Ricardo Sandoval has spent a good portion of his career fighting on Golden Boy Promotions cards but wasn’t signed by them until recently.
Sandoval fights on March 30 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.
Sandoval (23-2, 16 KOs) is a blue-collar fighter who has had to take hard contests, partially to prove he was worthy of investment and partly because of the division he fought in. Flyweight is void of major investors in the U.S., or at least it often feels that way and Sandoval has had to earn his spot in the division and earn having a promoter.
He signed with Golden Boy Promotions in February 2024, although most of his fights since 2019 have been under the Golden Boy banner.
“I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy for signing me and believing in me,“ said Sandoval, ahead of March 30. “I am just very excited for the future.”
Sandoval has yet to fight for a title. He has gone overseas and defeated Jay Harris and also beat decorated amateur Brent Venegas from the wrong corner, yet the opportunity at a title has eluded him thus far. He was close when he lost a majority decision to David Jimenez in 2022. That win propelled Jimenez into a fight with WBA flyweight world champion Artem Dalakian.
Sandoval is now ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies. His highest ranking is No. 4 with the WBO for a belt that is held by Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.
“I feel the main reason I didn’t get a world title [shot] was because I didn’t have a promoter behind me,” said Sandoval. “Now that I do, we are going for all them belts.
“I have been involved with Golden Boy fights [throughout my career]. I am just very excited. After getting signed, it is extra motivation.”
His opponent next weekend, Hernandez (13-6-1, 8 KOs) is a tough and rugged veteran and the bout should serve as a re-introduction to his talents.
“I just know I am anxious to get back in the ring after my fight was canceled February 15th,” furthered Sandoval. “I just want to get in the ring and throw hands. Just know, on March 30th I am more than ready to put on a show for everybody.”