Frank Sanchez understands the importance of starting 2022 with a bang.

The Cuban heavyweight will face Puerto Rican Carlos Negron on January 1 in the co-featured fight to a FOX Sports pay-per-view card that will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Sanchez, who trains in San Diego under coach Eddy Reynoso of Team Canelo, is coming off the most important victory of his career.

Back in October, Sanchez dropped and decisioned unbeaten Efe Ajagba on the undercard of the highly anticipated trilogy fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Sanchez, who will enter the ring as a big favorite, is currently training hard for the upcoming fight.

“We are already in the sparring stage, putting the final touches on the preparation and adjusting the plan to arrive at the best possible level on January 1st. I'm very enthusiastic and can't wait to get inside the ring so close to my home in Miami," Sanchez told George Ebro.

"Carlos is a good fighter, with experience, who has faced considerable opponents. I've seen several of his fights, I know him personally. He is a slow boxer, he does not have the qualities that I have in the ring. I feel superior in every way. I don't think it will take me a lot of work to knock him out.

“[This is a quick return because] I did not receive any punishment in that previous fight. Everything flowed according to the plan we had. My team did things in the best possible way. When they told me about the first of January, I said yes, because I feel in tremendous condition. [Returning to the ring so soon] is not a risk to me.

“The first thing is to win on the first day of 2022 and do it in style. I think I am getting closer and closer to discussing a world title [fight]. I'm ready to take on the best fighters in the world. In 2022 I'm ready for whatever may come, I am already prepared. Every day I learn more with Team Canelo."