Filip Hrgovic has indicated that a potential rematch is his top priority, preferring it over a more straightforward title defense against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez.
The Croatian secured the vacant IBF heavyweight title in August with a impressive ninth‑round stoppage of Moses Itauma, finally achieving his long‑standing goal of becoming a world champion.
During that bout, Hrgovic was outboxed for much of the fight and even hit the canvas in the second round, but he capitalized on a tiring Itauma to clinch the victory.
Now, at 34, he has realized his ambition, yet the IBF will likely order him to face Sanchez as his next mandatory challenger.
Under the terms agreed after the Itauma‑Hrgovic fight, the winner must defend the belt against Sanchez, who received step‑aside money with the promise of an immediate title shot.
However, Hrgovic views a unification showdown with former rival Daniel Dubois as far more enticing, as it would give him a chance at revenge and the opportunity to add another major belt to his collection.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, “El Animal” stressed that this is his preferred route, despite having lost to Dubois by eighth‑round stoppage in June 2024.
“That Dubois rematch would be the best fight for me. And to get my revenge – to get [a] unification – that will be the best fight for me. But we’ll see.”
While Hrgovic is clearly intent on avenging that loss to Dubois, he must first defend his IBF title against Sanchez; meanwhile, Dubois, the current WBO champion, is preparing for a rematch with Fabio Wardley scheduled for October 17.
