Frank Sanchez stepped aside from an immediate shot at the vacant IBF heavyweight title, clearing the path for the August 29 match between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic in London. In exchange, the Cuban contender secured a financial settlement along with an agreement to face the winner in December.
Sanchez earned his top ranking by knocking out Richard Torrez Jr. in the second round on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza. When Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, the IBF initially ordered Sanchez to face Itauma. Sanchez accepted a step-aside agreement instead, allowing Queensberry Promotions to elevate the Itauma-Hrgovic bout to full title status.
“Frank Sanchez could have been next to fight for the IBF title but is making a financially lucrative amount and calculated decision to fight the winner of Itauma vs. Hrgovic for the title this December instead,” Sanchez’s co-manager, Mike Borao, told Mike Coppinger.
While the agreement preserves his path to the belt, heavyweight politics often disrupt mandatory timelines. Injuries, unification opportunities, or new financial agreements can alter plans.
Queensberry controls several leading heavyweights, including WBO champion Daniel Dubois and former WBO champion Fabio Wardley. If Itauma captures the IBF belt against Hrgovic, an in-house unification with Dubois or a domestic fight against Wardley would likely generate greater commercial interest than a mandatory defense against Sanchez.
Sanchez improved his financial position and remains in line for a title shot. That opportunity is targeted for December, though much depends on what happens after Itauma and Hrgovic meet on August 29.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/04 at 12:07 PM
