THE IBF has ordered a final eliminator for the world heavyweight title, pitting Filip Hrgovic against Frank Sanchez in a high-stakes showdown.
According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, negotiations are already in progress for the clash between the IBF’s No. 6 and No. 4 ranked contenders, respectively. The victor will earn the right to challenge for the heavyweight title currently held by Daniel Dubois.
This development comes amid reports that Dubois could face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed title fight at Wembley Stadium this summer. However, the IBF’s mandatory challenger situation adds complexity. Veteran Derek Chisora, 41, was named the mandatory challenger last month following his hard-fought victory over Otto Wallin in February—his 49th professional bout. Chisora had hoped his milestone 50th fight would be a world title challenge, but the IBF’s latest order may delay his opportunity.
Seeking clarity, Boxing News reporter Oscar Pick reached out to the IBF, which provided the following statement: “The eliminator was ordered, and they have until 4/29 to negotiate. Both have agreed to participate in negotiations. For now, we are scheduled to order Daniel Dubois and Derek Chisora to begin negotiations for the mandatory defense of the title on 4/22.”
Hrgovic is eager to reclaim his position as a leading contender. After suffering a defeat to Dubois in June 2024, he rebounded with a gritty 10-round victory over British contender Joe Joyce earlier this month in Manchester. Sanchez, on the other hand, is looking to rebuild momentum after a setback. The Cuban suffered his first professional loss 11 months ago, a knockout defeat to rising star Agit Kabayel. Following knee surgery, Sanchez returned in February with a commanding third-round TKO over Mexican journeyman Ramon Olivas Echeverria.
The potential Dubois-Usyk rematch, two years after Usyk’s ninth-round knockout victory in Poland, adds further intrigue. Should that fight materialise, Chisora faces a critical decision: wait for the winner to secure his second world title shot—his first being a lopsided unanimous decision loss to Vitali Klitschko in Munich in 2012—or stay active with an interim bout to remain active. For Chisora, a fan favourite known for his relentlessness, the path to a world title may take a little longer.
