Guillermo Rigondeaux | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rigondeaux in 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Guillermo Rigondeaux Ortiz (1980-09-30)30 September 1980 (age 44) Santiago de Cuba, Cuba | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other names | El Chacal (The Jackal) Rigo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight(s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reach | 67+1⁄2 in (171 cm)[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stance | Southpaw | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No contests | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guillermo Rigondeaux Ortiz (Spanish pronunciation:[ɡiˈʎeɾmoriɣonˈdooɾˈtiθ]; born 30 September 1980) is a Cubanprofessional boxer. Who held theunifiedWBA (Super),WBO andRing magazinesuper bantamweight titles between 2013 and 2017, and theWBA (Regular)bantamweight title from 2020 to 2021.
As amateur Rigondeaux won consecutive gold medals in the bantamweight division at the2000 and2004 Summer Olympics. He is also a seven-time Cuban national champion at bantamweight (2000–2006), finishing his amateur career with a record of about 475 fights with 12 losses.
Rigondeaux has been lauded by boxing trainerFreddie Roach as being "probably the greatest talent I've ever seen."[2] He is known for his exceptionally fast hand speed, punching power,[3][4]counterpunching abilities, athleticism, reflexes, footwork and defensive elusiveness.
2000
2004
Rigondeaux finished his amateur career having around 475 fights under his belt, with a record of 463 wins and 12 losses.
On 22 July 2007, Rigondeaux and teammateErislandy 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 OlympiansOdlanier Solis,Yuriorkis Gamboa andYan Bartelemí, 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 2 August, 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 toMiami, and signed with Arena Box-Promotion.
.jpg)
On 23 February 2009, Rigondeaux was announced to have defected along with 2004 Olympic Silver MedalistYudel Johnson,Yordanis Despaigne andYuniel Dorticos.[5] He would train in the same gym asYuriorkis Gamboa,Erislandy Lara andOdlanier Solis[6] and would continue his career as a professional once he completed all the residency requirements.[7] He left behind his wife Farah Colina, a 7-year-old son and a 17-year-old stepson in Cuba.[8] He was also reportedly staying in the home of countryman and featherweight contender Yuriorkis Gamboa.[9]
Rigondeaux won his professional debut on 22 May with a third-roundtechnical knockout (TKO) over Juan Noriega in Miami.[10] 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 17 July, he won his second pro fight against Robert Guillen by first roundknockout.[11] Rigondeaux was not active but he hit Guillen with a great hard counterpunch to the body which left him rolling on the canvas in pain.
On 18 September, Rigondeaux beat Giovanni Andrade by third-round TKO to win theNABAsuper bantamweight title, dropping Andrade once in each of rounds two and three.
On 16 December 2009, Rigondeaux won aunanimous decision over Lante Addy in 8 rounds, dropping Addy once in round one.
On 5 February 2010, Rigondeaux scored a first-round knockout against Adolfo Landeros, dropping Landeros with a hard left uppercut to the body.
Rigondeaux then signed a three-year contract withBob Arum'sTop Rank in July 2010.[12] He is also co-promoted by Boris Arencibia's Caribe Promotions.[13]
On 13 November 2010, Rigondeaux foughtRicardo Cordoba on the undercard of theWBCsuper welterweight title fight betweenManny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito at theCowboys Stadium,Dallas, in front of 41,734 people. This was the biggest fight in Rigondeaux's career to date. Rigondeaux knocked Cordoba down in the fourth round with a body shot, but was judged to be knocked down himself in the sixth, in what appeared to be a slip. Despite appearing to win clearly, the fight was judged asplit decision, with Rigondeaux the victor and becoming a world champion in his seventh bout, winning theinterimWBA super bantamweight title.[14]
On 19 March 2011, Rigondeaux foughtWillie Casey at the City West Convention Centre,Dublin, Ireland. This was Rigondeaux's first defense of his interim WBA 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 minute and 45 seconds. He was up immediately and received a mandatory eight-count. A combination ending with a left hook sent Casey falling across the ring and down at 2 minutes and 19 seconds. He was able to make it to his feet but was visibly wobbled. A follow-up barrage sent Casey stumbling forward, prompting the referee to step in and call an end to the bout.
On 20 January 2012, Rigondeaux won the fullWBA super bantamweight title by knocking out champion andTheRing magazine's No. 2 ranked super bantamweight,Rico Ramos (20-0, 11 KOs), in the sixth round. Rigondeaux 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 minutes and 24 seconds 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 second and third rounds with both fighters looking for counter-punch opportunities, neither seeming overly willing to open up. An accidental clash of heads opened a small cut on the outside of Ramos' left eyebrow near the end of round 4. Rigondeaux was warned in round 6 for pulling down the back of Ramos' 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 canvas grimacing in pain. He remained down on his back as the referee reached the count of ten.
Despite Rigondeaux and his camp's efforts to make a fight with any of the other 122 pound champions, fights with champions such asNonito Donaire,Toshiaki Nishioka,Jeffrey Mathebula andAbner Mares failed to materialise.[15] Rigondeaux said, "They are cowards". On 9 June 2012, Rigondeaux made the first defence of his WBA super bantamweight title againstTeon Kennedy on the undercard of theManny Pacquiao vs. Timothy BradleyWBOwelterweight title fight at theMGM Grand Garden Arena,Las Vegas,Nevada. 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 for him. He did not want to make the same mistake as he did two years ago.[15] Rigondeaux impressively stopped Kennedy in the fifth round after knocking him down five times, all with his left cross,[16] leading Kennedy to say "He just hits you with punches that you can't see".[17] He has differentiated from the Cordoba fight. Now that he realized that he needed to not only win a fight but also entertain, his promoterBob Arum stated that Rigondeaux could one day face Nonito Donaire,Jorge Arce, orWilfredo Vázquez, Jr.[16]
On 15 September 2012, Rigondeaux foughtRoberto Marroquin on the undercard of theSergio Martínez vs.Julio César Chávez, Jr. fight at theThomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 fifth-round and scored another knockdown in the twelfth. 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.[18]
On 13 April 2013, Rigondeaux fought in a unification bout against WBO andThe Ring championNonito Donaire atRadio City Music Hall, New York. Rigondeaux left his trainerJorge Rubio in order to start training with his former amateur trainer Pedro Diaz for this fight.[19] Donaire came into the fight as the No. 5pound-for-pound fighter in the world.[20]
In front of a sellout crowd of 6,145, Rigondeaux defeated Donaire by unanimous (114–113, 115–112, and 116–111).[20] becoming the unified WBA (Super), WBO,TheRing andlineal super bantamweight champion. 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. But in the tenth-round, Rigondeaux got caught with a left hook from Donaire, sending him to the canvas. Rigondeaux appeared to hurt Donaire with a straight left early in the twelfth-round, when Donaire covered up a severely swollen right eye and began bleeding from his mouth.[21] Rigondeaux ended the round and fight targeting Donaire with his left hand, backing Donaire up.[22][Video 1] Rigondeaux landed 129 of 396 punches thrown (33%) and Donaire landed 82 of his 352 thrown (23%). Donaire was outlanded in 11 rounds.[23]
RingTV.com scored it 117–110 in favor of Rigondeaux,[24] and HBO'sHarold Lederman had it 118–109 for him.[25] Donaire's purse was $1.32 million and Rigondeaux earned a career-high $750,000 purse.[26] The fight averaged 1.1 million viewers on HBO.
Rigondeaux was next scheduled to fight former bantamweight titlistJoseph Agbeko on 7 December 2013, at theBoardwalk Hall,Atlantic City,New Jersey. Rigondeaux retained his WBA (Super), WBO,The Ring and lineal super bantamweight titles via unanimous decision, winning every round on all three judges scorecards (120-108). The fight was criticized for its lack of action.[27] The fight averaged 550,000 viewers on HBO.[28] Prior to the fight, there were rumours that a rematch could surface between Rigondeaux and Donaire. Rigondeaux was open to the idea but stated if the fight was to take place again, Donaire would need to accept the fight at 123 pounds and weigh no more than 133 the next day.[29]
Top Rank announced the next defense would be against veteran Sod Kokietgym (63–2–1, 28 KOs) on 19 July 2014, at theCotai Arena,Macao.[30] Rigondeaux won the bout, after the fight was stopped halfway through the first round. Kokietgym hit the canvas due to a hard, accidental clash of heads, 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 betweenFloyd Mayweather Jr. and 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. It was the last time Rigondeaux fought under the Top Rank banner. After the fight, Rigondeaux stated that he wanted to unify the division, proposing fights to fellow division titleholdersLeo Santa Cruz andKiko Martinez.[31]
On 31 December 2014, Rigondeaux retained his titles against Japan's Hisashi Amagasa at theOsaka Prefectural Gymnasium,Osaka, Japan. Rigondeaux was down twice in the seventh round but stated one of them was a slip/push. Amagasa was down in the ninth. Referee Mike Ortega stopped the bout after Amagasa failed to get up off his stool after round 11, suffering swelling around his right eye and facial disfigurement from what appeared to be a broken left jaw or cheek.[32]
On 13 November 2015 it was announced that Rigondeaux would return to the United States after 23 months, and his first fight in 11 months on theCotto-Canelo PPV undercard on 21 November 2015, at theMandalay Bay Events Centre inLas Vegas against 33 year old Filipino boxerDrian Fancisco (28–3–1, 22 KOs).[33] Rigondeaux won the fight via unanimous decision (97–93, 100–90 twice) in a very one-sided fight to claim the vacant WBC International Silver super bantamweight title.[34][35]
Rigondeaux was scheduled to fight Liverpool'sJames 'Jazza' Dickens (22–1, 7 KOs) on 12 March 2016, at theEcho Arena,Liverpool, England, on the undercard ofTerry Flanagan vs.Derry Matthews. This would be 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.[36] Dickens still fought on the undercard defeating Reynaldo Cajina.[37]
On 14 May 2016, Rigondeaux was reinstated as the WBA (Super) super bantamweight champion due toCarl Frampton being stripped of the belt for failing to negotiate his first defence. Rigondeaux would most likely defend the title against Jazza Dickens or WBAbantamweight championJamie McDonnell.[38] WBA ordered Rigondeaux to face interim titleholderMoises Flores (24–0, 17 KOs) by 1 August, in amandatory defence.[39]
It was confirmed that Rigondeaux would defend his WBA (Super) and lineal titles againstJazza Dickens on 16 July at theIce Arena,Cardiff, Wales. The fight was originally scheduled for March, but was cancelled due to Rigondeaux having visa issues. This was Rigondeaux's first fight in the UK.[40] Rigondeaux retained his belts after breaking Dickens' jaw in round 2 with a huge left hand. Dickens was forced to retire after the round.[41]
On 20 July 2016, 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 boxerMoises Flores (25–0, 17 KO).[42] On 7 December, the WBA announced a purse bid would be held on 19 December at the WBA headquarters inPanama City, with a minimum bid of $150,000 with Rigondeaux receiving the bigger split of 75% and 25% going to Flores.[43] A deal was reached before the scheduled purse bids. Flores said he would be dedicating this fight to Alejandro Gonzalez, a boxer who was killed in Mexico in December. The fight would likely take place on theRoc Nation Sports card on 25 February 2017, live on HBO ppv, a co-feature to light-middleweight fightCotto-Kirkland. Flores'IBO world title would also be at stake.[44] The fight was officially announced on 25 January 2017.[45] On 2 February, Kirkland picked up a nose injury which initially called off his ppv fight with Cotto. Later that day, it was announced that the whole card had been cancelled.[46][47] A new date of March or April was then discussed for the Rigondeaux vs. Flores fight.[48]
The WBA ordered another purse bid to take place on 3 April 2017, at the Panama City headquarters, again with a minimum bid of $150,000.[49] A deal was reached within a week on 31 March between both parties.[50][51] The date being discussed was 17 June 2017, meaning it would be an undercard fight forWard-Kovalev II on HBO PPV. Flores' promoter Tom Brown confirmed the terms were being agreed.[52][53] It was reported that Rigondeaux would earn a purse of $120,000 whilst Flores would earn $25,000.[54]
Rigondeaux retained his WBA and lineal titles as well as claim the IBO super bantamweight title after controversially knocking Flores out at the end of round 1. Before the bell sounded for the end of the round, both fighters locked in a flurry, with Rigondeaux holding Flores' head, both exchanged combinations. Whilst Flores missed his shots, Rigondeaux landed a hook to the head after the bell. As referee Vic Drakulich managed to separate the two, Flores, after a split second, fell backwards. The referee then turned his attention to Flores and after viewing ringside replay, without sound, ruled it a knockout win for Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux said, through a translator, "We both threw punches at the same time and mine landed first. It was only a matter of time [until the knockout happened]."
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett was brought in to discuss the ending with HBO'sJim Lampley, and said if the punch was thrown after the bell, they would review the decision. He also went on to say that it could turn out as a disqualification loss for Rigondeaux.[55]Paulie Malignaggi, who was working as a pundit forSky Sports, thought Flores had over-reacted when he fell onto the canvas, maybe looking for a DQ win. The next day, Bob Bennett fully reviewed the tape and agreed the punch landed after the bell but was unintentional, meaning the result could change to a no decision with the WBA possibly ordering a rematch.[56] On 20 June, Bob Bennett toldESPN that there was plans to change the outcome of the fight to a 'no decision'. Bennett could not unilaterally change the result, nor can the commission chairman, although it must be voted on by the four commissioners.[57] On 26 June, the result was officially changed to ano contest.[58]
On 6 July 2017, the WBA ordered an immediate rematch to take place between Rigondeaux and Flores, within 150 days of the first fight, meaning it would likely take place around November 2017. Flores was given a 60-day medical suspension from the Nevada commission. The two sides had until 17 August or it would go to purse bids.[59][60]
On 6 August, Arum stated thatVasiliy Lomachenko would fight for a third time in 2017, likely on 9 or 23 December. When asked who the potential options where, Arum stated, ''Well, there's a few guys. (Guillermo) Rigondeaux if he answers Dino (Duva's) call. There's (Orlando)Salido, who's sniffing around and the third is (Miguel)Berchelt." Arum also mentionedlightweight contenderRay Beltrán, but said he would like to capture a world title at lightweight before a potential fight with Lomachenko.[61] On 14 August, Arum spoke toLA Times and confirmed either Rigondeaux or Salido would be Lomachenko's next opponent. He stated if the bout with Rigondeaux was made, it would likely take place at theMadison Square Garden Theatre and a potential rematch with Salido would take place in Los Angeles.[62] On 21 August, Arum stated both camps were closing in on finalising a deal for 9 December. On 15 September, the bout between Lomachenko and Rigondeaux was confirmed.[63] The fight was confirmed to take place at 130 pounds.[64] On 18 November, Carl Moretti of Top Rank revealed a re-hydration clause on the contract. Both fighters agreed to weigh in at 09:00 on the morning of the fight, where they would not be able to exceed 138 pounds. Any fighter over the limit would face a penalty of more than $10,000.[65] On 28 November, the WBA announced that Rigondeaux would lose his title at super bantamweight if he lost to Lomachenko. WBA president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. went on to say if Rigondeaux defeats Lomachenko, he would have five days to decide whether he is to return to the division or stay atsuper featherweight. He stated that special permission was granted because the bout was 'an important fight for boxing'.[66] Upon receiving the news, Rigondeaux took toTwitter and stated he was disappointed.[67] On fight night, Lomachenko weighed 137.4 pounds and Rigondeaux weighed 130 pounds.[68]
In front of a sell out crowd of 5,102 at the Theater, Lomachenko retained his WBO title using a combination of size, speed and angles, eventually forcing Rigondeaux to quit. Rigondeaux never landed more than three punches per round.[69] He said he could not continue because he broke his hand during the fight; it was later revealed that it was bruised, not broken.[70] Rigondeaux became Lomachenko's fourth consecutive opponent to retire on his stool. The loss also marked the first time Rigondeaux had lost since 2003, when he was still an amateur. At the time of stoppage, Lomachenko was ahead on all three judges' scorecards, 60–53, 59–54 and 59–54.[71]
In the post-fight interviews, Lomachenko was asked about Rigondeaux being his fourth consecutive opponent to retire on his stool, to which Lomachenko joked, "Maybe I should change my second name, now my name is 'No Mas Chenko'."[72] He also went on to say, "This is not his weight, so it's not a big win for me. But he's a good fighter. He's got great skills. I adjusted to his style, low blows and all." Speaking to an interpreter, Rigondeaux said, "I lost, no excuses. I injured the top of my left hand in the second round. He's a very technical fighter. He's explosive. I'm gonna come back because that's what I do. The weight was not a factor in this fight. It was the injury to my hand." According toCompuBox statistics, Lomachenko landed 55 of 339 punches thrown (16%) and Rigondeaux landed 15 of his 178 thrown (8%), landing no more than 3 punches per round. For the fight, Lomachenko was guaranteed a purse of $1.2 million whereas Rigondeaux earned a $400,000 purse.[73] The card averaged 1.73 million viewers on ESPN, which did not include ESPN Deportes or the online streaming service.[74]
As stated by the WBA, in the January 2018 rankings, Rigondeaux was removed as their 'Super' champion.[75][76]
Rigondeaux returned to training on 25 July 2018.[77] On 2 August, Rigondeaux andRoc Nation Sports came to a mutual agreement to terminate their contract. With a year left on the contract, Dino Duva told ESPN, "We weren't able to come up with anything significant for him, and he's in the later part of his career, so if he's a free agent, maybe he can go make a fight for himself. We're OK with that and we wish him the best." Roc Nation promoted Rigondeaux in four bouts.[78]
On 20 November 2018, it was reported that Rigondeaux started training with Veteran trainerRonnie Shields. Shields, a well known trainer who also trained Cuban boxerErislandy Lara at the time, welcomed Rigondeaux to his training base inHouston, Texas.[79]
After signing with advisorAl Haymon, now fighting under thePremier Boxing Champions banner, it was announced on 29 November, Rigondeaux would make his ring return on either 22 December 2018 or 13 January 2019. It was reported that he would return to super bantamweight, but could see a move up tofeatherweight.[80] Rigondeaux's co-manager Alex Bornote later confirmed he would fight on a date in January 2019.[81]
In December 2018, it was announced that Rigondeaux would fight journeyman Giovanni Delgado (16–8, 9 KOs) at the super featherweight limit on 13 January 2019, at theMicrosoft Theater,Los Angeles, California. It was initially reported that Rigondeaux would fightDaniel Rosas (21–4–1, 13 KOs), before RingTV announced the change. Delgado was originally scheduled to fight on the same card against Fernando Garcia.[82][83][84] Rigondeaux stopped Delgado via first-round knockout. Delgado made it to the end of the first round when he was dropped hard by an overhand left to the head. Although the round had ended, referee Jack Reiss decided to stop it anyway at the count of nine. The official time of the stoppage was at 3 minutes of round 1.[85] After the fight, Rigondeaux said, "I came prepared and I am ready to face people that are undefeated. Whoever has a belt, I am taking it. You can expect me back in less than two months." Rigondeaux's purse for the fight was $25,000 compared to $14,500 for Delgado.[86][87]
Rigondeaux's next bout was scheduled to take place as a co-feature to the rematch betweenTony Harrison andJermell Charlo on 23 June 2019 at theMandalay Bay Events Center inParadise, Nevada. Rigondeaux's opponent was confirmed to be former WBC interim championJulio Ceja (32–3, 28 KOs), with the fight being a WBC eliminator. ThePBC card aired live onFox andFox Deportes.[88][89] Rigondeaux won the fight by an eight-round technical knockout. The fight was back-and-forth, with both fighters finding success, before Rigondeaux landed a left hook that floored Ceja at the very end of the round.[90]
Rigondeaux was scheduled to fightLiborio Solís on 21 December 2020, for the vacant WBA (Regular) bantamweight title. The fight was set to precede the rematch betweenWBC junior middleweight championTony Harrison andJermell Charlo.[91] The fight was postponed as Solis was unable to enter the United States due to visa issues.PBC stated their plans to schedule the fight for early 2020.[92] The fight was rescheduled for 8 February 2020.[93] Rigondeaux won the fight by split decision, with two of the judges scoring the bout 114–113 in his favor, while the third judge scored it 115–112 for Solís.[94]
Rigondeaux challenged the reigning WBO bantamweight championJohn Riel Casimero on 14 August 2021.[95] It was announced on 19 June thatWBC championNonito Donaire would replace Rigondeaux,[96] but when the fight between Casimero and Donaire fell apart over insults directed at the latter's wife,[97] Rigondeaux stepped back in to fight Casimero as had been originally planned.[98] His WBA (Regular) title was not on the line, as the WBA stripped him of the title upon his entry into the ring "due to restrictions on behalf of the WBO".[99] In a low-key affair that saw theCompuBox record broken for fewest combined landed punches in a 12-round fight, Casimero pressured his opponent all night, fighting on the front foot and throwing more punches than Rigondeaux, who was reluctant to engage. Casimero was rewarded with a split decision victory, with scores of 117–111 and 116–112 in his favor, and 115–113 in favor of Rigondeaux.[100]
On 26 February 2022, Rigondeaux suffered the third professional defeat of his career, losing a shock ten-round unanimous decision to the unheralded Vincent Astrolabio (16–3, 12 KO) at theEmirates Golf Club inDubai. Rigondeaux was knocked down by a jab and straight right hand in the eighth round. The knockdown proved to be the difference on the judges' scorecards, with all three judges scoring the bout 95–94 in favor of Astrolabio.[101]
Returning after suffering serious eye injuries, Rigondeaux faced Jesus Martinez on 24 February 2023, winning the bout via first-round knockout.[102]
Rigondeaux was then scheduled to face Julian Evaristo Aristule on 9 June 2023, but due to visa issues his opponent was changed to Charlie Clemente-Andino.[103] Rigondeaux won the bout via seventh-round knockout.[104]
Riding a two-fight win streak, Rigondeaux faced Dannis Aguero Arias for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title on 12 November 2024. He captured the belt via first-round stoppage via a body punch.[105]
A documentary on Rigondeaux,Split Decision, has been in the works by filmmakerBrin-Jonathan Butler.[106] Butler also published a biography of Rigondeaux in 2014, entitledA Cuban Boxer's Journey: From Castro's Traitor to American Champion, published byPicador USA.
In March 2022, Rigondeaux suffered serious eye injuries in a pressure cooker accident at his home in Miami.[107]
| 27 fights | 23 wins | 3 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 16 | 1 |
| By decision | 7 | 2 |
| No contests | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Win | 23–3(1) | Dannis Agüero Arias | KO | 1 (10),1:46 | 12 November 2024 | Miami, Florida, U.S | Won vacant WBC International super bantamweight title |
| 26 | Win | 22–3(1) | Charlie Clemente-Andino | KO | 7 (10),2:43 | 9 June 2023 | Casino Miami Jai Alai,Miami,Florida, U.S | |
| 25 | Win | 21–3(1) | Jesus Martinez | KO | 1 (10),2:57 | 24 February 2023 | Hialeah, Florida, U.S | |
| 24 | Loss | 20–3(1) | Vincent Astrolabio | UD | 10 | 26 February 2022 | Emirates Golf Club,Dubai, U.A.E. | For vacant WBC International bantamweight title |
| 23 | Loss | 20–2(1) | John Riel Casimero | SD | 12 | 14 August 2021 | Dignity Health Sports Park,Carson, California, U.S. | ForWBO bantamweight title |
| 22 | Win | 20–1(1) | Liborio Solís | SD | 12 | 8 February 2020 | PPL Center,Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Won vacantWBA (Regular) bantamweight title |
| 21 | Win | 19–1(1) | Julio Ceja | TKO | 8 (12),2:59 | 23 June 2019 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 20 | Win | 18–1(1) | Giovanni Delgado | KO | 1 (8),2:59 | 13 January 2019 | Microsoft Theater,Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
| 19 | Loss | 17–1(1) | Vasiliy Lomachenko | RTD | 6 (12),3:00 | 9 December 2017 | The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | ForWBO junior lightweight title |
| 18 | NC | 17–0(1) | Moises Flores | KO | 1 (12),3:00 | 17 June 2017 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA (Super) super bantamweight titles; ForIBO super bantamweight title; Originally KO win for Rigondeaux, later ruled NC due to incorrect referee call |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Jazza Dickens | RTD | 2 (12),3:00 | 16 July 2016 | Ice Arena,Cardiff, Wales | Retained WBA (Super) super bantamweight title |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Drian Francisco | UD | 10 | 21 November 2015 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | RetainedThe Ring super bantamweight title; Won vacantWBC InternationalSilver super bantamweight title |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Hisashi Amagasa | RTD | 11 (12),3:00 | 31 December 2014 | Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium,Osaka, Japan | Retained WBA (Super), WBO, andThe Ring super bantamweight titles |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Sod Kokietgym | KO | 1 (12),1:44 | 19 July 2014 | Cotai Arena,Macau, SAR | Retained WBA (Super), WBO, andThe Ring super bantamweight titles |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Joseph Agbeko | UD | 12 | 7 December 2013 | Boardwalk Hall,Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained WBA (Super), WBO, andThe Ring super bantamweight titles |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Nonito Donaire | UD | 12 | 13 April 2013 | Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York, U.S. | RetainedWBA (Super) super bantamweight title; WonWBO andThe Ring super bantamweight titles |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Roberto Marroquin | UD | 12 | 15 September 2012 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA super bantamweight title |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Teon Kennedy | TKO | 5 (12),1:11 | 9 June 2012 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained WBA super bantamweight title |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Rico Ramos | KO | 6 (12),1:29 | 21 January 2012 | Pearl Concert Theater, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | WonWBA super bantamweight title |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Willie Casey | TKO | 1 (12),2:35 | 19 March 2011 | Citywest Hotel,Saggart, Ireland | Retained WBA interim super bantamweight title |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Ricardo Cordoba | SD | 12 | 13 November 2010 | Cowboys Stadium,Arlington, Texas, U.S. | Won vacant WBAinterim super bantamweight title |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Jose Angel Beranza | RTD | 7 (8),0:10 | 21 August 2010 | Auditorio Municipal,Tijuana, Mexico | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Adolfo Landeros | KO | 1 (8),0:28 | 5 February 2010 | Don Taft University Center,Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Lante Addy | UD | 8 | 16 December 2009 | B.B. King Blues Club & Grill,New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Giovanni Andrade | TKO | 3 (10),2:53 | 18 September 2009 | Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. | Won vacantWBA–NABAsuper bantamweight title |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Robert Guillen | TKO | 1 (4),2:57 | 17 July 2009 | Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino,Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Juan Noriega | TKO | 3 (4),1:09 | 22 May 2009 | Fontainebleau Hotel,Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Sporting positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional boxing titles | ||||
| Vacant Title last held by Olivier Lontchi | WBA–NABA super bantamweight champion 18 September 2009 – September 2010 Vacated | Vacant Title next held by Teon Kennedy | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Rey Vargas | WBC InternationalSilver super bantamweight champion 21 November 2015 – September 2016 Vacated | Vacant Title next held by Rey Vargas | ||
| Major world boxing titles | ||||
| Vacant Title last held by Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym | WBAsuper bantamweight champion Interim title 13 November 2010 – 20 January 2012 Won full title | Vacant Title next held by Scott Quigg | ||
| Preceded by | WBAsuper bantamweight champion 20 January 2012 –13 April 2013 Promoted to Super champion | Succeeded by Scott Quigg | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Celestino Caballero | WBAsuper bantamweight champion Super title 13 April 2013 – 30 October 2015 Status changed | Vacant Title next held by Carl Frampton | ||
| Preceded by | WBOsuper bantamweight champion 13 April 2013 – 28 October 2015 Stripped | Vacant Title next held by Nonito Donaire | ||
| The Ringsuper bantamweight champion 13 April 2013 – 9 February 2016 Stripped | Vacant | |||
| Vacant Title last held by Carl Frampton | WBAsuper bantamweight champion Super title 14 May 2016 – 9 December 2017 Stripped | Vacant Title next held by Daniel Roman | ||
| Vacant Title last held by Naoya Inoue | WBA bantamweight champion Regular title 8 February 2020 – 14 August 2021 Stripped | Title discontinued | ||
| Honorary boxing titles | ||||
| New title | WBAsuper bantamweight champion In recess 30 October 2015 – 6 May 2016 Reinstated | Title discontinued | ||
1904: 105–115 lb (47.6–52.2 kg), 1908: −116 lb (52.6 kg), 1920–1928: 112–118 lb (50.8–53.5 kg), 1932–1936: 112–119 lb (50.8–54.0 kg), 1948–2008: 51–54 kg, 2012: 52–56 kg, 2016: 53–56 kg | |
|
| |
|
54 kg (1971–2007) · 56 kg (2011–) | |
|
