IBF Orders Final Eliminator: Filip Hrgović vs. Frank Sánchez

Springfield, New Jersey - The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially ordered a final eliminator between top heavyweights Filip Hrgović 18-1 (14 KOs) and Frank Sánchez 24-1 (17 KOs). The winner will become the IBF’s mandatory challenger for the heavyweight title currently held by Daniel Dubois.

The announcement, confirmed by the IBF on April 7, signals the sanctioning body’s continued effort to maintain an orderly rotation of mandatory defences. Both camps — Hrgović's team, led by Queensberry Promotions and Keith Connolly, and Sánchez's team, headed by Mike Borao — accepted the IBF’s invitation to enter negotiations and must now reach a deal or risk a purse bid.

The IBF stands out among boxing’s major organisations for mandating title defences every nine months, significantly more frequently than the WBA, WBO, or WBC. This active scheduling, while a blessing for contenders, often creates a backlog of obligations for champions.

This situation is already playing out in the heavyweight division. While Dubois is in advanced talks to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed crown in July, he is also being pressured to defend his IBF title against Dereck Chisora. Should Dubois face Usyk instead of fulfilling the IBF order, it remains unclear whether the IBF will enforce Chisora’s shot or replace him with the winner of Hrgović-Sánchez.

Failure by either Hrgović or Sánchez to proceed with the eliminator would result in removal from the IBF top 10 and ineligibility for IBF-sanctioned bouts for six months.

At their best, both fighters pose a serious threat. Hrgović, whose lone loss came to Dubois in a bruising affair, is known for his toughness and pressure. Sánchez is more elusive, relying on sharp counters and fast footwork. However, concerns remain over Sánchez’s health after his uninspiring loss to Agit Kabayel. Observers have noted recurring knee issues, which could severely limit his movement.

In his prime, Sánchez would have been a stylistic nightmare for Hrgović, but with compromised mobility, the Croatian's power and aggression could be decisive.

While boxing fans wait for clarity on the Usyk-Dubois rematch and Chisora’s position, this IBF eliminator adds another wrinkle to the heavyweight puzzle. If signed, it will be one of the more meaningful non-title fights in the division this year — assuming both fighters are healthy and ready.

Still, as many insiders will note, this is boxing. Until the contracts are signed and the press conference booked, this remains a strong headline—but not a done deal.