Connect with us

Featured Articles

At 42, Guillermo Rigondeaux Returns with a Knockout and Renewed Vigor  

Published

on

At-42-Guillermo-Rigondeaux-Returns-with-a-Knockout--and-Renewed-Vigor

Almost a year ago, an accident in his home endangered the life of talented Cuban southpaw Guillermo “Rigo” Rigondeaux, who returned to the ring on Friday, February 24th in Miami, with a spectacular first round knockout against Colombian Jesús Martínez.

In March 2022, just days after his second straight loss, Rigondeaux (21-3-0, 14 KOs) had a pressure cooker explode in his face, temporarily impairing nearly 80 percent of his vision, burning him severely, and putting his boxing career in jeopardy.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist (Sydney-2000 and Athens-2004) was transported to a hospital in South Florida where after several examinations it was determined that although his retinas were undamaged, the cornea and macula had been impaired, and he would have to wait a few weeks to ascertain the extent of the damage and allow for the cornea’s natural regeneration process.

If the optic nerve was also damaged, surgery would be required, but specialists were unable to predict the extent of the injury at that time. As the days passed, Rigondeaux experienced a speedy recovery that even surprised the doctors. He was discharged within a few weeks and returned to training.

“I can’t tell you how happy I feel to return to do what I like so much, which is boxing,” said Rigondeaux once the fight against Martínez  was official. “This is the second fight of my career in Miami, the first in Hialeah. I know I’m in the final stretch of my career, but I hope people respond and come see me. After all, I am part of the history of Cuban boxing.”

RIGO REVEALS A DIFFERENT FIGHTING STYLE IN THE RING

With skillful movement, a hermetic defense, and powerful fists, Rigo has received criticism for elusive performances in the ring that consisted of very few punches. However, after a year away from competitive action, Rigondeaux returned to the ring with a convincing performance against veteran Martínez (33-17-1, 16 KOs), at Hialeah Park and Casino in South Florida.

Without taking any time to analyze his opponent’s tactical plan, Rigondeaux stormed into the ring looking to exchange from the very beginning. Within the first minute, Rigo landed several punches to the head of Martínez who fell to the mat. The referee immediately intervened, giving Martínez the mandatory count. When the actions resumed, Rigondeaux went in for the kill, landing several more punches and knocking Martínez down again. Only 1:14 minutes had elapsed in the first round.

“I just wanted to say I’m back,” a victorious Rigondeaux said. “Guillermo is back. The legend.” Rigo claimed that he now wants a title shot at 122 pounds, but he does not appear among the top 15 in any of the rankings of the four main organizations (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO). He’s going to have to win a few more fights before that opportunity becomes a reality.

In August 2021, Rigondeaux lost by split decision to Filipino John Riel Casimero (32-4, 22 KOs), in Carson, California. Casimero was defending his WBO 118-pound belt for the second time.

Six months later, Filipino Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) defeated Rigondeaux by unanimous decision in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with the incentive for the vacant WBC International belt. In the fight, which was scheduled for 10 rounds, Astrolabio knocked Rigondeaux down in the eighth. The three judges issued scorecards of 95-94 in favor of Astrolabio.

Recognized as one of the best Cuban boxers in history, Rigondeaux had a failed escape attempt in Brazil while preparing for the 2007 Pan American Games. Back on the island, he was separated from the national squad. Sometime later, he managed to successfully escape from the island.

The little Cuban gladiator became a professional champion in his ninth bout, defeating American Rico Ramos (30-6, 14 KOs) by sixth round knockout on January 20, 2012, in Las Vegas.

One year and three months later, Rigondeaux had the most relevant success of his career, unanimously defeating Filipino Nonito Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) at Radio City Music Hall in New York. This victory made Rigondeaux a two-time world champion, with both the WBA and WBO belts. At the time, Donaire was riding a 12-year, 30-fight win streak and was considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

Article submitted by Jorge Juan Álvarez in Spanish.

Please note any adjustments made were for clarification purposes and any errors in translation were unintentional.

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles3 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles4 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles22 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles3 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles3 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles4 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending