Frank Sanchez makes short work of Brian Howard in four
Rising Cuban heavyweight Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez (15-0, 11ko) will be looking to keep the momentum going against Brian “MVP” Howard (15-3, 12ko). This is a good fight for the former Cuban amateur standout and he currently holds the WBO NABO title which explains the organization giving him a #10 ranking.
However, MVP is capable of providing an upset. In 2019 the 40-year-old Atlanta native defeated rising heavyweight Carlos Negron. The stage is set for a possible upset. Can the older heavyweight pull off another surprise, or has the window of opportunity finally closed?
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THE WINDOW HAS CLOSED
The early rounds saw the Cuban heavyweight establish the jab and throwing combinations whenever the older opponent got caught on the ropes. Even in the middle of the ring, he was having success with the right-hand to the body.
However, the much older challenger would have some success landing his own right-hand. Although, it was clear the speed of the Cuban was going to be a problem.
This was true in the third round when just before the bell Sanchez landed a nice right-uppercut that had his opponent stunned. He would follow it up with a left to the body and another right that sent the older challenger to the canvas.
TRYING TO SURVIVE
Howard would make it out of the round but had to deal with a lot of leather in the next round. Soon as the fourth round started, the Cuban Flash got right back to business. He used the jab to set up a nice left-hook that once again sent Howard to the canvas.
Although this was more of a balance issue, it still counted as a knockdown.
Back to his feet, the older challenger would have to contend with a barrage of punches while against the ropes. It seemed as if he would survive until an overhand right followed by a short compact left-hook sent him back to the canvas for the third time.
Sanchez, realizing his opponent was hurt started unloading everything in his arsenal. He landed hooks to the body looking to further weaken his opponent. However, the elder fighter would respond by throwing punches to fend off the more aggressive younger fighter.
Both men were trading in the center of the ring, and Howard on unstable legs tried to fight back. Unfortunately for him, after being hit with a counter right-hand and then a nice one-two and another bruising right-hook, Howard would go sprawling into the ropes, forcing the referee to stop the punishment.
This was a good showing for Sanchez in finishing his opponent early. Moreover, he will see a bump in the rankings as a reward. It is safe to say it is time to look for a move against a former world champion, contender or solid veteran.
By: Garrisson Bland
