On Saturday night, Texan Omar “Patenrita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18KO’s) remained undefeated against a game Antonio Demarco (31-6-1, 23KO’s) from Mexico. It was an exciting, action-packed fight, however one with a few interesting issues at hand.
What’s with the Weight?
For a fight that was first contracted at the super lightweight limit of 140 pounds, both fighters weighed in on Friday as super welterweights. This was due to negotiations between the camps when it was learned that Figueroa was struggling to make the super lightweight limit. The fight was to continue if the fighters could make a re-contracted weight of 151 pounds. Figueroa came in at 151 while DeMarco tipped the scales at 149 pounds. A career high, by far, for both fighters.
It’s a no secret that weight and conditioning of a fighter is essential for success and their ability to perform. Figueroa doubled DeMarco in punches thrown, throwing over a thousand punches and winning the first half of the fight on the scorecards. Meanwhile, DeMarco was able to land the harder and more crisp punches in the second half of the fight. DeMarco started slow and it was costly but he was able to capitalize on Figueroa’s lack of conditioning as the fight drew to a close. By the fifth round it was apparent that Figueroa wasn’t in the best shape or the ideal weight for him.
While both fighters landed at 38% accuracy, the numbers elsewhere were far different. Figueroa threw in volume, and landed far more shots, while DeMarco often landed the cleaner and harder punches.
What we Learned
- Figueroa needs to figure out this weight issue and come in at a weight that is ideal for him. Consider that he’d be up against the likes of Miguel Cotto or Canelo Alvarez in the division he just fought in.
- DeMarco showed that even with another loss on his record, he’s still capable of competing at a high level. He fought with valor and vigor and showed that he still has something left to offer to the sport of boxing.
- We should see a rematch between the two, this time in the division where the match was supposed to take place to begin with – 140 lbs.
