Why Luis Nery Continues to Be His Own Worst Enemy
The relationship between fighter and trainer can be very tenuous. The littlest of things can cause friction, often resulting in a decision to split. That seems to be the case with Luis Nery (31-0, 24 KOs).
ESPN Deportes reports that the current WBC World Super Bantamweight champion has decided to separate from trainer Eddie Reynoso. Nery disclosed the news during an appearance on ESPN Knockout.
No details were given for the reasons behind his decision. However, this move is the latest in a disturbing trend for the 26-year-old power puncher from Tijuana, Mexico.
Nery and Reynoso only worked together for one fight. That was his most recent fight, a win over Aaron Alameda to capture the vacant WBC 122-pound world title in September 2020.
His time with Reynosa followed a very brief stint with trainer Freddie Roach. Nery and Roach did not even make it for one fight. Nery bolted after a failed attempt to face off against former IBF world bantamweight champ Emanuel Rodriguez. They were scheduled to fight in November of 2019. However, Nery was unable to make weight for the contest. Feeling he would be fighting at a disadvantage, Rodriguez decided to back out of the fight.
This move is happening at a very bad time as the super bantamweight division is starting to make noise. The fighter who calls himself “Pantera” is missing in action.
Stephen Fulton defeated Angelo Leo to win the WBO title. Ra’eese Aleem was very impressive in a win over Vic Pasillas to win the WBA “Regular” World Super Bantamweight title. Unified IBF/WBA “super’ world 122-pound champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev is rumored to be returning to action this Spring.
All the champions are moving and grooving except for Nery! He must get active to keep his name on the minds and mouths of fans.
CAN’T GET OUT OF HIS OWN WAY
In 2017, he was one of the most talked-about smaller-weight fighters in the world. In August of that year, he knocked out Shinsuke Yamanaka to win the WBC World Bantamweight title. Since then, he has gone from a potential star to a fighter clouded in controversy.
Moments after the win over Yamanaka, Nery failed a post-fight drug test. They re-matched in March 2018. Nery embarrassed himself by coming in five pounds over the 118-pound limit. He won the rematch, but his reputation went down the tubes.
The two-division world champion has been in re-build mode. He has never regained the full trust of the public following the Yamanaka fights. This most recent decision to dump Reynosa will further draw the ire of many. The trainer’s reputation and pedigree are stellar. His roster includes unified super middleweight world champ Canelo Alvarez, WBC Super Featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, world flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez, and WBC World ‘interim’ Lightweight champion Ryan Garcia.
At this time there has been no announcement who will be his next trainer. It could be that Nery feels Reynoso did not have the time on his schedule for him. There could be a simple difference of opinion and approach. Whatever is the real reason, it does little for Nery’s career.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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