Going in, the fight seemed extremely even, some even thought it would go the distance. However, the truth couldn’t have been further from what appeared in the beginning, as Agit Kabayel absolutely dominated Cuba’s Frank Sanchez in their ten-round bout in Saudi Arabia tonight. However, the loss seems to be spelling trouble for Al Haymon and PBC. Why?
As the fight started, the German boxer made it extremely evident that he was there to fight and win. Kabayel stayed on the front foot, pushing ‘The Cuban Flash’ back every time Sanchez tried something. It got so bad that for most of the fight, Sanchez was on the ropes trying not to succumb to Kabayel’s investment to his body. Yet in the seventh round, a flurry of shots to the body and to his solar plexus especially downed Sanchez, ending the fight. However, the question is, why did things get bad for the PBC or Al Haymon?
Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel: PBC, an unwitting victim
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Right after the fight concluded, boxing matchmaker and IBHOF elector, Rick Glaser, took to X, writing, “Another Huge PBC loss, previously undefeated Heavyweight #FrankSanchez got destroyed & KO’ed in round 7 in a #WBC [Eliminator]!!!” According to him, Haymon’s inability to put up a strong fighter against fighters from other stables is making PBC events lose their luster as was evident from their last Amazon Prime event in March. The loss also gave Glaser, a known critic of Al Haymon and PBC, another reason to sound alarm bells for his promotional banner.
Kabayel with all the feels… and some gold 😃#FuryUsyk | Live NOW on DAZN! Click link in bio to buy. #RingOfFire | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/T7l5MIKPRH
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 18, 2024
Interestingly, Kabayel has emerged as the mandatory contender for the WBC heavyweight title, which Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will vie for later in the night. Nevertheless, Glasser continued, “#PBC is reeling badly, PBC fighter’s lose everytime they don’t fight another PBC fighter!!!” Adding to Sanchez’s disappointing performance, Glaser’s tweet appears to have rallied fans to his cause, sparking a heated conversation in the comment section as they shared their thoughts!
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk branded a joke
The event tonight is the biggest boxing event in the last two decades, so it didn’t take long for Glasser’s tweet to go viral. One user seemed extremely dissatisfied with the undercard of the event, suggesting Sanchez didn’t actually come out to fight. However, it’s worth mentioning that everyone has bad days now and again.
This guy was never going to win. Did you see this fight? He wasn’t even trying. This undercard is a joke. None of these fighter so far are good.
— showceaser (@politics4dapoor) May 18, 2024
Another user agreed with Glasser’s opinion about Al Haymon’s PBC, asserting the promotion doesn’t keep their boxers active enough. More often than not, the level of activity from a boxer depends upon the type of opponent they are willing to face and PBC is not particularly known for putting up fights with fighters from other promotions.
Al doesn’t keep them active enough – it’s really that simple
— CFSportsClub (@NutJobJimCF) May 18, 2024
Someone else highlighted the animosity between Rick Glasser and the PBC, suggesting they can’t even disagree with Glasser’s reasoning. Notably, Glasser went after the PBC after Canelo Alvarez separated from the promotion of late.
Rick is the p4p #1 pbc hater😂can’t do nothing but respect it🫡
— P4P TROLL🥇🫡 (@lagos248) May 18, 2024
Meanwhile, one user expressed concern for Sanchez, noting that he didn’t seem like his usual self and suggesting that his coach, Eddy Reynoso, should have intervened to stop the fight. Interestingly, Frank Sanchez appeared to struggle with his movement, with some speculating about a possible injury indicated by the knee strap he was wearing.
Something is very wrong with Sanchez,
Reynoso shoulda pulled him outta there.— Veil Mistwarden (@PaintyaVeil) May 18, 2024
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Once again, another user appears to align with Glaser’s perspective, asserting that many fighters from the PBC are experiencing a decline, frequently losing their matches.
At first I thought you were being a bit dramatic, but I admit that you are right about these PBC fighters. 90% of them are losing
— Kyle Caudle (@kylecaudle1) May 18, 2024
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The initial excitement of the fight faded fast as it veered into a lopsided affair. However, Rick Glasser’s spicy tweet cleverly redirected the heat from the defeat towards the PBC. What are your thoughts on Frank Sanchez’s performance? And do you share Glasser’s sentiments regarding the PBC?