Frank Sanchez claims Filip Hrgovic fight could happen in December after "exercising mandatory" world title shot

Frank Sanchez is refusing to wait any longer for his mandatory shot at IBF heavyweight world champion Filip Hrgovic, with the Cuban revealing talks are underway for a blockbuster showdown this year.

The hard-hitting 34-year-old stepped aside to allow Hrgovic the opportunity to square-off with Moses Itauma earlier this year, a fight he, of course, went on to defy the odds in and win.

There has been subsequent speculation that Sanchez had been offered another significant payday by Hrgovic to allow him to undertake discussions with Daniel Dubois with regards to a potential unification bout early in the new year.

However, Sanchez is refusing to remain on the sidelines, even if it means thwarting his likely next opponent's hopes of featuring in a higher-profile and more lucrative affair.

"The news is that I am exercising my mandatory, I've waited long enough now" he informed Boxing News recently.

The fight will happen as soon as Hrgovic is ready!

- Frank Sanchez (Boxing News)

"I understand it may be December or January. I look forward to beating Hrgovic, to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion.

"For this, I am very motivated. I’m faster and stronger than Hrgovic. When I’m healthy, no heavyweight can beat me."

Sanchez has established himself as one of the most feared heavyweights on the planet over the past couple of years, with his sole professional defeat coming at the hands of the ferocious, and unbeaten, German Agit Kabayel.

An emphatic victory over Richard Torrez Jr in his second fight back following that loss propelled him into mandatory position with the IBF -- seemingly for a crack at former undisputed ruler Oleksandr Usyk.

The Ukrainian instead opted to relinquish hold of all of his belts though, including the IBF strap that Hrgovic is now in possession of, thus denying Sanchez the opportunity of facing him.