Will Rigondeaux return strong?
This is a bit of shocking news only because the fate of Ringondeaux (Rigo) seemed to be written. After he decided not to continue (citing a “common” hand injury as the cause) before the start of the seventh round against Vasyl Lomachenko (Loma) last year, many expected him to sort of “fade off into the darkness.”
The brutal truth: Rigo had no answers in six straight rounds for the awkward footwork and pressure of Loma.
Also earlier this year, he was offered an opportunity to join the bantamweight WBSS tournament which he declined. This only helped fans believe even more he was on his way to retirement. However, news that he is back in training shows he has a different plan for his future.
Who was Rigo?
The soon to be 38 year-old at one point was seen as one of the most feared fighters in the sport. His dismantling of the 2012 Fighter of the Year, Nonito Donaire in April 2013 had fighters thinking twice about challenging him.
Before Donaire, he captured the WBA Super title from an undefeated Rico Ramos in early 2012. This started a five year reign where he struggled to get big fights but managed to have eight title defenses. Even some of the top 10 contenders during his reign were not eager to get a shot at the title.
This was much of the cause for his inactivity as he felt he should be getting bigger opportunities after the Donaire win. Consequently, fans would see him in lack-luster appearances against guys like Drian Francisco and Moises Flores.
Loma was the only big name willing to mix it up with Rigo. At the time, many fans billed the fight as potentially the biggest technical clash in boxing history. Given the high regard at which Rigo was held in, many fans were turned off of him after this fight.
It will be interesting to see what his plans are. There is a reason he is back in training so we expect to hear more news on him shortly.
By: EJ “2K” Williams
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