[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"football-site-config":3,"world-cup-status-en":27,"news-detail-frank-sanchez-seeks-usyk-clash-what-s-next-for-ibf-title":61,"news-related-frank-sanchez-seeks-usyk-clash-what-s-next-for-ibf-title-en":99,"news-related-match-frank-sanchez-seeks-usyk-clash-what-s-next-for-ibf-title-en":26},{"adSlots":4,"affiliateMode":5,"brandName":6,"contentStrategy":7,"currency":8,"friendLinks":9,"homepageLayoutKey":10,"leagueFocus":11,"locale":12,"planVisibility":13,"seoDescription":14,"seoTitleTemplate":15,"siteCode":10,"siteName":6,"siteType":10,"subscriptionMode":5,"timezone":16,"id":17,"tenantID":18,"primaryDomain":19,"countryCode":20,"logoUrl":21,"faviconUrl":21,"theme":22,"seoKeywords":24,"status":25,"ads":4,"focusLeagues":26,"affiliatePolicies":26},[],"shared","Football Prediction Platform","scores_predictions","USD",[],"main",[],"en-US",[],"Football fixtures, results, free predictions, subscriptions, and clearly labeled partner links.","{page} | Football Prediction Platform","America\u002FNew_York",323900000000000000,1,"football.easytestdev.online","US","",{"primaryColor":23},"#1677ff","football predictions, football fixtures, football results","active",null,{"active":28,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"leagueImagePath":31,"seasonId":32,"seasonName":33,"startingAt":34,"endingAt":35,"daysToStart":36,"daysToEnd":37,"phase":38,"includeQualifying":39,"hostCities":40},true,"326135624916537344","World Cup","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.api-sports.io\u002Ffootball\u002Fleagues\u002F1.png","326255613308833792","2026\u002F2027","2026-06-11","2026-06-28",-37,-20,"finished_recent",false,[41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60],"Atlanta","Boston","Dallas","East Rutherford","Guadalajara","Houston","Kansas City","Los Angeles","Mexico City","Miami","Monterrey","New-York","New York New Jersey","Philadelphia","San-Francisco","San Francisco Bay Area","Seattle","Toronto","Vancouver","Zapopan",{"article":62},{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":63,"category":64,"excerpt":65,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":66,"leagueId":67,"leagueName":68,"matchId":69,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":70,"slug":71,"sourceName":72,"sourceURL":73,"teamId":74,"teamName":75,"teamIds":76,"teamNames":87,"title":98},"Frank Sanchez has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title picture with a brutal knockout of Richard Torrez Jr, immediately setting his sights on Oleksandr Usyk. The victory, which came on the undercard of Usyk's own dramatic win over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, elevated the Cuban to the mandatory challenger spot for the IBF belt. Now, Sanchez's team is making it clear: they want that title shot without delay.\n\nThe knockout of Torrez Jr was a statement performance. Torrez, an unbeaten American prospect, had never been dropped, but Sanchez showed poise and power, ending the contest in explosive fashion. It was the kind of showing that reminded everyone why Sanchez was once considered a top-tier heavyweight before adversity struck.\n\nSanchez's career hit a roadblock in 2024 when he suffered a knee injury during a loss to Agit Kabayel—a fight that doubled as a WBC eliminator. That defeat, while comprehensive, came with an asterisk as Sanchez was compromised. Manager Mike Borao believes his fighter has not only healed physically but improved significantly under the tutelage of renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso, also known for guiding Canelo Alvarez. “Frank sent a strong reminder that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division,” Borao said. “An injury temporarily slowed his momentum, but he’s now back in top form and ready to make the best of his mandatory status.”\n\nThe path to Usyk, however, isn’t straightforward. The Ukrainian legend, who will soon turn 39, is at a career crossroads after needing an 11th-round stoppage to get past Verhoeven—a fight many felt he took lightly. With the WBC, IBF, and other belts still around his waist, Usyk holds all the cards. A rematch with Verhoeven or a mandatory defense against Kabayel are both on the table, meaning Sanchez might have to wait—or stay busy to keep his momentum.\n\nBorao is realistic about the situation but insists the primary goal remains Usyk. “I'm currently reviewing options with my partner, Lupe Valencia,” he said. “As the mandatory challenger, our primary goal is to fight Usyk as soon as possible, but we'll see how that develops.” In the meantime, the team is open to facing other elite heavyweights to maintain activity. Names like Daniel Dubois, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and even Tyson Fury have been floated as possible interim opponents.\n\nThis willingness to chase big fights while waiting for a title opportunity underscores Sanchez’s new approach. At 34, the Cuban has limited time to capitalize on his prime years. Training alongside Alvarez has sharpened his skills, and Borao noted that while Usyk may have peaked, “Frank is still improving under Eddy Reynoso.” That dynamic could tilt the scales if the fight eventually materializes.\n\nFor Usyk, the landscape is equally complex. Having already conquered the cruiserweight division and beaten the best of the heavyweight era—including Joshua twice and Fury in their historic clash—his legacy is secure. But Father Time remains undefeated. The Verhoeven fight exposed vulnerabilities; some wonder if the elite amateur is beginning to fade. A clash with a young, hungry challenger like Sanchez, who possesses power and technical ability, could be a risk he’s not eager to take.\n\nThe heavyweight division is in a state of flux. With Fury semi-retired, Joshua rebuilding, and newer faces like Torrez and Jared Anderson emerging, the landscape could shift rapidly. Sanchez’s sudden injection into the mandatory picture adds another layer of intrigue. If he can secure the Usyk fight and pull off an upset, it would not only crown a new champion but also signal a changing of the guard.\n\nMeanwhile, boxing fans have plenty to look forward to beyond this developing saga. In June, Chris Billam-Smith will defend his cruiserweight title against Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports. While not directly related, such events keep the sport buzzing as the heavyweight narrative unfolds.\n\nUltimately, Sanchez’s call-out is more than just words. It’s a calculated move from a fighter who has risen from injury and obscurity to stand on the precipice of greatness. The ball is now in Usyk’s court, and as the boxing world waits, one thing is certain: Frank Sanchez has earned his place at the table. Based on reporting from Sky Sports.","news","Frank Sanchez, now IBF mandatory after KO of Torrez Jr, wants Usyk title fight ASAP. But Usyk has options: a Verhoeven rematch or Kabayel defense.","334606585152147457","326135625054949376","Premier League","0","2026-05-26T07:00:00Z","frank-sanchez-seeks-usyk-clash-what-s-next-for-ibf-title","Sky Sports","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.skysports.com\u002Fboxing\u002Fnews\u002F12040\u002F13547891\u002Ffrank-sanchez-cuban-heavyweight-hoping-for-oleksandr-usyk-title-fight-as-soon-as-possible-after-richard-torrez-jr-ko","326257545792458752","Bournemouth",[74,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86],"326257565316943872","326222712265510912","326222707169431552","326257539962376192","326257546392244224","326257565602156544","326257565635710976","326257695210344448","326222713142120448","326257545754710016",[75,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97],"Valencia","Egypt","Anderlecht","Como","Nottingham Forest","Real Betis","Getafe","Signal","Canada","Newcastle","Frank Sanchez Seeks Usyk Clash: What's Next for IBF Title?",[100,130,156,179],{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":101,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":102,"leagueId":67,"leagueName":68,"matchId":69,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":103,"slug":104,"sourceName":105,"sourceURL":106,"teamId":107,"teamName":108,"teamIds":109,"teamNames":119,"title":129},"Pierre Sage is set to join Crystal Palace after leading Lens to Coupe de France glory. Sporting director Jean-Louis Leca must now find a successor and reshape","338193111534538753","2026-06-05T03:15:00Z","pierre-sage-to-crystal-palace-what-it-means-for-lens","L'Equipe","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lequipe.fr\u002FFootball\u002FArticle\u002FPierre-sage-sur-le-depart-jean-louis-leca-le-directeur-sportif-de-lens-va-avoir-plusieurs-chantiers-a-gerer\u002F1681831#at_medium=RSS_feeds","326257536443355136","Lens",[107,110,111,112,113,114,115,116,117,118],"326255037950988288","326257535952621568","326257572367568896","326257602382008320","326222711447621632","326257536049090560","326222712726884352","326222711682502656","326257844615647232",[108,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128],"Crystal Palace","Marseille","Le Mans","Vitesse","France","Nice","Cape Verde Islands","England","Ajaccio","Pierre Sage to Crystal Palace: What It Means for Lens",{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":131,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":132,"leagueId":67,"leagueName":68,"matchId":69,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":133,"slug":134,"sourceName":135,"sourceURL":136,"teamId":137,"teamName":138,"teamIds":139,"teamNames":147,"title":155},"Chris Wood's serious knee injury clouds New Zealand's World Cup hopes as the All Whites face Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in Group G.","338128485845307393","2026-06-04T23:01:18Z","new-zealand-s-2026-world-cup-bid-wood-injury-a-major-doubt","The Guardian","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Ffootball\u002F2026\u002Fjun\u002F05\u002Fnew-zealand-world-cup-2026-team-guide","326222713104371712","New Zealand",[137,81,140,141,142,143,144,86,145,78,146],"326257595583041536","326222712622026752","326257808754348032","326257660145963008","326222711976103936","326222712013852672","326222711401484288",[138,92,148,149,150,151,152,97,153,89,154],"New Caledonia","South Africa","Northampton","Motherwell","Australia","Iran","Belgium","New Zealand's 2026 World Cup Bid: Wood Injury a Major Doubt",{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":157,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":158,"leagueId":67,"leagueName":68,"matchId":69,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":159,"slug":160,"sourceName":135,"sourceURL":161,"teamId":162,"teamName":163,"teamIds":164,"teamNames":171,"title":178},"Spain 1-1 Iraq: Yamal injury concern as eight debutants feature in World Cup warm-up. Torres gave lead but Doski's long-range stunner equalized. Depth tested.","338113367510093825","2026-06-04T22:04:33Z","spain-1-1-iraq-what-yamal-s-absence-squad-rotation-mean","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Ffootball\u002F2026\u002Fjun\u002F04\u002Fspain-iraq-friendly-international-match-report","326222711653142528","Spain",[162,165,166,167,85,168,79,169,170],"326257593141956608","326257565195309056","326222711908995072","326222712819159040","326222712395534336","326257565233057792",[163,172,173,174,96,175,90,176,177],"Chattanooga","Barcelona","Mexico","Iraq","Norway","Atletico Madrid","Spain 1-1 Iraq: What Yamal's Absence & Squad Rotation Mean",{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":180,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":181,"leagueId":67,"leagueName":68,"matchId":69,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":182,"slug":183,"sourceName":184,"sourceURL":185,"teamId":186,"teamName":187,"teamIds":188,"teamNames":197,"title":206},"NI's youngest post-WWII side (avg age 22.1) beat Guinea 1-0 with Atcheson scoring and sent off, while Morrison debuted, showing grit before facing France.","338103552524161025","2026-06-04T21:18:17Z","ni-record-youth-side-show-grit-22-1-avg-age-beats-guinea","BBC Sport","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fsport\u002Ffootball\u002Farticles\u002Fc7v9ve8415mo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss","326257664243798016","Northern Ireland",[186,189,190,191,192,110,193,194,195,196,114],"326257791738056704","326257545918287872","326257545968619520","326257808385249280","326257807630274560","326257664713560064","326257664403181568","326257808158756864",[187,198,199,200,201,120,202,203,204,205,124],"Guinea","Liverpool","Arsenal","Sheffield Wednesday","Southampton","Luxembourg","Gibraltar","Blackburn","NI Record Youth Side Show Grit: 22.1 Avg Age Beats Guinea"]