THE RESULT: Frank Sanchez justified his long odds-on price by dropping Junior Fa three times during their 10-round heavyweight contest. Referee Kevin Parker waved the bout off at 2.42 of round seven after Fa went down for the third and final time. The fight was a placid affair before ‘The Cuban Flash’ injected some pace turning it on its head.
KEY MOMENTS: In the final 10 seconds of round six Sanchez struck Fa with a thunderous right hand which shook the New Zealander to his boots and kicked off the trio of knockdowns.
RECORDS: Sanchez remains unbeaten and moves to 24-0 (17). Fa’s third career loss takes him to 20-3 (11).
TALKING POINT: Sanchez was the superior fighter but fought at a pedestrian pace. He was caught by a right hand in round six from Fa which was the punch of the fight until Sanchez woke up and quickly wrapped things up.
QUOTABLE: There were no immediate post-fight interviews.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Like many of the heavyweight contenders Sanchez will have to find suitable opponents to maintain his status and top five ranking with the WBC and WBO. Fa is short of what is required at a higher level and may need a confidence booster in his next fight.
