It took over a 12 months of ready for a chance, however Mexican prime contender Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez made essentially the most of it on Wednesday evening turning into a world champion at 130 lb. This, as Nunez traveled to the Far East and delivered a composed and commanding efficiency to defeat Masanori Rikiishi through unanimous resolution and seize the vacant IBF junior light-weight world title.
The bout was the co-feature combat in Yokohama, Japan, that noticed WBO bantamweight title holderYoshiki Takei retain his belt in the primary occasion with a devastating 1st-round TKO win over Yuttapong Tongdee.
In the meantime, Nunez (28-1, 27 KOs), recognized for his knockout energy, went the gap on this one in opposition to Rikiishi (16-2, 11 KOs), the house favourite profitable by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.
Nunez was higher from the start
The 27-year-old Nunez confirmed coronary heart and resilience and an excellent proper hand in his hardest skilled take a look at so far. Regardless of a spirited show, the lanky southpaw Rikiishi struggled to comprise the relentless stress and heavy combos from Nunez.
Wednesday evening’s title combat was put collectively after former IBF champion Anthony Cacace of Northern Eire, relinquished the title slightly than combating Nunez, his obligatory challenger. Cacace opted as an alternative to combat a extra profitable non-title combat with England’s Leigh Wooden, whom he defeated by TKO earlier this month.
Again to the bout, from the opening bell, Nunez, who’s now received 18 fights in a row since an early profession loss, set the tempo, utilizing aggressive footwork and highly effective physique photographs to shut the gap and neutralize the peak and attain benefit of his Rikishi. Although a few of his early proper arms have been partially blocked, some nonetheless scored and clearly wore on Rikiishi because the bout wend on.
Nunez’s constant stress started to inform on his Japanese opponent. He blended his assaults successfully, punishing Rikiishi’s midsection earlier than going upstairs, sapping the Japanese fighter’s stamina. Whilst Rikiishi fought again in bursts, touchdown a couple of well-timed photographs of his personal, the momentum remained with the customer.
By the tenth spherical, Rikiishi’s vitality reserves have been clearly dwindling. Nunez rocked him with two punishing proper arms, and although Rikiishi pushed ahead, he was once more met with sharp counters and a excessive quantity of punches.
The ultimate two rounds noticed Rikiishi try to mount a final stand, touchdown a few clear photographs, however Nunez stayed composed, ending robust with thudding punches and tight protection. An enormous proper hand within the closing seconds of the combat underlined his dominance and sealed a well-earned victory on international soil.
What’s Subsequent for “Sugar Nunez?”
With this win, Nunez provides a world title to his resume and firmly positions himself as a rising star within the junior light-weight division, which has the likes of Rafael Espinoza or Emanuel Navarrete of Mexico or O’Shaquie Foster of the U.S. as the opposite champions.
