Richard Torrez Jr. can take one step closer to a world title shot this weekend when he faces the toughest test of his career against Frank Sanchez in Egypt.
Seen by some as the best emerging American heavyweight, Torrez Jr. has not a put a foot wrong yet in his short career and an eventual showdown with Moses Itauma could be the marquee fight to celebrate two emerging stars in boxing’s standout division.
As an amateur, Torrez Jr. came close to ending the lengthy wait for a male gold medallist in the Olympics back in 2021 when he collected silver, but he looks well positioned to capture professional glory after an impressive start that currently sees him at 14-0 with 12 early finishes.
With America eager to make a mark at heavyweight following the recent demise of Deontay Wilder, Torrez Jr. can restore some credibility and provide his nation with hope if he can get past Sanchez on Saturday night on a huge event that sees Oleksandr Usyk defend his world title against Rico Verhoeven.
If Torrez Jr. makes a big statement against Sanchez, then the calls for a future showdown with Itauma will grow louder with the fight a big possibility somewhere in the next couple of years. Torrez Jr. likes what he has seen from the young Brit, and he has no issue testing himself against the unbeaten 21-year-old.
“I’m impressed with him. I’m impressed with the growth he’s had over his professional career,” said Torrez Jr. when speaking exclusively to DAZN News just days before the biggest fight of his career against Sanchez.
“I think he’s a great fighter and I think it would be a great opportunity for us to get in the ring. I think with my pressure and my Mexican style I bring to the table, it would be hard for anyone to fight.
"I do think me vs Moses has the makings of something great. I’m thankful for it. Whenever he wants to go in the ring then I’m down for it.
“He’s said in an interview that he wants to take out the older guys first and have us create a name for ourselves. If that's the route he wants to take, then more power to him but if he wants to fight tomorrow then I’m ready.”
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.