Heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez is ready to put on a show this Saturday night, in the co-featured attraction of a Fox Sports Pay-Per-View event from Tampa, Florida.
The card is headlined by an IBF heavyweight eliminator between Luis Ortiz and former world champion Charles Martin.
Sanchez will face late-replacement Christian Hammer. He was initially going to face Puerto Rico Olympian Carlos Negron, who was pulled from the fight after testing positive for COVID-19.
Hammer has previously suffered a decision loss to main eventer Ortiz.
Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) will be looking to do what his Cuban countryman Ortiz could not – stop Hammer inside the distance.
“Of course [I want to outperform Ortiz],” said Sanchez to Fansided. “I want to knock him [Hammer] out. I want to show that I’m different. Hammer was able to withstand every single round against Ortiz. I want to show that I’m at the very highest level, and I can prevail before the final bell rings.”
Sanchez is trained by Mexico’s veteran coach, Eddy Reynoso, who is best known for his work with Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez – regarded by most observers as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
The Cuban boxer explains that working side by side with Canelo and Reynoso has greatly improved him as a fighter. He expects to see further improvements as time passes on.
“Inside the ring, they have been such a great influence for me making me learn day after day,” said Sanchez.
“My fighting style has changed drastically since I became part of Team Canelo, but also my mentality. It took a turn for much better, and you know, it’s been great.”