Exciting heavyweight prospect Frank Sanchez returns to action for the first time in nine months on October when he faces Carlos Negron on the big Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius undercard on October 15.
The unbeaten Sanchez (20-0 with 13 wins inside distance) has not been out since a New Year decision win over Christian Hammer. Before that he was super impressive in defusing the threat posed by unbeaten Nigerian star Efe Ajagba on the Fury vs Wilder 3 undercard in Las Vegas.
Sanchez aiming for the top
Now the 30-year-old, currently training in California with Joe Goossen, will resume his route to elite heavyweight company by locking horns with 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Negron (25-3).
He said: “Carlos Negron is a dangerous opponent, but I will be ready for whatever he brings. I intend to look for a knockout against Negron to demonstrate to boxing fans that I am both a boxer and a puncher.
“I feel I am the best heavyweight in the world and October 15 will bring me one step closer to the very important goal of becoming mandatory contender for a world title opportunity in 2023.’’
Sanchez vs Negron a go – at last
Negron had been scheduled to meet Sanchez on January 1 but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. He rides a five-fight winning streak into the match against Sanchez, including four wins by stoppage.
The 34-year-old bounced back from defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Brian Howard to put together his win streak, which includes a March 2020 knockout over previously unbeaten Robert Alfonso. He scored an eight round unanimous decision over Scott Alexander in his last fight in May 2021.
“I know Frank, and I’ve never been a fighter to call any other fighters out or speak of any other boxer, so I don’t know why he asked to fight me,” said Negron.
“When my coach told me he wanted to fight me, I didn’t take it personally. I took it like a challenge. It gave me incredible motivation, and now I want to fight him. Let’s see what I can do against good competition. I have always done my best against better opponents. So come October 15, let’s see who’s the better man.”
