Oleksandr Usyk will soon have another mandatory challenger.
The Ukrainian became undisputed in the heavyweight division for a second time when he defeated Daniel Dubois last year to regain the IBF belt, although he soon left the WBO, which was taken over by Fabio Wardley.
With WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel providing Usyk with a shot at Usyk’s green and gold belt after a voluntary defense was allowed, the IBF is now set to elevate the challenger to mandatory status as well.
Frank Sanchez, currently ranked third, will face fourth-ranked Richard Torrez Jr. in the elimination final, after other structured fights failed. The fight will be the co-main event Sebastian Fundora’s WBC super welterweight world title defense against Keith Thurman on March 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast live on Prime PPV.
Torrez is one of, if not the most promising teenage heavyweight in the US. The 24-year-old southpaw won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, losing only to Bakhodir Jalolov in the final, and turned professional with Top Rank shortly thereafter.
He brings a mix of pressure and pedigree to the paid ranks, and despite standing under 6-foot-3, he makes up for it with work speed, stamina and massive hands, keeping 12 of 14 opponents at bay. Torrez has been constantly moved around and his handlers have looked to balance activity with development, but this is a good step towards building on his impressive win over Guido Vianello in 2025. He brings pressure to revitalize the American heavyweight scene.
Cuban Sanchez represents the experienced end of the division’s emerging contenders. Now in his 30s, he built his reputation in the domestic amateur system before defecting and moving to the United States, where he trains under Eddy Reynoso of Canelo Alvarez fame.
Sanchez combines keen counter-attacks with disciplined defense and a balanced approach. His biggest statement victory came against Efe Ajagba in 2021, although he later suffered a defeat against Agit Kabayel.
The two are fighting for their first shot at a world title, which may not actually come against Usyk, who would rather vacate the belt in search of a higher profile fight.