rigondeaux222 By Jose Muradas:

Boxing is like jazz. The better it is, the less people appreciate it.”
George Foreman

Cuban Gold

It shouldn’t be this way for the man nicked named the “Chacal” (The Jackal). Guillermo Rigondeaux is poetry in motion. A fighter gifted with speed, footwork, and excellent defensive skill. He should be embraced by his promoter Bob Arum, and the executives at HBO.

A man who has forged his craft with the heralded Cuban National Team. A two- time world amateur champion and Olympic gold medalist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur fighters of all-time,with over 400 fights, and only 12 defeats. However in the world of pro boxing, it’s not only about winning, it’s how you win.

The Failed Project

Rigondeaux has faced off with the business side of boxing, and it’s been his toughest opponent to date. Rigondeaux,who reportedly left his native Cuba in february of 09′ has had twelve pro fights and has won them all. Ok, so what, he needs to fight more. This would be the typical response. Why should Arum and HBO heavily market a fighter with twelve fights? This is just not any fighter. He is a master technician, who defeated a four-time world champion in Nonito Donaire in just his twelfth pro fight. He put on a boxing clinic, but his lack of standing and trading with Donaire labeled him as boring. In his biggest fight to date, the newly crowned WBA super bantamweight champion was a flop to the executives at HBO. “Every time I mention him they throw up” said Arum. This was the same network that pushed for the fight in the first place. Now, Rigondeaux is HBO’s odd man out.

Just Step Aside

In the eyes of legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Rigondeaux is one of the best he has seen.

It’s a shame that a fighter of Rigondeaux’s ability can’t be marketed to the casual boxing fan. It is going to take the right opponent to come along, and force Rigondeaux into a fire fight. Until that time comes, he will be featured on the undercard of the upcoming Rios-Pacquiao showdown. Rigondeaux has mentioned that he will not change his style of fighting to suit the marketing aspect of HBO or Top Rank Promotions. One can only hope he doesn’t crack under the pressure of being relegated to the scrap heap of second -tier fighters because of the ridiculous notion that he is not marketable. Rigondeaux will be tested, all fighters are at some point. To push him out of the spotlight,and punish him because he has been a pure boxer due to his great amateur background is definitely a short sighted move by HBO.

Golden Boy, Anyone?

El Chacal, may have to look elsewhere to secure his future in the sport. It wouldn’t surprise me if Golden Boy came knocking on his door. Rigondeaux has commented on the lack of respect he has received from TopRank and HBO, and a move to Showtime is a strong possibility. Rigondeaux deserves to fight quality opposition, and be given the opportunity to showcase his skills. He may consider a new network and division by year’s end. The featherweight division at 126lbs is loaded with talented names like Jhonny Gonzalez, Chris John, Abner Mares, and featherweight champion Mikey Garcia. Whatever he decides to do, Rigondeaux will find a home, and HBO may lose a fighter who can dominate for years to come.
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