Richard Sandoval: Boxing Career and Results
Richard “Richie” Sandoval won the WBA bantamweight world title on April 7, 1984, stopping champion Jeff Chandler in the 15th round. Sandoval made two successful defenses before losing the title to Gaby Canizales in 1986.
From the amateur team to a professional championship
Sandoval’s amateur achievements included bronze at the 1978 World Championships and silver at the 1979 Pan American Games. He qualified for the United States team for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, but the American boycott prevented him from competing. That distinction explains his place in Olympic boxing history: he earned selection without taking part in an Olympic tournament.
He turned professional in November 1980, defeating Gerardo Pedroza in the second round in Las Vegas. By the time he challenged Chandler at the Sands in Atlantic City, he had compiled an unbeaten record of 22 victories. The late stoppage against the established champion brought him the WBA belt and the defining victory of his professional career.
Two successful title defenses
Sandoval first retained the championship against Edgar Roman in Monte Carlo in September 1984, winning a unanimous decision. He then stopped Cardenio Ulloa in the eighth round in Miami Beach that December. His reign ended against Canizales in 1986, which was also his final professional contest. Sandoval finished with 29 wins, 17 by knockout, and one defeat. His record therefore combines an extensive unbeaten run with a championship reign that included two successful defenses.
Sources
- Olympedia: Richie Sandoval’s amateur and Olympic history
- World Boxing Association retrospective
- WBA bantamweight title fight record
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
