Rau’shee Warren Determined To Make One Last Push at World Bantamweight Glory
By usual standards, Rau’shee Warren (19-3, 5 KOs) has had a successful run as a pro. He’s a fighter of substance, a good and solid world-class fighter. The former WBA ‘super’ World bantamweight champion has been a fixture near the top of the division over the last five years. However, here’s the issue from boxing critics and hardcore fans when analyzing the man from Cincinnati, Ohio.
At no point of his career was Warren remotely considered the very best at 118 pounds. The consensus is, he lacks the “it” factor to elevate from a good to elite fighter. As a result, his career has been deemed somewhat disappointing.
Despite this reality, the 34-year-old is on a mission to silence the doubters. Ranked first by the WBA at 118, he successfully returned to action on August 14 with a second-round TKO win over Damien Vazquez at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
A CHANGE OF MINDSET?
It was an impressive and emphatic performance by the former world champ. What made the victory noteworthy was not that he won but how he won. Normally a guy who likes to box from the outside, Warren fought mainly in the center of the ring. While not considered the hardest puncher, the southpaw from Ohio displayed the power to go along with his noted speed and agility. His style shifted from quick-fisted and safe to fast, explosive, and exciting.
During the post-fight press conference, Warren said he hopes the fight against Vazquez woke folks up. After the fight, he attributes the performance to his conditioning and extra motivation. As he explained, he had one thing in mind.
“This time I called it. I said it would not go many rounds. He was there for a fight, I was there for a knockout. You got to take my word for it. I took him out, second round.”
NOT MUCH TIME LEFT
Given his age, Warren understands what must be done. If he wants to recapture a world title, there can be no room for error. There seems to be a renewed focus and intensity in his eye. He left the media with this nugget as he opined about what he desires moving forward.
“I want that title. I want to get back on the throne where I belong. I’m trying to get that title right back. I’m ranked number one for the WBA. This was a great performance for me. I came and I executed what I was supposed to do. I’m ready to move on”
If the win against Vazquez is any indication of what’s down the road, it may not be too late for Warren to reach that next level, after all.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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