Frank Sanchez believes that he’s close to a fight with Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk after maintaining his unbeaten run with a ninth-round stoppage over Carlos Negron.
Sanchez, formerly trained by Eddy Reynoso and now with Joe Goossen in his corner, took his time with Negron, but he was able to up the pace in the fight’s last third before scoring an impressive win.
Sanchez is one of a number of heavyweights just under the elite tier at the top of the division, but he now believes that he’s ready to step up.
The 2023 plans of both Fury and Usyk are unknown as both continue to talk about a potential undisputed clash next year, but Sanchez, the owner of numerous world ratings, insists his shot at a world title is right around the corner.
"We knew that Negron was going to be tough, and he definitely gave it his all,” said Sanchez when speaking after the fight. “He was tough for nine rounds, but the knockout was inevitable. I have nothing but respect for Negrón, he fought a good fight. I just did what I had to do.”
"I'm a highly-rated fighter, so I feel like a mandatory shot for the world title is coming. I'm just looking forward to fighting the best that the division has to offer. Hopefully, the fans will get to see me in those big fights next year."