On paper, the winner becomes the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk. In reality, that label carries limited power.
Usyk controls the division. He also controls the clock. He has already shown a willingness to vacate belts rather than accept commitments that do not align with his plans. With retirement looming, he is expected to be selective about his remaining fights. A mandatory defense against a developing contender is unlikely to be a priority. This makes this eliminator less about forcing the champion and more about positioning for what comes after.
For Richard Torrez Jr., that distinction matters. The 26-year-old is 14 and 0 with 12 shutouts. He stopped Tomáš Šálek in one round in November. He remained active. He was gradually moved. This fight would represent a sharp jump in difficulty.
Sanchez is experienced, technical and difficult to match up against. That is why he was widely shunned. Efe Ajagba. Moses Itauma. Filip Hrgović. Daniel Dubois. All were linked to IBF eliminators with Sanchez never materializing, with Dubois even pulling out of a scheduled purse bid that morning. The pattern was consistent. High risk. Low reward.
There is also a business layer. Torrez is promoted by Top Rank, which is navigating a period without a long-term domestic broadcast deal in place. That makes a purse scenario against a low-margin opponent like Sanchez a real financial gamble, not just a sporting one. Agreement on terms matters.
Sanchez did pick up a win and stop a handyman in Tijuana last February, but he has remained largely inactive at the top level. The danger had never been discussed. The incentive has.
The same comparison Torrez now faces. If he wins, an immediate title fight is unlikely. The more realistic outcome awaits. Wait for Usyk to evacuate. Wait for the belt to become available. Wait for the partition to reset.
It does not empty the battle. That defines it.
Torrez is not chasing Usyk. He tries to be there when Usyk is gone.
This is the state of affairs.
