Frank Sanchez Targets Oleksandr Usyk After Richard Torrez Jr. Knockout

Sanchez earned IBF mandatory status in Egypt, but Usyk’s growing heavyweight obligations could delay the title shot

Frank Sanchez says Oleksandr Usyk is now the clear target after destroying Richard Torrez Jr. in their IBF heavyweight eliminator last Saturday night in Egypt. The knockout victory pushed Sanchez back into the title picture, though Usyk’s crowded mandatory situation could complicate the path to a championship fight.

The Cuban contender crushed Torrez in an IBF eliminator, earning mandatory challenger status and reviving momentum that had cooled following his 2023 loss to Agit Kabayel. Sanchez (26-1, 19 KOs) looked sharp, relaxed, and dangerous from the opening bell, reminding fans why he had once been viewed as one of the division’s most avoided heavyweights.

“Frank sent a strong reminder that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division,” Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports.

“An injury temporarily slowed his momentum, but he’s now back in top form and ready to make the best of his mandatory status.”

Sanchez may now hold the IBF mandatory position, but there are still major questions about where he fits in the line behind unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Agit Kabayel remains the WBC interim champion and is widely viewed as first in line, while Rico Verhoeven unexpectedly forced himself into the discussion after pushing Usyk to the brink in their controversial fight in Egypt.

Borao says Sanchez is willing to stay active while waiting for the title situation to clear up.

“I’m currently reviewing options with my partner, Lupe Valencia. As the mandatory challenger, our primary goal is to fight Usyk as soon as possible, but we’ll see how that develops over the next few weeks.”

“In the meantime, if fights against top heavyweights like Dubois, Wilder, Joshua, Fury, Verhoeven, Ngannou or others become available, Frank has no problem staying active against elite competition while waiting for his world title shot.”

Usyk’s next move will determine much of the division’s direction. The 39-year-old champion still holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, but mandatory obligations are piling up quickly. A Kabayel fight appears likely, though there is also pressure for a Verhoeven rematch following the disputed stoppage in Giza.

Another possibility is retirement.

“We hope Frank gets the opportunity to box Usyk,” Borao said. “But ultimately that decision rests with him.”

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