Frank Sanchez wants to challenge Oleksandr Usyk 'as soon as possible' after earning world title fight with KO win

Frank Sanchez is hoping to challenge for Oleksandr Usyk's IBF world heavyweight title 'as soon as possible', says manager Mike Borao.

The Cuban knocked out Richard Torrez Jr in explosive style on the undercard of Usyk's fight against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt in an eliminator fight that secured Sanchez's status as the mandatory challenger for Usyk's IBF belt.

Sanchez's sole defeat came against Agit Kabayel - the WBC mandatory challenger for a belt also held by Usyk - in 2024 while he was hampered by a knee injury, but Borao believes his fighter has reaffirmed his status as a top contender.

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"Frank sent a strong reminder that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division," 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.

"I'm currently reviewing options [for Sanchez's next fight] 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."

Despite his mandatory status, Borao remains open to the idea of Sanchez fighting another heavyweight rival as Usyk considers his next career move, which could be a Verhoeven rematch or a WBC title defence against Kabayel.

He added: "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 waiting for his world title shot."

Usyk had to deliver a dramatic 11th round stoppage of Verhoeven to preserve his status as the no 1 fighter in the top division.

Sanchez, with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's trainer in his corner, could provide another stern challenge for the 39-year-old Ukrainian.

"Usyk is a generational talent who has beaten the very best," said Borao. "He may have taken his last opponent lightly.

"That said, Frank is still improving under Eddy Reynoso, while Usyk has likely peaked.

"We hope Frank gets the opportunity to box Usyk, but ultimately that decision rests with him."

Watch Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki on the Zuffa Boxing show in Bournemouth in June 6, live on Sky Sports.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Frank Sanchez wants to challenge Oleksandr Usyk 'as soon as possible' after earning world title fight with KO win