“Raphael should move towards associations”, — write: sport.ua
Hegai was not a favorite. This was only confirmed in the ring Arnold Hegai entered the ring against a really strong champion. Rafael Espinosa won the championship title in the confrontation against 2-time Olympic champion Robeysi Ramirez. Made three title defenses, knocking out all opponents. One of these opponents is the same Ramirez, who really wanted a rematch, but could not get a victory from him.
The Ukrainian Hegai lost all the big matches. He lost to Steven Fulton from the USA. Yes, the same one who was later knocked out by Naoya Inoue. He lost to Joet Gonzalez, who was not as technical as Fulton, but his skills were enough to beat Arnold.
Therefore, he was not preferred in this tournament. There is also a tournament on the opponent’s territory – in Mexico. In general, the entire show is organized specifically for the champion.
Promotional company Top Rank, whose clients are both athletes, made a clear bet on Espinosa. They lost the broadcaster and showed the show through mobile apps for free. Therefore, it was necessary to count on a boxer who would lead the audience. Hegai will not bring Ukrainians – he generally works poorly on the Ukrainian market and our fans. But Rafael is loved in Mexico. Therefore, there is nothing strange or personal here – just business.
However, even in the fight, Espinosa was the unequivocal favorite. In addition to his previous achievements, Raphael is also a great boxer. He is 20 centimeters taller and has 20 centimeters longer arms than his opponent. This huge difference is obvious even to non-boxing fans. And taking into account the fact that the boys weigh about 60 kilograms, the advantage in manual work can be fundamental.
In the ring, it was certainly noticeable. The long-iron direct blows of the Mexican destroyed the opponent from a distance. Combinations broke the defense and hit the target precisely. Already at the start, Espinosa smashed his opponent’s face in the area of the nose and in the area of the left eyebrow.
But here it was also the Ukrainian’s fault. Hegai simply forgot about protection. He stood behind the block, waiting for the opponent’s actions. He threw and threw punches. At some point, Arnold became more active and flew into the attack, trying to get the opponent’s head. Less often, the body. It turned out differently, but never once did it impress the opponent. Rafael landed a lot of side and overhands, but never once was even on the verge of showing weakness.
The match could have been stopped earlier. Moreover, such an opportunity was not only in the referee. Hegai’s corners could also do it. However, they said that everything was fine and continued to push the boxer into the ring.
Respect to Arnold. He not only did not give up in difficult episodes. He also sparred with his opponent, provoked him and tried to hit the last one. Even when the opponent’s blows began to pierce the defense even more often.
Neither the doctor, nor the corner, nor the referee reacted to the fact that Hegai was missing too many punches until the 10th round. Only then they removed him from the ring.
Arnold never found a moment to attack. He threw sideways, sometimes hit. However, without anything serious. This did not threaten the giant Espinosa. It was not possible to stop him with hits. Intimidation or something else in this regard – even more so.
In the end, it all came down to whether a lucky punch would happen. However, even though there were hits, they did not tell us that Raphael wanted or could fall. He just kept going forward and doing his job.
Therefore, the battle could be stopped earlier.
What now? Nothing fundamentally changed for Hegai. He conceded in the third serious confrontation in his career – before that there were Stephen Fulton and Joet Gonzalez. This time he showed his character again and gave a fight.
It was not possible to win, but this was not expected from him. In general, the fact that Arnold lasted until the 10th round is already good. This is the first time since 2023 that Espinosa has gone this far. The last time he fought 12 rounds against 2-time Olympic champion Robeisi Ramirez.
Espinosa should be given maximum opposition as long as he has the health and strength to stay at this weight. The same Nick Ball or Carrington, who will probably get a full belt after Stephen Fulton moves to another weight. If this transition does happen.
Nick Ball is also a boxer in this division and it will be a fun show. Angelo Leo is no worse – it will be interesting. Teaming up, fighting with the best. This is what Espinoza should strive for.
However, he is not enough of a star, so everywhere he will have to receive less than his opponent. At least until it beats the main tops and wins even more fans and opportunities. Because as of now, Rafael has not gathered a full arena in Mexico. And this does indicate something.
There is a fan base, but it is still not enough.