Sergio Mendoza stuns Ricardo Sandoval to claim two world titles

Sergio Mendoza stopped Ricardo Sandoval in the fifth round to claim the WBA and WBC flyweight titles, turning a late call-up into a career-changing victory in Chicago.

The Mexican challenger knocked Sandoval down three times at Wintrust Arena on Saturday night before the referee halted the contest.

Mendoza had replaced Oscar Collazo, who withdrew with a rib injury. He seized his opportunity on the undercard of Floyd Schofield’s world-title victory over Lucas Bahdi.

Sergio Mendoza ends Sandoval’s title reign

Two knockdowns in the second round put Sandoval in trouble, with Mendoza landing a right hook and then a left uppercut.

Sandoval survived both counts, but another right hook sent him down in the fifth. He was allowed to continue before Mendoza’s follow-up attack brought the stoppage, according to Uncrowned’s ringside coverage.

Mendoza improved his record to 28 wins and one defeat, with 24 victories inside the distance. Sandoval dropped to 27-3.

Emotional triumph after April setback

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Mendoza, who suffered his first professional defeat in Japan in April while competing at light-flyweight.

According to the WBC’s official report, he dedicated his win to his brother, who died two months ago.

Mendoza travelled to Chicago with his team but without family or friends. He left with two world titles after ending Sandoval’s seven-fight winning run.

Sandoval had won his championship against Kenshiro Teraji in July 2025, but his first defence ended in defeat against the replacement challenger.