Rigondeaux, who was making his UK debut, was scheduled to fight Dickens in March though that fell through as the Cuban’s visa paperwork was not submitted in time. Rigondeaux came to Cardiff a week earlier to avoid any mishaps this time around.

On the night fans may have been left short-changed as the fight never got going. The first round was cagey as both men looked to feel the other fighter. Rigo won the round with the cleaner, more accurate punches.

The second round saw the Cuban land a clean left with Dickens also throwing his own left, in another quiet round. As the fighters sat on their stools, Dickens team pulled their fighter out of the bout as the left hand from Rigondeaux broke the Liverpool fighters jaw.

September 17^th could see the Cuban back in the UK, Frank Warren confirmed after the bout.

WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan successfully defended his title against South African Mzonke Fana by a unanimous decision, as all three judges scored the card 120-106. The Manchester man won a clear decision yet had incurred an infuriating night against an elusive Fana.

Flanagan seemed to have a frustrating night with a rugged Fana, who showed his awkwardness throughout the fight. Flanagan knocked down Fana twice and rocked him in the eighth yet the challenger showed great toughnes. Fana’s right hand seemed to be getting through Flanagan’s defence at times.

Flanagan was the busier fighter throughout the night with a higher punch output and it took till the fourth round when we saw the first knockdown. The Manchester fighter slipped Fana’s right hand and hit him clean with a left hook which descended Fana to the canvas. Fana survived the eight count and did well to regain himself throughout the round.

While Flanagan was winning the rounds, a cut under this right eye emerged after a head clash in the fourth round.

In the eighth round, a clean left rocked Fana and while he had absorbed that, he got hit again with a left. The veteran recovered once again as ‘Turbo’ Terry increased the tempo of the fight.

The final round saw Fana dropped once more, as a straight left by the world champion took down Fana. The South African survived the remainder of the round to hear the judge’s scorecards. Flanagan won most rounds comfortably and expressed his disappointment in his night work after the fight.

Liam Williams defended his British and Commonwealth Light Middleweight title against Gary Corcoran with a 11^th round stoppage in what was a highly entertaining contest. Both men had bad blood coming into the fight and this was seen as the fighters at times seemed to let the emotions get to them.

Williams was unlucky to not have scored a knockdown in the first round. Corcoran fought well during the round and within the last minute of the fight, Williams landed to knock Corcoran off balance with the ropes seemingly coming as aid to keep fighter up.

Williams was producing the cleaner work although the fourth round saw a clash of heads, with Corcoran coming off worse with a cut above his left eye. Corcoran proved to be a tough test for Williams although the 11^th round saw Williams knock down with a right. Corcoran survived the eight count to be hit with another straight right as Williams piled on the pressure causing referee Terry O’Connor to stop the fight.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

And the Born-Again believer is adamant that it’s his faith, as much as his fizzing fists and fancy footwork that’ll steer him to the mother of all upsets at Cardiff Ice Arena, writes Glynn Evans.

‘My religion is everything and I guarantee that I’ll enter this fight a lot more confident than Rigondeaux,’ insists the 25 year old Scouse southpaw who holds the British title at 122lbs.

‘He won’t enter with the mental strength and faith that I possess and that confidence and belief has been festering for years, not just when I started preparing for this one fight.’

The staunch Catholic’s spirituality was surely strained in March when double Olympic gold medallist ‘Rigo’ stood him up at the altar shortly before his breakout non-title 10 rounder at The Echo Arena in his home city, after encountering visa problems.

‘I only found out two days before but still had to fight so needed to stay focussed and go with it. I’m very grateful that, at such short notice, they got me a substitute in,’ says Dickens who exacted retribution on one Reynaldo Cajina, forcing the Spanish based Nicaraguan to bail out after six of a scheduled eight rounder.

 ‘It was after my fight that I really felt gutted. But when I then had to withdraw from the European title fight that was arranged for me in June, due to a neck injury, I knew it was God’s will. I always believed I’d get to my destiny and it’s only been a few months more. 

‘Now my dream fight is back on has been upgraded to a world title.  Also my coaches have had longer to study ‘Rigo’ to sort out a plan plus we’ve been able to get better southpaw sparring in. The Lord works in mysterious ways!

‘I’m very confident it’ll happen this time. There’s a lot at stake here for Rigondeaux too.’

In preparation for the 48 minutes or less that could define his future life, the former multiple national junior champion has been beasting himself into pristine fighting fettle at the Everton Red Triangle gym on Albion St, Liverpool 5, where he is tutored by brothers Paul and Mick Stevenson.

‘It’s on my door step and I’m nice and comfy with my family around me,’ explains joltin’ Jazza, who has triumphed in all but one of his 23 paid scraps but still enters as a 12-1 outsider.

‘I’m really enjoying me training. I got all my strength work done early. Now it’s just spar, rest, spar, rest ….

‘I can honestly say I’m preparing for Rigondeaux exactly the same way that I’ve trained for all my other fights. I’ll focus on doing what I’m good at, what works best for me. Mick and Paul will devise a boss plan and we’ll fight to my strengths.’

While the loose and elusive Dickens has had to forfeit fighting in his home city for the rescheduled gig, he can expect to profit from partisan support from the Principality’s buoyant sports fans who are presently still bubbling from Welsh soccer success at the Euros.

‘Going to Cardiff will be no different to going to Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden to challenge for a world title. It’ll suit me a lot more than it’ll suit him,’ he quips.

Far from daunted, the Mersey magician is positively frothing at the opportunity to pitch his skills and smarts against the 35 year-old pound-for-pound contender who’s won 16 straight, including seven world title spats.

‘No one can dispute I’m the best if I beat ‘Rigo’.  There’s a massive gap separating him from all the other champions at 122lbs. This fight will provide an indication as to where I am on the world stage,’ says jabbering Jazza.

‘Rigo’ had a great style for the amateurs and was one of the best ever. As a pro, he might be boring to the average Joe but if you really know your boxing, you have to appreciate his skills and patience. It’s his self-belief and hunger rather than physical attributes that make him so special.

‘But the fight will go how I dictate. I really believe in myself. I believe that God has greatness planned for me.

‘I know it’s going to be the most enjoyable fight of my life and I’m just really, really happy. I’m daring to be great!

Limited Tickets are available from:

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BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415, Freeview 255 and also on smart connected devices via multiple platforms. Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

Rigondeaux, renowned worldwide for his devastating hand speed and lightening quick reactions, heaped praise on his challenger for stepping up to the plate to take him on. The undefeated two-time Olympic Gold Medalist blasted his rival super-bantamweights for avoiding him; labeling them as cowards. 

“I would like to show my respect and gratitude to Dickens for having the courage to take this fight,” said Rigondeaux. “Dickens is the only super-bantamweight in the world that has the guts to step in the ring with me. All of the others like to talk and talk but they don’t have the courage to actually fight. They know where to find me; I’m here and I’m ready to face anyone in the world. I’m quicker than Fedex and better than UPS.

“The Welsh fans are going to get an amazing show. We had an amazing training camp and I’m really excited to be here as I know you guys are massive boxing fans and I really appreciate all of the support. I’m ready to go!”

In a real ‘Rocky’ story Dickens heads into the fight as the massive underdog against Rigondeaux, but has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rip up the script and catapult himself into the world’s elite by defeating the Havana hitman.

“I believe it is God’s will for me to take this fight,” said Dickens. “I’ve been dreaming of a fight like this since I was a little kid and I’m extremely grateful to all those who made this fight possible. We have a good game plan going in there and we’re confident we can cause an upset.

“I’m the massive underdog. I’d just like to say to all of the youngsters out there, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and always believe in yourself. I’ve worked for this shot my whole life and I intend on grabbing it with both hands.”

Limited tickets are available from:

Eventim
0844 249 1000

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Ticketmaster
0844 844 0444

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Ticketline UK
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BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415, Freeview 255 and also on smart connected devices via multiple platforms. Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

One of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxing stars Guillermo Rigondeaux (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight in Britain for the first time on Saturday 16th July at the Cardiff Ice Arena when he defends his WBA Super-Bantamweight World Championship against Merseyside hero and number 13 rated WBA super-bantamweight  Jazza Dickens(22-1, 7 KOs), live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The Cuban megastar, renowned worldwide for his devastating hand speed and lightening quick reactions, takes on Dickens in a true David versus Goliath showdown and is a fantastic addition to what is already a mouth-watering card.

Undefeated Rigondeaux, who fights out of Miami, Florida, is regarded as the world’s best super-bantamweight and the dangerous 35 year-old is the man Carl Frampton has chosen to avoid for so long. “El Chacal”, a two-time Olympic Champion, unified the WBA title with the WBO belt when he outpointed Nonito Donaire in April 2013.

Rigondeaux, who’s fought in America, Mexico, Ireland, China and Japan is looking forward to showcasing his skills on the these shores for the first time and promises to give fans a real eye-catching display.

“I am excited to announce my next fight against Jazza Dickens in the UK on July 16th. I look forward to seeing all of the great fans of the sport in the UK and giving them an unforgettable performance. It’s unfortunate this fight could not happen sooner as planned but thanks to my team, we are now prepared to put on a great show.”

He added: “I would like to thank Frank Warren, Roc Nation, as well as Caribe Promotions for putting this fight together. I would also like to thank Dickens for being a warrior, stepping up and getting in the ring, as there are not many who are courageous enough to do so. Many fighters like Carl Frampton would rather vacate their titles than face me in the ring. We are thrilled for this opportunity and are ready to give a legendary performance for all of the UK fans who have shown such strong support and love for the sport.”

In a real ‘Rocky’ story Dickens heads into the fight as the massive underdog against Rigondeaux, but has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rip up the script and catapult himself into the world’s elite by defeating the Havana hitman.

Dickens, 22-1-0 7 KO’s, holds the British Super-Bantamweight title and is currently on a red-hot six-fight winning streak since suffering his first career loss to Kid Galahad back in 2013. Everton Red Triangle man Dickens has an opportunity to write himself into the history books by becoming the first Liverpool fighter to hold a WBA world title.

The chirpy Scouser is a local hero with his down to earth, jack-the-lad, character, but has a steely determination to upset the odds on the biggest night of his life.

“People have already told me that I have no chance of beating him but when I look in another man’s eyes I can see he’s just the same as me. I’m a man and he’s a man; we both feel courage and we both feel fear. On the night we’ll be stepping in the ring as equals and I believe I have what it takes to beat him; I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t,” said Dickens.

“I’ve always said things happen for a reason and this proves it. It was disappointing the fight didn’t go ahead last time but this time it’s for a world title; I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. Fights like this don’t come around every day so I’ve grabbed it with both hands.

“It’s been my childhood dream to be the best in the world and this to me is a golden opportunity to become the best by beating Rigondeaux. Becoming the first Liverpool boxer to win a WBA world title would be a huge honour.”

A talent-stacked undercard sees British and Commonwealth Champion Super Bradley Skeete make the fifth defence of his WBO European Welterweight title; Baggies banger Tommy Langford defends his WBO Inter-Continental belt; Southampton’s red-hot Joe Pigford looks to extend his unbeaten run to eleven fights; Welshmen Craig Evans, Alex Hughes and Jay Harris all look to impress in front of their home crowd. ‘The Mexican’ Jamie Conlan will fight over eight rounds.

Tickets are priced at £35, £40, £70, £100, £150 and £200 are available from:

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Ticketline
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BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415, Freeview 255 and also on smart connected devices via multiple platforms. Go to www.boxnation.comto see how you can watch this fight and more live!

Following various and conflicting reports as to the situation regarding Guillermo Rigondeaux, Queensberry Promotions (“QP”) would like to state the facts as to why, Rigondeaux will not be arriving in the UK to take part in his contracted fight against British Champion, Jazza Dickens at the Echo Arena, Liverpool as chief support to the WBO World title fight between Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews this Saturday (12th March).

QP have been working closely throughout with Dino Duva and his team at Roc Nation Sports (“RNS”) who are all experienced boxing people and who promote Rigondeaux alongside Caribe Promotions. RNS were made aware very early in the negotiation process that Rigondeaux, being a Cuban national, would need an entry Visa in order to travel to the UK, but would not need a work permit, due to his international sporting status and this being a singular international event. Accordingly, QP issued the necessary supporting documentation for his application and accordingly, the Visa was correctly applied for by Team Rigondeaux.

QP was informed on 29th February that Rigondeaux had travelled to Russia to set up a training camp alongside his trainer Pedro Diaz, who was there preparing Ruslan Chagaev for his WBA World Heavyweight title fight against Lucas Browne last weekend. Therefore, his Visa was applied for at the UK Visa Application Centre in Moscow and following the application, his appointment took place on the 29th February, after which we were advised that “all papers were filed and being processed.”

We were told that it could take five clear working days for the Visa to be issued so Rigondeaux could travel, but the problem was, or so we were told, that due to a public holiday in Russia on the 8th March, the Application Centre would be closed and he may not be able to collect his Visa until Wednesday (9th March).

Throughout this process, QP and RNS continuously contacted the Application Centre and also our own contacts in Russia in an attempt to expedite this process and were informed that if the visa was not issued sooner, then it would be issued at the latest on Wednesday and Rigondeaux would then arrive in the UK shortly thereafter.

Yesterday (Tuesday) and for some unexplained reason, unbeknown to both QP and RNS, Rigondeaux boarded a flight to Miami and arrived in the USA on Tuesday afternoon. We have yet to establish how and why he flew to the USA and further, how he managed to fly anywhere when the normal practice is, when applying for a Visa, that you hand your passport in and get it back when the Visa is issued.

Strangely, Rigondeaux left Moscow at a time when both the Application Centre and Consulate were still closed. He has yet to explain to RNS, who are as much in the dark as QP, as to how and why he has arrived in the USA and why he was in possession of his passport which should, as is standard protocol, have been presented to the Visa Application Centre.

We are all extremely disappointed by the whole situation as Rigondeaux will not appear this Saturday and Dickens will not get the chance, that he has trained so hard for, to fight the world’s best Super-Bantamweight in front of his own fans.

We sympathise with the fans that were looking forward to watching the live in Liverpool and those tuning into BoxNation.

To clarify, QP has done everything in its capacity, at great expense, to deliver this fight on Saturday, and it is unbeknown to us as to why Rigondeaux’s visa process has been so problematic. Rigondeaux’s representatives were provided with the standard invitation letter and relevant documents to process their application by QP.

Terry Flanagan’s WBO World Lightweight title defence against Derry Mathews will still headline what is a fantastic fight card another star of world boxing, dynamite punching South African Zolani Tete challenges for the Vacant IBF International Bantamweight Championship against Jose Santos Gonzalez; Birmingham ace Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title against Lewis Taylor; hard-hitting Ellesmere Port’s star Paul Butler will challenges for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight title agains Sebastian Sanchez; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Corby’s Simon Barclay, plus an action-packed undercard card.

Aged 35, Rigondeaux has faced an extremely frustrating last few years in the sport despite remaining unbeaten and quite clearly being the best fighter in his weight class. The Cuban’s skill has in many ways been his downfall with possible opponents unwilling to face him.

Cuban fighters are renowned for their supreme amateur pedigree which sees them develop technical skill that few others can come close to replicating. With boxers having to defect and leave Cuba in order to pursue a professional career they often struggle to generate a significant fanbase.

Lacking a fanbase results in a lack of money being on offer for both Rigondeaux and potential opponents. This creates a situation where Rigondeaux presents too much risk for too little reward.

With this in mind Rigondeaux has struggled to find opponents which has lead to him agreeing to fight on the undercard of the Terry Flanagan versus Derry Mathews world title fight this weekend. With no disrespect intended to either man, Rigondeaux is leagues above them and a man of his stature having little choice but to fight on their undercard is in reality a sad reflection of the sport.

Rigondeaux was due to face British super bantamweight James ‘Jazza’ Dickens in a fight which is expected to present him with little trouble. Dickens aged 24 holds a 21-1 professional record claiming just six stoppage wins along the way.

The one loss on his record is at the hands of the talented Kid Galahad (Barry Awad) who was well on his way to higher honours before being suspended from the sport.

To add to Rigondeaux’s frustration the fight now seems off. He has been in Russia training for the fight but has been unable to get a visa to come over to Britain for the fight which takes place in just a few days time. He seems to now be back in Miami, as reported by BoxingScene. 

A Russian holiday was being blamed for the delay in processing the application and threatened the likelihood of the fight taking place, with quotes from his trainer indicating that it was an error on the visa application leading to the UK visa not being obtained. This incident has proved to be just another of the frustrating events that seem to surround Rigondeaux.

This is a man who seems unable to catch a break. He has been stripped of his world title belts as a result of inactivity due to no fault of his own. Other top fighters will not face him so he is pushed from his champion status.

In a brief glimmer of hope, Rigondeaux is mandated to face Carl Frampton for the WBA title. The glimmer is only brief though as it seems unlikely that the fight will actually take place with other easier and more lucrative options available to Frampton.

This could see Frampton vacate or be stripped of the belt and once again Rigondeaux is left without the high profile fight that he so desperately needs.

While waiting for the Frampton fight, he had agreed to face a man in Dickens who really has done nothing to be in the same ring as him and now he cannot even get a visa to make the fight happen. It is these sort of situations that could drive a man away from the sport as his undoubted talent is being wasted.

This is a man who really needs to capitalise on his talents soon. He is not a young man anymore and fans do not want to look back and wonder just what he could have been achieved if given the opportunities.

Some blame Rigondeaux himself for his lack of popularity by stating that he is a boring fighter. To state such is to show a real lack of true boxing understanding. Boxing is not a bar room brawl between two men who stand and trade blows.

Boxing is the art of hitting your opponent whilst avoiding being hit in return. Rigondeaux is a master of this and possesses defensive skill and movement that at times dumfounds the mind. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea but he is the showcase of what the sport is really about.

Whether the fight goes ahead or not Rigondeaux will be looking for the big fights. The likes of Frampton and even Santa Cruz (who has moved up to avoid Rigondeaux) really need to have a look at themselves and realise that to not face Rigondeaux is to undermine their own reputations.

Such sentiments are being asserted by a big Frampton fan. The truth is that if Frampton is to truly be recognised as the best in his division then he must face Rigondeaux. Most fans would rather see Frampton fight Rigondeaux and possibly lose then avoid him and remain unbeaten.

Yes this is a business and fighters have to search for their biggest paydays but pride and legacy must come into play. Rigondeaux holds the status at the best fighter in the super bantamweight division and to avoid him may be considered smart by some but it is such opinions with stagnate the sport.

If the sport is to continue its rise in recent years the best have to fight the best with regularity. That is what attracts people to our sport and that is what will determine the success of the sport going forward.

Guillermo Rigondeaux appears a man who will ultimately fail to attract the interest and commercial revenue that his skills deserve and as stated previously that is a sad reflection but reality of a sport which is so riddled with politics.

– Samuel Constaninou-Coulter / @samsboxinghaven

Some recent comments have appeared on social media and web sites concerning the arrival into the UK of Guillermo Rigondeaux for his fight against Jazza Dickens this Saturday, 12 March, at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on the undercard of Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews’ WBO World Lightweight title fight.

To clarify, Queensberry Promotions are the promoter of the event that Rigondeaux will feature on and the application for his Visa has been handled by his promoter’s RocNation and Caribe Promotions for his entry into the UK.

Queensberry Promotions are working alongside Dino Duva from RocNation in order to assist Rigondeaux’s with his Visa issues and travel to the UK from Russia, where he has been at training camp.

Mr. Duva has been in constant contact with Queensberry Promotions with updates on the situation and just last night sent a message to promoter Frank Warren:

Frank,

Pursuant to our discussion a few minutes ago, I just wanted to update and clarify for you the status of the Guillermo Rigondeaux visa matter.

As a fellow promoter, I know and respect that this is frustrating for you , and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing your March 12 event promotion.

Rigondeaux went to Russia to train for the Dickens fight, and has been attempting to get his UK visa expedited there as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately they have encountered obstacles the past week or so due to a Russian Holiday that prevented the process from getting done.

Rigondeaux and his training team were at the embassy in Moscow again today trying to work on it, but unfortunately were unsuccessful.

Please be assured that we will continue to work on this matter with all our efforts, and are hopeful that we can get this taken care of in time to get to Liverpool for the event.

I will contact you on Tuesday to keep you updated on the status.

Best regards, Dino Duva

If looking for an example of how true this is we should look no further than not only the current master craftsman in the sport and P4P number one but also the master in the execution of timing who and when with regards his next opponent. It is this ability and of course being in the luxurious position to be able to do so that has Floyd Mayweather’s current imperious professional record sitting at 49-0.

Although this is of course often to the frustration and annoyance of fight fans, the five or so years we had to wait for him and Pacquiao to grace a ring together was to us ridiculous. However, for Mayweather once again the end justified the means and although we didn’t get the spectacle we may have if it happened some years previously Mayweather got the desired result both in the ring and in his bank account.

An overused term in the boxing game these days is how it is a business, unfortunately for the fans who just want to see the best fight the best business comes first and a key driver in this is timing. When asking is Frampton ready to take on the challenge of Leo Santa Cruz or the great Guillermo Rigondeaux, boxing fans will say definitely yes, get it made! Team McGuigan will no doubt consider the key factor, is the timing is right?

Astute Irish boxing aficionados especially Frampton’s passionate and knowledgeable Belfast fans more concerned about a Jackal win may also give consideration to the timing factor. I feel at this time with regards to Santa Cruz all and sundry will feel yes he is certainly ready to take on this challenge and with the styles of both fighters considered Frampton can win this fight. If it were to happen in Belfast he would be fancied to take the W.

Team McGuigan seem to have their eyes however on the East Coast of America which would also make for a huge event and allow making the fight a lot more feasible. Venue aside I think at this point it is a 50-50 fight although Santa Cruz would probably go in as a slight favourite. Frampton’s previous US visit to El Paso Texas will really stand to him with regards to his approach and help produce a much more mature performance. The big Irish contingency and possibly if at Maddison Square Garden would all add to it being a massive, massive night.

As for the other option, the booby prize. The man no one wants to fight for love nor money, or lack of it, the great Cuban Rigondeaux. Liquid movement Rigo is like human mercury in the manner in which he glides and moves round the ring in total harmony, the perfect boxing machine. Outside the purists however his style isn’t often well received and sub-par effort levels in his most recent outing is now really testing the purist’s patience. It also provides further excuses for all the fighters in the Super Bantamweight division or their promoters who don’t want to be caught within a country mile of him.

Barry McGuigan has changed his tune at times regarding this fight often quoting as many do how Rigo brings nothing to the table in terms of revenue, “Rigondeaux couldn’t attract 500 fans to a fight in Miami” then on another occasion how “When Frampton hits him, he’s going to knock him out — but we’ll hit him when I want him to hit him.” The second part of this quote I feel is very interesting and insightful. He made this comment after Rigo hit the floor twice versus Hisashi Amagasa. Rigo showing weakness or signs of decline suddenly raised confidence.

At the age of 35 and performance levels not as impressive as before perhaps Rigo is slipping? Is Frampton ready now? He could well be. Maybe though for Frampton’s sake it’s just better this happens a year or two down the line, Frampton at his peak, a full house at Windsor Park Belfast, no doubt a big money fight. Echoes of Pedroza at Loftus Road, the timing perfect, the piece de la resistance.

– Kieran Hinphey / @Hinph15

The hard-hitting Cuban was far from impressed at the pair’s cagey unification fight and sent out a series of tweets reiterating his desire to take on Frampton once he has beaten Merseyside hero Jazza Dickens, who he takes on at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday 12th March, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The two-time Olympic Gold Medallist ran a poll on Friday night asking his followers if they thought the winner of Frampton versus Quigg would be “man enough” to fight him. 1,477 fight fans voted in the poll with a resounding 62% predicting that the winner would carry on avoiding the unbeaten superstar.

‘El Chacal’ once again branded his rivals as cowards for avoiding him stating: “After I fight @JazzaDickens10 the looser of #FramtonQuigg should fight him and the winner should stop running and fight me.”

Rigondeaux, 35, is determined to show the world that he is the true Super-Bantamweight king and on the morning of the fight told followers: “I don’t care who win 2nite. I only want for the winner to know I fight him anywhere anytime.”

With his lightening quick reactions and devastating hand speed, Rigondeaux has been one of the world’s most avoided boxers. The former unified Super-Bantamweight world champion again made it clear he wanted nothing more than to take on both Frampton and Quigg and urged them to give the public what they wanted.

He tweeted: “Just so #FramptonQuigg know. I still want to fight both of you. So STOP THINKING ABOUT A REMATCH. FIGHT ME FIRST!”

After Frampton’s showdown with Quigg failed to live up to the hype surrounding it, it appears boxing fans around the world would prefer to see the new unified world champion take on Rigondeaux with many people agreeing Saturday’s was too boring for a rematch.

Cuba’s Rigondeaux was clearly unimpressed with the Northern Irishman’s performance and took a swipe at his rival’s boxing ability tweeting: “No wonder he is been running away from me 4 years. He can’t even box. Do you guys remember what happen 2 Nonito? Wait until I get his guy!”

Even Sky Sports boxing pundit Glen McCory said that he’d like to see the new two-belt champion take on Rigondeaux instead of taking a rematch.

He said: “I’d like to see Frampton fight Rigondeaux. He’s regarded as number one and I think that’s a fight Carl should take.”

If Frampton is to prove he is the true Super-Bantamweight champion that he says he is then he must take on Rigondeaux to settle the score once and for all. Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren backed up Rigondeaux’s claim to be the best in the world after watching the slow burner.

He said: “After all the hype, Frampton v Quigg fight failed to live up to expectations. The fans know that Rigondeaux is the genuine world champion and as he’s stated plenty of times he’d be happy to fight either of them, but now he’s after Frampton. Fans can see the real 122 pound world champion in action in Liverpool on Saturday 13th March.”

The avoided Cuban heaped more praise on his next opponent Dickens for taking the fight and advised Frampton and Quigg to take a leaf out of the gutsy Scouser’s book.

He tweeted: “The only of these guy that got my absolute respect 2day is @JazzaDickens10. He made no excuses. Hope these guy learn something from him.”

Terry Flanagan v Derry Mathews for the WBO World Lightweight Championship headlines the show that also features one of the worlds greatest boxers, Guillermo Rigondeaux, taking on Merseyside hero Jazza Dickens; another star of world boxing, dynamite punching South African Zolani Tete challenges for the Vacant IBF International Bantamweight Championship against Jose Santos Gonzalez; Birmingham ace Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title against Lewis Taylor; hard-hitting Ellesmere Port’s star Paul Butler will challenge for a championship belt; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Swindon’s Lawrence Bennett. The undercard features some of the best talent in Merseyside: undefeated leading world title contender Kevin Satchell; red-hot prospect Steven Lewis; European Champion Ryan Farrag; Indian superstar Vijender Singh plus Manchester prospects Macaulay McGowan and Zelfa Barrett and Leicester ace Lyon Woodstock complete the card.

Ticket for ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150* and are available from:

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Ticketmaster
0844 844 0444
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A special V.I.P ticket priced at £250* that includes an inner ringside V.I.P seat, lanyard, complimentary beer, wine and soft drink (between a certain time period) and canapés are available to purchase through the Frank Warren Box Office office only on 01992 505 550.

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– PRESS RELEASE

The truth may not be that difficult to find. Rigondeaux’s style respects boxing’s commandment “try to hit and don’t get hit” and that, sadly, doesn’t sell tickets. It’s just a matter of paying attention to those fan’s favourite fighters and the way they perform in the ring. For example, Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse have always been acclaimed by the public because of their aggressive characteristics and for turning their bouts into wars. In that context, it is not important if they win or lose. The only thing that matters is watching two men beating each other up and the Cuban doesn’t think the same way.

Rigo’s defensive style has been effective so far to win in all his fights and receive just a little punishment. His undefeated record of 16-0 proves that. However, if the 35 years old Cuban wants to be considered more often for big cards, he may need to do something about the aggressiveness of his performances. Bob Arum once said: “Nobody doubts about Rigondeaux’s talent, but it’s going to be hard to find him opponents. His style doesn’t sell tickets”. Actually, the southpaw took his last fight, against Drian Francisco, with only two weeks notice just to keep the engine working after a year of inactivity.

“The Jackal’s” stigma really seems to be the Cuban stigma. Erislandy Lara, for example, has also been criticized for the way he performs in the ring and answered: “Our school is one of the best in the World. They say it is boring just because we don’t like getting hit, because we protect too much. But, who likes being punched?”.

Lara said a few months ago that he will never change his style. However, he has never gone through the inactivity that Rigondeaux has and felt the frustration of not being called for an important event. Considering that, what should the former Olympic Gold Medalist in Sydney do?

– Luciano Jurnet / @TuchoJurnet13