Guillermo Rigondeaux looking for a fight with Naoya Inoue!
Guillermo Rigondeaux is riding high after his split decision victory over Liborio Solis (30-6-1, 14KOs).
Post an early scare in the opening round where Solis hurt him multiple times, the Cuban master boxer made the proper adjustments and dominated down the stretch, scoring multiple knockdowns en route to victory.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR EL CHACAL
With the win, Rigondeaux now holds the WBA regular bantamweight title which is the minor version of the super title held by Naoya “Monster” Inoue (19-0, 16KOs).
No, the fight isn’t imminent or even being talked about by anyone other than Rigondeaux himself. However, let’s not sit here brush it off to the side like this wouldn’t be a tremendous fight.
I know, I know! Rigondeaux stunk up the joint against Vasyl Lomachenko where he appeared to quit after the conclusion of the sixth round. Moreover, he was showered with boos against Solis.
Regardless, this doesn’t mean that he does not possess the ring I.Q. or technical ability to give Inoue a run for his money!
PLAYING DEVILS ADVOCATE
That fight with Lomachenko took place at junior lightweight which is two divisions above the weight class Rigondeaux had been campaigning at the time.
That’s no excuse for quitting, but it is a legit reason as to why he may have struggled so badly along with, of course, the supremely gifted skill-set of Lomachenko.
Back to the topic at hand! A matchup between Inoue and Rigondeaux is a fascinating one! It would pit Master offensive vs Master defense.
Inoue comes forward with a great jab, great power, vicious combination punching and pin-point accuracy.
Rigondeaux brings speedy reflexes, excellent counter punching ability and top notch fundamentals that has allowed him to become the defensive wizard he is today.
Even at 39 years of age, there’s no doubt that Rigondeaux could trouble Inoue at least a little bit.
RIGO ON INOUE!
When speaking to fighthype.com immediately after his win, he said the following about Inoue.
“Before, I was fighting guys bigger than me. Now I’m in my weight.
“Let’s go ‘Monster’ hunting! He’s an excellent fighter, a warrior. A good, well-rounded boxer. We’re both gonna make incredible adjustments when that fight comes.”
I’m not saying this a must see fight, however, I am saying that myself and everyone else who loves boxing would tune in.
Will it happen? Only time will tell!
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
