Frank Sánchez must not sell his title shot again

Another step-aside deal could seriously hurt Sánchez’s career

Frank Sánchez has already been paid once to give up his spot at the top of the IBF heavyweight rankings. Another “step-aside” deal would lead to every promoter trying to settle title claims with money, which would be a sad outcome.

Frank Sánchez earned his position by stopping Richard Torrez Jr. in May. Instead of capitalizing on that position, the 34-year-old accepted money to let Moses Itauma face Filip Hrgović. Filip Hrgović stopped Moses Itauma and emerged from the fight as the champion.

That should have put an end to the wait, and now it’s Frank Sánchez’s turn. His team has also confirmed that there won’t be a second deal, and they absolutely must stick to that. The only problem is that this matchup wouldn’t be the most lucrative option. Frank Sánchez doesn’t draw the crowds the way others would, but how important is that? Unfortunately, quite important. The promoters will certainly offer a lot of money again to give another fighter a title shot. The only question is how far Frank Sánchez is willing to go along with this. However, if he accepts another deal, it could be very dangerous for his boxing career. Who knows how far that will push back the schedule again and how fit he’ll still be by then.

The most important thing for him would be not to let himself be swayed by the offers.

I hope Frank Sánchez takes advantage of his position this time and gets a title shot. Sure, he doesn't draw a big crowd, but I think he's earned it, right? If we always went by crowd size, we'd have a problem.