By James Slater – Though most eyes were on the WBC heavyweight title defence Vitali Klitschko made over Odlanier Solis – a fight that, unfortunately, ended up as a huge disappointment – a number of other notable fights took place last night.
Aside from “Dr. Iron Fist” proving once again that he is THE best big man on the planet (yes, better than his younger brother), one other big name heavyweight scored a win, and two lower-weight “world” champions did likewise..
In New Zealand, in what was a tune-up affair ahead of his planned rematch with Monte Barrett, 38-year-old David Tua hammered out a wide ten-round UD over U.S journeyman Demetrice King. “The Tuaman” won every round on two of the three cards, was in complete control all the way, but failed to display the fearsome punching power he was known for at one time. Still, the comeback rolls on and Tua is now 52-3-2(43). 26-year-old King is now 15-20(13). Can Tua now get “revenge” over the New Yorker known as “Two Gunz?”
In Mexico, unbeaten two-weight champion Roman Gonzalez – one of the better fighters in the sport despite his lack of profile amongst casual fans – retained his WBA light-flyweight title for the first time, as he won a hard-fought, exciting 12-round UD over a gutsy and game Manuel Vargas. The 23-year-old improved to 28-0(23) with the tougher than expected decision win. 29-year-old Vargas, a former interim WBO minimum-weight champion, came to fight and he pushed the Pound-for-Pound entrant all the way. Gonzalez, who had previously held the WBA minimum-weight title, now hopes for a big fight against a big name.
In Dublin, Ireland, former amateur superstar Guillermo Rigondeaux proved to be way too much for unbeaten Limerick southpaw Willie Casey. The reigning interim WBA super-bantamweight champ scored three knockdowns over his 29-year-old challenger in the opening round, getting the win at 2-minutes and 38 seconds. Showing all his class, as well as great power, the 30-year-old Cuban improved to 8-0(6). Last night’s win saw “The Jackal” make the first defence of the belt he won back in November of last year.
An eventful evening of boxing, then; even if the biggest fight of the night ended up as something of a farce due to Odlanier Solis’ knee problem. Fans are currently debating over whether or not the Cuban who captured Olympic gold in 2004 took a dive against Klitschko. Such thinking may seem harsh, but plenty of people sure were disappointed at the quick ending last night’s heavyweight title fight had.
Now, with his younger brother headed towards that heavily hyped showdown with David Haye, it looks like Vitali may defend his crown against Polish hero Tomasz Adamek. Can “Goral” do any better than Solis did? Is there anyone out there who can even test the Klitschkos!?