Cain Sandoval looks to extend his undefeated record to 14-0 against former fringe contender Romero Duno. Photo by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“Sugar” Cain Sandoval’s crusade to become a legitimate contender could take a turn for the better with a win against tough veteran Ramiro Duno when the junior welterweights meet for a crossroads main event on Saturday.
Sandoval (11-0, 9 KOs) could be about to stamp his status as the youngest credible contender in the 140-pound weight class, while the fight-tested Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) appears to be in limbo be with one foot already out of boxing’s door should he succumb to the rising Sandoval.
The drama will unfold in the headliner of a 360 Promotions “Hollywood Fight Nights” show at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif., which will be streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
“I’m ready to prove that I’m at the elite level,” Sandoval told The Ring during a recent media workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
“The sky is the limit for me. I feel that I can achieve a lot. I feel like I’m one of the top guys, but the world needs to see it. The hard work and sacrifice will pay off soon. After this fight, the 140-pound division will take me seriously.
“I see Duno as my next victim. I just don’t think he’s on my level. No disrespect, but it’s either you or me in that ring. He better be ready. It feels like it should be a short night, but I’m not overlooking anyone.”
Sandoval is coached by Marcus Javier. The Sacramento slugger turned pro in 2021 and kicked off his career with nine consecutive KOs, but his last two outings this year have gone the distance of 10 rounds. 2008 United States Olympian Javier Molina and tough Angel Rebollar.
Cain Sandoval works gloves with his trainer Marcus Javier. Photo Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“It doesn’t matter if we get the KO, but I feel like we’re going to get the KO against Duno because we trained hard,” says Sandoval. “We learned from the last two fights not to look for the knockout, and to be more patient. I tried too hard to get the knockouts, but (more) importantly, I got the wins.”
The 22-year-old Sandoval says he’s also a student of the sweet science, studying all-time greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Roberto Duran to incorporate certain skills into his repertoire.
“I take little pieces from everybody, but I’m my own boxer,” Sandoval said.
Tom Loeffler, head of 360 Promotions, is positive about one of the upstarts of his growing stable.
“Cain Sandoval has a tremendous future,” Loeffler told The Ring. “We have a lot of confidence in him. He is an exciting fighter who brings non-stop action. He is in a very tough fight against Duno, but we believe in Kain 100 percent. Our motto fits our guys tough. They don’t have inflated undefeated records, and they prove it every time they step into the ring. To beat Duno you need to be a world class fighter. He is about to become a world-class fighter and break into the world ratings.
“We are aiming for a tremendous 2025 for Cain, fighting four times. The 140 pound weight class is now open. With a few more wins I think Cain can work himself into the picture nicely. He is so tough and is a pressure fighter with tenacity that brings action.”
Promoter Tom Loeffler with Sandoval and Romero Duno. Photo by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
Duno will try to spoil Sandoval’s plans and save his career at the same time. Over the past five years, Duno has been knocked out every time he has performed in competition Ryan GarciaFrank Martin, and most recently in January, a sixth round stoppage against Antonio Moran.
The 28-year-old Filipino doesn’t sound like he can take another loss.
“I know he plans to knock me out, but I will demonstrate that I am not done with boxing,” Duno told The Ring. “I will not waste my talent or effort. He’s a good opponent, and I’m going to do my best to win. Because this fight could be my last if I lose. I will stop boxing. That’s why I’m very motivated and I train hard. Either I get the knockout, or I get knocked out.”
Light heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov (8-0, 5 KOs) will also appear on the five-fight card, fighting for the first time in 2024 after six games last yearas well as Kazakh junior middleweight standout Sadriddin “Soldier of Q” Akhmedov (13-0, 11 KOs), who will be making his debut in the United States.
Light heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov. Photo by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions
“The good thing is we can keep all our guys on the 360 Promotions roster active,” Loeffler said. “(UFC president and CEO) Dana White has been very supportive of building boxing on UFC Fight Pass. He sees the kind of matches we make, and the kind of engagement we get, especially from UFC fans. He is happy with our ratings and sold out shows.”
The UFC Fight Pass stream will begin on August 31st at 7pm PT.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, author and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine, and more. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached at X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTubeby email at manouk(dot)akopyan(at)gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
