Jono Carroll and Andy Vences are now fighting in a WBA title eliminator
In boxing, a fighter has to stay ready because opportunity can knock at the most unexpected time. The path to a championship is literally a phone call away. This brings us to former IBF junior lightweight challenger Jono “King Kong” Carroll (19-2-1, 5ko) and Andy “El Tiburon” Vences (23-2-1, 12ko). The WBA has announced that the fight between King Kong and El Tiburon is now a title eliminator. Fans can expect both fighters’ determination to be even more heightened with a chance at fighting for a championship down the line.
NO ROOM FOR ERROR
Andy Vences has to view this as an unbelievable opportunity. For one, he is coming off a razor-thin split decision loss to Luis Lopez back in 2020. Moreover, he also suffered a unanimous decision loss to top ten rated undefeated fighter Albert Bell back in 2019.
Carroll undoubtedly sees this as a last shot at becoming a champion. He lost his first title shot to then IBF champion Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer back in 2019. However, he got the biggest win of his career after sending former WBA ‘super’ super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg into retirement in March 2020.
King Kong was riding high before suffering a major setback after losing to Maxi Hughes on July 20. He has been waiting for the chance to get back into title contention and will be more determined than ever.
According to the WBA, both fighters are experienced and ready for the highest level. The fight will be a litmus test for both of them. Although, the winner is going to have to wait for the title opportunity. The organization already ordered WBA ‘regular’ champion Roger Gutierrez and Chris Colbert to fight next.
The fight to determine the next mandatory challenger is on the undercard of Hall of fame fighter Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield facing former MMA champion Vitor Belfort. Holyfield was brought in as a replacement when Golden Boy Promotions head honcho Oscar De La Hoya was sidelined after catching COVID-19.
A loss for either fighter, at this point in their careers, will be catastrophic as the door of opportunity will close abruptly, leaving the loser with a tough career decision to consider.
By: Garrisson Bland
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