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

“Sugar” Cain Sandoval’s crusade to become a legitimate contender can take a sweet turn with a win against rugged veteran Ramiro Duno when the junior welterweights meet for a crossroads main event on Saturday.

Sandoval (11-0, 9 KOs) could be on the cusp of stamping his status as the latest credible entrant in the 140-pound weight class, while the battle-tested Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) appears to be in limbo with one foot already out of boxing’s door should he succumb to the ascending Sandoval. 

The drama will unfold in the headliner to a 360 Promotions “Hollywood Fight Nights” show at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, streamed live on UFC Fight Pass. 

“I’m ready to prove that I am 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 accomplish a lot. I feel like I am 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 don’t overlook anyone.” 

Sandoval is coached by Marcus Javier. The Sacramento-based slugger turned pro in 2021 and kicked off his career with nine consecutive KOs, but his last two outings this year have gone the 10-round distance against 2008 United States Olympian Javier Molina and tough Angel Rebollar. 

Cain Sandoval works mitts 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’ve been training hard,” said Sandoval. “We learned from the last two fights not to look for the knockout, and to be more patient. I was trying too hard to get the knockouts, but (more) importantly I got the victories.” 

The 22-year-old Sandoval says he is a student of the sweet science as well, 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 everyone, but I am my own boxer,” said Sandoval.

360 Promotions head Tom Loeffler is bullish on one of the up-and-comers of his growing stable. 

“Cain Sandoval has a tremendous future,” Loeffler told The Ring. “We have a tremendous amount of confidence in him. He’s an exciting fighter who brings non-stop action. He’s in a very tough fight against Duno, but we believe in Cain 100 percent. Our motto is matching our guys tough. They don’t have blown-up undefeated records, and they prove it every time they step in the ring. In order to beat Duno, you need to be a world-class fighter. He’s right on the brink of becoming a world-class fighter and breaking into the world ratings. 

“We’re envisioning a tremendous 2025 for Cain, fighting four times. The 140-pound weight class is open right now. With a few more wins, I think Cain can work his way nicely into the picture. He is so heavy-handed and is a pressure fighter with tenacity who 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 last five years, Duno has been knocked out each time he’s stepped up in competition against Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, and most recently in January, a sixth-round stoppage against Antonio Moran. 

The 28-year-old Filipino doesn’t sound like he can stomach another loss.

“I know he’s planning to knock me out, but I will demonstrate that I’m not done in boxing yet,” Duno told The Ring. “I will not waste my talent or effort. He’s a good opponent, and I am going to do my best to win. Because this fight could be my last if I lose. I’ll stop boxing. That’s why I’m very motivated and I am training hard. Either I’m getting the knockout, or I’m getting knocked out.” 

Also set to be featured on the five-fight card are light heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov (8-0, 5 KOs), who’ll be fighting for the first time in 2024 after competing in six bouts last year, as well as Kazakhstani junior middleweight standout Sadriddin “Soldier of Q” Akhmedov (13-0, 11 KOs), who’ll be making his United States debut. 

Light heavyweight prospect Umar Dzambekov. Photo by Lina Baker / 360 Promotions

“The good thing is that we can keep all of our guys on the 360 Promotions roster active,” said Loeffler. “[UFC president and CEO] Dana White has been very supportive of building boxing on UFC Fight Pass. He sees the kind of matchups we make, and the kind of engagement we get, especially from UFC fans. He’s happy with our ratings and sold-out shows.”

The UFC Fight Pass stream is set to start at 7:00 p.m. PT on August 31. 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer 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’s 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 on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.