Frank Sanchez is keep a very close eye on the WBO heavyweight championship - and aims to secure a crack at that belt sooner than later.

The unbeaten Cuban boxer, ranked sixth by the WBO, is currently training, with the possibility of returning to the ring on May 8th as part of the undercard to the unification between super middleweight champions Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders.

Sanchez and Canelo share the same trainer in Eddy Reynoso.

The current WBO world champion is Anthony Joshua, who is likely facing Tyson Fury in a full division unification in June or July.

The World Boxing Organization has approved a fight for the interim-title, between mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and number two rated Joe Joyce.

But, the Usyk-Joyce winner could very well be elevated to the status of full champion.

"Frank has his eyes set on the WBO world title and has instructed my partner Lupe Valencia and I to do everything in our power to deliver that opportunity," his manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports.

"As a result, I keep in very close contact with WBO president Paco Valcarcel, Gustavo Miranda, and NABO director Diana Melendez. Frank will have his sixth WBO/NABO title fight in May, but remains very focused on the world title. Lupe and I are working very hard to keep Frank busy and a May return is likely. If Frank doesn't face a 'top 15' [opponent] it won't be for lack of effort. Lots of guys in the top 15 simply won't fight Frank.

"Frank is most definitely inspired by both Canelo and Eddy Reynoso. Canelo is the most successful boxer in the world and Eddy the most successful trainer. Frank is working hard to catch up to the greatness around him and will be very proud to deliver the Reynosos their first heavyweight championship and first heavyweight title for Cuba.

"We are waiting to see what happens between Usyk and Joyce. If you check back to old Sky Sports interviews, I predicted some time ago that Usyk would become WBO champion. That prediction is looking good and Frank is well positioned to capitalize."