The celebrated Cuban boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux, a former world champion in the super bantamweight and bantamweight divisions, is poised to make his return to the ring on February 26 in Hialeah, Florida. Known for his exceptional technique and defensive prowess, Rigondeaux aims to prove that at 44 years old, he still has much to contribute to the boxing world.
Last November, Rigondeaux, a past champion of both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO), secured a first-round knockout victory against Dominican fighter Dannis Agüero. This triumph earned him the International belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC). The bout, scheduled for ten rounds at 118 pounds, headlined the event organized by BoxR Entertainment at the Club E11EVEN in downtown Miami, Florida.
Hailing from Santiago de Cuba and a two-time Olympic champion, Rigondeaux is often regarded as one of the most skilled boxers of his era. In 2009, he made the bold decision to defect from Cuba and relocate to the United States to pursue a professional career. He made his debut in May of that year, quickly garnering attention for his technical skills and agility in the ring.
Despite his achievements, Rigondeaux's career has not been without its trials. In March 2022, he suffered a domestic accident that resulted in severe eye burns, jeopardizing both his vision and boxing future. However, after an impressive recovery, he returned to the ring in February 2023, knocking out Colombian Jesús Martínez in the first round during a match in Hialeah.
Demonstrating his competitive spirit and eagerness to continue challenging himself, Rigondeaux announced in April 2024 his plans to debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), a bare-knuckle boxing format. At 43, he expressed confidence in his ability to become a champion in this discipline as well, highlighting his determination and love for the sport.
FAQs About Guillermo Rigondeaux's Comeback
When is Guillermo Rigondeaux's next fight?
Guillermo Rigondeaux is set to fight on February 26 in Hialeah, Florida.
What challenges has Rigondeaux faced in his career?
Rigondeaux has faced several challenges, including a severe eye injury in March 2022, which threatened his vision and boxing career.
Has Rigondeaux participated in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship?
As of April 2024, Rigondeaux announced his intention to debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
What notable achievement did Rigondeaux accomplish in November?
In November, Rigondeaux achieved a first-round knockout against Dannis Agüero, securing the International belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC).