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Combat Sports

Guillermo Rigondeaux’s Comeback Shows He Still Has It

Guillermo Rigondeaux
Nov 21, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Guillermo Rigondeaux (white/green trunks) and Drian Francisco (white/yellow trunks) box during their junior featherweight boxing match at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Even today, the 44-year-old former bantamweight and super bantamweight champion, Guillermo Rigondeaux, remains a force to reckon with in this combat sport. In a recent fight that was all but forgotten, the Cuban southpaw laid down a marker in Miami, Florida, flattening Dannas Aguero in the first round. The quick fight ended with Aguero being knocked down after receiving a powerful body blow and being deemed unable to continue.

Guillermo Rigondeaux Career Accomplishments

Thus, Guillermo Rigondeaux doubled his record, standing 23-3 in the number of fights and having 16 knockouts. This victory can be considered as a successful comeback to competition for Guillermo Rigondeaux who last fought in June of the previous year. The Cuban stood across the ring from Aguero; he had a record of 20-3 hailing from the Dominican Republic and was easily dispatched by the Cuban veteran. Despite being 11 years younger, he was dominated by more experienced Aguero, and with his lack of stamina, he could not take Rigondeaux’s shots, especially to the stomach.

Guillermo Rigondeaux is among the best pound-for-pound fighters in history and his career has had its upward and downward moments. Despite the simple and technical appearances he was accused of being too defensive during his fights. However, Guillermo Rigondeaux always relied on the power that helped him score decisive victories, and in this most recent fight, he did the same.

This will be Rigondeaux’s first return to championship-level competition in several years; his last title fight took place in August 2021, where he narrowly lost by split decision to John Riel Casimero. Adding to his woes, Rigondeaux had a major problem with serious facial burns from a domestic mishap that set back his boxing career further. Thankfully, he largely recovered and is showing that a meniscus tear and old age do not have to hold one back.

What Lies Ahead for “El Chacal”?

As for the full-fledged comeback at this stage of Rigondeaux’s career nothing can be said for sure, but the Cuban’s recent performance should serve as a pointer that he remains a dangerous contender if matched accordingly. Rigondeaux has always been a master technician and his ending of the normal resumes to a 44-year-old triumphant again seeking another major belt does not seem far-fetched. Due to his ring IQ, control in fights, and hard punch, he becomes very difficult for young fighters, who feel they can overpower him.

Today, while struggling through fights and ranking his options for future bouts, the fans and the analysts think about the legacy of Rigondeaux. But only by losing to such great champions as Vasiliy Lomachenko, Casimero, and Vincent Astrolabio, and Lomachenko stopping him can anyone dispute Rigondeaux’s skills. The patient building of fights and the ability to deliver a high knockout ratio do have some definite implications for the claim Jones could well be a future Hall Of Fame entrant. Now that his career seems to be winding down more than flourishing, the man known as El Chacal prevails and showcases why he was a two-time champion and why, today, he is still capable of giving boxing so much more.

Conclusion

Jorge Linares was defeated by light heavyweight Guillermo Rigondeaux, who recently scored a win at 44 years old, thereby showing how relentless the Cuban fighter remains in the ring. Although past his prime, he demonstrated that he still possesses technical dominance and impressive knockout power. Win or lose, Rigondeaux’s case is memorable for the toughness the Cuban displays, for his scientific boxing, and for his character that hitherto overcame personal misfortunes. To real box fans, there is no greater proof than “El Chacal” that experience and skill always reign supreme, and “El Chacal” has secured his place in boxing history.