Vincent Astrolabio Gets Unanimous Decision Upset Over Guillermo Rigondeaux!
At the Dubai Marina in Dubai, Arab Emirates, “Rigo” Guillermo Rigondeaux (20-3, 13 KOs) took on Vincent Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KOs) in a ten-round bantamweight contest. Rigondeaux has been a fixture at 118 and 122-pounds for over a decade, but is a polarizing figure. At his best, Rigondeaux is a pure boxer who can make opponents look confused and silly. However, he turns off many fans because of his often ultra-conservative and safe approach in the ring. As a result, he’s often labeled a boring fighter.
The unquestioned highlight of his career came in April 2013 when he completely outboxed Nonito Donaire to become the unified WBA Super/WBO junior featherweight champion. The low point came when he retired in his corner after six rounds when he stepped up in weight to challenge then WBO junior lightweight champ Vasyl Lomachenko in December 2017.
The 41-year-old from Cuba continues to plug on and fight at a reasonably high level. In his last outing, the Cuban southpaw lost by split decision to current WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero.
The WBC’s ninth-ranked bantamweight faced Astrolabio, who came in with the reputation of being an aggressive, rugged warrior that can punch. The 24-year-old from General Santos City, Philippines entered the bout on a four-fight winning streak, all coming by stoppage.
DOING WHAT HE DOES
Rigondeaux started matters by using his right jab to feel out and study his opponent. Astrolabio was on the attack, looking to land with power shots. But Rigondeaux is a defensive wizard who still has great legs. He used his movement and maneuverability to avoid most of the punches in the early rounds.
The Filipino upped his pace in the middle rounds by becoming more aggressive in hopes of slowing the old man down. However,” Rigo” was constantly changing angles. He was also getting home with sharp left-hand counterpunches. In the center-ring, the former champ showed superior speed as he easily landed with single jabs.
MAN DOWN!
With a minute to go in round eight, Astrolabio put Rigondeaux down on the seat of his pants with a straight right hand to the chin. He tried to go for the finish, but the veteran was able to survive the rounds. Seemingly satisfied with his work, Rigo coasted in the final round.
However, it cost the veteran as all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Astrolabio. With the win, he captured the vacant WBC International bantamweight belt. Look for him to now appear in the WBC bantamweight rankings. Watching the fight live, this reporter felt Rigondeaux won the fight clearly. Outside of the knockdown, the victor didn’t land many meaningful shots and was out-boxed.
Hoping for one last push for a world title shot, this is a devasting loss for Rigondeaux. He thanked his supporters during the post-fight interview but now must look in the mirror and consider whether it’s worth continuing his career.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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