Four and a half years ago Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KO’s) had one of the biggest and most memorable fights of his career when took on Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire on HBO. The fight itself was a short one. Montiel would lose by knockout in the second round and many boxing get fans were quick to write him off after such a devastating stoppage. Meanwhile, Donaire would move on to be a seemingly invincible superstar in boxing.
After the loss to Donaire, Montiel would begin his comeback while rebuilding himself as a fighter with a two-fight win streak before suffering a hiccup in the former of Victor Terrazas. After the fight with Terrazas, Montiel would go on an eight fight win streak and line himself up for a title shot against newly crowned IBF Featherweight champion Lee Selby.
On October 14th, Montiel stepped foot into the ring against Selby and the veteran Mexican fighter had his opportunity to become the fourth Mexican fighter to win a fourth world title in four different weight classes. Montiel had a height, reach and age disadvantage against Selby but the veteran fighter used his experience you put in a hell of a fight but would eventually lose via unanimous decision but he didn’t look bad doing so.
Despite being written off by so many and being a huge underdog, Montiel showed that it ain’t over until it’s over and despite the loss against Donaire, he is still standing and will push his opponents to the limit. Where Montiel goes from here is completely up to him and his team but the options should be vast and he will not likely be written off and overlooked as in the past. There’s a quote from the late, great comedian Richard Pryor that describes Montel’s career at the moment, “I ain’t dead yet motherf*cker! “
