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Rigondeaux wants unification fights next

Guillermo Rigondeaux wants to add to his belt collection, eyes fights with Kiko Martinez and Leo Santa Cruz.

Al Bello

Rigondeaux holds two belts and says he'd like to snag another one from IBF titlist Kiko Martinez or WBC titlist Leo Santa Cruz.

This is all contingent, of course, on Rigo defending his current belts against Sod Kokietgym this Saturday in Macau, China. As an aside, it's amazing that a top 10 P4P fighter (top 5 even?) in a title fight isn't being shown by a major US network. Rigo's fight will air tape-delayed on UniMas in the States. Boggles the mind.

Anyhow, Rigo tells The RING:

"I would like for my next fight to be a unification of titles, by fighting either the 122 WBC champ Santa Cruz, or the 122 IBF champ Kiko Martinez," said Rigondeaux. "Of course, most are hesitant to fight me. But once I get the opportunity to win another belt, I will see my options to possibly move up in weight."

He's right--"most" are hesitant to fight him because he presents perhaps the greatest disparity of risk/reward in all of boxing. Rigo is one of the most talented pure boxers in the sport, but his defensive, spoiling style limits his appeal.

Rigo sees his fight in Macau as a chance to win some international fans, which may be his best hope now that he's been effectively banished from HBO.

Both potential opponents are action fighters who may be able to press Rigondeaux into somewhat entertaining scraps. Would you tune into UniMas to see Rigo-Martinez and/or Rigo-Santa Cruz?

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