Cain Sandoval continues path to world-class status vs. veteran Romero Duno

“Sugar” Cain Sandoval’s campaign to turn out to be a legit contender can take a candy flip with a win in opposition to rugged veteran Ramiro Duno when the junior welterweights meet for a crossroads most important occasion on Saturday.

Sandoval (11-0, 9 KOs) could possibly be on the cusp of stamping his standing as the newest 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 Struggle Nights” present on the Chumash On line casino in Santa Ynez, California, streamed dwell on UFC Struggle Move. 

“I’m able to show that I’m on the elite degree,” Sandoval informed The Ring throughout a latest 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 lots. I really feel like I’m one of many high 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 severely.

“I see Duno as my subsequent sufferer. I simply don’t assume 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 must be a brief evening, 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 12 months have gone the 10-round distance in opposition to 2008 United States Olympian Javier Molina and difficult 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 in opposition to Duno as a result of we’ve been coaching onerous,” mentioned Sandoval. “We realized 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 acquired the victories.” 

The 22-year-old Sandoval says he’s a scholar 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 in opposition to Duno, however we consider in Cain one hundred pc. Our motto is matching our guys powerful. They don’t have blown-up undefeated data, they usually show it each time they step within the ring. With the intention to beat Duno, it’s essential be a world-class fighter. He’s proper on the point of turning into a world-class fighter and breaking into the world rankings. 

“We’re envisioning an incredible 2025 for Cain, preventing 4 occasions. The 140-pound weight class is open proper now. With a number of extra wins, I believe Cain can work his method properly into the image. He’s so heavy-handed and is a stress 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. Over the past 5 years, Duno has been knocked out every time he’s stepped up in competitors in opposition to Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, and most just lately in January, a sixth-round stoppage in opposition to 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 show that I’m not accomplished in boxing but,” Duno informed The Ring. “I can’t waste my expertise or effort. He’s a great 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 preventing for the primary time in 2024 after competing in six bouts final 12 months, in addition to Kazakhstani junior middleweight standout Sadriddin “Soldier of Q” Akhmedov (13-0, 11 KOs), who’ll be making his United States debut. 

Mild heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov. Picture by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions

“The great factor is that we are able to hold 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 Struggle Move. He sees the type of matchups we make, and the type of engagement we get, particularly from UFC followers. He’s proud of our rankings and sold-out reveals.”

The UFC Struggle Move 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 this time, 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 could be reached on X (previously Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, via e-mail at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or through www.ManoukAkopyan.com.