Heavyweight Torrez steps up against Vianello, passes test
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Heavyweight up-and-comer Richard Torrez Jr. passed by far the biggest test of his career in a unanimous decision over Guido Vianello in the headliner of a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN+ card on Saturday night at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Torrez, who was the 2020 U.S. Olympic super heavyweight silver medalist, won 98-91, 98-91 and 97-92 in his first main event.
Torrez, 25, of Tulare, California, who is a relatively undersized heavyweight, had a considerable speed advantage and he used it to frustrate Vianello, who grabbed and held often.
“He’s an Olympian. I give him all the credit. He’s a great fighter,” Torrez said. “I have nothing but respect for him, but Tulare, California, came out today.”
The first round had not even ended by the time referee Thomas Taylor had to warn Vianello twice for holding.