Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez could become the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s heavyweight title if he wins his WBC final eliminator bout.
Sanchez has been ordered to fight Agit Kabayel with the winner putting themselves front of the line for the green belt.
The strap is one of the four on the line when Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk in their unification bout on May 18.
Sanchez is currently No 2 in the WBC rankings with Kabayel two places behind him.
The Cuban holds a record of 24-0 with 17 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez could become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title
Both he and Kabayel pulled off stoppage wins on the Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin card in December to put themselves in this position.
‘For our part, we are 100 per cent trying to make the fight versus Kabayel,’ Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports News.
‘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.
There will soon be a new contender in the mix for Tyson Fury’s heavyweight title
‘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.’