Whoops! Replacement Surprises

Boxing fans were already delighting with a couple of wars at the 115-pound division, since a golden era has been in the making for a few years thanks to the performances of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Juan Francisco Estrada, Román “Chocolatito” González and Carlos Cuadras.

In total, we had seen 10 fights between these 4 titans and we were about to see two more; however, some issues outside the ring have prevented Srisasket vs. Cuadras II and Estrada vs. González III, could take place.

A very different scenario has been established than the one we had planned, but this does not mean that the fights that are now scheduled are any less exciting.

This February 5th we will see Jesse Rodríguez, an undefeated southpaw with a successful amateur career, have the opportunity to be crowned world monarch against Carlos Cuadras, who will try to re conquer the WBC Belt for his family, his country and for greatness.

And on March 5, Julio César Martínez will move up a division to challenge  world champion in 4 divisions, Román “Chocolatito” González.

Here’s a look at some great fights from the past few years that, even though they  were not originally scheduled, the protagonists stepped  up to offer us great and memorable occasions.

ANDY RUIZ vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA

Without a doubt, one of the biggest surprises in a last-minute modified fight came, when Andy Ruiz captured the unified heavyweight championship by defeating then-unbeaten Briton Anthony Joshua by seventh-round TKO.

Joshua was supposed to make his US debut against Jarell Miller; however, several positive results during the doping tests from Miller canceled said plans. Although many of us thought that Luis Ortiz would  be the natural replacement, it was Andy Ruiz who readily accepted the challenge. Joshua expected another big win by KO, but that night Ruíz’s talent, heart and desire for victory were unstoppable.

Ruiz made history on June 1, 2019 by becoming the first heavyweight world champion, of Mexican heritage.

OSCAR RIVAS VS RYAN ROZICKI

Everything was ready for the inaugural bridgerweight world championship fight to be fought by the Colombian based in Canada Oscar Rivas and the American Bryant Jennings, in a highly anticipated rematch. However, this fight could not take place due to Canadian customs restrictions around the pandemic. Ryan Rozicki stepped up to face Oscar Rivas and although in this case the emerging fighter did not take the victory, there was one of those rare cases where both fighters come out with absolute credit: Rivas took the WBC bridger championship in a of the best fights of the year and Ryan Rozicki showed the boxing world that he will eventually conquer glory because his quality, heart and determination are impressive plus unwavering.

YORDENIS UGAS VS. MANNY PACQUIAO

The Cuban fighter was preparing to face Fabian Maidana as part of the card starring Errol Spence jr. and Manny Pacquiao; however, Maidana suffered a serious cut to his right eye during his training that caused the fight to be cancelled.

Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. were set to be the main event on August 21, 2021; However, Spence reported that a retinal injury had been detected in his right eye, which would make it impossible for him to fight then.

The card was about to implode; however, promoters found the solution: #UgasPacquiao could save the night.

That Saturday, the fighter from Cuba demonstrated his quality by dominating the  great legend of the sport, who said goodbye to the ring after his defeat to seek the Presidency to improve the social conditions of his people in the Philippines .

Continuing these tales of the unexpected, we are ready to witness thrills and spills  this February 5^th  and March 5^th.