By Dennis Guillermo
Las Vegas, NV – In an unexpected matchup, heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr., the 2020 U.S. Olympic super heavyweight silver medalist, is set for a major step up in competition against fellow Top Rank heavyweight and 2016 Italian Olympian Guido Vianello. The bout will headline the April 5 event at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, airing on ESPN+, Top Rank announced Friday night.
The original main event was supposed to feature Raymond Muratalla and Zaur Abdullaev battling for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title. However, when Abdullaev’s team informed Top Rank that he would be unavailable until May due to observing Ramadan, the fight was postponed, prompting the promotion to arrange a new headliner.
“This has all the makings of a heavyweight classic – two athletic big men with power and tremendous determination,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We’ve been with Richard and Guido since the start of their professional careers, and I’m excited to see how this fight plays out.”
Torrez (12-0, 11 KOs), a 25-year-old southpaw from Tulare, California, has delivered several knockout performances, though he has yet to face a notable challenge. His only non-stoppage came when Joey Dawejko, who had been struggling, was disqualified in the fifth round in December for repeatedly spitting out his mouthpiece.
“This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time,” Torrez said. “I want to prove I’m the best heavyweight out there and show what American heavyweights are made of. When they offered me Guido, I didn’t hesitate. I’m ready to go.”
Vianello (13-2-1, 11 KOs), 30, is coming off a career-defining win in August, when he traveled to Quebec City and stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov in the eighth round. This victory came after a 10-round split decision loss to contender Efe Ajagba last April.
“I’m excited for this fight. After beating Makhmudov, I proved I’m ready for anyone, Vianello said. “Richard is a talented young fighter, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me. I’ll show I’m Top Rank’s best heavyweight and move on to challenge for world titles.”
Although not formally announced, Top Rank informed Fight Freaks Unite that the co-feature will be a 10-round junior welterweight bout between Lindolfo Delgado (22-0, 16 KOs), 30, a 2016 Mexican Olympian, and Elvis Rodriguez (17-1-1, 13 KOs), 29, a southpaw from the Dominicano Republic.
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*** Photo courtesy Mikey Williams / Top Rank