The IBF has today ordered Jay Harris and Ricardo Rafael Sandoval to fight with the winner becoming mandatory for IBF Flyweight world champion Moruti Mthalane.
I think this is an excellent fight between two top contenders at Flyweight where the winner will deservedly get a title shot.
Jay Harris has had one title shot where he fought valiantly but couldn’t get past the heavy hands of Julio Cesar Martinez who won by decision on that night. He’s had one comeback fight picking up a points victory over domestic contender Marcel Braithwaite.
Ricardo Rafael Sandoval has been working his way through domestic opponents in Mexico and America with relative ease. He had a loss early on in his career but has bounced back well and hasn’t lost in over three years. I think he deserves his first big opportunity after his recent performances and being only 22 could mean he has a big future ahead.
I personally wouldn’t be surprised if the winner of this fight beat Moruti Mthalane as the champion is 38 and hasn’t fought for over a year which at an advanced age can lead to them declining quickly. I also think Mthalane is one of the more beatable champions in the division and I see one of the young hungry fighters taking his title soon.
Boxing Fulcrum 