Both Rigo knockdowns looked suspect to me. First one was off balance and squared up. Second knockdown was more a push. Rigo was hurt by neither. On the other hand, Amagasa looked like he was barely standing. Another round may have turned out real bad for him.
Considering the circumstances, I think this fight couldn't have gone better for Rigondeaux.
For a first fight in Japan, I think it went perfect.
Amagasa had his moments. Rigondeaux looked spectacular and won, yet never looked arrogant. He seemed to have had the air of humility throughout and after the fight. Definitely something the Japanese boxing public can appreciate from a foreigner fighting in their country.
His moments of vulnerability will definitely have other fighters believing they can unseat him now.
Couldn't have gone better for Rigo.
Rigo-Donaire was my favorite fight of 2013, this one might just be my favorite of 2014. I cannot wrap my head around the notion that Rigo is a "sleep inducing boring fighter." Just makes no damn sense to me, his fights have that rewatchable value that many others lack.
I just watched it hell of a fight, the size difference was indeed comical as some said even with Amagasa giving up a lot of it bending his knees Rigo was still dwarfed. Rigo couldn't land with power all fight cause of the height save for a spot especially during the first half but Amagasa slowed down a tad and Rigo just pounded him.
on to round 11, Amagasa's right eye isn't looking good. What the hell is going on with his cheek?
Overall, I think Rigo delivered a good performance. He did get hit more than usual and looked a little slower, but he increased his output and put more force behind his offense. The KD should be a lesson that slipping/circling isn't always gonna get him out of trouble. His corner was telling him to keep his hands up throughout the fight, and that was an example of why. Another thing I would like to see him work on is in-fighting. Like Lara, they seem to have an understanding of defense on the inside, but not how to consistently take advantage of their speed/counter-punching ability. Rigo was the shorter fighter, but he would clinch most of the time when Amagasa got close.
Thats what i think too, but tbh it would be slaughter for those below 122 if Rigo goes down, even 122 hes the smaller guy but i don't see anyone beating him there. 126 idk it'll be interesting vs the big 126lbers especially Walters style and pressure and pure strength vs fighting a guy like Loma who has fast feet and hands with a great boxing iq.
I think he'll stay at 122 to try and get Santa Cruz, Quigg or Frampton.
I'd like to see any of the fights mentioned though, for the first time he may have some legit options. The size difference makes for some interest...even tonight, Amagasa was a 5'11'' bantamweight which is pretty insane.
Didn't say during the fight.
It was very much a 10 rounds to 1 or 9-2 kind of fight before it was stopped though.
Yeah, I think the first could have gone to Amagasa, and obviously the KD round. Rigo clearly won every other round.
I said this before, but I am NEVER assuming any Japanese fighter to be an easy night. They always give the bigger name guys wars. Japan's boxing scene seems to be really good right now.
Rigo f*cked that dude up, though. His jaw has to be a mess the way it was swelled up. Good fight.