Linn Sandström: A New Beginning

Linn Sandström: A New Beginning

Jasmine Artiga proved far too much for Linn Sandström on Saturday night in Florida. Artiga impressively overwhelmed Sandström inside three largely one-sided rounds to retain her WBA world super-flyweight title. Despite being the pre-fight betting favourite, it was perhaps a little easier than many suspected it would be for Artiga. But Sandström can still be incredibly proud of what she has achieved inside a boxing ring.

It’s easy to judge success and failure in simplistic ways. For the second time on the world stage, Sandström left the ring a loser. Two unsuccessful bids for the WBA world super-flyweight title. But the story of Linn Sandström is far more than that.

The former international table tennis star shouldn’t have got this far. In truth, Sandström has reached a level far beyond anyone could have expected. But while others doubted and resented, Sandström believed. And despite that defeat on Saturday night, she still does.

Sandström is already planning a new beginning. At 33, the Brazilian-born has realised her future will be at flyweight. The greater strength of Jasmine Artiga was telling in that Orlando ring. Sandström just couldn’t keep the American off her. You suspect even in the heat of battle, Sandström was thinking that the flyweight division was better suited to her frame. Post-fight, Sandström announced her next move.

‘112 division, I’m coming for you,’ Sandström said on her social media accounts.

It does, on the surface, seem like a wise move for Sandström. Maybe it should have come a little sooner. But Artiga made the decision for her. The timing of the switch to flyweight might just work out for her.

Gabriela Fundora is the undisputed world flyweight champion. But at some point in 2026, Fundora will likely seek pastures new. If that happens, the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO baubles will all be up for grabs. If Sandström can get a few decent wins at her new weight, she could put herself in a position to fight for one of the vacant world titles.

Many will write Linn Sandström off after being stopped for the first time in her professional career. But Sandström has shown her resilience many times over throughout her boxing career. It won’t be easy, but I wouldn’t rule out Sandström having a third crack at a world title. She hopes that it will be third time lucky.

Photo Credit: Most Valuable Promotions/Joseph Correa