Filip Hrgović claims IBF heavyweight title, faces mandatory defense

Following his victory over Moses Itauma at the O2 Arena, Filip Hrgović has claimed the vacant IBF heavyweight title. While the champion expressed a desire for immediate title unification matches against fighters such as Daniel Dubois or Agit Kabayel, the IBF is prioritizing a mandatory defense against Frank Sanchez.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that an agreement was reached with Sanchez’s team to allow the Hrgović-Itauma bout to proceed for the vacant belt. Sanchez reportedly received a payment to step aside, with the condition that he will face the winner of the match. This mandatory defense is tentatively planned for late November or December.

Frank Sanchez, known as ‘Cuban Flash’, holds a professional record of 26 wins and one loss. Despite his high ranking, he has yet to hold a world title. Hrgović remains focused on consolidating his position in the heavyweight division while navigating the mandatory obligations set by the sanctioning body.