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Scott Quigg outpoints tough Hidenori Otake via unanimous decision

Fighters Network
22
Nov
Scott Quigg in action with Hidenori Otake during their junior featherweight bout at Liverpool Echo Arena on Nov. 22 in Liverpool, England. Quigg won a unanimous decision. Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Scott Quigg in action with Hidenori Otake during their junior featherweight bout at Liverpool Echo Arena on Nov. 22 in Liverpool, England. Quigg won a unanimous decision. Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images

 

Junior featherweight ace Scott Quigg had his way in a dominant unanimous decision win over Japan’s Hidenori Otake in Liverpool, England, on Saturday, and will continue to pursue the high profile match ups which have eluded him thus far in his career.

The scores were 119-109 twice and 118-110 with Quigg retaining his “regular” WBA title with the victory. (Note: THE RING only recognize Guillermo Rigondeaux as the WBA titleholder at junior featherweight)

Quigg (30-0-2, 22 knockouts) came out of the blocks fast in an effort to overwhelm his man. Big hooks and right uppercuts landed regularly to the body and a solid left to the head got Hidenori’s attention in the opening session.



The visitor, who had never fought outside of Tokyo in his career, was nailed by a sharp one two in the second but absorbed the damage and marched forward. That moment was the entire fire in capsule form as Otake, undeniably game, was offensively inept and lacked the natural talent to trouble the Englishman.

Quigg, THE RING’s No. 3 at 122 pounds, worked from the outside in Round 6 and landed a brace of perfect right hand counters. The sharp shooter from Bury, England, is versatile with his game and was untouchable at distance but, once again, he drifted up close to tee off at will with eye catching power shots.

The target practice continued and Hidenori should be commended for a brave and gallant effort. He sustained a serious cut to his right eye in the tenth but never stopped throwing punches and can return to Japan with his head held high.

“He was a very tough man and soaked up all the punishment,” said Quigg, when interviewed by Sky Sports. “I started fast but quickly noticed how durable he was. I then practiced a few things we’ve been working on in the gym and came on strong again, but he took everything I had.”

Quigg has been repeatedly linked to a massive domestic fight with IBF title holder Carl Frampton, but negotiations have not bared fruit. The Englishman was also proactive in calling out WBC boss Leo Santa Cruz, for a bout earlier this year, but nothing transpired and the volume punching American wiped the floor with the undistinguished Manuel Roman.

In a recent interview with RingTV.com, Quigg vowed to seal a deal with THE RING champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, if other meaningful fights cannot be secured. He was predictably chastised for making the statement but Quigg’s ambition should not be underestimated and he is a deserving challenger for the brilliant Cuban.

“Scott wants Frampton, Santa Cruz and has even discussed fighting Guillermo Rigondeaux. We push for big fights all the time,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

 

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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