It's been 2 fights since his loss to Loma and he's looking like he's been more focused on being more aggressive and using more offense resulting in a more entertaining style. But to me I think it's a case of being too little too late on changing up his style. He's been criticized for years due to his boring overly defensive style but he's had plenty of chances to make an impression but has failed to do so. He could have had more people wanting to watch him if he had just let his hands go like what he's been showing lately. Can Rigo still revitalized his career at this age?
I don't know that it was actually a choice. Rigo doesn't give a flying **** about paying audience members. I was at the Agbeko fight. People started leaving in droves by the fourth round and Rigo continued to stink it out.
I personally appreciate his style and craft and like watching some of his fights but even I have to admit that he wasn't necessarily "exciting". He can really bring a lot of snooze inducing fights.
Im not sure how much of a "decision" it is. He's pushing 40, his legs aren't going to be what they were, so he's not going to be as elusive. Standing in the pocket more suits him.
This reminds me of Lara in his last 2 fights where he couldn't use his legs as much and had to stay in the pocket more.
I’ve always enjoyed watching him. I think his main problem was just not being active enough. He’s 38 years old and has only had 20 pro fights. That being said, sometimes really good defensive boxers who like to use their legs actually get more exciting to watch as they get older and are forced to stand in the pocket more. The fact that they aren’t as good anymore means fights are more competitive too.
Fairly biased comment. Rigondeaux was throwing punches. What was Agbeko doing? Agbeko has a granite chin, and good defense. What do you expect Rigondeaux to do when Agbeko decides to shell up and not get knocked out? Prior to that Agbeko usually brought it in his fights.
In one round, I believe Agbeko threw less than 5 punches. When a guy is that terrified of you, you go for the kill.
Pernell was different though. His defense was exciting to watch because he stayed in and made you miss over and over and over again. Most elusive fighter I have ever seen. Dude was Neo with the way he avoided getting hit.
He was never boring IMO. This version of him is going to inevitably end up getting stopped by somebody he would've schooled at his peak.
Not when his legs were gone. Rigo has real power and doesn't have to fight Tito Trinidad, so he may see another title. It's deplorable how LSC, Mares, Frampton, Selby and others ducked him. They all will have diminished historical standing because of it.