IT might not have been pretty, but Richard Torrez Jr’s work was effective and his effort frequent as the well-supported Californian outworked Italian fringe contender Guido Vianello over 10 rounds. The pair headlined in Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas.
Torrez, a 2020 Olympian, set a fierce early pace and put his opponent to work throughout the contest. Tim Cheatham scored it 97-92 while Max DeLuca and Steve Weisfeld saw it wider at 98-91 each. Vianello had a point deducted by referee Thomas Taylor for holding in round two.
Vianello reverted to hugs, holds and head push downs across the bout, but avoided any further mathematical punishment from Mr Taylor. The punch stats were surprisingly close as Torrez landed only four more total blows than his opponent.
Torrez’s relentless aggression won it for him as he went 10 rounds for the first time in his three-year career. To his credit, Vianello landed some hard blows during the middle rounds as he found space for the uppercut. Torrez is not without flaws, but his ride to the top will be filled with entertainment, regardless of how and when it ends.
Improving to 13-0 (11 KOs), Torrez left the ring with an impressive collection of minor belts, including the NABF Junior heavyweight strap he brought to the party. They will help with ranking progression.
Dropping to 13-3-1 (11 KOs), Vianello could do with a few rankings boosts of his own. Known as ‘The Gladiator, ’ the 2016 Olympian, now based in Las Vegas, played tennis for 10 years before switching to the sweet science. While the ring probably accommodates his 6’6”, 240-pound frame easier than the court, Vianello may have to dust off the racket after this latest loss.
