“I’m ready. I’m ready for Usyk. Usyk, I’m ready for you whenever you want,” Sanchez told DAZN Boxing after the fight.
The Cuban heavyweight later explained that the knockout came directly from the work he drilled in camp with trainer Eddy Reynoso.
“We worked a lot in the gym with my trainer and my team on that shot. We knew we could land it because he was coming in from underneath with his head down,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez also made it clear that he believes he belongs among the best heavyweights in the division despite spending long periods out of the spotlight.
“The only danger was the pressure he brings, but I’ve worked on it a lot in the gym. Other than that, I have everything over him. I’m a better boxer, and I have better technique, not only than him, but everyone in the heavyweight division right now,” said Sanchez.
The timing of the call-out was interesting because Usyk had previously gone through difficult moments against Rico Verhoeven, a kickboxing star fighting only his second professional boxing match. Usyk still maintained control late and closed out the show, but the performance gave other contenders reasons to believe that opportunities may exist against the 39-year-old champion.
Sanchez now joins Daniel Dubois, Agit Kabayel and Tyson Fury as heavyweights openly fighting Usyk. Getting the fight can be more difficult than earning the position.
Fury still offers Usyk the biggest fight financially available. Dubois is looking for revenge after his stoppage loss, and Anthony Joshua remains linked with a massive all-British event if both continue to win. Sanchez brings danger and technical ability, but he does not carry the commercial profile of Fury, Dubois or Joshua.
That could keep Sanchez waiting, even after earning his place near the top of the IBF line.
