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Rigondeaux to defend WBA 122-pound title against Jazza Dickens

Fighters Network
10
Jun

The undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux (16-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBA junior featherweight title against James “Jazza” Dickens in Cardiff, Wales, on July 16.

In March, Dickens lost the opportunity of a lifetime when visa issues prevented the Cuban legend from venturing to U.K. shores for a 10-round non-title bout. As it turns out, however, things couldn’t have worked out better for the Englishman who will now compete in his first world title bout.

Can he compete against THE RING No. 1 at 122 pounds?

Odds have yet to open but in terms of skills and previous experience, this fight looks about as one-sided as a lynching. That’s not to say Dickens (22-1, 7 KOs) can’t fight. He’s the British champion and his sole loss came against countryman Kid Galahad, who was considered potential world class in September 2013.



The fact remains, though, that Rigondeaux was one of the best amateur fighters in boxing history and, when active, closes out top caliber opposition with ease.

Dickens loves to pile on the pressure and he may bring out the best in the champion, but a win would quite literally be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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