Guillermo Rigondeaux going to work against Joseph Agbeko on Saturday night (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)
By Chris Robinson
On Saturday night, WBA/WBO junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux produced another sterling performance in shutting down former bantamweight titlist Joseph Agbeko over twelve one-sided rounds.
So dominant was Rigondeaux that Agbeko appeared to be lost at times, as he simply couldn’t figure out a way to crack through the defensive wizardry that the Cuban marvel possesses.
In the wake of another virtuoso dispay, Rigondeaux spoke with HBO’s Max Kellerman and confirmed that he has been listening to the critics who claim his lack of excitement hinders his overall marketability as a prizefighter.
“Agbeko is a tough rival so it wasn’t easy,” Rigondeaux explained. “I’m improving every day and I’m showing it each fight. That’s what we’re doing.”
Rigondeaux’s biggest victory to date was his April triumph over Fil-Am star Nonito Donaire, who he bested over twelve frames inside of the Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Asked for his take on a possible rematch, as Donaire has expressed interest from his side, Rigondeaux took to firing some shots at his rival.
“Nonito, poor man,” Rigondeaux stated through a translator. “He’s traumatized after the beating that I gave him. If he wants another beating, tell him to come get it.”
Another option for Rigondeaux is two-time gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, who looks to be headed towards a duel with WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido in the coming months.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is keen on Rigondeaux vs. Lomachenko and Guillermo seems to have no worries about such a proposition.
“I’m number one,” he stated defiantly while wrapping up his interview.
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com