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01/21/2004 Archived Entry: "Kid Brother of World Champ Chavez Debuts Friday Night"
Jimmy Sandoval, Kid Brother of World Champ Chavez Debuts Friday
By Juan C. Ayllon
Chicago, Illinois: On Friday, January 23, featherweight Jimmy Sandoval will begin his professional career as a boxer under the bright lights of the Ramada Hotel O'Hare. At 5’11”, he stands taller than his brother, WBC 130 lb. Champion, Jesus Chavez. The question remains, will he be able to walk in his brother’s footsteps?
Boxing has a history of champions’ family members plying the fistic trade with varying degrees of success. More often than not, these relatives fall short in their quest for top honors.
The legendary “Smokin’” Joe Frazier had a son, Marvis, who reached the cusp of world title honors, but failed to capitalize in two attempts. The high water marks of his career were knockout losses to Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson. Middleweight champion, Gene Fulmer, who split bruising bouts with greats Sugar Ray Robinson and Dick Tiger, had a less distinguished boxing brother, Don Fulmer. Welterweight standout, Fritzie Zivic, was the only world championship member of the notorious brood, the “Fighting Zivic Brothers.”
However, there are notable exceptions, not the least of which is Chicago’s very own world welterweight champion, Corey Spinks; uncles Leon and Michael Spinks blazed a path before him, garnering between the two of them a world light heavyweight and two world heavyweight crowns. Jimmy Sandoval has every intention of following suit.
In preparation for his premiere bout this Friday, Jimmy Sandoval granted the Cyber Boxing Zone this interview.
Juan Ayllon: I understand that you are the brother of Jesus Chavez. That’s the Jesus Chavez who won world honors and fought Floyd Mayweather, Jr. a while back for his title, correct?
Jimmy Sandoval: Correct. He is now the WBC Champion at the 130-pound weight division. I’m very proud of him!
JA: As his brother, what were some of the more memorable experiences you have had with him and why?
JS: There’s so many of them! When he won his title, I was there with him. I was one of his sparring partners for that fight.
JA: What was it like sparring with your brother?
JS: It was pretty hard! He’s a very hard puncher. I gained a better jab, as I’m taller; I’m 5’-11”.
JA: What other sparring experience have you had with big name fighters?
JS: I sparred with David Diaz. In fact, he works with me a lot. He gives me a lot of movement and angles. They help me and motivate me to keep doing what I’m doing.
JA: Tell us about your amateur experience.
JS: My record was 34-4. My ‘most toughest’ opponent was Ricardo Alvarez, who I fought for the championship. He was really quick. I had never had the experience of fighting someone like that. I lost that match in the Golden Gloves final by a decision. That’s when I went to Texas to train with my brother and everything. It’s a lot of discipline and training experience training with my brother at camp!
JA: What are your current goals for one year?
JS: It’s hard to say. Maybe try to win a state title; win a few fights and win a state title.
JA: What are your goals for two to three years?
JS: Hopefully fighting for a world title in two to three years.
JA: What weight will you be fighting at initially? Do you plan on staying there for a long period of time?
JS: Featherweight, 126. It really depends on how I feel. Right now, I feel comfortable at this weight. If I have to, I’ll move up to 130.
JA: Describe your fighting style.
JS: Boxer/brawler! I like to mix it up sometimes if I have to. I could use my height and my reach to box as well. I hit to the body pretty hard with both hands, but I prefer the left hook to the body.
JA: If you could compare your style to that of any famous fighter, whose would you compare it to?
JS: I could say a mixture between Diego Corrales and Eric Morales. Diego Corrales is a boxer; he uses his leverage because he has really long arms. Eric likes to mix it up sometimes and he likes to work the body a lot and he likes to wear his opponents down.
JA: Which is your natural preference, taking into account your style and strengths: knocking someone flat or wearing them down over the long haul?
JS: I would rather wear someone out than flatten them right away.
JA: Do you know who your opponent is and, if so, do you know much about him? How are you preparing for him?
JS: I have his name, Wilson Rivera, who is 2-1, one by kayo. That’s about it. Physically, I’m ready. It’s going to be a mental thing to figure him out since I have no tapes!
JA: Let’s say that down the line, an opportunity comes up to fight your brother, Jesus Chavez. Would you take this opportunity or would you pass on it?
JS: I wouldn’t fight him.
JA: What would you say to fight fans who, as of yet are unfamiliar with you and a bit skeptical?
JS: I’m [using a] very exciting style. I am going to be a very exciting fighter, as well!
Clearly, Jimmy Sandoval is both soft spoken and confident. In that regard, he is similar to his brother, WBC World 130 Champion, Jesus Chavez. If this similarity translates to comparable success, boxers in the 126 to 130 pound range will soon have little choice but to stand up and take notice.
On the night of Sandolval's debut, super welterweights “Crazy” Eddie Pireh (9-0, 1 KO) will headline against veteran Pat "The Cat" Coleman (29-10, 20 KOs). On the same card, undefeated giant (6'66"), Carl "Iron Fist" Davis (3-0, 2 KOs), welterweight Billy Lyell(4-0, 2 KOs), Heavyweight Matt "Bam Bam" Barber(4-0-1, 2 KOs) and Heavyweight Elizabeth Kerin (2-0, 2 KOs) will all be appearing in separate attractions. The Ramada Plaza Hotel is located at 6600 N. Mannheim Road in Rosemont.Doors open at 7:30 pm. First bout at 8 pm.Purchase tickets on-line at www.HitzBoxing.com or phone 630/295-9800$35, $50 and $100 VIP.All bouts subject to change without notice
