Guillermo Rigondeaux Ortiz (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡiˈʎeɾmo riɣonˈdo oɾˈtiθ]; born 30 September 1980) is a Cuban professional boxer.
"[2] He is known for his exceptionally fast hand speed, punching power,[3][4] counterpunching abilities, athleticism, reflexes, footwork and defensive elusiveness.
On 22 July 2007, Rigondeaux and teammate Erislandy Lara failed to appear for their scheduled bouts at the Pan American Games in Brazil.
It was initially announced that Rigondeaux was to turn professional, joining fellow 2004 Cuban Olympians Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Bartelemí, who defected earlier in 2007.
On 23 February 2009, Rigondeaux was announced to have defected along with 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Yudel Johnson, Yordanis Despaigne and Yuniel Dorticos.
[5] He would train in the same gym as Yuriorkis Gamboa, Erislandy Lara and Odlanier Solis[6] and would continue his career as a professional once he completed all the residency requirements.
[13] On 13 November 2010, Rigondeaux fought Ricardo Cordoba on the undercard of the WBC super welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito at the Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, in front of 41,734 people.
A sweeping left uppercut in the opening round caught Casey flush and sent him back on his rear causing his glove to touch the mat at 1 minute and 45 seconds.
Immediately after the warning, Rigondeaux came forward with a barrage and landed a clean left hand to the body that sent Ramos to the canvas grimacing in pain.
Now that he realized that he needed to not only win a fight but also entertain, his promoter Bob Arum stated that Rigondeaux could one day face Nonito Donaire, Jorge Arce, or Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.[16] On 15 September 2012, Rigondeaux fought Roberto Marroquin on the undercard of the Sergio Martínez vs. Julio César Chávez, Jr. fight at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
[18] On 13 April 2013, Rigondeaux fought in a unification bout against WBO and The Ring champion Nonito Donaire at Radio City Music Hall, New York.
Rigondeaux was next scheduled to fight former bantamweight titlist Joseph Agbeko on 7 December 2013, at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Referee Mike Ortega stopped the bout after Amagasa failed to get up off his stool after round 11, suffering swelling around his right eye and facial disfigurement from what appeared to be a broken left jaw or cheek.
[39] It was confirmed that Rigondeaux would defend his WBA (Super) and lineal titles against Jazza Dickens on 16 July at the Ice Arena, Cardiff, Wales.
[41] On 20 July 2016, in their continued desire to reduce the number of champions, the WBA ordered Rigondeaux to make a mandatory defence of his title against their interim titleholder, 29-year-old Mexican boxer Moises Flores (25–0, 17 KO).
Before the bell sounded for the end of the round, both fighters locked in a flurry, with Rigondeaux holding Flores' head, both exchanged combinations.
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett was brought in to discuss the ending with HBO's Jim Lampley, and said if the punch was thrown after the bell, they would review the decision.
[55] Paulie Malignaggi, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, thought Flores had over-reacted when he fell onto the canvas, maybe looking for a DQ win.
The next day, Bob Bennett fully reviewed the tape and agreed the punch landed after the bell but was unintentional, meaning the result could change to a no decision with the WBA possibly ordering a rematch.
WBA president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. went on to say if Rigondeaux defeats Lomachenko, he would have five days to decide whether he is to return to the division or stay at super featherweight.
[68] In front of a sell out crowd of 5,102 at the Theater, Lomachenko retained his WBO title using a combination of size, speed and angles, eventually forcing Rigondeaux to quit.
With a year left on the contract, Dino Duva told ESPN, "We weren't able to come up with anything significant for him, and he's in the later part of his career, so if he's a free agent, maybe he can go make a fight for himself.
[79] After signing with advisor Al Haymon, now fighting under the Premier Boxing Champions banner, it was announced on 29 November, Rigondeaux would make his ring return on either 22 December 2018 or 13 January 2019.
[81] In December 2018, it was announced that Rigondeaux would fight journeyman Giovanni Delgado (16–8, 9 KOs) at the super featherweight limit on 13 January 2019, at the Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California.
[86][87] Rigondeaux's next bout was scheduled to take place as a co-feature to the rematch between Tony Harrison and Jermell Charlo on 23 June 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Paradise, Nevada.
The fight was back-and-forth, with both fighters finding success, before Rigondeaux landed a left hook that floored Ceja at the very end of the round.
[100] On 26 February 2022, Rigondeaux suffered the third professional defeat of his career, losing a shock ten-round unanimous decision to the unheralded Vincent Astrolabio (16–3, 12 KO) at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.
[101] Returning after suffering serious eye injuries, Rigondeaux faced Jesus Martinez on 24 February 2023, winning the bout via first-round knockout.
[102] Rigondeaux was then scheduled to face Julian Evaristo Aristule on 9 Jun 2023, but due to visa issues his opponent was changed to Charlie Clemente-Andino.
[104] Riding a two-fight win streak, Rigondeaux faced Dannis Aguero Arias for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title on 12 November 2024.