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.