Frank Sanchez stepped aside from an immediate shot at the vacant IBF heavyweight title, clearing the path for the August 29 match between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic in London. In exchange, the Cuban contender secured a financial settlement along with an agreement to face the winner in December.
Sanchez earned his top ranking by knocking out Richard Torrez Jr. in the second round on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza. When Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, the IBF initially ordered Sanchez to face Itauma. Sanchez accepted a step-aside agreement instead, allowing Queensberry Promotions to elevate the Itauma-Hrgovic bout to full title status
