US heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr flattened by Frank Sanchez in brutal one-punch KO to lose for first time

Richard Torrez Jr was flattened by a breathtaking KO from Frank Sanchez.

US heavyweight prospect Torrez Jr met Cuban Olympian Sanchez in a blockbuster clash on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven.

It was an enthralling clash with high stakes as the winner would snatch the mandatory position for an IBF world title shot.

A future shot at Usyk or if he vacates was the prize, and it was Sanchez who took his chance in mesmerising fashion.

It was a big opportunity for both fighters with the pressure on Torrez Jr to keep motoring and maintain his unbeaten record.

The American looked lively and sharp early on, using speed and level changes to try and pick his angles early on.

Sanchez was being backed up early on and Torrez Jr was controlling the early exchanges.

But disaster completely struck as Torrez Jr was iced as a booming right hand crushed into the temple.

He was laid flat on his back in a brutal crash to the canvas and looked as though he’d miss the count.

Torrez Jr tried to return to his feet but staggered to the floor and the fight was waved off in the second round.

It was a tough first career defeat for Torrez Jr who received brief treatment but was able to stand as the result was announced.

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