Former world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido has once again produced a fight of the year candidate, as his battle with Miguel “Micky” Roman on December 9 in Las Vegas was nominated by numerous outlets as one of the best fights of 2017.
Salido was stopped in the ninth round and retired after the fight, but changed his mind four days later and plans to return to the ring in the coming months.
“I am very grateful and humbled to hear these things said about my fight. I know that I could have done better, but the night against Roman I gave the best I had and will continue to do so, as long as I can. I am very happy the fans and media enjoyed the fight and look forward to giving them more thrills in 2018," said Salido.
On that same December night, Salido's main rival, WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko, was in action in New York City and picked up a one-sided sixth round stoppage victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Lomachenko vs. Rigondeaux was the first ever battle between two two-time Olympic gold medal winners.
While the fight was historic, it lacked action and left a sour taste in most mouths when Rigondeaux quit at the end of the sixth round and claimed a left hand injury.
“I always give the fans the best fights that I can. Win, Lose or Draw the fans know that they are going to get their money’s worth. Boxing is entertainment and the fans deserve to be entertained. Not sure what Lomanchenko and Rigondeaux was, but it sure wasn’t entertainment. I keep hearing it was historic, it might have been that since it was the first time a guy hurt his hand in a ring without landing a punch and another one wins a fight without landing a significant one,” said Salido.
“I think 'No Mas Boring' is a better nickname for Lomachenko. He should go in there and fight and take care of business and not wait till the other guy gets bored in there. He might be the best boxer in the world but is not even close to been the best fighter in the world."
2023-10-20 06:15:35
