Possible-WBC heavyweight mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez edges closer to kingship

Follow Us Now!

WBC heavyweight title hopeful Frank Sanchez is close to booking a fight with the champion, Tyson Fury.

Sanchez floored Junior Fa in the undercard of Joshua versus Wallin at Riyadh, last year’s December. He is currently preparing to get through Agit Kabayel. A victory that would place him in the ring with whoever holds the WBC heavyweight belt.

Germany’s Kabayel who beat Arslanbek Makhmudov recently will be looking to overcome the Cuban instead and to land an opportunity against Tyson Fury.

The undisputed world heavyweight championship bout between Fury and Ukraine’s Oleksander Usyk comes up on May 18, and will decide several things in the heavyweight division.

Sanchez and Kabayel might not have to fight Fury when the day for the title fight comes, but might have to get through him before that.

Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Barao said the following:

‘For our part, we are 100 per cent trying to make the fight versus Kabayel.

‘Both fighters had fantastic performances in Saudi Arabia, so it’s a natural fight to make with the added bonus of the eliminator being called by the WBC.

‘I know PBC [Premier Boxing Champions] would stage the fight in the US, but wherever it ultimately lands, it will be a good one – this is likely the quickest route to a world title for both fighters.

‘Kabayel looked magnificent against Makhmudov, but Frank wants to be world champion, so he is willing to face a tough challenge in Kabayel.’

Two other people in the mix of possible opponents for Sanchez and Kabayel are Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgovic.