Brandun Lee’s route to potentially extend his record in the ring to 31-0 took a turn that recently led him back to the Coachella Valley.
The unbeaten La Quinta native, who now lives in Irvine, has fought just once over the last two years. Since then, he graduated from college, moved away from the valley, switched trainers and promoters and, ultimately, returned to train with his dad, Bobby.
Hailed as a rising star for years, some have criticized Lee for not appearing in the high-stakes bouts that his ability warrants. But with Lee returning to the ring June 28, those criticisms should soon quiet, Bobby Lee said.
“We’re not playing around no more,” Bobby Lee said. “My son is ready.”
In Las Vegas, Brandun Lee, 27, will step into the ring against arguably his toughest opponent to date in 23-year-old Cain Sandoval (17-1, 15 knockouts). The fight, which is part of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing promotion, will be on the streamed undercard of the José Valenzuela versus Edwin De Los Santos main event on Paramount+.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” Brandun Lee said, “in Las Vegas and on this card.”
The attitude shift from Lee’s camp is a pointed one. Bobby Lee has always been very meticulous with his son’s career. He didn’t want to rush him to the top too quickly and never wanted to put him into a fight before he believed he was ready.
He believed that the time had come a couple years ago, but by then Brandun Lee was being advised by Al Hamon and promoted by Queensbury Promotions in the United Kingdom. Bobby Lee’s influence in his son’s career was not what it once was.
Brandun Lee signed with Dana White’s promotion earlier this year and Bobby Lee returned to his son’s corner. Longtime co-trainer Freddy Esparza will also play an integral role in Lee’s corner for this training camp and fight.
There have been multiple fight offers for Lee over the last year, but none of them felt quite right. In hindsight, Bobby Lee said that the decision not to take those fights has proved to be wise.
“Now, this is a big opportunity for Brandun,” Esparza said. “We know that.”
Lee is already sparring, with more than a month remaining in camp. He’s traveling to Palmdale, to Riverside and Indio to get into the ring with a variety of different boxers. He’s sparring 4-minute rounds and about 15-20 rounds per session.
Lee turned pro just prior to his 18th birthday. After years of preserving himself and building his confidence, his fight resume and his body, he’s now in his prime, and both he and his dad are all-in on what that means.
“He’s a man now,” Bobby Lee said. “There’s no more time to waste. After this one, we want another undefeated guy. Then another. Line them up.”
Andrew John covers boxing in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun and USA TODAY. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella Valley native Brandun Lee thinking big with June 28 fight
Reporting by Andrew John, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
