Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, NY, USA. In the co-main event of the evening, Italian heavyweight prospect (over 90.7 kg) and Olympic 2016 participant Guido Vianello (10-1-1, 9 KOs) sensationally lost to American gatekeeper Jonathan Rice (16-6-1, 11 KOs) .
The guest favorite started the fight aggressively. He crushed the opponent, disturbed with left hooks and jabs, was noted for solid hand speed and good footwork. Rice kept an eye on the Italian, was in no hurry, acted too passively. It is possible that this is his maximum – he is still a late replacement.
A little more successful, the American spent the 3rd three-minute period – he hit twice with the right through his arm. But Vianello still dominates due to activity. So far it’s boring. Slightly better, the favorite held the 5th round. I tried to start attacks with a left hook on the jump, I started to invest in strikes. Rice responded with an overhand.
In the 6th three-minute period, the underdog scored a solid right straight and inflicted a very, very unpleasant cut on the favorite near the left eye. The fight didn’t get better. The number of grabs and clinches has increased. Patients are unhappy. At the start of the 7th round, the referee stopped the fight. Blimey! What does it create? The referee requires the judges to count the cards. Rice is unhappy, shouting: “It was a clean blow!”
Scandalous decision. Here is the beginning of the year. There was no such obvious robbery last year.
Wait! It’s not over yet! The Athletic Commission intervened. They insist that the referee review the replay of the episode. The third in the ring agrees. There was a blow. This is a technical knockout victory. Phew! There is an appet!
Mrs. Guido, your son is okay pic.twitter.com/sKTiVaRFBN
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) January 15, 2023
Rice TKO 7.