Filip Hrgovic set for Croatia title defence against Frank Sanchez, says Warren

Filip Hrgovic is being lined up to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Frank Sanchez in Croatia, according to promoter Frank Warren.

Warren says work is underway on a homecoming for the champion, who stopped Moses Itauma in August to win the vacant belt.

A date and venue have yet to be formally announced.

“His reward is that we are going to put him on in Croatia. He wants to fight in Croatia,” Warren told Playbook Boxing, as reported by Boxing News.

Why Frank Sanchez is next for Filip Hrgovic

Sanchez accepted a step-aside payment to allow Hrgovic and Itauma to contest the title.

Warren identified the Cuban as the intended challenger, while Sanchez has told Boxing News he wants to exercise his mandatory opportunity.

Sanchez suggested December or January as possible timings. The precise schedule remains unresolved.

The proposed defence would follow Hrgovic’s ninth-round stoppage of Itauma at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August.

The Croatian had been behind before turning the fight around, handing the British heavyweight his first professional defeat.

Croatia homecoming discussed with prime minister

The possibility of staging a fight in Croatia also featured in Hrgovic’s meeting with prime minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday.

Croatian broadcaster HRT reported that they discussed holding a bout in the country next year.

That meeting adds to the public discussion around a homecoming, but does not confirm an event or government funding.

For now, Sanchez is the opponent Warren is working towards, with the location and date still to be finalised.