THE IBF super-featherweight title remains in the clutches of Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez, but he was made to earn every moment of his victory over Christopher Diaz last night in Sinaloa.
The once-beaten Mexican mauler won the title in Japan, toppling Masanori Rikiishi in a physical affair. This Los Mochis homecoming first defence was no less taxing as veteran Diaz, ultimately losing for the sixth time in his career, created a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle.
Judges Jose Cobian and Joel Elizondo scored it 117-109 to Nunez, while Daniel Sandoval went 116-110. The extra points arrived courtesy of a couple of round seven knockdowns in the champion’s favour. Diaz roared back late to seemingly close the gap.
Diaz had started well, using the left hook to full effect to exploit any leaks in Nunez’s defence as he tried to force the pace. Nunez is mostly content hitting anything and everything, using his clubbing blows to wear opponents down.
Nunez’s right hand caused a double breakthrough in the seventh, the first knockdown being a little unfair on Diaz, given that it missed the approved target, while knocking him off balance. The second was legitimate and a big points blow for the challenger.
Rather than fading as the championship rounds arrived, Diaz was happy to trade, buoyed by the sight of blood across Nunez’s eye. The left hook was still landing for Diaz, 30-6 (19 KOs), who refused to back down. Nunez, 29-1 (27 KOs) isn’t bowling people over as quickly at world level.
The scores were a little wider than expected despite Diaz’s efforts. Raymond Ford, who was last seen beating Abraham Nova in Saudi Arabia, has made it clear he fancies a crack at the champ.
However, WBO king Emanuel Navarrete made a surprise post-fight appearance, revealing what is likely to be next: an all-Mexican world title showdown.
On the undercard, former WBC light-flyweight champion Pedro Guevara boxed to a split draw with Alexis Molina Aguirre at super-flyweight. Yoali Mosqueda had too much for German Valenzuela, scoring a sixth-round stoppage in their flyweight fight.
