Filipino champ Sanchez to fight Feb. 10 at Cache Creek boxing

BROOKS, California — Professional boxing returns to Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks in an explosive way February 10 as current WBC Continental Americas Welterweight champion, Alan Sanchez takes on tough Southern California contender Cleotis Pendarvis in the main event.

Sanchez (19-3-1, 10 KOs) is a Filipino boxer-puncher who likes to mix it up. His last appearance in the ring was an impressive one. The 26-year-old from Fairfield pummeled former title challenger Miguel Angel Huerta from the opening bell, winning by a stoppage in round five.

Impressive as his victory was, Sanchez is determined to keep improving.

“I always feel like I can do better,” said Sanchez.

Welterweight upset

Prior to defeating Huerta, Sanchez upset ranking welterweight contender Pablo Cano for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cano, who’s been in the ring with former, champions Shane Mosley and Paulie Malignaggi, had expected to use a victory over Sanchez to position himself for a shot for a world title. Instead, Sanchez used his natural athleticism to outclass Cano over 10 exciting rounds, winning the match by majority decision and gaining the title.

“It’s difficult to get fights for Alan because nobody wants to fight him,” said Paco Damian of Paco Presents Boxing, who is promoting with legendary matchmaker Don “War-a-week” Chargin. Damian prides himself on following Chargin’s example of staging exciting and competitive fights.

Southpaw from LA

Pendarvis, 31, who grew up in the South Central section of Los Angeles, accepted the challenge. The speedy southpaw from Los Angeles has won 21 of 25 fights, scoring nine knockouts. He captured the vacant World Boxing Foundation United States welterweight title six years ago by defeating Rogelio De la Torre.

Two fights later, he added the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental belt to his collection. Pendarvis was on the cusp of a world title shot when he lost to then-undefeated Canadian Dierry Jean.

Pendarvis took some time off before returning to the ring earlier this year with a vengeance, winning four consecutive bouts, three by knockout.

Main event

In the co-main event, exciting light heavyweight Ryan “Rhino” Bourland (14-1, 5 KOs) of Vallejo, California puts his Global Boxing Organization title on the line against Jose Hernandez (18-3-1, 9 KOs) of Lancaster, California. Hernandez has won his last six fights in succession.

Bourland has never met a fight he did not like. His last bout was one of the most exciting light heavyweight brawls ever seen off TV. Bourland and Cesar Ruiz fought tooth and nail, exchanging heavy punches with abandon, and leaving the fight fans in attendance hoarse. Bourland had to dig down deep to get the victory.

“I know my will is stronger in the deep waters,” Bourland said. “I will not drown.”

“Rhino Bourland is a throwback of the old blood and guts fighters,” said Don Chargin. “Lots of action! Lots of thrills!”

Other fights

Also fighting February 10 is super flyweight contender Bruno Escalante (15-3-1, 6 KOs) of San Mateo, California and undefeated cruiserweight slugger Blake Mckernan (6-0, 5 KOs) of Sacramento, California.

Escalante sports an excellent record of 15 wins in 18 fights. The 5’2” dynamo is determined to work his way up the world rankings. The undefeated McKernan has starched five of his first six opponents.

Exciting super bantamweight Ivan Vergara (3-0, 2 KOs) of Vacaville, California, who knocked out Jose Mora in two brutal rounds six months ago, will return to the ring at Cache Creek for the second time in his young career.

Rounding out the card is debuting super featherweight Arnold “Hawaiian Pitbull” Dinong of Hawaii. Dinong is known for mixing it up as soon as the bell rings.

Tickets, start at $65 and are now available at CacheCreek.com, Tickets.com, and Pacopresentsboxing.com, or by calling Tickets.com at 1-800-225-2277. 

 Cache Creek Casino Resort is located at 14455 State Hwy 16 in Brooks, California.