The Cuban heavyweight has gained IBF mandatory status in Egypt, but still faces huge obstacles to get a title shot against Usyk.
Frank Sanchez wants a world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk after defeating Richard Torrez Jr. knocked out in two rounds in Egypt on Saturday night, but the heavyweight division may already be moving in a different direction. Despite earning IBF mandatory status, Sanchez now finds himself competing with larger commercial fights surrounding Usyk’s future.
Sanchez earned IBF mandatory status with his destruction of Torrez on the undercard of Usyk’s dramatic stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven. However, Usyk’s future already appears to be full with bigger money options linked to Riyadh season plans.
“Frank sent a strong reminder that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division,” said Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao. Sky Sports.
“An injury temporarily slowed his momentum, but he is now back in top form and ready to make the most of his mandatory status.”
Borao said the priority is to secure a fight with Usyk “as soon as possible,” but his comments suggested Sanchez’s team already knew the obligatory shot might not come next.
“In the meantime, if fights against top heavyweights like (Daniel) Dubois, (Deontay) Wilder, (Anthony) Joshua, (Tyson) Fury, Verhoeven, (Francis) Ngannou or others become available, Frank has no problem staying active against elite competition while he waits for his world title shot,” Borao said.
Usyk is widely expected to fight Agit Kabayel next, with a Verhoeven rematch and a possible trilogy match against Fury also part of the discussion.
“We hope Frank gets the opportunity to box Usyk, but ultimately that decision rests with him,” Borao said.
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Last updated on 05/26/2026 at 12:35 p.m
