Rau’shee Warren Battles Nordine Oubaali for the WBC Bantamweight Title
Date: Saturday, January 19, 2019
Location: MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada Time: 9 p.m. (ET)
Where to watch: Showtime Pay-Per-View
Rau’shee Warren prepares to battle rival Nordine Oubaali of France for the WBC bantamweight championship. The bout will take place on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner.
Before hitting the big time, a vast majority of boxers were once aspiring amateurs with a dream. They entered the various programs gaining experience through a litany of competitions. The contests often serve as a proving ground where many of boxing’s best develop competitive rivalries amongst each other.
The A-side and B-side debates don’t exist. Neither do the big paychecks or network bickering. It was here a young Rau’shee Warren first battled Nordine Oubaali.
Before that fateful meeting, the two standouts had enjoyed much success throughout the amateurs. Nonetheless, Warren and Oubaali (both two-time Olympians) needed the victory to advance into the tournament’s next stage.
After two high-volume rounds, Warren led the contest by one point. However, Oubaali’s work rate prevailed in round-three and the Frenchmen took home the victory with a score of 18:19.
Rau’shee Warren (16-2, 4KOs)
Since suffering career defeats to Juan Carlos Payano and Zhanat Zhakiyanov, Warren has gotten back to his winning ways. The former champion is on a two-fight winning streak and now faces the prospect of revenge.
However, this time, the stakes are much higher. On that night, he will have the opportunity to give Oubaali his first professional defeat and snatch bantamweight gold. With so much on the line, the Cincinnati native will need to bring nothing less than his A-game.
Advice to Warren
Stay smart. You have everything you need to beat Oubaali.
Nordine Oubaali (14-0, 11KOs)
Because of his career fighting in France, boxing fans haven’t had a proper introduction to Oubaali and his style. Therefore, allow me to provide a bit of insight.
For starters, eliminate any preconceived notion that his nameless record spells an easy fight for Warren. The Frenchman is strong, punches hard, and understands the concept of dissecting a crafty opponent.
What stands out to me most is his ability to judge distance and set a comfortable pace for himself. He also has a deceptive way of forcing a fighter to box moving backward; which can be dangerous.
Also accompanying Oubaali’s style is the psychological motivation he’s used leading up to this fight. In his mind, he’s beaten Warren and won the title already.
Nonetheless, in April, Oubaali battled Luis Melendez (47-11-1, 34KOs) of Columbia. Throughout the contest, the challenger never looked comfortable. As a result, the fight would end in just two rounds with Oubaali’s precise punches knocking Melendez out.
Advice to Oubaali
This is not the amateurs! Warren is much better and will be hard to beat. You have to stay on top of him.
Outcome
Warren wins by Split Decision.
By: Cessell Robinson
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