Frank Sanchez remains in limbo as the IBF continues its search for a willing opponent in a final eliminator to determine the heavyweight mandatory challenger. The Cuban contender was left without a dance partner after Moses Itauma’s team withdrew from consideration for the bout.
Sanchez, currently rated No. 4 by the IBF, is now waiting to see if sixth-ranked Richard Torrez Jr. will step forward. Torrez’s team, led by Top Rank and Bob Arum, has been contacted and given three days to decide whether to enter negotiations. England’s Derek Chisora, ranked above Sanchez, is already tied up with a planned farewell fight in December, while former target Efe Ajagba opted out of a proposed rematch due to dissatisfaction with purse terms.
For Sanchez, it has been a frustrating stretch. He has fought just once since suffering a technical knockout defeat to Agit Kabayel in May 2024 while is most recent outing was a routine knockout in Tijuana earlier this year.
Watch Sanchez vs. Kabayel highlights: Watch
So, the stakes remain high. The IBF is under pressure to secure a mandatory challenger for undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, that title shot will not come immediately, as Usyk is expected to be ordered by the WBO to face the winner of the October 25 Joseph Parker-Fabio Wardley clash. Until then, Sanchez and his team must wait to see if Torrez accepts the fight.
Image Credit: Sky Sports