Filip Hrgovic targeted to defend world title against former Oleksandr Usyk foe

Filip Hrgovic could be on the verge of securing a major opportunity after claiming his IBF title with a stunning ninth-round finish over Moses Itauma.

The pair squared off last month, with many expecting Itauma to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick in 1986.

It then appeared as though such predictions would be proved accurate, as the 21-year-old scored a second-round knockdown and generally outclassed his opponent with speed and movement.

That was until Itauma completely emptied his gas tank and Hrgovic, in response, managed to gather enough energy to stop the prodigy on his feet.

As a result, the Croatian has placed himself in the shop window for unification matches and lucrative paydays, but must first defend his belt against IBF mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez.

Should he emerge triumphant, Hrgovic may then explore a potential clash with Rico Verhoeven, who has been named by Turki Alalshikh as a worthy challenger.

The former kickboxing champion entered his second professional boxing match in May and, despite suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat, he was widely credited with giving Oleksandr Usyk one of his toughest assignments.

Since then, Verhoeven has been placed at No.8 by the WBC while, at this stage, the remaining three sanctioning bodies are yet to rank him.

According to reporter Mike Coppinger, though, Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh has named Hrgovic-Verhoeven as one of seven fights he is eager to make.

Big-time fights @Turki_alalshikh tells me are on his wishlist to make:

Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua

Jai Opetaia-David Benavidez

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Shakur Stevenson-Devin Haney

Naoya Inoue-Bam Rodriguez

Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez rematch

Filip Hrgovic-Rico Verhoeven

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Crawford-Ryan Garcia pic.twitter.com/4dJhvFfUAW

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) September 13, 2026

The remainder of the boxing world, meanwhile, would perhaps rather see Hrgovic face one of his fellow champions, whether it be Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev or the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2.