In the aftermath of their standout performances at the “Day of Reckoning” event last December in Riyadh, heavyweights Frank Sanchez and Agit Kabayel are set to collide in a WBC-ordered bout. This mandate follows their impressive victories on the Saudi Arabian undercard, spotlighting them as prime contenders in the heavyweight division. Sanchez, hailing from Cuba with an undefeated record of 24-0 and 17 KOs, stands as the WBC’s second-ranked contender, while Germany’s Kabayel, also unbeaten at 24-0 with 16 KOs, occupies the fourth rank.
The fight’s significance is amplified by the heavyweight division’s current landscape, with Anthony Joshua positioned as the WBC's top contender but potentially eyeing an IBF title fight against Filip Hrgovic. This scenario, coupled with Joseph Parker’s upcoming challenge against Zhang Zhilei, reshapes the path to Tyson Fury’s WBC title. Should Sanchez and Kabayel reach an agreement, their showdown could emerge as a pivotal match to determine the WBC heavyweight division’s next mandatory challenger, with a potential date set for June 1 at Kingdom Arena.
Sanchez’s seventh-round stoppage of Junior Fa and Kabayel’s dramatic victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, marked by three knockdowns, have set the stage for this high-stakes encounter. As the heavyweight division continues to unfold, the boxing world eagerly anticipates this clash between Sanchez and Kabayel, promising a battle that could redefine the rankings and bring fresh excitement to the quest for the WBC heavyweight crown.
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