Edwin Sandoval learning his craft

The next step in the young career of Edwin Sandoval (3-0) takes place Saturday night May 30 in Tijuana, Mexico. For the undefeated super bantamweight the fight is another chance for him to display his skills and stay active. These are the type of fights that every fighter must take at this stage in order to build their records and experience.

Originally from Bakersfield but now living in Santa Monica, Sandoval is appreciative of the way his management team has been able to move him along while supporting him.

“I’m really happy with Ken Sheer and my management team. They really support us and are keeping me busy,” said Sandoval.

Now being trained by Clemente Medina, he hopes that the changes to his training will show in his fights.

“We don’t really focus on my opponent. We focus on me getting better. With the fight only being four rounds, we don’t have much time to study a fighter,” said Sandoval.

That’s the mentality that young fighters should have. Work on your craft daily and apply those things you practice in the gym to the fight.

“Right now we’re adjusting to working with Clemente Medina and I take these fights seriously because I feel I’m improving and getting better,” said Sandoval.

With the change in trainer also comes the addition of a strength and conditioning coach in Luis Garcia who is famous for his work with former world champion Abner Mares.

Fighting is his career and living alone allows him to focus and dedicate himself to his work without distractions. The one thing he makes time for is his music. Sandoval loves music and sings in his spare time. Recently he even brought his guitar to the gym to play some music while Alfredo Angulo trained.

Keeping busy means taking fights wherever they are and that means traveling across the border but Sandoval doesn’t mind the experience.

“It’s early in my career and I’m glad people are starting to know my name in Tijuana. I enjoy it and like going to Mexico to fight. I’m accustomed to Mexican culture and I really enjoy the people,” said Sandoval.

With a victory and no injury he would like to return to the ring as quickly as possible. It’s something that’s important to him to finish 2015 off strong and build his record.

“As long as I’m healthy I want to stay active. Give myself time to recover but I want to stay busy. Late June or early July, let’s do it again. One fight at a time but I’m ready,” said Sandoval.

One of the benefits of working with Medina is the chance to work alongside Abner Mares. The experience the former world champion has is a wealth of knowledge that the 21-year-old Sandoval can absorb and apply to his career.

“He’s a hardworking guy. He’s really humble and helps those that show a real interest. He thinks before he speaks. To see him train and to spar with him is great. People don’t always see the real Abner but he’s really giving,” said Sandoval.

It’s those types of examples of work ethic that will not only make Sandoval a better fighter but also keep him grounded along the way.