Photo edit by Deportes Cubano USA
Guillermo Rigondeaux‘s manager, Gary Hyde, has confirmed to ESPN’s Dan Rafael that the undefeated Cuban slickster will return to the ring on Wednesday, December 31 in Japan against Hisashi Amagasa.
Since dominating Nonito Donaire in 2013, Rigondeaux has had a tough time securing a major fight against a top opponent, even though he is recognized as the best Jr. Featherweight in the world. Top Rank even allowed his contract to expire after his last bout–a one round thrashing of Sod Kokietgym in Macau.
Hyde–as well as many fans–have voiced their displeasure with other fighters in the division, such as Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton, who are seemingly avoiding “El Chacal.” Hyde told ESPN that he hopes that changes in the new year.
“My one wish for 2015 is that the other 122-pound belt holders step up to the plate and challenge the only true champion of the division,” said Hyde.
Whether or not Frampton, Santa Cruz, or any other legitimate contender steps up to the plate remains to be seen. Unfortunately for Rigo, it might take jumping up in weight to actually get a big name to consider fighting him.
It’s ironic that in a sport where “the best fighter” is often debated ad nauseam, Rigondeaux’s upper echelon skill and dominance seem to working against him.
