Former table tennis pro's brutal victory on Tim Tszyu undercard
It wasn't just Tim Tszyu who sent the boxing world into a frenzy during the Steel City Showdown in Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Linn Sandstrom also left fans in awe after scoring her first professional win with a unanimous points decision victory over Felicity Loiterton.
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The former table tennis pro kicked off the undercard for Tszyu's fight with Dennis Hogan, dominating Loiterton for four rounds to win the judges over for a 40-36, 39-37, 39-37 victory.
Sandstrom hit Loiterton with one brutal uppercut that Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech described as “beautiful”.
“After the loss (to Jessica Cashman last year), people were saying, ‘Why is she getting another opportunity, why is she getting to be on a card like this again?’” Sandstrom said after the fight.
“They can’t understand it. I was here to prove a point about why I’m here, and this is just the beginning.
“I’m very pleased with that result, I’ve been going through a really tough time lately, especially after the loss.
“So for me to get this win, not many people can imagine how hard I worked for this.
“I’ve had people that really, really want to see me fail. I’m a female that, I’m not just there to say I’m going to do things, I’m here to put in the work and that seems to irritate a lot of people.
“I’m doing me, this is my journey. I’m here to stay now, I’m here to prove a point.”
Sandstrom's move from table tennis to boxing
Born in Brazil and raised in Sweden, Sandstrom represented her adopted country in table tennis.
“Everyone back in Sweden knew me as the girl who played table tennis,” she told The Back Page in March.
“It is (quite a leap to go from table tennis to boxing), but I’ve been an athlete my whole life so that athlete lifestyle is what I love.”
The 29-year-old moved to Australia five years ago and switched her attention to boxing.
“A lot of things are similar except you don’t get punched in the face when you do table tennis,” she said.
Sandstrom was over the moon after her victory, taking to social media to celebrate.
“My team and I did it! I told you everyone loves a good comeback story and this was mine!” she wrote.
“Words can’t describe the feeling I have right now!!”
“Bringing home a UD WIN on one of the biggest show in Australia last night was just (fire emoji).
“I’m buzzing to get back in there ASAP so stay tuned for what’s to come next.”
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