Filip Hrgovic's hopes of a world title unification fight with Daniel Dubois are on hold as plans are being explored for a homecoming fight in early 2027.
Hrgovic won the IBF heavyweight world championship when he scored an upset stoppage win over Moses Itauma in August.
He was ringside on Saturday at The O2 arena to watch Daniel Dubois defend his WBO heavyweight championship and even faced off with the Londoner.
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But rather than an immediate unification with Dubois, Hrgovic looks set to make a mandatory IBF title defence against Frank Sanchez in Croatia.
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Sanchez's manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports: "I expect Frank Sanchez versus Filip Hrgovic to take place in the first quarter of 2027, perhaps in Zagreb, but too early to know for sure."
He continued: "I have already communicated with George Warren [of Queensberry promotions] and will likely speak again this week. Frank has speed and power, but also brings experience and stamina, so he is anxious to fight Hrgovic.
"[Sanchez's trainer] Eddie Reynoso loves the match and so do I. Sanchez will become the first Cuban heavyweight champion."
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Zagreb is a potential location for the Hrgovic-Sanchez fight and the local arena has welcomed the possibility.
Sretan Saric, the manager director of Arena Zagreb, told Sky Sports: "Of course I support the opportunity to hold the fight at Arena Zagreb."
Dubois will fight 'anyone who wants it'
Dubois has previously beaten Hrgovic but will be open to boxing the Croatian once again.
"To win all the belts. That's the main thing now for me, collecting all the other belts," he previously told Sky Sports.
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"It would mean everything to have all those belts. No one can take that away from me. That's what I'm after now.
"Any one of them, Hrgovic, he was there on Saturday, maybe him or [WBC champion Agit] Kabayel," he said. "Hrgovic was tough as well, Kabayel, we'll see, we'll see what he's about. He ain't been in with a guy like me but he's a good fighter.
"Just anyone with a damn belt… Anyone who wants it."