Vianello amazes, but the judges mock him: Ajagba wins on points with a questionable verdict. “Today I understood that I will win something important”

The best verdict was given by the spectators who crowded the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. In silence while Efe Ajagba raised his Silver WBC belt of the heavyweights, lavishing applause instead for Guido Vianello. The Roman heavyweight, clearly underdog by bookmakers (his victory paid 6 times the stake) shows off by far the best match of his career. However, the points verdict favors the Nigerian. Two judges gave 96-94 to Ajagba, the third the same score but in favor of Vianello.

A questionable verdict

What to say? We cannot speak of a scandalous verdict, there have clearly been worse ones in the history of boxing. But Vianello objectively did more than his opponent. A match that the Roman wanted strongly (it was a voluntary defense by Ajagba) and in which he did not disappoint. It was the turning point of his career, the verdict penalized him and unfortunately this must be taken into account. But having reached the crossroads, Vianello has shown that he can fully compete in the boxing that matters to him.

Vianello, tonight in Texas the most difficult challenge against the hitter Ajagba: “Being the underdog gives me energy, I won’t fail”

by Luigi Panella

April 13, 2024

Ajabga in difficulty in the second round

Fast, fresh-minded, determined. Vianello started strong and at the end of the second round he shook Ajagba with a right hand, then he had a hesitation (a half-slip) when it was time to close the score, giving the Nigerian the opportunity to save himself.

Vianello also knows how to cash in

Ajagba, a very powerful although cumbersome boxer, tried to resolve the dispute with his right hand. In particular he tried the uppercut, which sometimes landed but was always well absorbed by Vianello. Around the seventh round, Ajagba also changed his guard, a clear sign that he was tactically unable to resolve the tactical trap that the Italian had created for him with his speed. It wasn’t enough to get the verdict, and for the Nigerian it was his 20th victory out of 21 fights (14 knockouts).

For Vianello this is the second stop after 12 wins and a draw. Even with Rice (penalized by an injury) there was a bitter taste left in the mouth, but the feeling is that if the Roman continues with this exponential growth he will be able to get great satisfaction.

Vianello: “Today I understood that I will win something important”

“The match was tough, the level raised, and I think I could have done something more – Vianello comments on the match from Texas -. I defeated one of the strongest physically, but I don’t stop at the fact that the match could have been mine ,it would be a mistake. In the second round I shook him, then I slipped and he also saved himself. In the middle of the match I could have done a fresher, more dynamic action if there was no tomorrow. I think that hard work is the only way to get to the top, Bob Arum (legendary American promoter, ed.) gave me two shots ahead. But now everything is reset, obviously learning from this amazing match. I’m sure I’ll win something nice, I think I have what it takes to do it.”