Filip Hrgovic is now the reigning IBF heavyweight world champion following his shock win against Moses Itauma in August. Now, ‘El Animal’ is set for a first defence and it looks that it’s going to take place in his homeland of Croatia.

Hrgovic halted Itauma in round nine despite being well behind on the scorecards, in one of the most dramatic moments of 2026 so far. He has since expressed interest in a rematch with the youngster as well as a potential title unification with WBC world champion, Agit Kabayel.

However, it was agreed that the winner would face number one contender Frank Sanchez next as part of a step aside deal, and the Cuban revealed to Boxing News that he expects the fight to happen in either December or January.

“The news is that I am exercising my mandatory. The fight will happen as soon as Hrgovic is ready. I understand it may be December or January. 

“I look forward to beating Hrgovic. I will win that fight and become the first Cuban Heavyweight Champion.  

“For this, I am very motivated. I’m faster and stronger than Hrgovic. When I’m healthy, no heavyweight can beat me.”

Now, speaking with Playbook Boxing, Hrgovic’s promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Sanchez is indeed the targeted opponent for a planned first defence in Croatia, despite Hrgovic attempting to play down the agreement.

“You have got to take your hat off to Filip [for beating Itauma], he is no slouch. He took some stick and he was game. It reminded me a lot of some of Joe Joyce’s fights where Joe took some stick and then bam.

“His reward is that we are going to put him on in Croatia. He wants to fight in Croatia.

“We paid him [Frank Sanchez] to step aside for the [Itauma] fight so yeah [he will be the opponent]. So, we will do that in Croatia, I hope, we are just working on that and it’s another big heavyweight world title fight.”

It remains to be seen whether the card will land in Hrgovic’s hometown of Zagreb, as the roofed 11,000-seater Kranjčevićeva Stadium will not be ready for events until March.