Hearn: Frank Sanchez a Tougher Test for Itauma Than Hrgovic

Promoter Eddie Hearn says Frank Sanchez, not Filip Hrgovic, is the heavyweight who will actually give Moses Itauma problems, and under the IBF's own rules he may not have to wait long to find out.

Itauma faces Hrgovic on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Sanchez, the IBF's No. 1 contender, agreed to step aside for that fight but is guaranteed a shot at the winner within six months, without an intervening bout unless the IBF grants an exception. That means if Itauma gets past Hrgovic, Sanchez is next on the ledger whether Queensberry wants that fight or not.

"I'll tell you a fight that's actually more difficult for Moses that he'll have to fight: Frank Sanchez," Hearn told DAZN Boxing. "The way it's going to work is the Hrgovic fight comes for the IBF title. Sanchez steps aside but has to fight the winner."

Why Hearn Thinks Sanchez Is the Bigger Problem

Hearn's case rests on style, not the win-loss column. He argues Hrgovic's upright, stand-and-trade approach is actually the more favorable matchup for Itauma because it gives the 21-year-old a stationary target to time and load up on. Sanchez, by contrast, changes angles, sits back to counter, and has a track record of making opponents pay for overcommitting.

Sanchez backed that reputation up on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, where he stopped 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in the second round, catching him coming forward and finishing the fight before it had a chance to develop. That kind of timing and one-punch power is exactly what Hearn and analyst Tony Bellew are pointing to when they call Sanchez a live threat, even as they repeatedly describe the Cuban as "old." Officially, Sanchez and Hrgovic are both listed at 34, which makes the age framing a little odd unless Hearn and Bellew are quietly skeptical of the number on Sanchez's passport.

What a Sanchez Fight Would Actually Test

Itauma has yet to face anyone who can take a punch, move off the center line, and make him think for 12 rounds. Every heavyweight Queensberry has put in front of him has lacked the foot speed or defensive craft to avoid his combinations, and most have gone out early. Sanchez's game plan would look different: survive the opening rounds, circle away from Itauma's left hand, and wait for him to overextend on a missed rush. That's a pace and pressure test Itauma simply hasn't had yet, and it's the reason Hearn is already talking about Sanchez as the harder assignment even before Hrgovic gets in the ring.

For bettors, that framing matters. Itauma is currently a massive favorite over Hrgovic in the market, and nothing in Sanchez's résumé suggests he'd be treated any differently on paper if that fight materializes. But Hearn's read is a reminder that the number on fight night doesn't always match the stylistic risk underneath it. A durable, awkward counterpuncher who can take a firm step back and make a young finisher chase him is the kind of matchup that keeps sharp bettors from laying big favorite prices blind, even against an opponent given little chance by the oddsmakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Eddie Hearn think Frank Sanchez is harder for Moses Itauma than Filip Hrgovic?

Eddie Hearn argues Frank Sanchez's counterpunching, lateral movement, and power make him a tougher stylistic matchup for Moses Itauma than Filip Hrgovic's more upright, stand-and-trade approach.

Does Frank Sanchez have to fight the winner of Itauma vs Hrgovic?

Yes. Frank Sanchez stepped aside as IBF No. 1 contender for the Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic fight but is due to face the winner within six months under the IBF's rules, barring an exception.

What was Frank Sanchez's most recent win?

Frank Sanchez knocked out 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in the second round on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, improving his record to 26-1 with 19 knockouts.