Fernando Montiel returns to gym following motorbike accident
Star bantamweight titlist Fernando Montiel (42-2, 33 KOs), involved in a motorcycle accident some weeks ago, has returned to the gym, prompting smiles from those who wish him back in the ring.
Montiel injured his right leg on 10 October, after participating in a motorcycle event. He was not driving the vehicle.
Injuries included several bad cuts and gashes, as well as a bone fragment that was removed from his knee. Luckily, no bones were broken or fractured, as was originally feared.
Though the accident forced Montiel to bow out of a November tune-up bout, treatment hasn’t seemed to compromise a potential bout in December and a mega-fight against Nonito Donaire in February.
Montiel claims he feels great, and is ready for some action.
"I feel excellent. The doctor has released me to train and said my right leg is doing well. I responded very well to the treatment and I have no doubt that I will get into rhythm in very little time.
I will be ready to defend my title in December."
There’s been talk of pitting Montiel against Mexican countryman Alejandro Valdez (22-4, 16 KOs) in a rematch following their controversial first bout.
In that September 2009 instance, Valdez, though floored in the opener, managed to open a large gash above Montiel’s left eye, which referee Jesus Salcedo ruled caused by a head butt (even though replays
show otherwise).
In the second round, Montiel, clearly affected and bleeding badly from the cut, was knocked down by Valdez. At that point the referee had the cut inspected by a doctor instead of allowing Salcedo to finish
the bout. The action continued, until the fight was stopped in the third and declared a technical draw.
"I know there was some controversy involved in that fight and the Valdez people have been asking for a rematch since that fight happened," Montiel confirmed. "I am willing to give him the rematch, or I
will fight whoever Zanfer [my promoter] wants me to fight. But if it's the rematch, I have no doubt I will beat him."
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