Filip Hrgovic’s IBF heavyweight defense against Frank Sanchez is due by March 1, 2027, leaving him limited time to arrange a voluntary fight against Rico Verhoeven if he chooses that direction.
The absence of a formal order gives Hrgovic some room to plan, but it does not remove the deadline. Any intervening defense would need to leave enough time for recovery and a full training camp for Sanchez.
“The bout should take place by March 1, 2027,” the IBF told Darshan Desai of EverythingBoxing. “Typically, notification is sent 60 days before the due date.”
Desai reported that Hrgovic has not yet been ordered to face Sanchez, identifying December 31 as the expected notification date. That separates a mandatory defense coming due from an order already being issued.
Sanchez’s reported refusal to accept another step-aside payment would further restrict Hrgovic’s options. Having already accepted money to allow Hrgovic to challenge Moses Itauma in August, Sanchez would have little incentive to wait through another voluntary defense. If his camp maintains that position, Hrgovic cannot count on another payment buying him more time.
Verhoeven would also need approval as an IBF title challenger. His kickboxing accomplishments do not automatically establish his eligibility for a heavyweight championship fight, meaning an agreement between the fighters would only resolve part of the process.
The other consideration is preparation. Sanchez’s movement and counterpunching would demand a different approach from Hrgovic, who needs opportunities to set his feet and deliver heavy combinations. Against an opponent who makes him miss and reset, cutting off the ring becomes essential.
A late voluntary defense could reduce the time available to work on that approach. Even a victory over Verhoeven could create scheduling difficulties if Hrgovic suffered a cut or another injury.
If Hrgovic wants Verhoeven first, he needs to move quickly. The March deadline leaves room for planning now, but much less room for delays once another fight is added.