Linn Sandstrom: “It means a lot to be able to help and inspire others.”

Linn Sandstrom: “It means a lot to be able to help and inspire others.”

By Lewie Laing

The last time Linn Sandstrom spoke to FightPost, she spoke about targeting titles. Fast forward five months and Sandstrom speaks again to Fightpost, as the current holder of both the WBC Australasia title and the WBA Asian title. She is eager for more.

In boxing, nothing is ever straightforward. Every fighter would love to fight for world titles almost instantly, however, this is a game of patience and perseverance. Sandstrom has, in 9 fights, collected two titles that will elevate her in both the WBC and WBA governing body rankings. 

There is a plan in place for Sandstrom, drawn up by a team she now has, who she trusts, and who has her best interests at heart. Sandstrom most recently headed over to the Philippines, not for the first time in her 9-fight career, to win the WBA Asian title. Sandstrom has seen a lot of the world, but her experiences in the Philippines never cease to amaze her, both in and out of the ring.

“It was crazy over there in the Philippines. We had a Filipino coming on a bike, delivering a sauna so that I could lose weight. I lost 6kg in 2 weeks, normally I’d lose that over the space of 12 weeks. I was there for around a week and compared to shows and fight week in Australia where you are looked after and everything is on hand, this was just another crazy experience. 

“I started the fight jabbing away, I was there to win the belt, and that’s it. I pushed the pace at times and I hit my opponent with everything, she was tough but I boxed smart. I won every round, didn’t take much damage, and got the job done. I am now focusing on one governing body and working my way up their rankings, I’m ready to step up.”

Sandstrom may only be taking the first steps in her professional career, but there have been hiccups already. A loss on her debut, and a draw and subsequent loss both to the hands of Natalie Hills within her first four professional fights left a sour taste in her mouth but the determination and willingness to not only succeed but work hard, improve and learn, has paid off for Sandstrom. Fight number 10, in contrast, will be a step up next. Sandstrom and the team are gearing up for something big, at a level she has not boxed at before.

“I’m coming into my 10th fight, so I want it to be against someone high in the rankings. I’ve now got a solid team around me, people who want to help me and see me progress. I’m here to make noise and keep developing and building my career. I’ve had five fights this year, with five wins so I want to keep the momentum going. My team is looking at some top girls in the rankings and I trust them. I want to get a 10-rounder in next against someone high in the rankings, and not too far away, I’ll be fighting for world titles.”

The strong team is something Sandstrom mentions through her chat with FightPost, emphasising the weight lifted off her shoulders, and how it allows her to focus fully on fighting. Boxing is the loneliest sport in the world, and yet having people around you to help with training, recovery, fight management, brand exposure, and promotion makes all the difference to fighters who can then do what they love to do most. Sandstrom is feeling the benefits of this.

“I am in a very good place mentally, happy and at peace for the first time really. I am backed by some serious people from within the boxing industry. It is great for my mind, we get the fight dates locked in as early as possible, my team handles that so I can focus on my boxing but we get this done with 8 to 10 weeks until the fight and it means I have a date and opponent to train for.”

Linn Sandstrom has covered a lot of the world, she was born in Brazil, moved to Sweden, and then to Australia where she currently lives. Sandstrom would not have much else in Australia if it was not for boxing, which speaks volumes about what boxing can bring to people’s lives. 

It is fighting and sparring across the globe, along with training videos and inspiring the younger generation that has Linn Sandstrom’s profile hitting amazing heights across social media, and she is yet to fight in both America and the UK, the two hottest destinations for boxing.

“I don’t have much in Australia, apart from my boxing. I have a big following across the world, I’ve got an amazing fan base built from small promotions, and people following from day one through the ups and downs. I want to keep building on this and my boxing career, improving as a fighter and letting my profile grow. I haven’t even fought in the UK and America yet. I post videos online of my training, and they get hundreds of thousands of views, can you imagine when I am on big shows worldwide!

“I have mothers and fathers messaging me about how I have inspired their children. Kids come into the gym and see the belts, their eyes light up, it’s amazing. From where I’ve come from to where I am now, it shows anything is possible through hard work and it means a lot to be able to help and inspire others.”

The enthusiasm and excitement are clear to see from Sandstrom, who has found her calling in life. It has not always been easy for the super-flyweight prospect, but finally, life and boxing are in order. Tough times do not last, and Sandstrom is another example of that. Life may not always go to plan, but keep showing up, keep working hard and the tide will turn in your favour.

Habits from her table tennis days in Sweden have stuck with her and are standing her in good stead within the boxing world, where determination and activity are proving key for the Swedish native. 

For Sandstrom, there is peace and a plan in place. Moving across the world is never easy, but the goal and the drive outweigh the pain of sacrifices made. Hard work has paid off to this point but it doesn’t stop and Sandstrom isn’t one to rest. 

Linn Sandstrom has found a home in boxing and big things are coming.

“I’ve been going to the gym, early mornings, late at night, working as hard as possible, learning and improving. I have goals of winning world titles, and of unifying. I also know once you go from hunter to hunted, the work ethic needs to remain, and you need to keep working hard.

“I love the sport and love boxing, it is my passion. I bounce from camp to camp. Activity is key for me. When I played table tennis at a high level, there were no big breaks and that is the mentality I’ve brought into boxing, as soon as one fight finishes, the next day we are planning for the next fight. I wake up super excited, looking forward to training and improving, I go to bed satisfied with the hard work I’ve put in and dreaming of world titles.”