“Frank sent a strong reminder that he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division,” Sanchez’s manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports.

“An injury temporarily slowed his momentum, but he’s now back in top form and ready to make the best of his mandatory status.”

Sanchez may now hold the IBF mandatory position, but there are still major questions about where he fits in the line behind unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Agit Kabayel remains the WBC interim champion and is widely viewed as first in line, while Rico Verhoeven unexpectedly forced himself into the discussion after pushing Usyk to the brink in their controversial fight in Egypt.

Borao says Sanchez is willing to stay active while waiting for the title situation to clear up.

“I’m currently reviewing options with my partner, Lupe Valencia. As the mandatory challenger, our primary goal is to fight Usyk as soon as possible, but we’ll see how that develops over the next few weeks.”

“In the meantime, if fights against top heavyweights like Dubois, Wilder, Joshua, Fury, Verhoeven, Ngannou or others become available, Frank has no problem staying active against elite competition while waiting for his world title shot.”

Usyk’s next move will determine much of the division’s direction. The 39-year-old champion still holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, but mandatory obligations are piling up quickly. A Kabayel fight appears likely, though there is also pressure for a Verhoeven rematch following the disputed stoppage in Giza.

Another possibility is retirement.

“We hope Frank gets the opportunity to box Usyk,” Borao said. “But ultimately that decision rests with him.”