Bantamweight contender Saul Sanchez has gained a greater sense of maturity since suffering the only loss of his career a few years ago. This is according to Alex Camponovo, who believes Sanchez has also become a more well-rounded fighter as well.

Sanchez will square off against Jarico O’Quinn in a compelling match-up tonight on Main Street in the Rose District in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The 10-round bout will headline a three-bout ShoBox telecast (Showtime, 10:35 p.m. ET/ 7:35 p.m. PT).

In his last bout on March 19, Sanchez dropped Frank Gonzales three times before the fight was stopped in the opening round. He has now won his last four bouts since suffering the only loss of his career at the hands of Edwin Rodriguez in August 2019.

Sanchez (16-1, 9 knockouts), who resides in the Los Angeles suburb of Pacoima, will be making his second appearance on the popular ShoBox series. In his first fight, which took place three months before the Rodriguez fight, Sanchez overcame a strong challenge from Brandon Leon Benitez before stopping him in round 8.

Camponovo, who is the general manager and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing Promotions, believes Sanchez is ready for tonight’s challenge.

“This is a big fight for Saul,” Camponovo told BoxingScene Wednesday night. “He has been in this position before, having fought on ShoBox before. He recently headlined a few ‘Boxeo Telemundo’ telecasts, the last of which was in March. Now he is in the main event, he understands what is at stake.

“We know that in the lower weight classes, fighters can be positioned quicker towards a world title shot. Even after a setback, a few wins could line up a title shot as well. Saul puts himself in a great position, should he defeat Jarico. He is already ranked in the top-15 by the WBO and the WBA, so a win (tonight) could put Saul closer to a world title shot.”

Sanchez is ranked No. 9 by the WBA and No. 13 by the WBO.

The 24-year-old recently made a change in trainers, returning to Manny Robles after working with Joel Diaz. Robles was in the corner the night Sanchez knocked out Gonzales.

Camponovo believes Sanchez has improved his defense and his skill-set with Robles.

“I have nothing but respect for both Joel and Manny,” said Camponovo. “I know both personally. With Saul, he had to make that long drive from Los Angeles to Indio (where Diaz is based out of). With Manny, it’s a shorter drive to the gym. I know Saul has really worked hard with Manny on varying his offense. Saul now is more patient. He doesn’t throw his entire arsenal at the beginning of the fight. He takes his time and that serves him well for an entire fight.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing