Sanchez, the IBF’s mandatory challenger, agreed to a handsome step-aside fee in June and greenlit the fight to be contested for the vacant title after the sanctioning body ordered a bout between Sanchez and Itauma weeks after Itauma-Hrgovic was already announced.

Sanchez is now guaranteed to next face Hrgovic in a battle between 34-year-old veterans.

Itauma was a 9-1 favorite to beat Hrgovic and proved why over the first eight rounds. The 21-year-old phenom sliced, diced and even dropped his rival before running out of gas in the ninth to get stopped in his tracks at O2 Arena in London.

Sanchez (26-1, 19 KOs), The Ring’s No. 7 contender for Oleksandr Usyk’s title, can now move on to what appears to be a more winnable fight against Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) than Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs).

“I wasn’t surprised or shocked that Itauma crashed the way he did after dominating the entire fight,” Sanchez told The Ring through an interpreter. “My team and I were worried that he would lose to Hrgovic, and that concern proved true. Thirty rounds was too little experience to fight someone like Hrgovic or me. I don’t know what his team was thinking [to have him step up like that so soon], but Itauma’s time will come. He is a good fighter.

“You can see as early as the second round that Moses was working too hard and looking for the knockout. Hrgovic waited for the right moment, and it came in round nine. Congratulations to Filip Hrgovic and I will see him soon.”

Hrgovic, however, has other ideas. During his post-fight speech, the Croatian sensation stiff-armed Sanchez when the “The Cuban Flash” was brought up as his first title defense.

“Come on, man. What Frank Sanchez? I want a unification,” Hrgovic said. “I want unification fights against Daniel Dubois or Agit Kabayel. Frank Sanchez will wait. He’ll get another step-aside [fee]. He’ll make money without fighting, and everyone will be happy.”

Sanchez isn't worried that Hrgovic is using his newfound position as an owner of a heavyweight title as leverage to land a more desired fight.

“It doesn’t matter what Hrgovic said,” Sanchez said. “We have a resolution from the IBF that Hrgovic must fight me next, with no other bouts, including unification matches.”

Sanchez then went on to preview how his fight against Hrgovic would unfold.

“Hrgovic has a very good chin and great experience,” Sanchez said. “He is an Olympian and a champion for a reason, and he showed why he is one of the best in the world against Itauma. But styles make fights, and I think my style works well against Hrgovic. It will not be easy, but I think my speed, experience and athleticism will give me the edge against him.”

Hrgovic also mentioned he’d prefer to defend his title at home in Croatia. Sanchez is split on the idea.

“I will fight Hrgovic for my opportunity, anywhere,” Sanchez said. “Of course, I would prefer Las Vegas, New York or Miami, but I will fight him anywhere. I fought in Riyadh three times, and I fought around the world as an amateur, and I am ready to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion in history.”

Sanchez’s co-manager, Mike Borao, told The Ring that they are operating on a timeline of December or January to stage the fight between Hrgovic and Sanchez. The bout is also an incredibly unique one for Borao because he’ll be going up against his confidante, Keith Connolly, who handles Hrgovic.

“Keith Connolly is not only my partner who co-manages WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, but he’s a great friend of mine as well,” Borao said. “I don’t like going against Keith, but our guys fighting for the heavyweight championship is the only time I’ll be rooting against one of his guys to win.”

Sanchez, who starched Richard Torrez Jr. in the second round May 23 in Giza, Egypt, is ready to rise to the occasion against Hrgovic.

“I want my opportunity to challenge for the world title, and nothing will stop me from that,” Sanchez said. “My coach, Eddy Reynoso, has me in a good place fundamentally. I felt great in my last fight, and I am ready to become a world champion.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.