Guillermo Rigondeaux lands a right on Agbeko?s head in last Saturday?s fight
WBA and WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux retained his titles with a 12-round unanimous decision over former two-time bantamweight champ Joseph Agbeko at Boardwalk Hall?s Adrian Phillips Ballroom, USA, on Saturday night.
The judges scored the bout 120-108, 120-108, 120-108, all in favour of Rigondeaux.
Rigondeaux, a native of Cuba now living in Miami, delivered a solid-yet-conservative performance.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is considered one of boxing?s top pound-for-pound fighters, but draws criticism for his style.
He generated cheers from the crowd in the sixth round by landing five straight powerful left crosses to Agbeko?s midsection, but otherwise was content to stay on the outside and pepper him with right jabs and left hooks before dancing out of danger.
Agbeko also deserved criticism for the slow pace. Trainer Roger Mayweather urged him to throw punches and take a few chances, but he was content to stay in a defensive shell for most of the bout.
Agbeko averaged only 29 punches per round.
?I felt strong throughout the fight, it was just tough to get to him,? Agbeko said.
?I hurt my right hand early and couldn?t throw it much. But it was hard to catch him. He?s very fast and he?s got great footwork.?
Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, was making his fourth defense of the WBA title he gained by knocking out former champion Rico Ramos in the sixth round on Jan. 20, 2012.
