Final Eliminator
- Matthew Brown
- Apr 16, 2025
- 2 min read
04/16/2025
Frank Sánchez and Filip Hrgovic are currently in negotiations to stage a final eliminator bout that could catapult either man into a world title opportunity. The news was confirmed by Luis De Cubas Sr., Sánchez’s representative, who expressed optimism about how talks are progressing.
“Yes, we are already negotiating this fight and we hope there will be no obstacles in making it happen,” said De Cubas. “We’re really happy about this opportunity that has come up for Frank, as it’s a new path toward a world title shot.”
Both teams have formally notified the IBF of their willingness to face each other, and negotiations began on April 15. If an agreement is reached, the fight is expected to take place in September. If no deal is made within the 30-day window, the sanctioning body will proceed with a purse bid.
The winner of a potential Sánchez-Hrgovic clash would become next in line to challenge for the title currently held by Daniel Dubois. Dubois is reportedly heading into a rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on July 12 for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
Sánchez (25-1, 18 KOs) is seeking redemption after suffering his first professional loss — a seventh-round TKO at the hands of Agit Kabayel last May on the undercard of Fury vs. Usyk I in Riyadh. A knee injury suffered during the bout played a major role in the defeat, according to Sánchez. He later underwent surgery and rehab, returning to action on February 22 in Tijuana with a routine third-round knockout over journeyman Ramón Olivas, in a fight designed to test his knee.
Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs) is coming off a solid decision win over Joe Joyce, stepping in on late notice to replace Dillian Whyte on April 5 in Manchester. He had previously lost to Dubois in June via stoppage on the “5 vs 5” card in Saudi Arabia.
British veteran Derek Chisora, following his upset win over Otto Wallin in February, is currently the IBF’s number-two contender.
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