Guillermo Rigondeaux outpoints Filipino boxer Drian Francisco in snoozer

Ryan Songalia

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Guillermo Rigondeaux outpoints Filipino boxer Drian Francisco in snoozer
The two boxers combine for just over 100 connected punches in their 10-round bout

MANILA, Philippines – Lineal junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux outpointed Filipino contender Drian Francisco in a listless affair as he moved and countered sparingly to cruise to victory on Sunday, November 22 (Manila time) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, U.S. 

Two judges scored the fight a shutout, 100-90, in favor of Rigondeaux (16-0, 10 knockouts), while a third found 3 rounds to score for Francisco (28-4-1, 22 KOs) for a 97-93 card. 

The action, or lack there of, drew boos throughout the 10-round fight as the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans who came to see Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Miguel Cotto contest the middleweight championship in the main event grew restless. 

The two-time Olympic gold medalist originally from Cuba was content to limit the action as much as possible, while Francisco appeared uncertain how to start his own offense in the face of Rigondeaux’s movement and clinching. 

The fight marked Rigondeaux’s return to the ring after nearly a year on the shelf following a managerial upheaval that saw him sign with Jay-Z’s RocNation outfit. Though rated among the best fighters in the world by several prominent boxing news outlets, Rigondeaux’s performance isn’t likely to have people demanding to see him back on their screens again soon.  

Through 10 rounds, Rigondeaux landed just 72 of 347 punch attempts for a 21% connect percentage, according to CompuBox. Francisco of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro landed 42 of 228 for 18%. 

The win gave Rigondeaux his second win over a Filipino boxer following his 2013 decision win over Nonito Donaire Jr in New York City.

The fight was a late addition to the card after a bout involving former super middleweight champion Andre Ward was canceled due to a knee injury. Francisco, 33, had been scheduled to fight Filipino journeyman Danilo Pena in the Philippines a week ago but withdrew the day of the bout after being offered this opportunity. – Rappler.com

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