Mike Borao, manager of undefeated Cuban heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez, says his boxer is inching closer and closer to a world title shot.
Sanchez was in action last month, as part of the undercard to Canelo Alvarez’s big super middleweight title win over Callum Smith in Texas.
In that undercard bout, the 28-year-old blasted Julian Fernandez right out of the ring for a stoppage win.
Sanchez has a solid ranking under the WBO.
His manager believes there is still a strong possibility of the WBO title being vacated by unified champion Anthony Joshua, who may do so to side-step a mandatory fight with Oleksandr Usyk in order to face Tyson Fury.
Sanchez is likely fighting again on a date in February or March.
“Frank is currently WBO no 7, WBC no 12 and WBA no 12,” Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports.
“Frank made three defences of his NABO title and the guys ahead of him (in WBO rankings) haven’t fought in over a year and Pulev just lost. I’ve predicted all along that Fury fights Joshua and, as a result, the WBO title gets vacated sometime in 2021 leaving mandatory challenger Usyk versus someone for the vacated title. I still believe that remains a likely scenario, but of course one never knows.
“If the WBO title is vacated in early 2021 as a result of Fury versus Joshua, Frank will be in a very good position to challenge for the WBO title, and he will no doubt shine.”
Sanchez is training by Eddy Reynoso, who also trains Canleo among other top fighters.
“I think working with Eddy and Canelo is an incredible benefit to Frank, if for no other reason than the environment of champions surrounding him is going to bring out the best in Frank,” said Borao.
“Frank feeds off the energy Eddy and Canelo put out. Eddy, Canelo, Ryan Garcia – it is a breeding ground for winners. Frank is going to be very hard to beat backed by that kind of perfection and support.”