The pair are close to securing a bout between them that could have major reprecussions for the rest of the glamour division heading into the rest of 2026 if confirmed.

Sanchez was ordered to contest an eliminator after victory over Ramon Olivas Echeverria in February last year, on the back of a first career loss against Agit Kabayel.

The Cuban has struggled to find an opponent for the contest however, with former champion Daniel Dubois among those to pass up the opportunity to take him on.

Filip Hrgovic and Efe Ajagba are other names who have skipped Sanchez, but the unbeaten Torrez - a silver-medal winner at Tokyo 2020 - now seems the favourite.

Any such clash would mark a major moment for both men, and theoretically push the winner into chief consideration to challenge current IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The unified division favourite is seeking a bout with Deontay Wilder, with the American - save Joseph Parker - arguably the last major foe of his generation left to face.

Sanchez is currently ranked third by the IBF, while Torrez is fourth, with both men behind former challenger Derek Chisora, who is still chasing his supposed farewell bout.

Merry-go-round begins anew for 2026

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

2026 is barely a week old, and already the usual merry-go-round of heavyweight politics seems set to throw a few more spanners into the plans of fighters and fans this year.

The IBF's order to find a foe for Frank Sanchez seems to have finally delivered fruit, but the Cuban may find himself as the nominal outsider against a wily Richard Torrez too.

His comeback victory after a first career loss didn't shed too much new light on the matter - but regardless who wins, both men seem likely at the mercy of bigger names.

Oleksandr Usyk seems set to face Deontay Wilder, while Fabio Wardley - the lone other champion in the division - has his pick of the bunch, from Tyson Fury to Derek Chisora.

Agit Kabayel will seek to further boost his credentials this weekend too. Whatever the outcome from here, Sanchez and Torrez will have their work cut out in 2026 once again.

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January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba on Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN  Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.

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