Ricardo Sandoval prepared for months to fight Oscar Collazo, a compact southpaw moving up to flyweight. With Collazo injured, Sandoval now has just over two weeks to adjust to Sergio Mendoza, a taller challenger with 23 knockouts who wants his WBA and WBC titles on October 10 in Chicago.
The change matters in the ring. Sandoval, listed at 5’6″, was preparing to face a much shorter fighter. Mendoza is listed at roughly 5’8″. The champion must adjust his distance and timing for an opponent who presents a different target and may make him work harder to get inside.
“I’m very excited to still be fighting in Chicago and to have the opportunit
