The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

New opponent, same result as Bahamian heavyweight Amron “Sandman” Sands continues his undefeated streak.

Sands defeated Daniel Najera of Mexico via first-round stoppage after a pair of knockdowns brought an abrupt ending to the fight Saturday night on the undercard of “Rumble In The Bay” at the JCC Center in Tampa, Florida.

After his second consecutive win at the venue, Sands is now 10-0 with 9 KOs.

The 25-year-old Sands has scored early knockouts this year against Hector Hodge in the opening frame and, most recently, a second-round stoppage of Thomas Hawkins on August 23.

He made his heavyweight debut with a TKO win over Julio Mendoza at the Lakeland Events Center in Lakeland, Florida, on August 5, 2017.

He followed with consecutive knockout wins over Eric Evans (November 18 at the Crossroads Arena in Corinth) and Kendrick Houston (February 17, 2018 at the Orlando Live Event Center).

He spoiled the debut for Darrell Parker with a TKO at the Florida State Fairgrounds Hall in Tampa on May 18.

Sands made his pro debut at home on the undercard of “The Backyard Rumble” with a unanimous decision over Jerry Butler on May 26 He returned to the US and scored a knockout win over Cade Rodriguez on July 21. He then defeated American journeyman Francois Russell via second round TKO on the undercard of Friday Night Brawl, hosted at the JCC Auditorium.

Prior to last weekend’s win, Sands was last in the ring when he defeated Thomas Hawkins via knockout one minute and nine seconds into round two, also at the Bryan Glazer JCC Auditorium.

Under Kevin Dever Sports Management, Sands joined DiBella Entertainment as the latest addition to its roster of heavyweight prospects.

“We want to close out the year strong with this fight and hopefully going for the first belt in the new year,” Sands told Sidestep Boxing.

“They have some good stuff in store for me. It shows that you’re moving forward and progressing in your career, knowing that those kinds of people are watching you,” said Sands during his signing with the group.

Since signing to DiBella, he finished off 2019 with three fights in a four-month span.

“I signed with DiBella Entertainment because Lou is one of the most trustworthy promoters in boxing and he has great relationships in the business to get my name out there. I know that, with his guidance, I can become the heavyweight champion of the world. I can box and I can bang and I’m what the heavyweight division needs. I’m very excited about my future and am ready to put in the work,” Sands added.