By Carlos Irusta
MARCELO DOMINGUEZ is still dreaming of another world title shot. He was the WBC cruiserweight champion during the timeframe of 1995 to 1998. He lost a chance to win a world title when he dropped a decision to with Johnny Nelson in 2001 and now, at 36, he is looking for another fight for the WBO belt.
Dominguez, who is managed again by argentine promoter Osvaldo Rivero (the man who handled him in his first world championship tenure) fought this on February 3 at the Gualeguaychú, Entre Rios province, defending his national heavyweight belt against Mariano Ramón Ocampo, and scoring a unanimous 10 round decision. He is also the South American heavyweight champion and the WBO Latino heavyweight champion.
WHEN THE FIGHT WAS over, Dominguez had a cut on his left eyebrow and pains in his midsection.
“I don’t know exactly what happened, but it was in the third round. I think I have a broken rib”, said Dominguez who is now 40 (21 KO)-6-1. “I expected another fight, because I want to be world champion again, Ocampo made a good fight. I am improving my shape, but I am disappointed, because the problem in my rib”.
Ocampo, with a cut in his mouth, made a decent effort against the former world champion. He is now 11-7-0. The scorecards read: 97 ½-95, 98 ½-94 ½ and 99-95, all for Dominguez.
WHEN DOMINGUEZ lost by decision to Johnny Nelson (Sheffield, England, July 21, 2001) he announced his goodbye to the ring. But a year later (May 11, 2002), he returned by defeating Pedro Daniel Franco in 12 for the South American Belt.
Since then, he defeated Fabio La Mole Moli (twice), among others. And he lost with Nicolay Valuev (74-79 two judges, 79-75 the other one). “But I don’t feel I lost that bout”, said Dominguez, who fought with 230 1/2 pounds against the 323 3/4 of Valuev.
BUT NOW IS NOW. Dominguez defeated Ocampo at the Sambodromo of Gualeguaychu, a place where the Carnival parties are famous. He made a championship caliber effort and he won in the process. “No excuses, I want to know what the doctors say. But I have a dream and I still believe in my future. I am ranked 4th by the WBO. I think I will have my chance”.
