Upset in Chicago: Sergio Mendoza stops Sandoval to win WBC and WBA titles
The Mexican was dropped himself in round two but put Ricardo Sandoval down three times and won by fifth-round stoppage.
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Video: YouTube · DAZN Boxing · youtube.com
Sergio Mendoza is the new WBC and WBA flyweight champion. The Mexican from Hermosillo beat defending champion Ricardo Sandoval by fifth-round stoppage at Chicago's Wintrust Arena on Saturday night; referee Mark Nelson waved it off at 1:40. Mendoza was dropped by a Sandoval right hook in round two but went on to put the American down three times.
"The truth is, I don't have words to describe this moment," Mendoza said, according to NY Fights. He came in as a replacement after Oscar Collazo was injured in training. Mendoza moves to 28 wins (24 by knockout) and one loss.
It was the first defence for Sandoval (27-3), who won both belts on a split decision against Kenshiro Teraji in Japan in July 2025. The card was shown on DAZN.