Filip Hrgovic halted the rise of Moses Itauma last month and became world heavyweight champion. Now, he is expected to deliver on a pre-arranged first defence.
Hrgovic and Itauma were permitted to fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title because Cuba’s Frank Sanchez, the number one contender following a win over Richard Torrez, agreed to a step-aside deal, allowing his rivals to take his place in the bout but being guaranteed a shot at the victor.
While Itauma has expressed interest in a rematch and boxing powerbroker Turki Al-Alshikh has placed a showdown between Hrgovic and Rico Verhoeven on his wish-list, Sanchez would need to agree to yet another step-aside fee in order for his position as mandatory challenger to be negated.
Speaking to Boxing News, however, ‘The Cuban Flash’ showed little interest in such an offer and instead revealed that he expects to take on Hrgovic 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.”
‘El Animal’ had been eyeing up a homecoming for his first title defence, with the soon-to-be upgraded 11,000-seated Kranjčevićeva Stadium in his hometown of Zagreb looking like the ideal location.
Although, the renovation of the stadia is not set to be complete until February, meaning that either Sanchez will be made to wait for his world title shot or the heavyweight duo will need to look elsewhere for a suitable venue for a December or January affair.
Hrgovic has also expressed interest in unification bouts against Agit Kabayel or Daniel Dubois, presuming they both win their upcoming fights, but is unlikely to secure one before the Sanchez fight is enforced.
