The Messy Draw: 5 Shocking Takeaways From Yankiel Rivera Vs. Angelino Cordova's Interim Title War
The highly anticipated clash between undefeated flyweights Yankiel Rivera and Angelino Cordova, which took place on August 23, 2025, ended in a result that left fans and pundits equally frustrated: a 12-round majority draw. This outcome, which saw the vacant WBA interim flyweight title remain unclaimed, immediately sparked controversy and debate across the boxing world, cementing the bout as one of the most talked-about fights of the year.
As of today, December 19, 2025, the fallout from this ugly, physical, and tactical battle continues to dominate discussions in the lower weight classes. The fight, which was a co-feature on a major card in Orlando, Florida, was less a display of clean boxing skill and more a grueling test of attrition, filled with clinching, head-butts, and a host of rough-house tactics that ultimately led to the split decision.
Fighter Profiles: Yankiel Rivera Figueroa vs. Angelino "Huracan" Cordova
Before diving into the controversial result, it is crucial to understand the two undefeated forces who met in the center of the ring at the Caribe Royale Orlando.
Yankiel Rivera Figueroa: The Puerto Rican Prospect
- Birth Name: Yankiel Rivera Figueroa
- Nickname: "El Doctorcito" (The Little Doctor)
- Nationality: Puerto Rican
- Date of Birth: September 10, 1997 (Note: Some sources cite a later date, but 1997 is the widely accepted birth year for the Olympian)
- Stance: Orthodox
- Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
- Professional Record (Pre-Fight): 7 Wins, 0 Losses, 0 Draws (3 KOs)
- Amateur Career: Rivera was the only boxer from Puerto Rico to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, highlighting his elite amateur pedigree.
Angelino Cordova: The Venezuelan "Huracan"
- Birth Name: Angelino Rafael Cordova Martinez
- Nickname: "Huracan" (Hurricane)
- Nationality: Venezuelan
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1995 (Note: Some sources cite a later date, but 1995 is the more common record)
- Stance: Orthodox
- Height: 5'4" (162 cm)
- Reach: Approx. 66 inches (167 cm)
- Professional Record (Pre-Fight): 19 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Draw (12 KOs)
- Power: With a 60% knockout ratio heading into the fight, Cordova was widely regarded as the heavier puncher of the two flyweights.
5 Shocking Takeaways from the Interim WBA Flyweight Title Fight
The 12-round contest was a highly anticipated main event, but the action quickly devolved into a grueling, inside-fighting affair. The result—a majority draw—was the culmination of a night of rough tactics and debatable scoring.
1. The Controversial Majority Draw Scorecards
The most shocking element of the fight was the official scoring. A majority draw means two judges scored the fight equally, while the third favored one fighter. The final tallies were as follows: 115-111 for Cordova, and 113-113 on the remaining two cards.
The 115-111 scorecard in favor of Angelino Cordova was particularly divisive, suggesting a clear victory for the Venezuelan fighter that was not reflected by the other two judges or the general consensus of media at ringside. This wide discrepancy fueled the post-fight debate over the quality of judging in the lower weight classes.
2. Angelino Cordova’s Crucial Point Deduction
The fight’s outcome was directly influenced by a point deduction against Angelino Cordova. In a contest that was scored a draw by two judges (113-113), the deduction proved to be the difference-maker, preventing Cordova from securing a majority decision victory.
The deduction came in the middle rounds after repeated warnings from the referee for excessive clinching and roughhousing. Given the messy nature of the bout—described by some as a "cuff, butt and maul" affair—the referee was forced to intervene repeatedly.
3. The Flyweight Division's Title Mess Continues
The fight was contested for the vacant interim WBA Flyweight Title, a belt that has been a source of controversy for years. The WBA has long been criticized for its proliferation of titles (Super, Regular, Gold, Interim), which confuses the championship picture.
With the fight ending in a draw, the interim belt remains vacant, leaving the division without a clear mandatory challenger for the full WBA champion. This result only further complicates the already convoluted path to an undisputed flyweight champion, drawing renewed criticism towards the WBA's title structure.
4. Rivera’s Unbeaten Streak Remains, But His Zero is Gone
Yankiel Rivera, who entered the ring with a pristine 7-0 record, technically remains undefeated, but the draw adds the first non-win to his professional ledger, which now stands at 7-0-1 (3 KOs).
For a prospect with an Olympic background like "El Doctorcito," maintaining a perfect record is a major psychological and promotional asset. While a draw is far better than a loss, the result prevents him from elevating his status to that of an interim world champion and forces him back to the drawing board to secure a meaningful victory.
5. A Rematch is Inevitable and Necessary
Given the controversial scoring, the point deduction, the messy nature of the action, and the fact that the title remains vacant, a rematch between Yankiel Rivera and Angelino Cordova is not just likely—it is practically mandatory.
The first fight, though not a clean boxing spectacle, was undeniably physical and highly competitive. A second bout would offer both men a chance at redemption, a definitive victory, and the opportunity to finally claim the interim WBA Flyweight strap. Promoters, including Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) who staged the event, will undoubtedly recognize the financial and competitive sense in running this back, possibly as a headline event on a future DAZN card.
Topical Entities and Boxing Context
The Rivera vs. Cordova bout was a key fixture in the boxing calendar, particularly for fans of the lighter weight classes. The event was part of a larger fight night card, which also featured other rising stars like Yoenis Tellez in supporting roles, demonstrating the commitment of promoters to build up the next generation of talent.
The fight showcased the contrasting styles of the two fighters: Rivera's sharp, amateur-based skill against Cordova's rugged, pressure-fighting approach. Ultimately, the clash of these orthodox stances and competing mentalities led to the congested, inside-fighting battle that confused the judges and resulted in the majority draw, leaving the interim WBA Flyweight picture as murky as ever.
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