Guillermo Rigondeaux

This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Rigondeaux and the second or maternal family name is Ortiz.
Guillermo Rigondeaux

Rigondeaux in 2012
Statistics
Real name Guillermo Rigondeaux Ortiz
Nickname(s) Rigo
El Chacal ("The Jackal")[1]
Rated at Bantamweight
Super bantamweight
Height 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)[2]
Reach 68 in (173 cm)
Nationality Cuban
Born (1980-09-30) September 30, 1980
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights 17
Wins 17
Wins by KO 11
Losses 0

Guillermo Rigondeaux Ortiz (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡiˈʎermo riɣonˈdo]; born September 30, 1980) is a Cuban professional boxer. He is the current WBA (Super) and lineal super bantamweight champion, in his second reign as WBA titlist, having previously held the WBO and The Ring magazine super bantamweight titles. The Ring and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB) currently recognize Rigondeaux as the world's number one super bantamweight;[3] The Ring and BoxRec respectively rank him as the world's fifth and tenth best boxer, pound for pound.

As an amateur, Rigondeaux won consecutive gold medals in the bantamweight division at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. He is also a seven-time Cuban national champion at bantamweight (2000–06) and finished his amateur career with a record of nearly 475 fights with 12 losses; the last of these losses being to Rencise Perez and Bekzat Sattarkhanov in 1998, Waldemar Font in 1999, and Aghasi Mammadov in 2003. After Rigondeaux's defection in 2009, he turned professional and remains undefeated.[Video 1]

Widely considered to be one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time,[4] Rigondeaux has been lauded by boxing trainer Freddie Roach as being: "Probably the greatest talent I've ever seen."[5] Rigondeaux is known for his hand speed, counterpunching and elusiveness, and has proved an exceptional difficult fighter to hit. A documentary on Rigondeaux is in the works by filmmaker Brin-Jonathan Butler.[6] Butler also published a biography of Rigondeaux entitled A Cuban Boxer's Journey: From Castro's Traitor to American Champion, published by Picador USA.

Rigondeaux in November 2011

Olympic results

2000

2004

Other amateur achievements

Defection

On July 22, 2007, Rigondeaux and teammate Erislandy Lara failed to appear for their scheduled bouts at the Pan American Games in Brazil. It was initially announced that Rigondeaux was to turn professional, joining fellow 2004 Cuban Olympians Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Barthelemy, who defected earlier in 2007. As with the other Cuban defectors, Rigondeaux signed a promotional deal with Ahmet Oener and ARENA Box-Promotion. However, on August 2, Rigondeaux and Lara were taken into police custody in Brazil, stating that they wanted to return home to Cuba. However, Cuban leader Fidel Castro then stated that Rigondeaux and Lara could not box again for the Cuban team. In February 2009, Rigondeaux defected again via Mexico City to Miami, and signed with Arena Box-Promotion.

Professional career

Super bantamweight

On February 23, 2009, Rigondeaux was announced to have defected along with 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Yudel Johnson, Yordanis Despaigne and Yuniel Dorticos[7] and is now in Miami and is managed by Irishman Gary Hyde.[8] He will be training in the same gym as Yuriorkis Gamboa, Erislandi Lara and Odlanier Solis.[9] and will continue his career as a professional once he completes all the residency requirements.[10] He left behind his wife Farah Colina, a 7-year-old son and a 17-year-old stepson in Cuba.[11] He is also reportedly staying in the home of countryman and featherweight contender Yuriorkis Gamboa.[12]

Rigondeaux won his professional debut on May 22 with a third-round TKO over Juan Noriega in Miami.[13] Although he did not maintain a busy punch volume, Rigondeaux still landed hard shots. Noriega barely countered Rigondeaux's punches and the referee found the opportunity to stop the fight after Rigondeaux connected with a solid right to the head. On July 17 he won his second pro fight against Robert Guillen by first round knock out.[14] Rigondeaux wasn't active but he hit Guillen with a great hard counter punch to the body which left him rolling on the canvas in pain.

On September 18, Rigondeaux beat Giovanni Andrade by 3rd round TKO to win the NABA Super Bantamweight title, dropping Andrade once in each of rounds two and three.

On December 16, 2009 Rigondeaux won a Unanimous Decision over Lante Addy in 8 rounds, dropping Addy once in round one.

On February 5, 2010, Rigondeaux scored a 1st round Knockout against Adolfo Landeros, dropping Landeros with a hard left uppercut to the body.

Rigondeaux then signed a three-year contract with Bob Arum's Top Rank in July 2010.[15] He is also co-promoted by Boris Arencibia's Caribe Promotions.[16]

The Ricardo Cordoba fight was on the HBO televised undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito WBC Light Middleweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, in front of 70,000 people. This was the biggest fight in Rigondeaux's career to date. Rigondeaux knocked Cordoba down in the 4th with a body shot, but was judged to be knocked down in turn in the 6th, in what appeared to be a slip. Despite appearing to win clearly, the fight was judged a split decision, with Rigondeaux the victor and becoming a world champion in his 7th bout (though interim) winning the WBA Super Bantamweight title.[17]

The fight against Willie Casey was live on RTÉ (Ireland) at the City West Convention Centre, Dublin, Ireland on the 19th of March 2011. This was Rigondeaux's first defense of his WBA Interim Title. A sweeping left uppercut in the opening round caught Casey flush and sent him back on his rear causing his glove to touch the mat at 1:45. He was up immediately and received a mandatory eight-count. A combination capped with a left hook sent Casey falling across the ring and down at 2:19. He was able to make it to his feet but was visibly wobbled. A follow-up barrage sent Casey stumbling forward. At that, the referee stepped in and waved an end to the bout.

WBA super bantamweight champion

Rigondeaux vs. Ramos

Rigondeaux knocking down Ramos in the 1st round

Rigondeaux won the "full" WBA World Super Bantamweight title by knocking out champion and Ring No. 2 ranked Super Bantamweight Rico Ramos (20-0, 11 KOs) in the 6th round. on January 20, 2012Rigondeaux controlled the opening round against a tentative Ramos. He quickly moved into range and fired the left hand both to the body and upstairs. A straight left hand caught Ramos against the ropes and sent him down at 2:24 of the opening round. He was up quickly and received a mandatory eight-count. Rigondeaux attacked but Ramos gathered himself and finished the round. Output waned in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds both fighters looked for countering opportunities with neither seeming overly willing to open up. An accidental clash of heads opened a small cut on the outside of Ramos's left eyebrow near the end of Round 4. Rigondeaux was warned in Round 6 for pulling down the back of Ramos's head. Immediately after the warning, Rigondeaux came forward with a barrage and landed a clean left hand to the body that sent Ramos to the mat grimacing in pain. He remained down on his back as the referee reached the count of ten.

Rigondeaux has been trained under Ismael Salas[18] after working with Freddie Roach, Alejandro "Pupi" Torre and Ronnie Shields,[15] and has worked out with Jorge Rubio at his Xtreme Gym in Hialeah, Florida for the Teon Kennedy fight.[16] DJ Montanocordoba has served as his physical conditioner.[18]

Miscellaneous defences

Despite Rigondeaux and his camp's great efforts to make a fight with any of the other 122 pound champions, they have been dodged by the other champions such as Nonito Donaire, Toshiaki Nishioka, Jeffrey Mathebula and Abner Mares.[19] Rigondeaux said, "They are cowards". That was why Rigondeaux said thanks to Teon Kennedy for being there at the pre-fight press conference[20] and fought against him on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Rigondeaux knew the split decision victory against Ricardo Cordoba did not please the HBO people, and learned from it the importance of aggressiveness. From the standpoint of promotion, the second appearance on HBO was crucial to him. He did not want to make the same mistake as he did two years ago.[19] Rigondeaux impressively stopped Kennedy in the 5th round after knocking him down five times all with his left cross,[21] leading Kennedy to say "He just hits you with punches that you can't see".[22] He has differentiated from the Cordoba fight. Now that he realized that he needed to not only win a fight but also entertain, his promoter Bob Arum stated that Rigondeaux could one day face Nonito Donaire, Jorge Arce, or Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.[21]

He fought against Roberto Marroquin on the undercard of the Sergio Martínez vs. Julio César Chávez, Jr. at the Thomas & Mack Center on September 15, 2012. It was a relatively easy night for Rigondeaux, who outworked and outlanded Marroquin and seemed to just cruise through the fight. Rigondeaux gave his young opponent the first knockdown of his career in the 5th round and scored another knockdown in the 12th round. The judges scored the bout: 118-108, 118-108 and 118-109, all three in favour of Rigondeaux who retained his WBA title by unanimous decision.[23]

Unified super bantamweight champion

Rigondeaux vs. Donaire

Rigondeaux fought WBO and The Ring champion Nonito Donaire at Radio City Music Hall on April 13, 2013 in a unification fight. Rigondeaux left his trainer Jorge Rubio in order to start training with his former amateur trainer Pedro Diaz for this fight.[24] Donaire came into the fight as the No. 5 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.[25]

Rigondeaux defeated Donaire by unanimous decision with the scores of 114–113, 115–112, and 116–111, though the fight was considered much wider than the judges scorecards indicated.[25] Rigondeaux frustrated Donaire early and often with his quick lead right hook, and left hand. Rigondeaux would continue to land the cleaner punches and dip out of range from Donaire for the first nine rounds of the fight. In the 10th round, while Rigondeaux attempted to clinch with Donaire, he was pushed off and caught with a straight left hand from Donaire, sending him to the canvas. Rigondeaux appeared to hurt Donaire with a straight left early in the 12th round, when Donaire covered up a severely swollen right eye and began bleeding from his mouth.[26] Rigondeaux ended the round and fight targeting Donaire with his left hand, backing Donaire up.

Rigondeaux out landed and out punched Donaire throughout the fight,[27] winning a clear unanimous decision to unify titles and win The Ring Super Bantamweight title from Donaire.[28][Video 2] RingTV.com scored it 117–110 in favor of Rigondeaux,[29] and HBO's Harold Lederman had it 118–109 for him.[30]

Rigondeaux vs. Agbeko, Kokietgym

Rigondeaux successfully defeated Joseph Agbeko on December 7, 2013 at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Rigondeaux won every round on all three judges scorecards (120-108) and retained the Lineal, WBO, and Ring Magazine World junior featherweight titles and the WBA Super World super bantamweight title.[31]

Top Rank announced the next defense would be against veteran Sod Kokietgym (63-2-1, 28 KOs) on July 19, 2014 at the Cotai Arena in Macao. Rigondeaux won the bout , after the fight was stopped half way through the first round. Kokietgym hit the canvas due to a hard, accidental head-butt, he was given time to recover, however when he got up, the two touched gloves as respect before Rigondeaux threw an ungentlemanly 'sucker punch' right hook to end the fight while they touched gloves with the other glove. This resembled the ending of the welterweight world title bout between Floyd Mayweather versus Victor Ortiz in Las Vegas. This was the first professional fight for Rigondeaux outside of the United States and Kokietgym entered the fight having not lost in over eight years.[32]

Rigondeaux vs. Amagasa, Francisco

Rigondeaux retained lineal, WBO, and Ring Magazine World junior featherweight titles and the WBA Super World super bantamweight title against Japan's Hisashi Amagasa in Japan. Rigondeaux was down twice in the seventh round but stated one of them was a slip/push. Amagasa was down in the 9th. Referee Mike Ortega stopped the bout after Amagasa failed to get up off his stool after round 11.[33]

Rigondeaux defeated Drian Fancisco (28-3-1, 22 KOs) via unanimous decision (97-93, 100-90 twice) on November 21, 2015 in at the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas.

Scheduled Bout in UK; visa issue

Rigondeaux was scheduled to fight Liverpool's James 'Jazza' Dickens (22-1, 7KOs) on March 12, 2016 at the Echo Arena, on the under-card of Terry Flanagan vs. Derry Matthews. This would the UK debut for Rigondeaux, who was training in Russia. It was announced on the fight night that the fight was off and Rigondeaux had returned to the United States due to failing to obtain a UK visa.[34] Dickens still fought on the undercard defeating Reynaldo Cajina.[35]

WBA (Super) champion

On May 14, 2016 Rigondeaux was re-instated as the WBA 'Super' World Super Bantamweight champion due to Carl Frampton being stripped of the belt for failing to negotiate his first defence. Rigondeaux would most likely defend the title against Jazza Dickens or WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell.[36] WBA ordered Rigondeaux to face interim titleholder Moises Flores (24-0, 17 KOs), of Mexico, by August 1, in a mandatory defence.[37]

Rigondeaux vs. Dickens

It was confirmed that Rigondeaux would defend his Lineal and WBA 'Super' World title against Jazza Dickens on July 16 at the Ice Arena in Cardiff. The fight was originally scheduled for March, however was cancelled due to Rigondeaux having VISA issues. This would be Rigondeaux's first fight in the UK.[38] Rigondeaux retained his belts after breaking Dickens jaw in round 2 with a huge left hand. Dickens was forced to retire.[39]

Rigondeaux vs. Flores

On July 20, in their continued desire to reduce the number of champions, the WBA ordered Rigondeaux to make a mandatory defence of his title against their interim titleholder, 29-year-old Mexican boxer Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KO).[40]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
17 fights 17 wins 0 losses
By knockout 11 0
By decision 6 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
17 Win 17–0 United Kingdom Jazza Dickens RTD 2 (12), 3:00 16 Jul 2016 United Kingdom Ice Arena, Cardiff, Wales Retained WBA (Super) and lineal super bantamweight titles
16 Win 16–0 Philippines Drian Francisco UD 10 Nov 21, 2015 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained lineal super bantamweight title;
Won vacant WBC Silver International super bantamweight title
15 Win 15–0 Japan Hisashi Amagasa RTD 11 (12), 3:00 Dec 31, 2014 Japan Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Super), WBO, The Ring, and lineal super bantamweight titles
14 Win 14–0 Thailand Sod Kokietgym KO 1 (12), 1:44 Jul 19, 2014 Macau Cotai Arena, Macau, SAR Retained WBA (Super), WBO, The Ring, and lineal super bantamweight titles
13 Win 13–0 Ghana Joseph Agbeko UD 12 Dec 7, 2013 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBO, The Ring, and lineal super bantamweight titles
12 Win 12–0 Philippines Nonito Donaire UD 12 Apr 13, 2013 United States Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained WBA (Super) super bantamweight title;
Won WBO, The Ring, and lineal super bantamweight titles
11 Win 11–0 United States Roberto Marroquin UD 12 Sep 15, 2012 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title
10 Win 10–0 United States Teon Kennedy TKO 5 (12), 1:11 Jun 9, 2012 United States MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title
9 Win 9–0 United States Rico Ramos KO 6 (12), 1:29 Jan 21, 2012 United States Palms Casino Resort, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title
8 Win 8–0 Republic of Ireland Willie Casey TKO 1 (12), 2:35 Mar 19, 2011 Republic of Ireland Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Ireland Retained WBA interim super bantamweight title
7 Win 7–0 Panama Ricardo Cordoba SD 12 Nov 13, 2010 United States Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. Won vacant WBA interim super bantamweight title
6 Win 6–0 Mexico Jose Angel Beranza RTD 7 (8), 0:10 Aug 21, 2010 Mexico Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico
5 Win 5–0 Mexico Adolfo Landeros KO 1 (8), 0:28 Feb 5, 2010 United States Don Taft University Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Ghana Lante Addy UD 8 Dec 16, 2009 United States B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Brazil Giovanni Andrade TKO 3 (10), 2:53 Sep 18, 2009 United States Fountainbleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. Won vacant WBANABA super bantamweight title
2 Win 2–0 United States Robert Guillen TKO 1 (4), 2:57 Jul 17, 2009 United States Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Juan Noriega TKO 3 (4), 1:09 May 22, 2009 United States Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. Professional debut

Titles in boxing

Regional titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Olivier Lontchi
WBANABA super bantamweight champion
September 18, 2009 – September 2010
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Teon Kennedy
Vacant
Title last held by
Rey Vargas
WBC Silver International super bantamweight champion
November 21, 2015 – present
Incumbent
World titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
WBA super bantamweight champion
Interim title

November 13, 2010 – January 20, 2012
Won full title
Vacant
Title next held by
Scott Quigg
Preceded by
Rico Ramos
WBA super bantamweight champion
January 20, 2012 – April 13, 2013
Promoted
Succeeded by
Scott Quigg
promoted from interim status
Vacant
Title last held by
Celestino Caballero
WBA super bantamweight champion
Super title

April 13, 2013 – October 30, 2015
Status changed
Vacant
Title next held by
Carl Frampton
Preceded by
Nonito Donaire
WBO super bantamweight champion
April 13, 2013 – October 28, 2015
Stripped
Vacant
Title next held by
Nonito Donaire
The Ring super bantamweight champion
April 13, 2013 – February 9, 2016
Stripped
Vacant
Lineal super bantamweight champion
April 13, 2013 – present
Incumbent
New title WBA super bantamweight champion
In recess

October 30, 2015 – May 6, 2016
Reinstated
Title discontinued
Vacant
Title last held by
Carl Frampton
stripped
WBA super bantamweight champion
Super title

May 6, 2016 – present
Incumbent

References

  1. "Guillermo Rigondeaux - Fighters – Top Rank Boxing". Top Rank. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  2. "Guillermo Rigondeaux - Boxrec". Boxrec.com. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  3. "All Rankings". Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  4. Jesus Walks Like A Cowboy: Manny Pacquiao Does Dallas Deadspin.com
  5. Igor Guryashkin (June 6, 2012). "Rigondeaux's lonely success story". ESPN. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  6. Cloutier, Richard. "Hero, Traitor, Madness: The Guillermo Rigondeaux Story". Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  7. Miami Herald
  8. Cuban Olympic champion boxer defects-promoter Reuters
  9. Boxing – Rigondeaux defects, in Miami! Fightnews.com
  10. Latin American Herald Tribune – Cuban Boxer Defects
  11. Associated Press
  12. MiamiHerald.com
  13. "Rigondeaux cruises in pro debut". The Ring. May 22, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  14. Marc Abrams (July 18, 2009). "Vazquez upsets Prescott in Vegas". 15rounds.com. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  15. 1 2 Dan Rafael (July 20, 2010). "Rigondeaux's new deal a really big deal". ESPN. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  16. 1 2 Reynaldo Sanchez (April 26, 2012). "Photos: Rigondeaux Starts Sparring With Hairon Socarras". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  17. "Guillermo Rigondeaux slips by in bout". ESPN.
  18. 1 2 Reynaldo Sanchez (January 10, 2012). "Rigondeaux: After Ramos, We Want The Division's Best". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  19. 1 2 Jorge Ebro (June 8, 2012). "Por un triunfo fulminante" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Herald. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  20. Rebecca Bryan (June 8, 2012). "Rigondeaux puts title on line on Pacquiao undercard". AFP via Google News. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  21. 1 2 Lem Satterfield (June 10, 2012). "Rigondeaux scores five knockdowns in sensational KO win". The Ring. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  22. Bryan Armen Graham (June 10, 2012). "Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley undercard results". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  23. Dan Rafael (September 16, 2012). "Rigondeaux cruises vs. Marroquin". ESPN. Retrieved September 16, 2012.
  24. Derek Bilton (April 12, 2013). "Donaire too classy for Cuban". Sporting Life. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  25. 1 2 Eric Raskin (April 14, 2013). "Nonito Donaire vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux Fight Recap". HBO. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  26. Keith Idec (April 14, 2013). "Guillermo Rigondeaux wins 122-pound unification fight at Radio City Music Hall". The Record. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  27. "Final PunchStats for #DonaireRigondeaux". CompuBox's official Twitter account. April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  28. Mike Coppinger (April 14, 2013). "Rigondeaux gives Donaire a boxing lesson". The Ring. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  29. Lem Satterfield (April 14, 2013). "Donaire-Rigondeaux: Live round-by-round updates". The Ring. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  30. Scott Christ (April 14, 2013). "Selling Guillermo Rigondeaux: Bob Arum faces promoter's dilemma". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  31. "Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Joseph Agbeko". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  32. "Rigondeaux stops S. Kokietgym in first round". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  33. "Rigondeaux retires Amagasa". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  34. "Rigo vs. Dickens Fight Off".
  35. "Dickens wins via RTD".
  36. "Rigondeaux regains WBA 'Super' title". Sky Sports. May 14, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  37. "Rigondeaux gets WBA jr. featherweight belt back". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  38. "Rigodeaux to travel to Wales to defend world title vs. Dickens". Sky Sports. Andy Charles. June 10, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  39. "Flanagan outpoints Fana, Rigondeaux impresses". Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  40. Christ, Scott (2016-07-20). "Guillermo Rigondeaux ordered to face mandatory challenger next". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2016-07-21.

Video references

  1. HBO Boxing: Get to know Guillermo Rigondeaux (YouTube video). HBO Sports. April 1, 2013. Event occurs at 0:07. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  2. HBO Boxing: Donaire-Rigondeaux Highlights (YouTube video). HBO Sports. April 16, 2013. Event occurs at 0:04. Retrieved May 5, 2013.

External links

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