LONDON — IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic has publicly stated that a rematch with Daniel Dubois is his most desired next fight. The 34-year-old Croatian, who captured the vacant IBF title in August via a ninth-round stoppage of Moses Itauma, is currently weighing his future options despite facing a clear path toward a mandatory title defense.
Hrgovic’s preference for a unification bout against the WBO champion stems from his desire to avenge an eighth-round stoppage loss he suffered against Dubois in June 2024. “That Dubois rematch would be the best fight for me. And to get my revenge – to get [a] unification – that will be the best fight for me. But we’ll see,” Hrgovic told The Stomping Ground.
Despite his stated preference, Hrgovic faces a contractual obligation to defend his IBF belt against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez. The Cuban contender previously accepted step-aside money with the explicit agreement that he would be entitled to an immediate title shot against the winner of the Itauma-Hrgovic contest.
While Hrgovic eyes a potential path to redemption, Dubois is currently focused on his own upcoming schedule. The WBO champion is slated to face Fabio Wardley in a rematch on October 17. Hrgovic must navigate his mandatory commitment to Sanchez before any potential unification scenario with Dubois can materialize.