Cain Sandoval appears to be like to increase his unbeaten report to 14-0 towards former fringe contender Romero Duno. Picture by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“Sugar” Cain Sandoval’s campaign to turn out to be a authentic contender can take a candy flip with a win towards rugged veteran Ramiro Duno when the junior welterweights meet for a crossroads predominant occasion on Saturday.
Sandoval (11-0, 9 KOs) could possibly be on the cusp of stamping his standing as the most recent credible entrant within the 140-pound weight class, whereas the battle-tested Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) seems to be in limbo with one foot already out of boxing’s door ought to he succumb to the ascending Sandoval.
The drama will unfold within the headliner to a 360 Promotions “Hollywood Battle Nights” present on the Chumash On line casino in Santa Ynez, California, streamed dwell on UFC Battle Cross.
“I’m able to show that I’m on the elite degree,” Sandoval informed The Ring throughout a current media exercise on the Wild Card Boxing Membership in Hollywood, California.
“The sky is the restrict for me. I really feel that I can accomplish so much. I really feel like I’m one of many prime guys, however the world must see it. The onerous work and sacrifice will repay quickly. After this battle, the 140-pound division will take me significantly.
“I see Duno as my subsequent sufferer. I simply don’t suppose he’s on my degree. No disrespect, however it’s both you or me in that ring. He higher be prepared. It feels prefer it needs to be a brief night time, however I don’t overlook anybody.”
Sandoval is coached by Marcus Javier. The Sacramento-based slugger turned professional in 2021 and kicked off his profession with 9 consecutive KOs, however his final two outings this yr have gone the 10-round distance towards 2008 United States Olympian Javier Molina and powerful Angel Rebollar.
Cain Sandoval works mitts along with his coach Marcus Javier. Picture Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“It doesn’t matter if we get the KO, however I really feel like we’re going to get the KO towards Duno as a result of we’ve been coaching onerous,” mentioned Sandoval. “We discovered from the final two fights to not search for the knockout, and to be extra affected person. I used to be making an attempt too onerous to get the knockouts, however (extra) importantly I obtained the victories.”
The 22-year-old Sandoval says he’s a pupil of the candy science as nicely, finding out all-time greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, and Roberto Duran to include sure expertise into his repertoire.
“I take little items from everybody, however I’m my very own boxer,” mentioned Sandoval.
360 Promotions head Tom Loeffler is bullish on one of many up-and-comers of his rising steady.
“Cain Sandoval has an incredible future,” Loeffler informed The Ring. “We now have an incredible quantity of confidence in him. He’s an thrilling fighter who brings continuous motion. He’s in a really powerful battle towards Duno, however we imagine in Cain one hundred pc. Our motto is matching our guys powerful. They don’t have blown-up undefeated information, they usually show it each time they step within the ring. So as to beat Duno, you have to be a world-class fighter. He’s proper getting ready to changing into a world-class fighter and breaking into the world scores.
“We’re envisioning an incredible 2025 for Cain, combating 4 instances. The 140-pound weight class is open proper now. With a couple of extra wins, I feel Cain can work his manner properly into the image. He’s so heavy-handed and is a strain fighter with tenacity who brings motion.”
Promoter Tom Loeffler with Sandoval and Romero Duno. Picture by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
Duno will attempt to spoil Sandoval’s plans and save his profession on the identical time. During the last 5 years, Duno has been knocked out every time he’s stepped up in competitors towards Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, and most lately in January, a sixth-round stoppage towards Antonio Moran.
The 28-year-old Filipino doesn’t sound like he can abdomen one other loss.
“I do know he’s planning to knock me out, however I’ll exhibit that I’m not finished in boxing but,” Duno informed The Ring. “I cannot waste my expertise or effort. He’s an excellent opponent, and I’m going to do my finest to win. As a result of this battle could possibly be my final if I lose. I’ll cease boxing. That’s why I’m very motivated and I’m coaching onerous. Both I’m getting the knockout, or I’m getting knocked out.”
Additionally set to be featured on the five-fight card are gentle heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov (8-0, 5 KOs), who’ll be combating for the primary time in 2024 after competing in six bouts final yr, in addition to Kazakhstani junior middleweight standout Sadriddin “Soldier of Q” Akhmedov (13-0, 11 KOs), who’ll be making his United States debut.
Gentle heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov. Picture by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“The great factor is that we will preserve all of our guys on the 360 Promotions roster energetic,” mentioned Loeffler. “[UFC president and CEO] Dana White has been very supportive of constructing boxing on UFC Battle Cross. He sees the type of matchups we make, and the type of engagement we get, particularly from UFC followers. He’s proud of our scores and sold-out reveals.”
The UFC Battle Cross stream is ready to begin at 7:00 p.m. PT on August 31.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports activities journalist, author and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports activities, USA At present, The Guardian, Newsweek, Males’s Well being, NFL.com, Los Angeles Occasions, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Journal, and extra. He’s been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and the MMA Journalists Affiliation. He may be reached on X (previously Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, by e-mail at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or by way of www.ManoukAkopyan.com.