Becomes IBF 130 lb. Mandatory Challenger
By Boxing Bob Newman
In an important bout that flew under the radar, IBF #3 Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and #4 rated Eduardo Nuñez, squared off in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to decide the #1 mandatory position at Jr. Lightweight.
Local hero Rakhimov was coming in off his lone loss 10 months ago- a tough, split decision, title-losing effort against Joe Cordina in Cardiff, Wales. Nuñez, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, was making a relatively quick return to the ring after blowing out Oscar Escandon in two rounds in Cancun last October.
The first half of the fight was tactical warfare as each man tried to gain their edge, taking turns coming forward while the other looked to see what his foe had to offer. By the second half of the fight, Nuñez seemed to be taking over, if ever so slightly. He began to land telling power shots on Rakhimov, who seemed unable to get off the ropes, or was hoping Nuñez would punch himself out. Nuñez was so squared up, that all his punches appeared to be hooks, whether right or left. Jabs were mostly out the window in favor of sledgehammer blows.
Rakhimov would rally in the ninth, for what would be the last time. Rakhimov got a much needed reprieve from referee Mark Nelson, who called time as he instructed Rakhimov’s corner to secure some loose tape on the glove in the tenth. But that would be it as Nuñez sensed his time had come. He came out guns blazing, raining blow after blow- 20 unanswered in all, to the head of a helpless Rakhimov, who bravely, but perhaps foolishly, never went down. Referee Nelson stepped in to rescue the battered hometowner, with only 15 seconds elapsed in the 11th.
Nuñez not only earned the #1 IBF mandatory spot, but also kept his KO streak alive, going 27-1, 27 KOs, while winning his 16th straight since his lone loss back in 2018. Rakhimov goes to 17-2-1, 14 KOs and has lost two straight, hard fought wars.
On the undercard, Tajikistan’s Bakhodir Usumonov took on Azerbaijan’s Javid Chalabiyev in a Jr. Welterweight bout. Usumonov outworked Chalabiyev over eight solid rounds to move to 8-0, 3 KOs. Chalabiyev loses his pro debut.
Russia’s Sharabutdin Ataev took on Azerbaijan based Cuban Loren Alfonso Dominguez in a ten round Cruiserweight clash. The very experienced former amateur standout Dominguez didn’t make things easy for Ataev, but lost the unanimous decision start out at 0-1 as a pro, while Ataev improves to 7-0, 4 KOs.
You go all the way to Tajikistan and get a ko, you deserve a title shot. Well played Nunez. Would not at all be surprised if he got Cordina as well now.
If the cards line up right, we could have Foster vs Nuñez later on this year. It’s a well deserved fight for Nuñez and I think he can get it done wherever the fight takes place.
This was an IBF eliminator, for Cordina. Foster’s the WBC champion.
This was for the IBF mandatory spot, not the WBC, for whom Foster is the champ. Cordina is obligated to face Nuñez now.
That is of course who he should get. Provided of course that Cordina has a successful defense in May. Interesting note, regarding BOXREC. They don’t have Nunez as number 4, but still the man who he beat at number 4. Strange that the fight has not yet been recorded. Tried to contact them on that, but forgot what my password was.
The Mexican betterbiev
Same ko power
Same face lol
An entertaining WAR
Nuñez is a relentless attacker with serious power that could overwhelm the skilled Cordina, and also Foster. He is definitely an exciting boxer that could turn into a big star with good management and exposure in USA.
From the mouth of Keith “One Time” Thurman: another “Flat Footed Mexican.” Nunez, most likely on the “Mexican Beef.” Nunez, has no footwork, he squares up, and has a history of fighting Tijuana Taxi Driver’s. Lost a decision to one of those Taxi driver’s named Hiram Gallardo in 2018 who was 8-2-2, and is currently 12-5. Facts!
Otro ardido lol
Amazing stuff title fight next ?!
Mexican boxers hater is in the loose (casual ignorant fan)
Another top notch critique from Boxing Bob Newman. His report put me ringside without even being there.
Nunez will continue fighting as a hard out for all challengers. Nunez can scrap.
Cordina and Nunez will eventually collide in the ring. Foster better stay alert and stay focused because MORE HEAT is coming his way for that WBC belt.
No hate Barucho, just speaking facts based off of my observation. It’s okay for someone to have an opinion different from yours. Carlos, address me in a language that I can comprehend, please. And if, your asking, my favorite top ten fighters of all time are the following: 1) Roy Jones, Jr, 2) Sugar Ray Robinson, 3) Thomas Hearns, 4) Muhammad Ali, 5) James Toney, 6) Evander Holyfield, 7) Mike Tyson, 8) Sugar Ray Leonard, 9) Mike McCallum, and 10) Eduardo “The Tijuana Taxi Cab Assasin” Nunez!
If you think Nunez is so bad why would you even give him the time of day? Sounds like you bet on Rakhimov and you are big mad over it. LOL.