The IBF has green‑lit negotiations for Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic to meet in a “final” eliminator - despite already having 41‑year‑old Dereck Chisora installed as the mandatory challenger to champion Daniel Dubois. The winner of Sanchez‑Hrgovic would leapfrog Chisora in the queue, meaning two separate “must‑fight” obligations could now sit in front of Dubois, whose own priority is a potential undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk. 
From the sanctioning body’s perspective, the move is hedging: if Chisora retires after his hoped‑for farewell payday, a fresh mandatory is ready. For everyone else it’s a logjam. Even if Dubois beats Chisora by this summer, IBF rules dictate a nine‑month window before the next defense, pushing the Sanchez‑Hrgovic victor’s shot into 2026 at the earliest. And if Dubois secures the WBO’s blessing to chase Usyk first, the IBF belt could splinter off altogether, leaving both mandatories holding nothing but a promise. 
Watch Joyce vs. Hrgovic highlights: Watch
Hrgovic arrives on the back of a gritty 98‑92, 97‑93, 96‑95 decision over Joe Joyce on April 5 in Manchester, a result that stopped a two‑fight skid and revived the Croatian’s career after last year’s stoppage defeat to Dubois. The bout was accepted on just three weeks’ notice, and while Hrgovic’s face bore the receipts, the win slid him from also‑ran to back in the title picture overnight. 
Cuba’s Sanchez has rebuilt more quietly. Nine months removed from a punishing body‑shot knockout by Agit Kabayel on the Fury‑Usyk undercard, “The Cuban Flash” returned in February with a confidence‑restoring third‑round stoppage of journeyman Ramon Olivas Echeverria in Tijuana.
This IBF’s double‑booking feels like more bureaucracy than meritocracy. Chisora may get his sunset shot, but Sanchez and Hrgovic could wait 18 months, or find themselves fighting for a vacant title if Dubois vacates.
Image Credit: Sky Sports