Rubén Díaz had to wait 25 months to contest the European Middleweight Championship. The 41-year-old Navarrese traveled to Rome to face Matteo signani (42 years). He did it without complexes and convinced that he could return home to the continental throne. As it happened in Poland in 2018, the ‘Destroyer’ could not do it. Signani retained his belt by unanimous decision (117-11, 116-112 and 115-113) in a fight in which Rubén lacked a bit of rhythm. The pity for him is that the opportunities have come too late. With a bigger push he would now have the belt in his possession.
“Believe it. You are superior to him” or “Take the opportunity, please, Rubén”, were some of the harangues given to the Spaniard from his team. Jesús Antonio Labrador ‘Xule’, Emiliano and Javi Gallego made a point of putting Navarro in the fight. In Poland, against Szeremeta, his nerves took their toll, perhaps also in Rome he also failed in the same way. The lack of ring was also noted. He hadn’t boxed since June 2019. A long time, which made it difficult for him to enter the fray. In fact, it was not until the fifth round that he had a bit of his usual rhythm.
Díaz tried to get work, connected hands, but they were isolated. Signani was going at a similar speed, but managed to lock the fight, cut the rhythm (he used his head a lot, but never lost a point) and get some combination. The feeling was of a very close fight, but being champion and fighting at home were two factors that brought victory closer to the Italian. Thus, although Rubén Díaz tried (the cuts he suffered unleashed him in the final part) with everything in the final round. He knew that his options went through the KO and he tried to take advantage of them. They did not go out either. It was not his day. He leaves boxing without a European that he deserved throughout his career. Unfair.
Matchroom confirmed a new show in Spain
During the evening held in Rome, Matchroom took the opportunity to make the next stop in Spain official. It will be on December 3 in Bilbao. Kerman Lejarraga returns to his city to defend the European super welterweight. He will do it against English Jack Flatey. In addition, two ex-Olympians such as Samuel Carmona and Jonathan Alonso will be in action. The Spanish Super Middleweight Championship was also confirmed. Damián Biacho defends him against Guillermo Rivero.
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