A Sense of the Unknown Lingers Heading Into Cuadras – Sor Rungvisai Rematch
On February 5, Carlos Cuadras (39-4-1, 27 KOs) squares off against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (50-5-1, 43 KOs) for the vacant WBC junior bantamweight title at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, live on DAZN in a rematch.
They previously fought in May of 2014 for the same WBC title, then held by Rungvisai. In that battle, Cuadras captured the belt by an eighth-round technical decision. Nearly eight years later, they strap it up again. Heading into this rematch, Cuadras is anticipating a different fighter this time around. During an interview with DAZN News, the 33-year-old signaled his foe could be on the decline.
SIGNS OF SLIPPAGE?
“He’s a fighter I already know. But, it’s not the same now as it was seven years ago. I think this time has given me a lot of experience. He’s older, with great wars, but he hasn’t looked very good in the last few fights. I’m not confident, but I think I’m going to win that fight again.”
Carlos Cuadras – Former WBC Super Flyweight Champion
This time around, the stakes are even higher for the two. Not only is there a title on the line, the victor is expected to take the winner of the March 5 trilogy between WBA “super” 115-pound champ Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada and former multiple-time world champ Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
One could see why Cuadras believes Rungvisai could be showing signs of slippage. In truth, the power-hitter from Thailand does not appear to be the same since losing to Juan Francisco Estrada in April of 2019. He’s looked disinterested and not the force who twice defeated “Chocolatito” in 2017.
But Cuadras’ assessment comes with a bit of irony. The last time fans saw him in the ring was when he challenged then-WBC champ Estrada in October 2020. In the lead-up, many fans felt Cuadras was a spent force. However, the resident of Mexico City, Mexico surprised many by putting on an inspired performance. He scored a knockdown and fought very well before Estrada took over and stopped him in eleven.
RELATED: Juan Francisco Estrada Stops Carlos Cuadras in 11!
RECAPTURING THEIR GLORY DAYS
So, when it comes to Cuadras vs Rungvisai II, it may be a case of “who has more left in the tank?” In their first fight, Cuadras was able to outbox the Thai early. Rungvisai was coming on when it was stopped after Cuadras suffered a cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.
It would behoove the Mexican to follow a similar strategy for the rematch. Whether past his prime or not, Rungvisai is arguably the hardest puncher in the division. The question becomes, “can he do so for twelve rounds?”
For Rungvisai, does he still have the fire in the belly? In his two wars with Gonzalez, there was a viciousness to his style. He was a stone-faced menace out to destruct and destroy. He needs to recapture that kind of spirit if he wants to win another world title. With so many questions in the air, this upcoming rematch is a must-watch for hardcore heads.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
