In unhappy information, it has been reported – by Bruce Trampler – that former WBA bantamweight champ Richie Sandoval has handed away on the age of 63. Trampler writes:
“Boxing and the Prime Rank household misplaced certainly one of our personal final night time with the passing of former WBA bantamweight champ Richie Sandoval.”
Sandoval, who dominated as WBA 118-pound champ from April of 1984 to March of 1986, made two title retentions. Sandoval, born in Pomona, California, in October of 1960, received the world title by way of a shocking Fifteenth-round stoppage win over Jeff Chandler. Sandoval dominated and stopped Chandler, who by no means fought once more after the defeat.
Richie could be compelled to retire himself after his near-fatal stoppage loss to Gaby Canizales. Having needed to lose round 12 kilos to make weight, Sandoval was badly weakened, and he was dropped a number of instances earlier than being stopped in spherical seven.
Sandoval lapsed into unconsciousness shortly after the combat, and he stopped respiratory for a reported three minutes. It truly is a miracle Richie didn’t die on the night of March 10, 1986, with the docs as an alternative managing to avoid wasting his life with mind surgical procedure. His ring profession is now over, and Sandoval exited with a 29-1(17) report.
A high-quality boxer who was additionally a profitable newbie, Sandoval made the 1980 Olympic staff, however President Jimmy Carter selected to have the USA boycott the Olympics that yr, thus without end ruining Sandoval’s possibilities of bringing house a gold medal.
Going professional in November of 1980, Sandoval labored his means up the world rankings, attending to 22-0 earlier than difficult Chandler for the WBA belt in Atlantic Metropolis. Two defenses adopted earlier than Sandoval boxed 4 non-title fights, with him profitable all 4 bouts on factors, together with right here a win over Frankie Duarte. Then, ordered by the WBA to defend the belt or else be stripped, Sandoval pushed his physique far too laborious to make weight for the Canizales combat.
Sandoval could have been on his technique to greatness had his weight ordeal and subsequent brush with loss of life not occurred. Appreciated and admired by all, Richie will probably be missed. Our condolences exit to Richie’s household and pals presently.
