Guillermo Rigondeaux and His Unfortunate Situation

By Boxing News - 07/20/2013 - Comments

rigondeaux43By Sevak Sarkisian: On April 13th of this year, Guillermo Rigondeaux (12-0 8KO’s) not only pulled off a huge upset over Jr. Featherweight King and pound for pound fighter Nonito Donaire. But he also did it by outclassing his opponent and putting on a Picasso like performance. It was the art of the sweet science displayed at its best. Rigondeaux showcased great hand speed, punching accuracy, counterpunching, and near perfect defense.

For boxing purists, (such as myself) Rigondeaux’s master class performance was beautiful to watch. However, for the casual fan or for the boxing fans that only like seeing action packed fights, it wasn’t interesting to watch. History shows us that the most important thing for a fighter to have in order to become successful in the sport of boxing aside from a good team is to win his fights. As long as the fighter keeps winning he will continue to excel and make money in the sport of boxing. History has also shown us that being an exciting fighter tremendously helps the fighter to be more marketable to casual boxing fans.

Fighters like Arturo Gatti, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao are all testaments to that. However, history has also shown that being an exciting fighter is not prerequisite to becoming a boxing superstar. As a matter of fact, boxing’s current hottest star is Floyd Mayweather who happens to be a defensive fighter who has put on many boring fights including his fights with Baldomir and Guerrero. So, it is obvious that defensive fighters can still reach the superstar level and become network favorites.

It seems as though Bob Arum isn’t too enthusiastic about promoting Rigondeaux in my humble opinion. Saying “He has to throw more punches” at Rigondeaux’s post fight interview with Max Kellerman after the Donaire fight. Arum also recently made a comment implying that every time he mentions Rigo’s name to HBO, they vomit. The most angering part about this whole situation to me is the fact that well respected boxing commentator Larry Merchant supports HBO’s neglectful attitude towards Rigo. However, Merchant isn’t the only respectrd journalist or reporter/commentator to have a negative attitude towards Rigondeaux.

I could understand how many casual/uneducated fans may not be appreciative about Rigondeaux’s beautiful boxing style, but for high profile boxing commentators and writers to be dismissive of Rigondeax because of his style is a big shame to the sport and one I simply can’t understand. Most if not all of Donaire’s previous opponents would have fought him just like Rigondeaux did if they simply had the ability to do so. You cannot fault Rigo for trying to fight the smartest he possibly can against a fighter of Nonito Donaire’s caliber.

Personally speaking, as a boxing fan I not only want to see exciting action packed fights but I also want to see the best in the world. Not every fight is going to be a blood bath and we shouldn’t expect them to be. Not every boxer is going to be exciting to watch every time they fight but if you ask me Rigondeaux has been exciting more times than not. Out of his 12 fights he has managed to KO 8 of his opponents in impressive fashion. He has the ability to score one punch knockouts and if matched up correctly, he can make for some good fights.

It doesn’t make sense to me how HBO approved Gary Russell to fight TBA’s but is not willing to approve one of the best fighters on the planet who just dominated a p4p fighter. It seems to me that there is an underlying political issue that we fans don’t know about. This situation is disgusting and I hope it gets resolved and doesn’t affect Rigondeaux’s career.
This writer can be contacted @Sev_S7



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