Torrez said he wanted a dangerous heavyweight test instead of another showcase fight as he prepares to face Frank Sanchez in Egypt
Richard Torrez Jr. says Saturday’s fight with Frank Sanchez will show whether he truly belongs among the heavyweight division’s serious contenders. The unbeaten Olympic silver medalist said he deliberately wanted a dangerous and technically skilled opponent instead of another showcase fight.
“I’ve been in camp for five months, and I can’t wait to be in the ring. Now, it’s time to show what I’ve been working on and how hard I’ve been working in this camp,” said Torrez Jr.
“In order to show your skills, you have to go and get someone skillful. I’m not in the game to just beat up on someone. I want the hard fights. I want to be able to show that I’m supposed to be here at the top of the world.”
Sanchez is viewed by many fans as one of the more technically gifted heavyweights in the division despite recent setbacks, and Torrez repeatedly pointed to the Cuban contender’s experience level when discussing the matchup.
“I think Frank Sanchez is a formidable opponent, who has been in with some incredible competition, and I want to show I’m right there with him,” said Torrez Jr.
The 25-year-old Olympic silver medalist also suggested he is approaching the fight with a more disciplined mindset rather than chasing an early stoppage against an experienced opponent who has only lost once as a professional.
“I never go into a fight anymore, trying to go for a knockout, because if I go for it, it never comes. So what I’m going to do is go and try to perform. I’m going to be the best Richard Torrez on Saturday night, and that’s going to be enough.”
Torrez enters the fight as one of Top Rank’s more heavily watched heavyweight prospects, but Sanchez is widely viewed as the biggest name and most complete opponent he has faced since turning pro.
