By Phil D. Jay
Ghanaian former world bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko (28-4, 22KOs) has told WBN that he has WBA super bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux firmly in his sights as he lines up another shot at a world title.
The 32 year-old has been out of the ring since losing back to back decisions against Abner Mares last year and is now ready to head to 122lbs to take on one of the top fighters in the Cuban two-time Olympic champion.
“I want to throw a challenge to Guillermo Rigodeaux,” Agbeko told World Boxing News. “I watched his last fight last Saturday and he did really well, but he got exposed a few times. I believe he is a great fighter, but not to the level he is rating himself.
“He may be two time Olympic gold medallist but he won’t ever be two-time world professional boxing champion. Donaire and Mares are right for not fighting him because they think he has not done a lot as a professional fighter so he needs to prove himself some more. If Rigo really wants those fights against Mares and Donaire, then he need to fight some big names like Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko to prove himself. I want to fight him Guillermo Rigodeaux. I want to give him that test.
“Rigodeaux should stop mentioning Mares and Donaire's names if he hasn’t fought me. He should shut up and fight me first. He should beat me to prove himself to the world. Rigo - let’s get it on!”
Rigondeaux, 31, is already feared by many in the division, despite having had just 11 professional contests.
‘Rigo’ has a wealth of experience in the amateur game with almost 400 bouts and has been fast-tracked to a world title at lightning speed.
There is talk of a move to featherweight for the hard-hitting Olympic great, although Agbeko is hoping to catch him before he does and get back to winning ways in the process.
