Frank Sanchez is one of the latest pupils to join Canelo Alvarez’s and Eddy Reynoso’s private boxing compound in San Diego.
The 27-year old, Cuban heavyweight contender Sanchez (15-0, 11 KOs) believes the stable, which also includes the likes of Ryan Garcia, Oscar Valdez, Julio Cesar Martinez and Luis Nery, is the crème de la crème.
Sanchez made a switch in trainers last November, moving on from Cuban compatriot Erik 'Tigre'' Castaños over to Reynoso, who was awarded the 2019 BWAA trainer of the year award. Alvarez was awarded BWAA fighter of the year honors after defeating Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev.
“We have the best gym that exists today in the entire world of boxing. We have the biggest star in Canelo, and other superstars that are rising to his status,” Sanchez told BoxingScene.com in an interview.
Sanchez is leaning on Reynoso to hone his aggressive style to differentiate himself from other Cuban contenders, who over the years, have built a propensity for milquetoast winning performances.
“The Cuban school is about moving a lot and to avoid getting hit. I’ve learned that too, but my style is different because I’ve incorporated that style with attacking,” said Sanchez. “I’m different because [I come forward.] I’ve accomplished that, and I have both things going for me.”
Another star that could soon be joining the stable is former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz.
"We're talking with Canelo's team,” Ruiz told ESPN earlier this week. “I think that would be a good one for me to join if we go that way. Right now there hasn't been any contact but I would like to go over there with Canelo.”
“Yes, of course, we are for that, to work, as long as there is discipline, that there is order,” Reynoso told ESPN. “We’re ready to work with any fighter. It would also be an honor to work with the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.”
Sanchez is champing at the bit for a coming out party and called out the likes of Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Efe Ajagba. Luis Ortiz and Ruiz as future opponents.
He wouldn’t mind a clash with a potential future teammate either in Ruiz.
“I’m part of Reynoso’s team,” said Sanchez. “Whatever decision he makes [in training Ruiz], I’m still part of the team no matter what. If we have to face Ruiz one of these days, I’d love it. Hopefully that happens … This is boxing. If I have to fight him, I will.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com and currently does TV commentary for combat sports programming that airs on Fox Sports and hosts his own radio show in Los Angeles. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com.