DAZN News Daily Round-Up - Usyk sanctioned, Allen eyes Zhang, Reynoso tips Sanchez

WBC rubber-stamps Usyk-Verhoeven

News that Oleksandr Usyk would defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven last week seemed to be premature in a sense.

Speculation over whether the governing body had signed off on the decision was floated across the weekend, with the case for and against.

Now however, the WBC have confirmed Usyk will defend his full strap at the Giza necropolis in Egypt against the Dutch kickboxer crossover.

"Te WBC Board of Governors has ruled in favor of sanctioning [...] Usyk’s voluntary title defense against [...] Rico Verhoeven," they stated.

Allen in reported talks with Zhang

Dave Allen looks set to book one of the biggest opponents of his career for his latest homecoming, in ex-WBO interim champ Zhilei Zhang.

'The White Rhino' needed less than a minute to see off Karim Berredjem last month in Nottingham, securing a return to winning ways.

Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

Previously linked to the Lonsdale Belt, Allen now appears poised to wait for a crack at either Richard Riakporhe or Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva.

It means a Sheffield homecoming against Zhang, who previously stopped Deontay Wilder, could be on the cards, per First Round TV.

Taylor offered Cameron for Dublin farewell

Trainer Eddy Reynoso expects Frank Sanchez to turn over Richard Torrez when the pair meet in Las Vegas this March, despite the current odds.

The latter is the narrow favourite with bookmakers for victory, in what is the latest fascinating clash to land on the Sin City strip in recent months.

Reynoso has guided his share of excellent contenders over the years however, and is confident Sanchez will be leaving with his hand raised.

"I truly believe that Frank has what it takes to come out on top,” Reynoso was quoted by The Ring. "This is an opportunity we've been waiting for."

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