1<\/p>\n Torrez Jr was crushed in a brutal KO defeat against Sanchez<\/p>\n It was an enthralling clash with high stakes as the winner would snatch the mandatory position for an IBF world title shot.<\/p>\n A future shot at Usyk or if he vacates was the prize, and it was Sanchez who took his chance in mesmerising fashion.<\/p>\n It was a big opportunity for both fighters with the pressure on Torrez Jr to keep motoring and maintain his unbeaten record.<\/p>\n The American looked lively and sharp early on, using speed and level changes to try and pick his angles early on.<\/p>\n Read More In Boxing<\/p>\n Sanchez was being backed up early on and Torrez Jr was controlling the early exchanges.<\/p>\n But disaster completely struck as Torrez Jr was iced as a booming right hand crushed into the temple.<\/p>\n He was laid flat on his back in a brutal crash to the canvas and looked as though he’d miss the count.<\/p>\n Torrez Jr tried to return to his feet but staggered to the floor and the fight was waved off in the second round.<\/p>\n It was a tough first career defeat for Torrez Jr who received brief treatment but was able to stand as the result was announced.<\/p>\n Sanchez reacts to brutal KO of Torrez<\/p>\n Sanchez was delighted with his brutal KO which gets him back on track, after an extended hiatus from the ring.<\/p>\n He explained: \u201cI had to work a lot, I knew he was a pressure fighter, that is what I was most concerned about. I know I\u2019m a great boxer who can outbox anyone, and I stuck with the plan.<\/p>\n \u201cI was working with my trainer a lot because we knew he came in with his head down. <\/p>\n “He kept telling me to throw that uppercut in the gym and in the dressing room. He kept telling me to throw that uppercut and that is what came through.\u201d<\/p>\n Who next for Sanchez – Usyk?<\/p>\n For the ‘Cuban Flash’, he has written off criticism in the best way possible.<\/p>\n Sanchez will now look upwards, and will look to enforce his position as the IBF No.1 in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n The current title holder Usyk is likely to be otherwise engaged, with Agit Kabayel next in line to face the Ukrainian in Turkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watch Boxing on DAZN<\/p>\n *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue<\/p>\n Sign up to DAZN<\/a> to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.<\/p>\n Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate<\/a> from just \u00a324.99\/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.<\/p>\n Alternatively, DAZN Standard<\/a> is just \u00a315.99\/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.<\/p>\n![\"Richard](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0K8A8944.jpg\")
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