Torrez Jr. Aims To Showcase Boxing Skill Beyond ‘Bull Rush’ Against Tall Vianello In Las Vegas Headliner

Heavyweight contender Richard Torrez Jr. says he wants to show that he’s more than just a puncher in his 10-round headliner fight against 2016 Olympian Guido Vianello on Saturday, April 5th, with their event on ESPN+, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT. from the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

The 2020 U.S Olympic silver medalist Torrez Jr. (12-0, 11 KOs) is being fast-tracked to the top by his promoters at Top Rank, who believe in him enough to match him tough against the 6’6″ Italian Vianello (17-1, 14 KOs).

Torrez Jr, 6’2″, struggled in the amateurs when facing the tall Bakhodir Jalolov, losing to him twice, once by knockout. Vianello doesn’t possess that kind of power, but he can hit hard enough to potentially knock out Torrez Jr. if he can land some of his big shots.

Vianello has shown improvement since his 10-round split decision defeat against Efe Ajagba last year on April 13th. In his last fight, Guido, 30, stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov in the eighth round on August 17th, and looked like pure gold in that fight.

Proving More

“I’m excited to show everyone and home and everyone following us who I am as a fighter. Sometimes, people think I’ll bull rush you. Sometimes people think I only come forward,” said Richard Torrez Jr. during today’s final press conference for his heavyweight bout against Guido Vianello this Saturday, April 5th, in Las Vegas.

It could be a mistake for Torrez Jr. to abandon his brawling style of fighting in this contest because he’s been using that approach since his amateur days. It’s always worked for him. To try and become a boxer sounds like Torrez Jr. is trying to fix something that doesn’t need fixing.

“I’m excited to show some different facets to my game. I definitely believe so,” said Torrez Jr. about this fight with Vianello allowing him to show different areas of his game beyond his usual slugging.

“Guido brings a lot to the table. He’s a real tall guy [6’6″], and he knows how to use his height. I’m really excited to show my boxing ability, and how I’ve been able to get to where I’m at today and show that I’m supposed to be here.”

It sounds like Torrez Jr. has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove himself. He’s already done a lot in his short career and shouldn’t overdo.

“The most exciting thing is this is definitely a worthy opponent. Guido has a name, and we’re both working towards something,” said Torrez Jr. “We’re not just trying to stay in the game, and we’re not just trying to have a one-punch knockout. We’re trying to prove something in order to attain something great, and it’s amazing to me that we’re able to get in the ring and fight for that greatness.

“I think it solidifies that I’m supposed to be here,” said Torrez Jr. about what a win over Vianello would prove.