Oleksandr Usyk could welcome a fight against Frank Sanchez who can secure IBF title shot, says manager Mike Borao | Boxing News
Frank Sanchez is one victory away from guaranteeing a world heavyweight title fight.
The Cuban faces Richard Torrez Jnr in an IBF remaining eliminator this Saturday, with the winner changing into obligatory challenger for the IBF belt that’s at the moment held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Sanchez vs Torrez Jr is on the undercard of Usyk’s fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt, and there may be uncertainty about whether or not the 39-year-old Ukrainian will tackle profitable bouts as an alternative of title defenses at this stage of his profession.
But Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao is optimistic that his fighter can secure a shot at Usyk, telling Sky Sports: “Frank is facing a top, undefeated, south relentless paw in Torrez – an opponent that no one is looking past.
“That mentioned, I feel Usyk would welcome a fight with Frank, significantly with a powerful win. After all, Usyk has six wins over Fury, Joshua, and Dubois, and he is beginning to run out of opponents!”
Sanchez’s sole defeat got here against Agit Kabayel in 2024 whereas he was hampered by a knee damage, however he has undergone stringent preparations for the Torrez Jr fight, underneath the tutelage of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s coach.
“I know they’ve done everything possible to prepare.”
“I expect a great performance from Frank this weekend,” mentioned Borao, who additionally represents Teofimo Lopez and the Irish duo of Aaron and Stephen McKenna.
“He has the best coach, Eddy Reynoso, in his corner, and he’s worked extremely hard.
“I do know they’ve executed every thing doable to organize.”
Torrez Jr holds a destructive unbeaten record, which features 12 stoppages in his 14 victories, although he is taking a better step up in class against Sanchez.
Sanchez has been working with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s coach
For Sanchez it’s a career-defining conflict and a possibility to implement his likelihood to make historical past.
“Frank’s focus is on getting past Torrez on May 23,” Borao mentioned.
“Only after that can I think about the future and his goal of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion.”
