Ricardo Sandoval wins unanimous decision over Victor Sandoval
INGLEWOOD, California – In a clash between two Sandovals, Ricardo came out victorious.
Ricardo Sandoval defeated Victor Sandoval by unanimous decision before a partisan crowd at The Forum Saturday night. Scores were 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94 for Ricardo Sandoval, who improved to 23-2, 16 knockouts.
The 24-year-old, who resides in nearby Rialto, is ranked No. 7 by The Ring at 112 pounds.
After a feeling-out first round, both fighters began to let their hands go. Victor Sandoval outboxed and was able to outland on the inside during the first two rounds.
Undaunted, Ricardo Sandoval began to walk down Victor Sandoval, initiating exchanges and working behind a consistent jab. Both fighters attempted to throw and land right uppercuts as the action moved to the center of the ring.
Ricardo Sandoval began mixing in attacking the body of Victor Sandoval in the fifth round, digging left hooks to the body. Victor Sandoval began fighting off his back foot in an attempt to create space and look for opportunities to counter.
As the bout progressed into the second half, Victor Sandoval’s punch output dropped significantly. He continued to throw punches and combinations but would fight in spurts. The punches he threw did not have the same impact as they did early on in the fight.
Ricardo Sandoval let his hands go with more authority, especially during the final three rounds of the fight. He continued to walk Victor Sandoval down until the final bell sounded.
Final Punch Stats numbers were close. Ricardo Sandoval threw and landed 285 of 728 total punches. Victor Sandoval connected on 300 of 972 total punches.
Ricardo Sandoval has won his last three bouts since a close majority decision loss to contender David Jimenez of Costa Rica on July 16 of last year.
Victor Sandoval, who resides in Tijuana, Mexico, falls to 37-4, 23 KOs. The 26-year-old had not lost since a split decision defeat to Maximino Flores in February 2016. He had won his previous 25 fights prior to the loss on Saturday.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at [email protected]
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