March 28 undercard shapes IBF and middleweight title picture
Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr will meet in an IBF heavyweight final eliminator on March 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The winner moves into mandatory position for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk.
Sanchez, 25-1 with 18 knockouts, understands the assignment. He built his record with jab discipline, range control, and measured counters, then beat Efe Ajagba over twelve rounds in 2021 by keeping his feet set and his punch selection clean. When Agit Kabayel stopped him in seven last year after a knee injury disrupted his base, the momentum stalled. He returned in February with a stoppage over Ramon Olivas Echeverria and looked physically sound.
“A victory on March 28 moves me one step closer to being the IBF’s mandatory challenger and realizing my dream of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion of the world,” Sanchez said. “Torrez is a strong fighter who’s hungry to prove himself, but I will win this fight in grand fashion for my great Cuban and Latino fans.”
Torrez, 14-0 with 12 knockouts, is compact, aggressive, and comfortable working inside. He changes levels, digs to the body, and forces a pace that tests a heavyweight’s gas tank early. The Olympic silver medal anchored his profile. Wins over Brandon Moore, Joey Dawejko, Guido Vianello, and most recently a first-round finish of Tomas Salek show steady progression.
“Frank is skilled, technical and dangerous, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been looking for,” Torrez said. “Great fighters don’t avoid tests; they run toward them. I’ve prepared for every moment of this fight, and when the bell rings, I’m coming to take over.”
This fight will come down to positioning and discipline. If Sanchez sets the jab, and forces Torrez to reset his feet, he can blunt the younger man’s pressure. If Torrez collapses the pocket and works the body, the Cuban will have to fight at a pace he does not prefer.
Further down the card, middleweight Yoenli Hernandez, 9-0 with 8 knockouts, faces Terrell Gausha in a ten-round fight with rankings consequences. Hernandez is ranked first by the WBA, second by the WBC, and third by the WBO. He controls distance well for a young fighter and punches straight through the guard.
“I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” Hernandez said. “But let’s be real, not everyone has the heart to step in there with me. Respect to the one who will on March 28. I’m locked in, staying sharp and I’m coming to make a statement. No shortcuts, no excuses, just pressure. Stay tuned.”
Gausha, 24-5-1 with 12 knockouts, has seen this level. He challenged Carlos Adames for the WBC belt and dropped Elijah Garcia before losing a split decision. He understands ring positioning and does not give away rounds cheaply.
“I’m a true professional who’s always training, because boxing is what I do,” Gausha said. “I’ve seen Yoenli fight and he’s a young, strong, skilled fighter. If you’ve watched my fights in the past, you’ll know that’s what I like. I want to test myself against the best. Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion. That’s what I’m here for.”
Sanchez against Torrez decides a mandatory slot. Hernandez against Gausha decides whether rankings reflect potential or proof. The heavyweight fight likely becomes a contest of range and patience. If Torrez forces exchanges early, Sanchez will have to show he can hold his ground under pressure.
Date, Venue, Start Time, TV and Live Streaming
Date: March 28
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. UK
Streaming: Prime Video Pay-Per-View
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Fight card: Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman; Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr; Yoenli Hernandez vs. Terrell Gausha
Watch live on: Prime Video PPV