Heavyweight Frank Sanchez 'ready to pounce' on WBO title shot should Anthony Joshua vacate

Sanchez defeated Julian Fernandez and wants to work his way up WBO rankings to gain heavyweight title shot

Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez is eyeing a shot at the WBO world heavyweight title, if the belt is vacated by Anthony Joshua to gain a huge heavyweight British clash with Tyson Fury in 2021.

The 'Cuban Flash' defeated Julain Fernandez with an explosive stoppage back in December 2021, on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith live on DAZN but believes he has much more in his locker than he displayed in this fight.

His co-manager Mike Borao believes that the 28-year-old will be one of the leading contenders to fight for the WBO belt, and believes that his WBO ranking will help him push forward towards his hope of conquering the division.

He told Sky Sports: "Frank is currently WBO no 7, WBC no 12 and WBA no 12, 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 currently works under Canelo's trainer Eddy Reynoso, and Borao believes that this team can help take the Cuban heavyweight to the next level and take the victory against any opponent he could face in his pursuit of world glory.

"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, he 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."

Sanchez looks likely to return to the ring later in the year after a break going into 2021, with several fights being touted for a date at the front end of the calendar year.

We are going to give him a break until mid-to-late January so his body can fully recharge.

"That said, I expect him back in the ring in late February or early March as Frank's services are in very high demand."

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