The Acid Test: Richard Torrez Jr outpoints Guido Vianello for career-best win
'Not bad for a little guy'
Richard Torrez Jr came through the toughest challenge of his career with a unanimous points win over Guido Vianello.
Torrez (13-0, 11 KOs) proved too skillful and relentless for Vianello last night at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with the judges scoring the bout 97-92 and 98-91 twice in his favour.
Despite being a 2020 Olympic silver medallist, Torrez has been brought through the pro ranks at a steady pace so Vianello was seen by many as a massive step up for the American.
Vianello (13-3-1, 11 KOs) was coming off an impressive stoppage victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, had previously lost by split-decision to Eje Ajagba and represented Italy at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
However, from the second round, it was clear that Torrez was the technically superior fighter as Vianello was deducted a point for excessive holding.
In the third, Torrez, 25, started to land an accurate check-right hook from his southpaw stance which proved to be one of his best weapons throughout the bout.
Still, Vianello, 30, is known for his resilience, and in the fifth round, the Italian found success when landing a stiff left jab followed by a big right hand before connecting with powerful body shots.
Torrez also proved durable though as the American never came close to touching the canvas and responded with more sharp right hooks.
The contest continued to heat up in the seventh with both Top Rank boxers exchanging blows in the middle of the ring.
This was prior to Torrez landing the best punch of the fight in the eighth - a big overhand left hand that stunned Vianello who went into survival mode and then found a home for his own combinations before the round ended.
Nevertheless, momentum shifted back to Torrez in the ninth, connecting with big left hooks, swarming Vianello on the ropes with a flurry of punches, and continuing to land his signature right hook.
The tenth and final round ended with Torrez on the front foot, unloading on a weary-looking Vianello and finishing the contest as the resounding winner.
In his post-fight interview, Torrez, who the interviewer jokingly described as ‘not bad for a little guy’ and ‘the meanest nerd he ever saw in his life’, expressed how he is open to facing anyone they put in front of him.
Torrez said: “I don’t say no to fights. I want that to be clear. I want that to be known. Whoever you guys give me, I’m going to say yes to. It’s just a matter of time. I trust Top Rank enough. I trust Bob Arum.”
Seems like a nice guy Torrez. Can fight a bit too, but the size will be an issue as he steps up I feel. Look at how Jalolov dealt with him in the amateurs.
I get what you mean, he's a tad shorter than Usyk and not quite as slick. I think he's a good addition though. There's defo room for more short heavyweights rather than just six foot six giants.