On a War Boxing night at the Pavellón de la Casilla in Bilbao, our flag bearer Armando Casamonica (15-1) faced Jon Fernandez (27-3) for the vacant EBU Super Lightweight title.
A complicated match for “La Furia del Quadraro,” as was clear from the build-up: the Spaniard is a former EU champion and former WBC Silver Super Featherweight champion — a very difficult opponent.
Unfortunately for Armando, despite his excellent run of form, he was forced to surrender due to a cut over his left eye, leaving the European throne to Fernandez. But looking carefully at the fight, we can say that Casamonica did everything he could to try to seize the belt despite the challenges.
The bell rings. The two fighters study each other, as expected in this early stage of the bout. Fernandez is very active with the jab, while Casamonica moves his upper body well and becomes very aggressive toward the end of the round, often changing levels and pushing his opponent toward the ropes.
In the second round, the Spaniard shows excellent footwork, circling to avoid Armando’s attacks. Despite the Roman fighter’s usual head movement, Fernandez’s jab seems effective, especially for maintaining the right distance — a distance controlled by the home fighter.
In the third round, Jon Fernandez continues to land a series of one-twos that Armando tries to interrupt with some hooks, staying very alert to the counters and attempting to shift the distance in his favor.
The fourth round begins and Casamonica tries to press forward, but the opponent defends well with his arsenal of jabs and straight punches, short combinations delivered repeatedly, supported by solid footwork. Casamonica’s face begins to bleed. Despite the Roman boxer’s efforts to close the distance, it is the Spaniard who fares better in this aspect.
The script remains the same in the fifth round, though Armando tries to sink in some cleaner shots, exposing himself to Fernandez’s incessant jab and straight right hand.
The announcer calls “seconds out” to begin the sixth round, but Casamonica’s corner speaks with the referee and together they decide to stop the fight. Fernandez’s straight right has compromised Armando’s left eye, preventing him from continuing. Jon Fernandez is the new European champion.
Armando traveled to Spain for a tough fight, battled openly without taking a step back, and tried to impose his style, but the Spaniard’s tactics prevailed. Fernandez’s corner produced a game plan that consistently allowed their fighter to find a home for his straight shots — punches that forced the stoppage.
A setback for Armando, who had been enjoying an excellent period after winning the EBU Silver derby against Charly Metonyekpon. Now it’s time to restart immediately: given the boxer’s young age, it’s right to set new important goals, and it will be interesting to see what choices his team will make next.