o sooner had the bell gone on Denver Cuello?s WBC title defeat to Xiong Zhao Zhong than the Filipino challenger was calling for a rematch with the Chinese champion.
Cuello, who had Zhong down in the first round, lost on a split- decision as his long wait for a world title shot ended in disappointment at Dubai?s World Trade Centre on Friday night.
The Filipino?s effort was significantly hindered in the ninth round when he emerged worse off from a clash of heads that left him with a four-inch cut to his forehead and a closed right eye.
Arguably Cuello?s biggest disadvantage came when he aggravated an old shoulder problem, which needed constant treatment between rounds. It meant he effectively fought with one arm to leave his jab non-existent.
Despite the 26-year-old?s disadvantage, his camp is convinced their man ran out the comfortable winner and described the result a ?disgrace.?
?We have been left stunned,? Cuello?s trainer and manager Aljoe Jaro told Sport360? post-fight. ?From what we saw, Zhong only won three clear rounds so it seems the close ones were also given to him.
?Cuello knocked him down in the first round and Zhong had a point deducted [for the headbutt]. So we can?t understand the result. It was a disgrace.?
– Xiong Zhao Zhong interview: Boxer carries the hopes of a nation
Although the Cuello camp has been left disgruntled by the decision, Jaro insists focus will now be on a rematch with the Chinese champion.
“We will speak to the WBC and demand a rematch,? Jaro revealed. ?It was a great night of boxing for the fans here in Dubai and we are keen to do it all over again.?
And it seems the Zhong camp would also be on board if a rematch was in the offing.
?Absolutely, we would be interested in a second fight,? Gang Liu, Zhong?s trainer and manager said. ?Anytime, any place.
?We are very proud of Zhong and he deserved to win the fight. He has done China very proud.?
Cuello, the number one mandatory challenger, had to wait nearly three years for his shot at the title. It is unlikely he will have to wait as long for another tilt at Zhong?s crown.
Sport360’s Jon Turner was ringside for the big fight. Read his full report here.
If you missed the fight or want to watch it again, below is the showdown in full. Let us know what you think, did Cuello deserve to win?
