A young titlist seeks out a faded former top fighter in order to further his own career, if not necessarily his credentials. The plan miserably backfires when the old veteran reaches back and finds a way to win just one last time.
Jorge Arce had the unique experience of landing on both sides of that equation. Twelve years after blowing a huge lead to instead become the final conquered foe in the Hall of Fame career of Michael Carbajal, the faded Mexican legend enjoyed a huge late surge to stop undefeated rising star Wilfredo Vazquez Jr in the final round of their super bantamweight bout this past May.
The performance was an indication that he learned from past history, using his own experiences to his advantage in resurrecting his career.
Now, the three-division titlist (interim belts need not apply) looks to rewrite history and reverse a few past losses before eventually calling it a career.
First on the list is tough as nails South African contender Simphiwe Nongqayi, when the two collide this weekend in Mexicali, in a bout that airs live on Fox Deportes (Saturday, 10PM ET).
The bout is a rematch to their September ?09 vacant super flyweight title fight, in which Arce was handed a boxing lesson to the point of many once again calling for his retirement. The loss was embarrassing on many levels. Part of it had to do with it coming just seven months after catching a beating at the hands of Vic Darchinyan.
The main point of discontent, however, was the face that ?El Travieso? was unable to avenge the loss suffered by his younger brother Francisco ?Panchito? Arce earlier in the year.
Panchito is following in his brother?s footsteps in attempting to reverse a negative outcome when he rematches Hugo Ruiz next month, five months after dropping a heartbreaking decision in his first crack at a major title.
By the time that fight rolls around, the elder Arce hopes that the family will have celebrated at least one revenge-fueled win.
