The enigmatic Cuban (17-0-KO11) retained the WBA Super world super-bantamweight title in Cardiff when Dickens’ corner withdrew their man after he sustained the cleanest of overhand lefts. After two rounds of sleepwalking, Dickens’ corner refused to allow the fight continue after a big left hand broke their charge’s jaw in the second round.
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In truth, it was the right decision to pull Dickens out with such a severe injury which would only have gotten worst as the fight went on, particularly against such an accurate and powerful puncher as Rigondeaux.
Super-welterweight Joe Pigford improved to 11-0 with a fourth round stoppage of Sam Omidi.
There’s also an intriguing domestic clash between Liam Williams, who holds the British and Commonwealth super welterweight belts, and Gary Corcoran. There was trouble in the crowd, that took some time to subdue, as the two battled ferociously in the ring. Gary always pressed him hard but Williams made a breakthrough in the 11 round, dropping Corcoran and hammering on the ropes until another sickening right forced the referee to stop it at 2-10. Flanagan was rushed and soon frustrated himself, failing to hurt Mzonke until late on in the fight.
Bradley Skeete put in an assured performance. A few punches landing around the back of the head went unnoticed, although Pigford was well on top and dropped Omidi on more than one occasion until the bout was eventually halted.
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Boxing Scene understands that Frank Warren, Flanagan’s promoter, has been in discussions with the management team of Dejan Zlaticanin, with a view to making a fight between the pair for the WBO and WBC world titles.
