NEW YORK CITY (DEC. 15, 2018): Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) entered a select list of Mexican fighters to become a three-division world champion as he defeated Rocky Fielding (27-2, 15 KOs) of Liverpool, England via third-round technical knockout in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,112 boxing fans at Madison Square Garden and live on DAZN. The fight was stopped at 2:38 of the third round.
"That was the plan in the gym, to hit the body and then move up, and that's the result. You see the result here," said Canelo Alvarez. I feel very good and very strong at 168 pounds. I didn't have to dehydrate myself to make weight. We'll have to see with what I do next. I have to talk to my team, enjoy the holiday and then I'll talk to my team. But right now, without a doubt, what I want are the best fights. My goal is to make good fights for the people, for the public, and to make sure the name of Canelo Alvarez and of Mexico is held up high."
"It was the opportunity of a lifetime," said Rocky Fielding. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this big fight. I think Canelo has the power to face anyone at 168 pounds."
In the co-main event, Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania successfully defended his IBF Super Featherweight World Title against Francisco Fonseca (22-2-1,16 KOs) of San Ramon, Costa Rica via 12-round unanimous decision. Farmer won with three scores of 117-111.
"It was a good performance," said Tevin Farmer. "He was really, really tough. And after a few rounds, we saw that and we started working on things. It's all a road to improve. I say it was a C+, B- performance. Nowadays, I really have a lot of anger built up, good anger though, and I just want to hurt everybody when I'm in the ring. I don't have no sympathy."
"I've been on the road this whole year...I wanted to just let everybody know that I'll be home in Philadelphia in March, I'm bringing everything back home baby. Who wants to fight me? That's the question."
"Is that the fight that I want [against Gervonta Davis]? We've moved past him. Does he want to fight me? Like I said, we active, we getting paid. It's time for him to fight and stay active and then he can come see me."
Sadam Ali (27-2, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York defeated Mauricio Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs) of Riverside, Calif. via unanimous decision in a ten-round welterweight battle. Ali won with scores of 100-90, 99-91, 98-92.
"Honestly, I didn't look good in there," said Sadam Ali. "I felt like I won sloppy. Herrera made me look terrible in there. He's a rugged fighter. And I fell in there that last moment of the fight the same way I fell when I fought Miguel Cotto. I felt like the cards were a lot closer than what the judges said they were."
"It was an okay fight," said Mauricio Herrera. "I had to shake a lot of the rust off, but it was a good pace. Overall, I thought I won the fight. I had him missing a lot in there, and I wasn't that tired.
Ryan Garcia (17-0, 14 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. stopped Braulio Rodriguez (19-4, 17 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic via knockout in the fifth round of a lightweight bout originally slated for ten rounds. Garcia won with a time of 1:14 of the aforementioned round.
"I wasn't looking for the knockout because a lot of people say, if this kid can fight, I just see skills on Instagram," said Ryan Garcia. "I wanted to show them that I can fight and I am for real."
"That was the main thing coming in. We knew from the weigh-ins when [Rodriguez] pushed me that he would try to intimidate me, I think that's what he was trying to do, but I came in here and I was like, that's not going to happen."
"Man, I can't thank them [Eddy and Chepo Reynoso] enough. They took me in like family. They took care of me good. I don't speak Spanish but they took care of me. I don't speak Spanish, but I got the Mexican blood in me. Viva Mexico!"
"When I was first coming up, I made the mistake thinking when I was knocking everyone out that I can conquer the world. I know it's a process and I'm going to trust everyone and trust my team. I'm not scared of nobody."
Katie Taylor (12-0, 5 KOs) of Bray, Ireland defeated Eva Wahldtrom (22-1-1, 3 KOs) of Helsinki, Finland via unanimous decision, defending her IBF & WBA Lightweight World titles in a 10-round fight. Taylor won with three scores of 100-90.
"The goal is to be the undisputed lightweight champion of the world," said Katie Taylor. "Obviously one of the biggest fighters out there is Amanda Serrano, and that's a huge, huge fight. Let's get it on."
"That's probably the biggest compliment I can get to get, being compared to Sugar Ray Leonard [regarding his hand speed]. He's one of my favorite fighters. I've watched a lot of his videos, and my goal is to be as good as him."
Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C successfully defended his WBO title against Alberto Mercado (15-2-1, 3 KOs) of Humacao, Puerto Rico via unanimous decision in a super featherweight battle. Roach Jr. won with scores of 99-91, 98-92, 97-93.
"I controlled most of the fight, and felt like I hurt him in almost every round," said Lamont Roach. "I am proud of the fight that I had tonight - most fighters don't take the type of fights I say yes to. I'll do what it takes to make it to the top and that means fighting skilled fighters."
"I feel good, but it's a bummer going 10 when I know can end it earlier and go less. Other than that, the fight was tough. I dominated in everyone and I hurt him in everyone. I know who the WBO and WBA champions are. [Masayuki] Ito and Alberto Machado. I'll fight any of them. But I'm in line to fight for the WBO Title, so I really hope that happens next."
Yves Ulysse Jr. (17-1, 9 KOs) of Montreal, Canada won against Maximiliano Becerra (16-3-2, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. via unanimous decision in a eight-round super lightweight bout. Ulysse Jr. won with scores of 79-71, 78-72, 78-72.
"It was truly a dream coming true to fight at the Madison Square Garden," said Yves Ulysse Jr. "All the best fighters have fought here and the atmosphere is really unique. I felt like home in the ring. I'm happy about my performance: I've stick to the game plan, was patient to get the openings and hurt him."
Bilal Akkawy (19-0-1, 15 KOs) of Sydney, Australia defeated Victor Fonseca (17-9-1, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico via TKO in the seventh round in a super middleweight fight originally scheduled for eight rounds. Akkawy won with a time of 2:53 of the aforementioned round.
"There is a lot of room for improvement," said Bilal Akkawy. "I wasn't myself in there, but I'll be working on that when I get back to the gym. It's an honor to have fought here [Madison Square Garden]. The plan now is to enjoy the holiday and then head to Mexico so I can get ready for my next fight."
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Sunday, December 16, 2018
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Wilder, Fury fight to a draw
After all the trash talk you could imagine during the build-up of the fight, it ended up with huge respect. That's boxing.
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder fought to a draw on Saturday night at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles. It was an entertaining action fight that produced breathtaking knockdown. A match-up of two different interesting styles.
Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) scored two crucial knockdowns that saved him from a clear decision loss. Wilder knocked Fury down in Round 9 and Round 12. Judge Alejandro Rochin scored 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper saw it 114-112 in favor of Fury, while Phil Edwards scored 113-113, a draw.
It was a sweeping first three rounds for Fury, (27-0-1, 19 KOs) as he landed clear combinations, while Wilder is looking for a home run shot. Fury was able to duck, feint and roll those heavily loaded shots from Wilder. He was quick and not committing so much with his punches to avoid counters.
Wilder, most likely took Round 4 as he connected clear right hands He lanced a hard shot that blooded Fury's nose in the same round. But the succeeding four rounds could be all Fury as he landed double jabs and short hooks to the head.
In Round 9, Wilder landed a hard right knocking down Fury. The knockdown was really a confidence booster for Wilder as he's obviously behind the scorecards. But that was certainly not enough.
In the 12th Round, Wilder dropped Fury with a huge right hand and followed it up with a left while Fury was on his way down. From the looks of it, it was certainly over. He fell heavily on the floor, but Fury stood up like the "Undertaker" and continue to wrestle.
In the end, all three judges had different conclusions and resulted in a split draw.
"I think with the two knockdowns, I definitely won the fight," Wilder said. "We poured our hearts out tonight. We're both warriors, but with those two drops, I think I won the fight."
Fury also felt he won the fight.
"We're on away soil. I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won that fight," Fury said. "I'm being a total professional here. I went to Germany to fight Klitschko, and I went to America to fight Deontay Wilder. God bless America. The 'Gypsy King' has returned.
"That man is a fearsome puncher, and I was able to avoid that. The world knows I won the fight."
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder fought to a draw on Saturday night at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles. It was an entertaining action fight that produced breathtaking knockdown. A match-up of two different interesting styles.
Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) scored two crucial knockdowns that saved him from a clear decision loss. Wilder knocked Fury down in Round 9 and Round 12. Judge Alejandro Rochin scored 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper saw it 114-112 in favor of Fury, while Phil Edwards scored 113-113, a draw.
It was a sweeping first three rounds for Fury, (27-0-1, 19 KOs) as he landed clear combinations, while Wilder is looking for a home run shot. Fury was able to duck, feint and roll those heavily loaded shots from Wilder. He was quick and not committing so much with his punches to avoid counters.
Wilder, most likely took Round 4 as he connected clear right hands He lanced a hard shot that blooded Fury's nose in the same round. But the succeeding four rounds could be all Fury as he landed double jabs and short hooks to the head.
In Round 9, Wilder landed a hard right knocking down Fury. The knockdown was really a confidence booster for Wilder as he's obviously behind the scorecards. But that was certainly not enough.
In the 12th Round, Wilder dropped Fury with a huge right hand and followed it up with a left while Fury was on his way down. From the looks of it, it was certainly over. He fell heavily on the floor, but Fury stood up like the "Undertaker" and continue to wrestle.
In the end, all three judges had different conclusions and resulted in a split draw.
"I think with the two knockdowns, I definitely won the fight," Wilder said. "We poured our hearts out tonight. We're both warriors, but with those two drops, I think I won the fight."
Fury also felt he won the fight.
"We're on away soil. I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won that fight," Fury said. "I'm being a total professional here. I went to Germany to fight Klitschko, and I went to America to fight Deontay Wilder. God bless America. The 'Gypsy King' has returned.
"That man is a fearsome puncher, and I was able to avoid that. The world knows I won the fight."
Monday, November 19, 2018
We cannot underestimate Broner -- Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner meet face to face on Monday in New York for the press conference and formally announced their 19 January 2019 welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a venue packed with press and boxing personalities, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) was wearing a tuxedo and looking very calm. Broner (33-3-1 24 KOs) on the opposite side was wearing ripped jeans and a white t-shirt with a jacket on it. The venue wasn't so ecstatic compared to Pacquiao's earlier fights in the US. There few bursts of laughter from the crowd though, when Broner threw a few lines of his usual antics. But, you know, the guy already had three losses so the bravado isn't like the way when "The Problem" was undefeated.
When Pacquiao was asked why he chose Broner, he said that "we can not underestimate him [Broner]. Everyone knows about Adrien Broner is good, experience boxer," said Pacquiao.
When asked about a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. he said that "Floyd when we met in Japan, we talked and you know he said he wants to come out from retirement to fight me... to challenge me."
In that situation, he tried to bully me or whatever. I answered that way because it is not part of my language. I'm a person that don't want to say trash talk. All I know is just to fight in the ring," said Pacquiao.
Broner's response to Pacquiao talking about a rematch with Floyd, "you might get punched Manny!"
"You've got to get past me first big big mother fucker," said Broner that drew laughter from the crowd.
When Broner asked about what it means to him to fight Pacquiao, Broner spoke in all honesty and seriously said "it means a lot to me honestly. A win, you know, I turn a legend overnight."
Pacquiao was also asked his take about the elite young fighter who is now ruling the welterweight division like Crawford, Spence Jr., Thurman. Pacquiao's response, I can fight anybody." And I said, oh! Be careful what you wish Mr. Senator.
What do you think about this Pacquiao-Broner? Do you think there could ever be Pacquaio-Mayweather Jr. II?
In a venue packed with press and boxing personalities, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) was wearing a tuxedo and looking very calm. Broner (33-3-1 24 KOs) on the opposite side was wearing ripped jeans and a white t-shirt with a jacket on it. The venue wasn't so ecstatic compared to Pacquiao's earlier fights in the US. There few bursts of laughter from the crowd though, when Broner threw a few lines of his usual antics. But, you know, the guy already had three losses so the bravado isn't like the way when "The Problem" was undefeated.
When Pacquiao was asked why he chose Broner, he said that "we can not underestimate him [Broner]. Everyone knows about Adrien Broner is good, experience boxer," said Pacquiao.
When asked about a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. he said that "Floyd when we met in Japan, we talked and you know he said he wants to come out from retirement to fight me... to challenge me."
In that situation, he tried to bully me or whatever. I answered that way because it is not part of my language. I'm a person that don't want to say trash talk. All I know is just to fight in the ring," said Pacquiao.
Broner's response to Pacquiao talking about a rematch with Floyd, "you might get punched Manny!"
"You've got to get past me first big big mother fucker," said Broner that drew laughter from the crowd.
When Broner asked about what it means to him to fight Pacquiao, Broner spoke in all honesty and seriously said "it means a lot to me honestly. A win, you know, I turn a legend overnight."
Pacquiao was also asked his take about the elite young fighter who is now ruling the welterweight division like Crawford, Spence Jr., Thurman. Pacquiao's response, I can fight anybody." And I said, oh! Be careful what you wish Mr. Senator.
What do you think about this Pacquiao-Broner? Do you think there could ever be Pacquaio-Mayweather Jr. II?
Seniesa Estrada stops Debora Rengifo
MEXICALI, MEXICO (Nov. 17, 2018): Seniesa 'SuperBad" Estrada (15-0, 5 KOs) of East Los Angeles, Calif. scored a fourth-round technical knockout victory against Debora Rengifo (10-6-1, 5 KOs) of Rio Chico, Venezuela to capture the vacant WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title in the scheduled 10-round main event of"Mexicali Al Grito De Guerra" at Plaza De Toros Calafia in Mexicali, Mexico and televised on TV Azteca.
"I'm so honored to have fought here," said Seniesa Estrada. "It was a great atmosphere here with the Mexican fan base. I want to be the best in the world. I want to fight the best and get all the belts. I feel great. I had a cold all week. I was kind of nervous about how my body would feel going in. I stuck to the game plan. I wanted it to end early and it did."
"I was hurt in the first round, but I continued," said Debora Rengifo."I didn't expect this result. I prepared to win but these are things that happen in boxing. She [Estrada] had a very complicated style."
"I'm so honored to have fought here," said Seniesa Estrada. "It was a great atmosphere here with the Mexican fan base. I want to be the best in the world. I want to fight the best and get all the belts. I feel great. I had a cold all week. I was kind of nervous about how my body would feel going in. I stuck to the game plan. I wanted it to end early and it did."
"I was hurt in the first round, but I continued," said Debora Rengifo."I didn't expect this result. I prepared to win but these are things that happen in boxing. She [Estrada] had a very complicated style."
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Official Weights: Seniesa Estrada 106.8, Debora Rengifo 106.8
Seniesa Estrada faces Debora Rengifo in a 10-round fight for the Light Flyweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Plaza de Toros Calafia in Mexicali, Mexico. The action will be televised live on TV Azteca beginning at 8:30 p.m. PT.
Estrada (14-0, 4 KOs) official weight 106.8 pounds in tip-top shape and ready to go. Rengifo (11-5,1 6 KO's) weighing in also at 106.8 pounds and ready to rumble.
Estrada (14-0, 4 KOs) official weight 106.8 pounds in tip-top shape and ready to go. Rengifo (11-5,1 6 KO's) weighing in also at 106.8 pounds and ready to rumble.
Maurice Hooker stops Alex Saucedo in Round 7, retains title
Maurice Hooker got off the canvas in the second round and stopped Alex Saucedo in round 7 to retain the title at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City.
It was back and forth action in the first round as both men executing their game plans early on. In the second round, Hooker (25-0-3, 17 KO) was put down by an overhand right. He fell hard on the canvas with ass polishing the canvas.
Saucedo (28-1, 18 KO) sensing the fight could be over in the second round, marched forward tried to finish the fight early. Hooker managed to weather the storm with his defense and was able to end the round strong.
In the succeeding rounds, Hooker adjusted well into Saucedo's style and connected jabs and lead rights from outside. There were times that Hooker pinned down towards the ropes smothering punches from Saucedo.
In the seventh, Hooker buckled Saucedo with a left and right combination. The referee ruled a technical knockdown as it was the ropes that prevented Saucedo to go down. The referee took the mandatory count. Saucedo still hurt but wanted to continue.
Hooker approached Saucedo like a predator ready to catch its prey and unleashed the finishing blows that went unanswered. The referee jumped in and stopped the fight. The official time of stoppage: 1: 36-minute mark in the seventh round.
Take a look at how it went.
(Below is an embedded Youtube video and not uploaded by The Boxing Diary)
On the undercard, Egidijus Kavaliauskas (21-0, 17 KO) could likely end up facing Terence Crawford. He secured a third round knockout of Roberto Arriaza (17-1, 13 KO).
It was back and forth action in the first round as both men executing their game plans early on. In the second round, Hooker (25-0-3, 17 KO) was put down by an overhand right. He fell hard on the canvas with ass polishing the canvas.
Saucedo (28-1, 18 KO) sensing the fight could be over in the second round, marched forward tried to finish the fight early. Hooker managed to weather the storm with his defense and was able to end the round strong.
In the succeeding rounds, Hooker adjusted well into Saucedo's style and connected jabs and lead rights from outside. There were times that Hooker pinned down towards the ropes smothering punches from Saucedo.
In the seventh, Hooker buckled Saucedo with a left and right combination. The referee ruled a technical knockdown as it was the ropes that prevented Saucedo to go down. The referee took the mandatory count. Saucedo still hurt but wanted to continue.
Hooker approached Saucedo like a predator ready to catch its prey and unleashed the finishing blows that went unanswered. The referee jumped in and stopped the fight. The official time of stoppage: 1: 36-minute mark in the seventh round.
Take a look at how it went.
(Below is an embedded Youtube video and not uploaded by The Boxing Diary)
On the undercard, Egidijus Kavaliauskas (21-0, 17 KO) could likely end up facing Terence Crawford. He secured a third round knockout of Roberto Arriaza (17-1, 13 KO).
Monday, November 12, 2018
Donaire-Tete possible in Manila
New Bantamweight title holder, Nonito Donaire's next fight could be held in Manila according to the "Filipino Flash".
“Nothing’s final but I know the promoters are talking about my next fight to be in Asia," Donaire said. Donaire won the bantamweight title against Ryan Burnet (19-1, 9 KOs) at The SSE Hydro, Glasgow. Burnett did not answer Round 5 due to injury. He was later on diagnosed having torn muscle fibre in right oblique.
With the win, Donaire moved to World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinal against Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) of South Africa.
"Tete’s a formidable opponent. As soon as I get back to Las Vegas, I’ll be studying, preparing and learning how to win my next fight. It will probably be early next year when we do the fight. I’m excited to advance to the semifinals as I’m getting closer to my goal of becoming the first Filipino undisputed world champion in any division,” Donaire said.
Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs) moved back down to 118-pound for the WBSS. His last fight at this division was in 2011 when he outpointed Omar Narvaez at the Madison Square Garden WaMu Theater, New York.
If Donaire gets past Tete in the semi-finals, he will face the winner between Japan's sensation Naoya Inoue (17-0, 15 KOs) and Emmanuel Rodriquez (19-0, 12 KOs) for the WBSS Bantamweight finals.
“Nothing’s final but I know the promoters are talking about my next fight to be in Asia," Donaire said. Donaire won the bantamweight title against Ryan Burnet (19-1, 9 KOs) at The SSE Hydro, Glasgow. Burnett did not answer Round 5 due to injury. He was later on diagnosed having torn muscle fibre in right oblique.
With the win, Donaire moved to World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinal against Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) of South Africa.
"Tete’s a formidable opponent. As soon as I get back to Las Vegas, I’ll be studying, preparing and learning how to win my next fight. It will probably be early next year when we do the fight. I’m excited to advance to the semifinals as I’m getting closer to my goal of becoming the first Filipino undisputed world champion in any division,” Donaire said.
Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs) moved back down to 118-pound for the WBSS. His last fight at this division was in 2011 when he outpointed Omar Narvaez at the Madison Square Garden WaMu Theater, New York.
If Donaire gets past Tete in the semi-finals, he will face the winner between Japan's sensation Naoya Inoue (17-0, 15 KOs) and Emmanuel Rodriquez (19-0, 12 KOs) for the WBSS Bantamweight finals.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Amir Khan sees a problem with Manny Pacquaio vs Adrien Broner
In a recent tweet, Amir Khan said that he sees a problem with Adrien Broner fighting Manny Pacquiao. He told, referring to Broner "picking fights you know you can't win."
Khan (33-4, 20 KOs) suggested to Broner to have an easy fight first and then went on saying that he's done with Pacquiao first then Broner picks his leftovers then hashtag Maidana, Malignaggi, and Molina.
Khan won against Paul Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, and Carlos Molina. Broner also won against Paul Malignaggi and Carlos Molina after Khan defeated them, but Broner lost to Marcos Maidana in a decision.
Khan has been chasing big fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao but none of these fights materialize.
Pacquiao vs Khan was on preliminary talks earlier but it fell apart and then boom! An announcement is made by Golden Boy Promotions that Khan is fighting Alvarez. No one saw it coming. Khan suffered a devastating knockout loss to Alvarez.
Meanwhile, UK fans wanted an all British showdown between Kell Brook and Amir Khan, but it seemed Amir isn't interested. Brook also surprised the boxing world when he fought Gennady Golovkin where he suffered the same fate as Khan. A devastating loss.
What do you think about why Mayweather and Pacquiao not fighting Amir Khan?
Khan (33-4, 20 KOs) suggested to Broner to have an easy fight first and then went on saying that he's done with Pacquiao first then Broner picks his leftovers then hashtag Maidana, Malignaggi, and Molina.
🤦♂ @mannypacquiao v the PROBLEM @AdrienBroner. Theres a real PROBLEM here bro! B you’re picking fights you know you can’t win 😂😂. Have a nice easy fight @ legreco and when I’ve done with pacman you can pick up my leftovers #maidan #malignaggi #molina 🤣
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) October 5, 2018
Khan won against Paul Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, and Carlos Molina. Broner also won against Paul Malignaggi and Carlos Molina after Khan defeated them, but Broner lost to Marcos Maidana in a decision.
Khan has been chasing big fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao but none of these fights materialize.
Pacquiao vs Khan was on preliminary talks earlier but it fell apart and then boom! An announcement is made by Golden Boy Promotions that Khan is fighting Alvarez. No one saw it coming. Khan suffered a devastating knockout loss to Alvarez.
Meanwhile, UK fans wanted an all British showdown between Kell Brook and Amir Khan, but it seemed Amir isn't interested. Brook also surprised the boxing world when he fought Gennady Golovkin where he suffered the same fate as Khan. A devastating loss.
What do you think about why Mayweather and Pacquiao not fighting Amir Khan?
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Saul Canelo Alvarez wins rematch against Gennady Golovkin in action fight
This is a late post on Canelo's victory over GGG on 15 September 2018.
Saul Canelo Alvarez wins rematch with Gennady Golovkin in action fight at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) got the nod from two judges for the majority decision victory. Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Canelo and Glenn Feldman saw it even at 114-114.
Boxing fans at T-Mobile Arena were treated with back and forth action from these middleweight rivals. The rematch produced more action compared to the first bout as Canelo stood his ground from the get-go.
Canelo's strategy on the first fight was a surprise for me. He adjusted from a boxer-puncher style to outboxing style. In the rematch, I expected Canelo to use the same strategy in the first fight. But Canelo stood his ground early and stayed in front of Golovkin. I doubt if Golovkin wasn't surprised in that approach even.
The change in strategy, I thought would just for the first couple of rounds, but Canelo did the same thing till the end. After the final bell, two judges saw the fight in favor of the Canelo.
It was a close fight, to say the least, I mean there were swing rounds which could go either way. I have no problem watching the third installment if there's any, but I would love to see a match-up though between Canelo and Jermall Charlo next.
Saul Canelo Alvarez wins rematch with Gennady Golovkin in action fight at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) got the nod from two judges for the majority decision victory. Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Canelo and Glenn Feldman saw it even at 114-114.
Boxing fans at T-Mobile Arena were treated with back and forth action from these middleweight rivals. The rematch produced more action compared to the first bout as Canelo stood his ground from the get-go.
Canelo's strategy on the first fight was a surprise for me. He adjusted from a boxer-puncher style to outboxing style. In the rematch, I expected Canelo to use the same strategy in the first fight. But Canelo stood his ground early and stayed in front of Golovkin. I doubt if Golovkin wasn't surprised in that approach even.
The change in strategy, I thought would just for the first couple of rounds, but Canelo did the same thing till the end. After the final bell, two judges saw the fight in favor of the Canelo.
It was a close fight, to say the least, I mean there were swing rounds which could go either way. I have no problem watching the third installment if there's any, but I would love to see a match-up though between Canelo and Jermall Charlo next.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Watch David Lemieux's spectacular one-punch KO over Gary O'Sullivan
Watch Canada's David Lemieux's spectacular one-punch KO over Spike O'Sullivan during their middleweight clash at the undercard of GGG vs Canelo 2 at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lemieux caught O'Sullivan in the very first round with a counter left hook that lands right on the pipe. O'Sullivan went down for good. The referee stopped the fight as O'Sullivan in no position to continue. Official time of the stoppage: 2:44 mark in the first round.
With all the trash talking leading into the fight, it was nice to see the fighters hug each other after the fight.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Money vs Manny II in December?
Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. crossed path with Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in Japan and the undefeated Mayweather announces he's coming back to fight Pacquiao. Both men were attending a concert in Japan.
“I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year. Another nine-figure pay-day on the way. I’m going to be back in December,” said Mayweather.
Pacquiao replied and said, "I have the belt."
Mayweather answered, “I don’t want to hear about your shoulder been hurt.”
So boxing fans, are you excited about it, or you still remember the amount you shell out for the first fight?
Well, for me I don't mind watching these aging fighter fight again, but at a lower cost. I think the entertainment value is still there for as long as Mayweather is willing to engage like the way he fought Maidana the first fight.
“I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year. Another nine-figure pay-day on the way. I’m going to be back in December,” said Mayweather.
Pacquiao replied and said, "I have the belt."
Mayweather answered, “I don’t want to hear about your shoulder been hurt.”
So boxing fans, are you excited about it, or you still remember the amount you shell out for the first fight?
Well, for me I don't mind watching these aging fighter fight again, but at a lower cost. I think the entertainment value is still there for as long as Mayweather is willing to engage like the way he fought Maidana the first fight.
Canelo vs GGG II: Official weights
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez arrived at T-Mobile Arena so serene and ready to go for his fight against Gennady Golovkin on Saturday night.
Canelo, (49-1-2, 34 KOs) stepped into the scales and weighed in at 159.4 lbs. The crowd in the full-packed arena were ecstatic to see their fighter posing for the cameras. Canelo looks strong, relaxed, and in tip-top shape. There's no indication that he struggled to get the weight. Although there's a clip circulated online showing Canelo fell down after the weigh-in. Well, to me, it seemed someone pranked Canelo and took the chair from him.
Golovkin came into the scales first and weighed in at 159.6 lbs. As usual, Golovkin looks trim, strong, and ready to go.
So here we go, the fighters are ready for Saturday night's middleweight championship. Boxing fans around the world were excited about the fight. This will be the 13th round. A rubber match of their controversial fight that resulted in a draw.
I think both fighters wanted to win convincingly this time. GGG expressed he doesn't want the judges to write their verdicts on the scorecards. He's going out for the knockout tonight. Well, fight fans we'll gonna find out tonight. Stay tuned.
Below were the full card official weights:
Canelo, (49-1-2, 34 KOs) stepped into the scales and weighed in at 159.4 lbs. The crowd in the full-packed arena were ecstatic to see their fighter posing for the cameras. Canelo looks strong, relaxed, and in tip-top shape. There's no indication that he struggled to get the weight. Although there's a clip circulated online showing Canelo fell down after the weigh-in. Well, to me, it seemed someone pranked Canelo and took the chair from him.
👀 Scary this, @Canelo collapsing at the weigh in, this will be down to severe dehydration, dangerous going into a fight, especially against @GGGBoxing 😳 #caneloggg2 pic.twitter.com/0F0VMSbw8q
— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) September 15, 2018
Golovkin came into the scales first and weighed in at 159.6 lbs. As usual, Golovkin looks trim, strong, and ready to go.
So here we go, the fighters are ready for Saturday night's middleweight championship. Boxing fans around the world were excited about the fight. This will be the 13th round. A rubber match of their controversial fight that resulted in a draw.
I think both fighters wanted to win convincingly this time. GGG expressed he doesn't want the judges to write their verdicts on the scorecards. He's going out for the knockout tonight. Well, fight fans we'll gonna find out tonight. Stay tuned.
Below were the full card official weights:
- Jaime Munguia, 154 lbs vs Brandon Cook, 153.2 lbs - Junior Middleweight title.
- David Lemieux, 160 lbs. vs Gary O'Sullivan, 159.2 lbs - Middleweight title eliminator.
- Roman Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs vs Moises Fuentes 116 lbs - Bantamweight, 10 rounds.
- Virgil Ortiz Jr., 139.6 lbs vs Roberto Ortiz, 148 lbs - Super Lightweights, 10 rounds.
- Alexis Rocha, 148.4 lbs vs Carlos Ortiz, 148 lbs - Super Welterweights, 8 rounds.
- Jaba Khosistashvili, 166.6 lbs vs Lawrence King, 168.4 lbs - Light Heavyweight, 6 rounds.
- Brian Ceballo, 146.5 lbs vs David Thomas, 146 lbs - Welterweights, 6 rounds.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Canelo vs GGG II: Undercard press conference quotes
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 13, 2018): The undercard of the spectacular Canelo vs. GGG 2 card hosted a press conference featuring Mexican star Jaime Munguia ( 30-0, 25 KOs), who will make the second defense of his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against rugged Canadian contender Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook (20-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) of Montreal, Canada and Irish warrior Gary "Spike" O'Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) of Cork, Ireland will go head-to-head in a 12-round middleweight battle that has Fight of the Year candidate written all over it. Former pound-for-pound king and former four-division world champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez (46-2, 38 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua will make his highly anticipated return against experienced Mexican warrior Moises "Moi" Fuentes (25-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight battle that will open the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast.
Below is what the fighters had to say at today's press conference:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
"I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank my promoter, Fernando Beltran and Golden Boy. I am very happy to be here again and be a part of this tremendous card. I would like to tell you that I have an excellent opponent in front of me. He is a very good fighter. This is also my best preparation so far. I have corrected a lot of my mistakes and I am here to bring a great fight. Without anything else to say, I would like to thank you all and the media. I promise you a great fight, and I promise to leave the ring very warm for Canelo and GGG."
BRANDON COOK, JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
"Thanks again. This is the biggest shot of my life. Munguia is the next up and coming star and I'm here to win. I've trained really hard. I've had 5 weeks to prepare. I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me this shot. I want to thank my whole team. I'm coming to fight. Make sure you buy that pay-per-view. This is the best place for boxing. I'm really going to enjoy this.
DAVID LEMIEUX, FORMER MIDDELWEIGHT CHAMPION:
"Vegas, we're back. The biggest fight of the year is here. The talk is done. Nlw it's time to walk the walk. His chin is going to be very warmed up for the fight - he's gonna need it. He's not going to stay in front of me, I'm ready for 12 rounds. If he passes 8 rounds, respect to him. He's just scared, that's why he talks to much. This Saturday he is going to get knocked out."
GARY "SPIKE" O'SULLIVAN, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
"Good afternoon. Thank you everyone for coming and putting on this magnificent event. Smell that? I smell fear. That greasy piece of shit. Saturday night, we're going to fight. The fight will be our careers. I'm coming for GGG or Canelo. I'm going to be coming for him Saturday night that greasy piece of shit."
ROMAN GONZALEZ, Former Four-Division World Champion:
"I would like to thank everyone that has been supporting me. I thank God for the opportunity. I'm very happy to be fighting a great champion, I'm ready to give a great fight. I feel very happy to be on this great card. I wish everyone a good day."
MOISES FUENTES, Super Flyweight Contender:
"Thank you all for this opportunity. I'm willing to die in the ring as long as I win. I'm going to walk away world champion on Saturday."
Below is what the fighters had to say at today's press conference:
JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
"I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank my promoter, Fernando Beltran and Golden Boy. I am very happy to be here again and be a part of this tremendous card. I would like to tell you that I have an excellent opponent in front of me. He is a very good fighter. This is also my best preparation so far. I have corrected a lot of my mistakes and I am here to bring a great fight. Without anything else to say, I would like to thank you all and the media. I promise you a great fight, and I promise to leave the ring very warm for Canelo and GGG."
BRANDON COOK, JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
"Thanks again. This is the biggest shot of my life. Munguia is the next up and coming star and I'm here to win. I've trained really hard. I've had 5 weeks to prepare. I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me this shot. I want to thank my whole team. I'm coming to fight. Make sure you buy that pay-per-view. This is the best place for boxing. I'm really going to enjoy this.
DAVID LEMIEUX, FORMER MIDDELWEIGHT CHAMPION:
"Vegas, we're back. The biggest fight of the year is here. The talk is done. Nlw it's time to walk the walk. His chin is going to be very warmed up for the fight - he's gonna need it. He's not going to stay in front of me, I'm ready for 12 rounds. If he passes 8 rounds, respect to him. He's just scared, that's why he talks to much. This Saturday he is going to get knocked out."
GARY "SPIKE" O'SULLIVAN, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
"Good afternoon. Thank you everyone for coming and putting on this magnificent event. Smell that? I smell fear. That greasy piece of shit. Saturday night, we're going to fight. The fight will be our careers. I'm coming for GGG or Canelo. I'm going to be coming for him Saturday night that greasy piece of shit."
ROMAN GONZALEZ, Former Four-Division World Champion:
"I would like to thank everyone that has been supporting me. I thank God for the opportunity. I'm very happy to be fighting a great champion, I'm ready to give a great fight. I feel very happy to be on this great card. I wish everyone a good day."
MOISES FUENTES, Super Flyweight Contender:
"Thank you all for this opportunity. I'm willing to die in the ring as long as I win. I'm going to walk away world champion on Saturday."
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Alberto Machado to defend title against Yuandale Evans
Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs) and Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) will clash for the vacant IBF World Middleweight Title and Alberto Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) will defend his WBA Super Featherweight Title against Yuandale Evans (20-1, 14 KOs on Saturday, October 27 at the Hulu Theater from Madison Square Garden in New York. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Jacobs, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., is in hot form having taken the unbeaten records of Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki in his last two outings at the Nassau Coliseum, Long Island and Barclays Center, Brooklyn respectively, punctuating his win over Sulecki with a knockdown in the final session.
The 'Miracle Man' is gunning to regain his world champion status having lost his WBA crown to Kazakh star Gennady Golovkin in a tight unification tussle in March 2017 in New York, and with Golovkin and Mexican hero Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez meeting in a rematch in September, Jacobs is hunting down the winner.
Derevyanchenko has his own designs on those blockbuster nights though. Born in Feodosia, Crimea, Ukraine, and now based in Brooklyn, NY, Derevyanchenko was a touted amateur, compiling an astonishing record of 390-20, as well as a 23-1 ledger in the World Series of Boxing, and representing Ukraine in the 2008 Olympics, before turning pro in July 2014. Known as "The Technician," Derevyanchenko is fundamentally sound with superb reflexes, deft defense and devastating power, having stopped 10 of his 12 professional opponents thus far.
In a final IBF eliminator for mandatory status, Derevyanchenko proved he could carry his power into the later rounds, halting Tureano Johnson in the 12th and final frame of their August 2017 clash. One year earlier, Derevyanchenko knocked out former world champion Sam Soliman, becoming only the second man to do so, inside two rounds in July 2016, in an IBF elimination bout for the #2 ranking. While awaiting his title shot, Derevyanchenko dusted off the experienced Dashon Johnson in six stanzas in his last bout on March 3. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Derevyanchenko is thrilled that his shot at coronation will take place in his debut at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing.
Jacobs and Derevyanchenko are familiar foes as they both hone their skills with trainer Andre Rozier, who will be in Jacobs' corner and camp for the bout, but Brooklyn hero Jacobs doesn't believe that will play a part in their clash - and predicts a triumphant return to World champion status in a tough fight. Gary Stark Sr. will take over head trainer responsibilities for Derevyanchenko as he prepares for his first world championship opportunity.
Jacobs vs. Derevyanchenko will top a stacked bill in New York as the main event of a world title double-header. In the co-main event, unbeaten Puerto Rican star Alberto "El Explosivo" Machadomakes the second defense of his WBA World Super Featherweight title against Cleveland's Yuandale Evans in a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
Topping the non-televised bill is a rematch of the 2016 women's fight of the year as Heather Hardy (21-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly Vincent (23-1, 1 KO) renew their rivalry, with the vacant WBO World Featherweight strap on the line after Hardy edged their fantastic first meeting.
"I'm excited to be back in New York City fighting in my hometown," said Jacobs. "This opportunity for a world title is one I don't take lightly and I'm preparing myself to be in an incredible fight with Sergey Derevyanchenko. I've always felt that I was the best middleweight in the world with this type of fight I'm that much closer to all the that glory and to proving to the world I am the best "
"I'm a step away from my dream and I will not miss this chance," said Derevyanchenko. "From my time in the amateurs to my pro career, this has been a long time coming for me. I've beaten everyone they've put in front of me to earn this shot. Having trained with Danny, I know him very well and we are friends. However, it will be strictly business in the ring. I will not be denied. The belt will be mine."
"I feel excited to make the second defense of my title, but this time before all of my Puerto Rican brothers in New York," said Machado. "I'm anxious to get to Los Angeles to start the strong stages of preparation and solidify myself as a champion for the second time with a convincing win for all of Puerto Rico. Thank you to HBO for believing in me. Thank you to Peter Nelson, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Yuandale Evans is a great fighter who comes with a lot of hunger after years of rest. But this time I will go into the ring with extra motivation to reward all my people in person and those watching at home with a great victory."
"I want to let Machado know that I am taking the belt home," said Evans. "Training has been going great and I've been doing my homework. Machado is tall and strong, but he's never fought a guy like me, who can hit like me. To fight for a world title at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true. I am going make the most out of this opportunity. This is my time to shine."
"One of the saddest things is that in 2016, Shelly and I put on the fight of the year, and so many people missed it," said Hardy. "We've been dying to do the rematch but under the right circumstances. This is a great time for women's boxing and a great event to showcase the rematch - and I'm going to bring home that title, don't worry about that."
"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to shoot hoops at MSG - now I'm going to get to beat Heather's ass there," said Vincent. "The first fight was close, I thought I won it, Heather thought she won it, some people thought I won, some thought she won, some thought it was a draw.
"This time, you are going to see the old 'Shelito' - I've got more than just three weeks to get ready, and I think it'll be a repeat of the first fight, non-stop punching, and my hands are going to be all over Heather Hardy like she's my woman and I'm not leaving without that title."
"When we started working with Danny, the goal was always to become World Champion and now the time has come," said Jacobs' promoter Eddie Hearn. "This is brilliant match up but I strongly believe on October 27 at MSG Danny will be crowned champion and add another chapter to this Cinderella story.
"It's a powerful triple-header with unbeaten WBA Super-Featherweight champion Alberto Machado defending his crown against Cleveland contender Yuandale 'Money Shot' Evans and New York's own Heather Hardy meeting Shelly Vincent in a rematch of their 2016 Fight if the Year, with the WBO World Featherweight crown on the line. October 27 will be an electric night in New York."
"With over 400 amateur bouts, a trip to the Olympics, and experience in the World Series of Boxing, Sergiy was adamant with me that he wanted to fight for a world title against the biggest name available," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
"I've known Danny since he was a kid. He is a great fighter in and out of the ring. Stylistically, this is a can't-miss action fight. Sergiy studies his opponents, finds their weaknesses, then breaks them down. That is why he has such a great chance to win this fight and become the IBF Middleweight Champion.
"Yuandale Evans has a tremendous opportunity in the co-feature to capture his first world title against champion Alberto Machado. Coming off the biggest win of his career, Evans is highly motivated to seize the moment and perform at his best. Both Machado and Evans can bang and like to brawl, so this should make for a very entertaining opening bout on HBO.
"Finally, Heather 'The Heat' Hardy and Shelly 'Shelito's Way' Vincent will get the chance to rematch their 2016 Female Fight of the Year. The first fight was a barnburner, and this promises to be nothing less. The stakes are higher this time, as both women will compete for the WBO Featherweight Championship of the World. A World Championship in boxing has been a lifelong dream for both, and I am thrilled that they will get this opportunity on October 27."
"Alberto Machado is determined to prove that he is the best super featherweight in the world," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "He beat a strong champion in Jezreel Corrales and defended his crown against a tough contender in Rafael Mensah. In both fight, he used his skills and power to obtain the victory, and I'm positive he will do the same against Evans before legion of Puerto Rican fans in New York. I have no doubts he will be recognized as one of the best champions that Puerto Rico has produced."
"Alberto Machado is building his own legacy fight after fight," said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. "He wants to be the best in his division and is hungry for the big challenges. He has the best opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his Puerto Rican brothers at The Garden in New York."
Jacobs, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., is in hot form having taken the unbeaten records of Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki in his last two outings at the Nassau Coliseum, Long Island and Barclays Center, Brooklyn respectively, punctuating his win over Sulecki with a knockdown in the final session.
The 'Miracle Man' is gunning to regain his world champion status having lost his WBA crown to Kazakh star Gennady Golovkin in a tight unification tussle in March 2017 in New York, and with Golovkin and Mexican hero Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez meeting in a rematch in September, Jacobs is hunting down the winner.
Derevyanchenko has his own designs on those blockbuster nights though. Born in Feodosia, Crimea, Ukraine, and now based in Brooklyn, NY, Derevyanchenko was a touted amateur, compiling an astonishing record of 390-20, as well as a 23-1 ledger in the World Series of Boxing, and representing Ukraine in the 2008 Olympics, before turning pro in July 2014. Known as "The Technician," Derevyanchenko is fundamentally sound with superb reflexes, deft defense and devastating power, having stopped 10 of his 12 professional opponents thus far.
In a final IBF eliminator for mandatory status, Derevyanchenko proved he could carry his power into the later rounds, halting Tureano Johnson in the 12th and final frame of their August 2017 clash. One year earlier, Derevyanchenko knocked out former world champion Sam Soliman, becoming only the second man to do so, inside two rounds in July 2016, in an IBF elimination bout for the #2 ranking. While awaiting his title shot, Derevyanchenko dusted off the experienced Dashon Johnson in six stanzas in his last bout on March 3. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Derevyanchenko is thrilled that his shot at coronation will take place in his debut at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing.
Jacobs and Derevyanchenko are familiar foes as they both hone their skills with trainer Andre Rozier, who will be in Jacobs' corner and camp for the bout, but Brooklyn hero Jacobs doesn't believe that will play a part in their clash - and predicts a triumphant return to World champion status in a tough fight. Gary Stark Sr. will take over head trainer responsibilities for Derevyanchenko as he prepares for his first world championship opportunity.
Jacobs vs. Derevyanchenko will top a stacked bill in New York as the main event of a world title double-header. In the co-main event, unbeaten Puerto Rican star Alberto "El Explosivo" Machadomakes the second defense of his WBA World Super Featherweight title against Cleveland's Yuandale Evans in a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
Topping the non-televised bill is a rematch of the 2016 women's fight of the year as Heather Hardy (21-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly Vincent (23-1, 1 KO) renew their rivalry, with the vacant WBO World Featherweight strap on the line after Hardy edged their fantastic first meeting.
"I'm excited to be back in New York City fighting in my hometown," said Jacobs. "This opportunity for a world title is one I don't take lightly and I'm preparing myself to be in an incredible fight with Sergey Derevyanchenko. I've always felt that I was the best middleweight in the world with this type of fight I'm that much closer to all the that glory and to proving to the world I am the best "
"I'm a step away from my dream and I will not miss this chance," said Derevyanchenko. "From my time in the amateurs to my pro career, this has been a long time coming for me. I've beaten everyone they've put in front of me to earn this shot. Having trained with Danny, I know him very well and we are friends. However, it will be strictly business in the ring. I will not be denied. The belt will be mine."
"I feel excited to make the second defense of my title, but this time before all of my Puerto Rican brothers in New York," said Machado. "I'm anxious to get to Los Angeles to start the strong stages of preparation and solidify myself as a champion for the second time with a convincing win for all of Puerto Rico. Thank you to HBO for believing in me. Thank you to Peter Nelson, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Yuandale Evans is a great fighter who comes with a lot of hunger after years of rest. But this time I will go into the ring with extra motivation to reward all my people in person and those watching at home with a great victory."
"I want to let Machado know that I am taking the belt home," said Evans. "Training has been going great and I've been doing my homework. Machado is tall and strong, but he's never fought a guy like me, who can hit like me. To fight for a world title at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true. I am going make the most out of this opportunity. This is my time to shine."
"One of the saddest things is that in 2016, Shelly and I put on the fight of the year, and so many people missed it," said Hardy. "We've been dying to do the rematch but under the right circumstances. This is a great time for women's boxing and a great event to showcase the rematch - and I'm going to bring home that title, don't worry about that."
"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to shoot hoops at MSG - now I'm going to get to beat Heather's ass there," said Vincent. "The first fight was close, I thought I won it, Heather thought she won it, some people thought I won, some thought she won, some thought it was a draw.
"This time, you are going to see the old 'Shelito' - I've got more than just three weeks to get ready, and I think it'll be a repeat of the first fight, non-stop punching, and my hands are going to be all over Heather Hardy like she's my woman and I'm not leaving without that title."
"When we started working with Danny, the goal was always to become World Champion and now the time has come," said Jacobs' promoter Eddie Hearn. "This is brilliant match up but I strongly believe on October 27 at MSG Danny will be crowned champion and add another chapter to this Cinderella story.
"It's a powerful triple-header with unbeaten WBA Super-Featherweight champion Alberto Machado defending his crown against Cleveland contender Yuandale 'Money Shot' Evans and New York's own Heather Hardy meeting Shelly Vincent in a rematch of their 2016 Fight if the Year, with the WBO World Featherweight crown on the line. October 27 will be an electric night in New York."
"With over 400 amateur bouts, a trip to the Olympics, and experience in the World Series of Boxing, Sergiy was adamant with me that he wanted to fight for a world title against the biggest name available," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
"I've known Danny since he was a kid. He is a great fighter in and out of the ring. Stylistically, this is a can't-miss action fight. Sergiy studies his opponents, finds their weaknesses, then breaks them down. That is why he has such a great chance to win this fight and become the IBF Middleweight Champion.
"Yuandale Evans has a tremendous opportunity in the co-feature to capture his first world title against champion Alberto Machado. Coming off the biggest win of his career, Evans is highly motivated to seize the moment and perform at his best. Both Machado and Evans can bang and like to brawl, so this should make for a very entertaining opening bout on HBO.
"Finally, Heather 'The Heat' Hardy and Shelly 'Shelito's Way' Vincent will get the chance to rematch their 2016 Female Fight of the Year. The first fight was a barnburner, and this promises to be nothing less. The stakes are higher this time, as both women will compete for the WBO Featherweight Championship of the World. A World Championship in boxing has been a lifelong dream for both, and I am thrilled that they will get this opportunity on October 27."
"Alberto Machado is determined to prove that he is the best super featherweight in the world," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "He beat a strong champion in Jezreel Corrales and defended his crown against a tough contender in Rafael Mensah. In both fight, he used his skills and power to obtain the victory, and I'm positive he will do the same against Evans before legion of Puerto Rican fans in New York. I have no doubts he will be recognized as one of the best champions that Puerto Rico has produced."
"Alberto Machado is building his own legacy fight after fight," said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. "He wants to be the best in his division and is hungry for the big challenges. He has the best opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his Puerto Rican brothers at The Garden in New York."
Monday, July 23, 2018
Wisaksil Wangek stops Young Gil Bae Round 1
Wisaksil Wangek stops Young Gil Bae Round 1 of their world super flyweight title fight on Saturday, 21 July 2018. The fight was held at the Workpoint Studio, Bang Phun inThailand.
Wangek, (46-4-1 41 KOs) also known as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai pummeled Gil Bae from the beginning of the very first round. He showed no respect for whatever the challenger would bring to the table. Rungvisai threw power punches that have every intention to clear the guy out as early as possible.
Gil Bae, (28-7-2 22 KOs) of South Korea showed enormous respect for what the champion has to offer. He operated with caution. He tried to fight from the outside as Rungvisai walked him down with every punch.
From the start, it is obvious that in the power category, Gil Bae had no match with the champion. On paper, the most notable opponent on Gil Bae's record was Rex Tso. He lost to Tso via fourth-round TKO in 2016.
Rungvisai on the other hand had fought top-rated fights on his last three outings. He defeated former pound-for-pound kingpin Roman Gonzalez twice. On his latest outing prior to the Gil Bae fight, he won via majority decision against Juan Francisco Estrada.
At the 2:50 mark, Wisaksil Wangek stops Young Gil Bae Round 1.
The Gil Bae fight was a step-down fight for Rungvisai. He delivered what was expected and did it early. Rungvisai's next fight is scheduled for an opponent yet to be determined. The fight will be held at the Impact Arena, Pak Kret, Thailand.
Rungvisai's stay-busy fight came out as expected. I'm expecting Rungvisai to fight top-rated opponents in the junior bantamweight division next. Jerwin Ancajas or Khalid Yafai topped my list. A showdown with Ancajas would be interesting. Both guys have power on both hands. It will be bombs away.
Wangek, (46-4-1 41 KOs) also known as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai pummeled Gil Bae from the beginning of the very first round. He showed no respect for whatever the challenger would bring to the table. Rungvisai threw power punches that have every intention to clear the guy out as early as possible.
Gil Bae, (28-7-2 22 KOs) of South Korea showed enormous respect for what the champion has to offer. He operated with caution. He tried to fight from the outside as Rungvisai walked him down with every punch.
From the start, it is obvious that in the power category, Gil Bae had no match with the champion. On paper, the most notable opponent on Gil Bae's record was Rex Tso. He lost to Tso via fourth-round TKO in 2016.
Rungvisai on the other hand had fought top-rated fights on his last three outings. He defeated former pound-for-pound kingpin Roman Gonzalez twice. On his latest outing prior to the Gil Bae fight, he won via majority decision against Juan Francisco Estrada.
At the 2:50 mark, Wisaksil Wangek stops Young Gil Bae Round 1.
The Gil Bae fight was a step-down fight for Rungvisai. He delivered what was expected and did it early. Rungvisai's next fight is scheduled for an opponent yet to be determined. The fight will be held at the Impact Arena, Pak Kret, Thailand.
Rungvisai's stay-busy fight came out as expected. I'm expecting Rungvisai to fight top-rated opponents in the junior bantamweight division next. Jerwin Ancajas or Khalid Yafai topped my list. A showdown with Ancajas would be interesting. Both guys have power on both hands. It will be bombs away.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Jaime Munguia defends title against Liam Smith
LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2018): Jaime Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs) defended his WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship against former world champion Liam "Beefy" Smith (26-2-1, 14 KOs) via 12-round decision in the main event of HBO Boxing After Dark on Saturday, July 21 in front of 2470 fans at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. Munguia scored a knockdown with a counter left hook in the sixth round of a back-and-forth battle in which the native of Tijuana, Mexico eventually won with scores of 116-111, 119-110, and 119-108.
"I feel good. I'm happy. I think that the people liked it," said Jaime Munguia. "I didn't win by knockout like I always. This is the fifth decision win of my career. But I fought a good opponent who was strong. I came in very well prepared. There are no excuses and we will keep learning because this gave me a lot of experience. I'm only 21 years old and I will keep working in the gym. Liam Smith is a warrior. He is strong. There were times where I really landed punches, which really backed him up. He's very strong and can take a punch, so I have no excuses. I was always looking for the knockout. I always looked for the fight, and I went in there like a true Mexican. I think going these 12 rounds will serve me as experience."
"I don't think he's a much better fighter than me," said Liam Smith. "It was the body shots that hurt me. I wanted the title I lost two years ago. I want to stay more active than before. I'm usually known for my fitness, but was I winded in this fight. I felt my skill level made the difference in certain parts."
Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, retained his WBA Super Featherweight World Title by beating previously undefeated Rafael "Sweet Pea" Mensah (31-1, 23 KOs) of Accra, Ghana via 10-round unanimous decision in tonight's co-main event. Machado dropped Mensah with a hard right hook in the first round and hurt him several times en route to earning three scores of 120-107.
"Though I couldn't finish him, I'm happy I went all the rounds because it was an experience I hadn't had before," said Alberto Machado. "I hurt my left hand early, so that's why I stopped throwing the left hand to the body. But I kept to the game plan that Freddie Roach had for me and used the jab and worked from a distance. I'd fight anyone. I have to talk with my promoter first, but I would like fight Francisco Vargas."
"I got hurt early with a shot," said Rafael Mensah."It took four or five rounds for me to come back. He's a tall and lanky fighter and made it tough to come back."
Yamagucho Falcao (16-0, 6 KOs) of Sao Paolo, Brazil scored a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Elias Espadas (17-4, 12 KOs) of Merida, Mexico in a middleweight bout. In what was very controversial battle, Falcao won with scores of 96-92, 96-92, and 95-93.
"We're very happy for the victory," said Yamaguchi Falcao."My opponent was very tough. We appreciate the opportunity with Golden Boy Promotions. There were several stoppages by the official that we feel we're not warranted because Espadas was ducking and coming with his head down. We look forward to the next opportunity.
Puerto Rican prospect Carlos Caraballo (8-0, 8 KOs) passed his toughest test to date as he scored a fifth-round technical knockout win against Jesus Martinez (24-4, 12 KOs) of Monteria, Colombia in a super bantamweight battle originally slated for eight rounds. Caraballo fought a patient fight, wearing Martinez down until the fight was stopped by the referee at the end of the fifth round.
"From the first bell I knew that I could manage this fight," said Carlos Caraballo. "I had him measured from the start. But I needed to fight intelligently because I knew he was a tough opponent. Right now I want to talk with my team to see what's next, but I'll be back soon."
Las Vegas native Blair Cobbs (9-0-1, 5 KOs) scored a technical knockout victory at 1:52 of the second round against Emmanuel Valadez (5-5, 4 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Mexico in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight.
"I felt great," said Blair Cobbs. "I'm ready to move up. I'm ready to start calling out names. I'm ready to move up the ladder and one day be a contender in the welterweight division. We're just starting, but in the ring I said 'now is the time.' I had just fought earlier this month, but I said 'the time is now,' took a day of rest and came back."
"I feel good. I'm happy. I think that the people liked it," said Jaime Munguia. "I didn't win by knockout like I always. This is the fifth decision win of my career. But I fought a good opponent who was strong. I came in very well prepared. There are no excuses and we will keep learning because this gave me a lot of experience. I'm only 21 years old and I will keep working in the gym. Liam Smith is a warrior. He is strong. There were times where I really landed punches, which really backed him up. He's very strong and can take a punch, so I have no excuses. I was always looking for the knockout. I always looked for the fight, and I went in there like a true Mexican. I think going these 12 rounds will serve me as experience."
"I don't think he's a much better fighter than me," said Liam Smith. "It was the body shots that hurt me. I wanted the title I lost two years ago. I want to stay more active than before. I'm usually known for my fitness, but was I winded in this fight. I felt my skill level made the difference in certain parts."
Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, retained his WBA Super Featherweight World Title by beating previously undefeated Rafael "Sweet Pea" Mensah (31-1, 23 KOs) of Accra, Ghana via 10-round unanimous decision in tonight's co-main event. Machado dropped Mensah with a hard right hook in the first round and hurt him several times en route to earning three scores of 120-107.
"Though I couldn't finish him, I'm happy I went all the rounds because it was an experience I hadn't had before," said Alberto Machado. "I hurt my left hand early, so that's why I stopped throwing the left hand to the body. But I kept to the game plan that Freddie Roach had for me and used the jab and worked from a distance. I'd fight anyone. I have to talk with my promoter first, but I would like fight Francisco Vargas."
"I got hurt early with a shot," said Rafael Mensah."It took four or five rounds for me to come back. He's a tall and lanky fighter and made it tough to come back."
Yamagucho Falcao (16-0, 6 KOs) of Sao Paolo, Brazil scored a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Elias Espadas (17-4, 12 KOs) of Merida, Mexico in a middleweight bout. In what was very controversial battle, Falcao won with scores of 96-92, 96-92, and 95-93.
"We're very happy for the victory," said Yamaguchi Falcao."My opponent was very tough. We appreciate the opportunity with Golden Boy Promotions. There were several stoppages by the official that we feel we're not warranted because Espadas was ducking and coming with his head down. We look forward to the next opportunity.
Puerto Rican prospect Carlos Caraballo (8-0, 8 KOs) passed his toughest test to date as he scored a fifth-round technical knockout win against Jesus Martinez (24-4, 12 KOs) of Monteria, Colombia in a super bantamweight battle originally slated for eight rounds. Caraballo fought a patient fight, wearing Martinez down until the fight was stopped by the referee at the end of the fifth round.
"From the first bell I knew that I could manage this fight," said Carlos Caraballo. "I had him measured from the start. But I needed to fight intelligently because I knew he was a tough opponent. Right now I want to talk with my team to see what's next, but I'll be back soon."
Las Vegas native Blair Cobbs (9-0-1, 5 KOs) scored a technical knockout victory at 1:52 of the second round against Emmanuel Valadez (5-5, 4 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Mexico in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight.
"I felt great," said Blair Cobbs. "I'm ready to move up. I'm ready to start calling out names. I'm ready to move up the ladder and one day be a contender in the welterweight division. We're just starting, but in the ring I said 'now is the time.' I had just fought earlier this month, but I said 'the time is now,' took a day of rest and came back."
Oleksandr Usyk wins unanimous decision Murat Gassiev
Oleksandr Usyk wins the unanimous decision of Murat Gassiev on Saturday night, 21 July 2018 at the Olimpiyskiy, Moscow, Russia. Usyk unified the cruiserweight division and won the World Boxing Super Series.
Usyk, (15-0, 11 KOs) continued the winning streak and got the nod of all three judges. The scorecards read 120-108, 119-109, 119-109 for the unanimous decision win.
From the start, Usyk displayed superior movement and generalship inside the ring. He was moving around and sticking with his jab in a southpaw stance. The Ukrainian fought tall with his jab and kept the taller Gassiev at bay. Usyk kept the fight from outside while moving to his right. The first half of the fight went to Usyk on my scorecard.
Gassiev, (26-1, 19 KOs) tried to fight from inside but was unsuccessful. He was greeted with jabs and combinations from Usyk as he tried to come in. Gassiev stepped up the offense in the seventh round. He landed combinations to the body. Usyk felt the punches but complained to the referee that those were low blows. The referee signaled to continue the fight as Usyk complained. Gassiev continued to press forward landing lead rights to the head. It was a good round for Gassiev.
In round 8, Gassiev continued to press on, moving forward but not throwing jabs. On the other hand, Usyk moved around using his jab as a yardstick to keep his distance from Gassiev. The Big Bear, California resident followed Usyk instead of cutting the ring off. He was caught often too squared at Usyk's line of fire.
In the last four rounds, Usyk continued to look like a masterful matador trying to tame a raging bull with his surgical fists. Usyk showed superior boxing skills and putting on a masterful performance. He used footwork, jab, and effective combination punching to overwhelm Gassiev.
Gassiev fired several haymakers that if it could find its target can turn the fight to his favor. But those haymakers landed in the air. The two boxers hug each other and showed sportsmanship after the final bell.
With the win, Usyk remained undefeated with the cruiserweight world title listed on his resume. Usyk ranked number 1, while Gassiev ranked number 2 in the cruiserweight division of Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB), hence Usyk is the new TBRB's world champion in the cruiserweight division.
Usyk, (15-0, 11 KOs) continued the winning streak and got the nod of all three judges. The scorecards read 120-108, 119-109, 119-109 for the unanimous decision win.
From the start, Usyk displayed superior movement and generalship inside the ring. He was moving around and sticking with his jab in a southpaw stance. The Ukrainian fought tall with his jab and kept the taller Gassiev at bay. Usyk kept the fight from outside while moving to his right. The first half of the fight went to Usyk on my scorecard.
Gassiev, (26-1, 19 KOs) tried to fight from inside but was unsuccessful. He was greeted with jabs and combinations from Usyk as he tried to come in. Gassiev stepped up the offense in the seventh round. He landed combinations to the body. Usyk felt the punches but complained to the referee that those were low blows. The referee signaled to continue the fight as Usyk complained. Gassiev continued to press forward landing lead rights to the head. It was a good round for Gassiev.
In round 8, Gassiev continued to press on, moving forward but not throwing jabs. On the other hand, Usyk moved around using his jab as a yardstick to keep his distance from Gassiev. The Big Bear, California resident followed Usyk instead of cutting the ring off. He was caught often too squared at Usyk's line of fire.
In the last four rounds, Usyk continued to look like a masterful matador trying to tame a raging bull with his surgical fists. Usyk showed superior boxing skills and putting on a masterful performance. He used footwork, jab, and effective combination punching to overwhelm Gassiev.
Gassiev fired several haymakers that if it could find its target can turn the fight to his favor. But those haymakers landed in the air. The two boxers hug each other and showed sportsmanship after the final bell.
With the win, Usyk remained undefeated with the cruiserweight world title listed on his resume. Usyk ranked number 1, while Gassiev ranked number 2 in the cruiserweight division of Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB), hence Usyk is the new TBRB's world champion in the cruiserweight division.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Lamont Roach Jr. Knocks out Deivi Julio Bassa in Sixth
CANCUN, MEXICO (July 20, 2018): Lamont Roach, Jr. (17-0-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. delivered a spectacular sixth-round technical knockout victory over Deivis Julio
Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) of Monteria, Colombia to capture the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Championship in the scheduled 10-round main event of the July 20 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Roach Jr. showed a more aggressive side of himself, dropping Bassa with a right hand at the end of the third round and punishing him until Bassa's corner called a halt to the fight at the end of the sixth round.
"My mentality was to make a statement and to show that I belong at the top super featherweight division," said Lamont Roach Jr. "Anybody that's in my way is in trouble. There were no difficulties in him being a southpaw because we were coming off fighting a lefty in Orlando Cruz and we were preparing for the rematch. We also got great sparring against left-handed fighters, including Mike Reed. The WBO Super Featherweight Title will be on the line next week, so I'll be taking a close look at that fight to see who wins."
In the co-main event, Juan Sanchez (24-6-1, 11 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico scored an eight-round unanimous decision win against Florentino Perez (11-4-1, 7 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in a featherweight battle. Sanchez won with scores of 76-75, 77-74, and 78-73.
Alexis Bastar (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico defeated Rigoberto Nava (3-3-4) of Mexico City, Mexico in the first televised bout. Bastar won with three scores of 57-56.
Roach, Jr. vs. Bassa was a 10-round fight for the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, "THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING" and Hennessy, "Never Stop, Never Settle." The fights took place on Friday, July 20, 2018, at Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) of Monteria, Colombia to capture the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Championship in the scheduled 10-round main event of the July 20 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Roach Jr. showed a more aggressive side of himself, dropping Bassa with a right hand at the end of the third round and punishing him until Bassa's corner called a halt to the fight at the end of the sixth round.
"My mentality was to make a statement and to show that I belong at the top super featherweight division," said Lamont Roach Jr. "Anybody that's in my way is in trouble. There were no difficulties in him being a southpaw because we were coming off fighting a lefty in Orlando Cruz and we were preparing for the rematch. We also got great sparring against left-handed fighters, including Mike Reed. The WBO Super Featherweight Title will be on the line next week, so I'll be taking a close look at that fight to see who wins."
In the co-main event, Juan Sanchez (24-6-1, 11 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico scored an eight-round unanimous decision win against Florentino Perez (11-4-1, 7 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in a featherweight battle. Sanchez won with scores of 76-75, 77-74, and 78-73.
Alexis Bastar (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico defeated Rigoberto Nava (3-3-4) of Mexico City, Mexico in the first televised bout. Bastar won with three scores of 57-56.
Roach, Jr. vs. Bassa was a 10-round fight for the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, "THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING" and Hennessy, "Never Stop, Never Settle." The fights took place on Friday, July 20, 2018, at Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Manny Pacquiao vs Lucas Matthysse boxing results
Manny Pacquiao vs Lucas Matthysse early results from the undercards in Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
- Teofimo Lopez TKO6 William Silva.
- Regis Prograis TKO8 Juan Jose Velasco - Prograis stops Velasco to the mat with brutal body shots. Velasco went down grimacing in pain. Watch below highlight from Top Rank.
.@RPrograis shows Velasco what pain is. #PrograisVelasco pic.twitter.com/kgSkxl5hXd
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 15, 2018
- Moruti Mthalane UD12 Muhammad Waseem
- Jhack Tepora TKO9 Edivaldo Ortega.
- Manny Pacquiao TKO7 Lucas Matthysse - The Pacman dropped Matthysse in the third, fifth, and seventh rounds. In the seventh, referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight to save the champion from further beating.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrives Kuala Lumpur for Pacquiao-Matthysse fight
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Manny Pacquiao vs Lucas Matthysse fight.
Filipino reporter Abac Cordero posted on Twitter a snap of President Duterte and his delegation arriving Kuala Lumpur.
Manny Pacquiao will face Argentina's Lucas Matthysse for the world welterweight title at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday morning (Malaysia time).
Filipino reporter Abac Cordero posted on Twitter a snap of President Duterte and his delegation arriving Kuala Lumpur.
Manny Pacquiao will face Argentina's Lucas Matthysse for the world welterweight title at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday morning (Malaysia time).
President Duterte arrives in KL @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/bKX0EEKgbs
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) July 14, 2018
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Virgil Ortiz Jr. stops Juan Carlos Salgado in 3 rounds
LOS ANGELES (June 23, 2018): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs), the rising knockout artist and pride of Dallas, Texas, scored a spectacular third-round knockout win against former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-9-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight in main event of the June 23 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. After punishing Salgado for two rounds, Ortiz ended matters at1:52 of the third round with a thunderous left hook to the body.
"I felt I was posed in there," said Vergil Ortiz Jr. "Salgado has a lot of experience, and he showed it. He got me a few times, but I learned from this fight, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I want to continue facing experienced fighters like Salgado. Obviously, I'm not ready for a world title fight yet, but in two years I will be. The left hook to the body is definitely my best punch. I've been working on it since I was a kid. It's not common for an amateur to be dropping his opponents at only nine years old, but that's what I was doing and what I'm still doing today."
Super Featherweight prospect Hector "El Finito Tanajara Jr (14-0, 6 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas scored an eight-round unanimous decision victory against tough Venezuelan Roger Gutierrez (18-2-1, 15 KOs) in tonight's co-main event. Despite Gutierrez having an awkward style, Tanajara won with scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74.
"He came out swinging, so I had to stay composed in there," said Hector Tanajara Jr. "I had to listen to my corner and stay tight. Every time a round ended, my corner would tell me to not take any risks early in the fight, so I stuck to the game plan in order to win."
Rising 154-pound prospect Ferdinand "Lucky Boy" Kerobyan (9-0, 5 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. scored a second-round technical knockout victory against Edgar Garcia (7-17-1, 2 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a super welterweight fight that was initially scheduled for six rounds.
"I wanted to show that not only am I powerful, but I'm also very fast," said Ferdinand Kerobyan. "I never consider any opponent easy, especially since anyone in the ring can hurt you if you're not careful. I want a world title in the future, and I'm ready to do what's necessary to get that."
Meiirim Nursultanov (20-0, 6 KOs) of Merki, Kazakhstan scored a sixth-round technical knockout victory against Josue Obando (15-21-1, 12 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a scheduled six-round super middleweight fight. After dominating Obando in every round, Nursultanov stopped Obando at 1:37 of the final round.
"I wasn't able to finalize matters until the very end of the fight," said Meiirim Nursultanov. "He has a very awkward style, which made me take long to really find him. I'll be back on in August."
"I felt I was posed in there," said Vergil Ortiz Jr. "Salgado has a lot of experience, and he showed it. He got me a few times, but I learned from this fight, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I want to continue facing experienced fighters like Salgado. Obviously, I'm not ready for a world title fight yet, but in two years I will be. The left hook to the body is definitely my best punch. I've been working on it since I was a kid. It's not common for an amateur to be dropping his opponents at only nine years old, but that's what I was doing and what I'm still doing today."
Super Featherweight prospect Hector "El Finito Tanajara Jr (14-0, 6 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas scored an eight-round unanimous decision victory against tough Venezuelan Roger Gutierrez (18-2-1, 15 KOs) in tonight's co-main event. Despite Gutierrez having an awkward style, Tanajara won with scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74.
"He came out swinging, so I had to stay composed in there," said Hector Tanajara Jr. "I had to listen to my corner and stay tight. Every time a round ended, my corner would tell me to not take any risks early in the fight, so I stuck to the game plan in order to win."
Rising 154-pound prospect Ferdinand "Lucky Boy" Kerobyan (9-0, 5 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. scored a second-round technical knockout victory against Edgar Garcia (7-17-1, 2 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a super welterweight fight that was initially scheduled for six rounds.
"I wanted to show that not only am I powerful, but I'm also very fast," said Ferdinand Kerobyan. "I never consider any opponent easy, especially since anyone in the ring can hurt you if you're not careful. I want a world title in the future, and I'm ready to do what's necessary to get that."
Meiirim Nursultanov (20-0, 6 KOs) of Merki, Kazakhstan scored a sixth-round technical knockout victory against Josue Obando (15-21-1, 12 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a scheduled six-round super middleweight fight. After dominating Obando in every round, Nursultanov stopped Obando at 1:37 of the final round.
"I wasn't able to finalize matters until the very end of the fight," said Meiirim Nursultanov. "He has a very awkward style, which made me take long to really find him. I'll be back on in August."
Monday, June 18, 2018
Watch: Mercito Gesta vs Roberto Manzanarez – Full Fight
Watch Mercito "No Mercy Gesta" vs Roberto "Tito" Manzanarez - Full fight
Watch Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-2-2, 17 KOs) of San Diego, California won the regional lightweight title against Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (35-2, 28 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona. Gesta won a majority decision after 10 rounds of a tactical fight. The scorecards were 95-95 a draw, 96-94 twice in favor of Gesta.
Angel Acosta finishes Carlos Buitrago in round 12
Angel Acosta stopped Carlos Buitrago in the 12th round and retained the light flyweight title at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot on Saturday night.
Acosta, (18-1, 18 KOs) was getting the better of every exchange as Buitrago was tentative with his offense. It was a shootout on my scorecards in favor of Acosta. He was the aggressor from the get-go and kept Buitrago pinned towards the ropes throughout the night.
It was one of those fights that both fighters were able to handle each other's power. The tendency is that the fight will eventually drag to the later rounds and usually ends up with a decision. In the Acosta-Buitrago fight, it was the accumulation of punches that actually wore down Buitrago.
Buitrago, (30-4-1, 17 KOs) fight mostly on the defensive backing up to the ropes and fought from there which limits his mobility to evade the Acosta's offense. His jab was good but he was not able to follow it through with combinations. At times he did, but can't find its target.
Acosta's lead jab to the body really taking a toll on Buitrago in the later rounds. Acosta was tagging the breadbasket of Buitrago with those jabs to the body.
At the 1:22 mark of the final round, Acosta scored a knockdown as the ropes made Buitrago still on his feet after a series of punches. Buitrago looks okay as referee Luis Pabon yelled the mandatory count. Pabon let the fight continue. Acosta sensing blood finished Buitrago with heavy blows to the head prompting Pabon to stepped in and stopped the fight. Buitrago looks defiant but the referee had seen enough. It was the right call. In my estimate even if the fight continued, Buitrago still loss from the scorecards.
With the win, Acosta continued his knockout winning streak to 18 stoppages. His record improved to 18 wins, one loss. His lone defeat was with Kosei Tanaka of Japan when he lost a decision.
Acosta, (18-1, 18 KOs) was getting the better of every exchange as Buitrago was tentative with his offense. It was a shootout on my scorecards in favor of Acosta. He was the aggressor from the get-go and kept Buitrago pinned towards the ropes throughout the night.
It was one of those fights that both fighters were able to handle each other's power. The tendency is that the fight will eventually drag to the later rounds and usually ends up with a decision. In the Acosta-Buitrago fight, it was the accumulation of punches that actually wore down Buitrago.
Buitrago, (30-4-1, 17 KOs) fight mostly on the defensive backing up to the ropes and fought from there which limits his mobility to evade the Acosta's offense. His jab was good but he was not able to follow it through with combinations. At times he did, but can't find its target.
Acosta's lead jab to the body really taking a toll on Buitrago in the later rounds. Acosta was tagging the breadbasket of Buitrago with those jabs to the body.
At the 1:22 mark of the final round, Acosta scored a knockdown as the ropes made Buitrago still on his feet after a series of punches. Buitrago looks okay as referee Luis Pabon yelled the mandatory count. Pabon let the fight continue. Acosta sensing blood finished Buitrago with heavy blows to the head prompting Pabon to stepped in and stopped the fight. Buitrago looks defiant but the referee had seen enough. It was the right call. In my estimate even if the fight continued, Buitrago still loss from the scorecards.
With the win, Acosta continued his knockout winning streak to 18 stoppages. His record improved to 18 wins, one loss. His lone defeat was with Kosei Tanaka of Japan when he lost a decision.
Errol Spence blasts Carlos Ocampo in the first round
Errol Spence Jr. remained undefeated and retained his welterweight title after stopping Carlos Ocampo in the very first round of their match-up, Saturday night at the Ford Center at The Star, Frisco.
Ocampo, 22-1, 13 KOs, was looking good at the opening bell as he was able to land combinations to the body of Spence. But as the fight went on to the dying seconds of the first round, Spence landed a solid punch to the rib cage that put down Ocampo.
The challenger from Baja, Mexico was grimacing in pain and was not able to realize that the round was almost over. All he needed was to beat the mandatory count. But of course, the potent stopping power of a body shot is deadly. I mean, we saw a lot of fighters who were unable to get up. The pain is just too intense that it will take your breath and legs.
Spence improved his undefeated record to 24 wins, with 21 wins by stoppage. Spence was keen to fight the winner of the Garcia-Porter fight.
Ocampo, 22-1, 13 KOs, was looking good at the opening bell as he was able to land combinations to the body of Spence. But as the fight went on to the dying seconds of the first round, Spence landed a solid punch to the rib cage that put down Ocampo.
The challenger from Baja, Mexico was grimacing in pain and was not able to realize that the round was almost over. All he needed was to beat the mandatory count. But of course, the potent stopping power of a body shot is deadly. I mean, we saw a lot of fighters who were unable to get up. The pain is just too intense that it will take your breath and legs.
Spence improved his undefeated record to 24 wins, with 21 wins by stoppage. Spence was keen to fight the winner of the Garcia-Porter fight.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Jerwin Ancajas vs Jonas Sultan preview and prediction
It is with great pride to post a feature of two fellow Filipino boxers that will be sharing a boxing ring on the international stage. Jonas Sultan of Zamboanga del Norte, challenges Jerwin Ancajas of Panabo, Davao del Norte on 26 May 2018, Saturday (Sunday morning Manila) at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California for the world super flyweight title.
The last time two Filipinos featured in a boxing match on a world stage was in 1925. A fight featuring boxing great Pancho Villa, birth name, Francisco Villaruel Guilledo of Iloilo City against Inocencio "Clever Sencio" Moldes of Leyte. The fight was held at Wallace field, now called Rizal Park in Manila.
After almost a century, 93 years to be exact, two Filipino boxers will meet in one ring and the boxing world watching. This fight will be written in Philippine boxing history as the first-ever two Filipino boxers fought a world championship match held outside the Philippines. This magnitude of boxing match-up happened most of the time between two world-recognized Mexican boxers but not between two Filipinos.
The fight will be seen live on ESPN+ in the United States and ESPN 5 in the Philippines.
Many Filipinos frowned at the idea of two Filipinos fighting against each other. But it's a great opportunity to showcase Filipino boxing skills and talent at the world stage. It's a win-win for both fighters and the country they represent. Ancajas and Sultan will bring the prize back to their home country. The world championship on the line, whoever wins still remains to a Filipino.
Many young from Mindanao look at boxing as their ticket way out of poverty. For Ancajas and Sultan, boxing may not be a choice but sees the sport of boxing as their way out of poverty.
Both men were raised by farmer fathers. Ancajas father worked at a banana plantation in Panabo City. Sultan's father grows corn in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Influenced by their respective older brothers about boxing, Ancajas, and Sultan lace a pair of gloves to punch their way out of poverty.
Ancajas has the height advantage who stands at 5 foot, six inches tall, whereas Sultan stands 5 foot, 4 inches, a two-inch disadvantage. Ancajas fights on a southpaw stance, while Sultan on an orthodox stance.
Boxing records show Ancajas has the experience advantage of having 31 total fights out of which; 29 wins, 20 inside the distance, a draw, and a loss. Sultan has 17 total fights out of which; 14 wins, 9 inside the distance, and 3 losses.
Ancajas also registers 16 consecutive winning streak starting from his lone loss back in 2012. Whereas Sultan has only five starting from his last loss in 2015. But don't let the records fool you, Sultan's last three fights were all former champions, Makazole Tete, veteran Sonny Boy Jaro, and his last fight he scored a stunning upset against John Riel Casimero. Ancajas last three fights were all stoppages against Teiru Kinoshita, Jamie Conlan, and Israel Gonzalez.
Sultan is a fighter who finds a way to win. His style is unpredictable, awkward, not easy to read what will be his next move. He's confident, unintimidated even on the opponent's home turf. He finds answers and counters to every type of assault, ask Casimero. But of course, he's the underdog tonight.
The last time two Filipinos featured in a boxing match on a world stage was in 1925. A fight featuring boxing great Pancho Villa, birth name, Francisco Villaruel Guilledo of Iloilo City against Inocencio "Clever Sencio" Moldes of Leyte. The fight was held at Wallace field, now called Rizal Park in Manila.
After almost a century, 93 years to be exact, two Filipino boxers will meet in one ring and the boxing world watching. This fight will be written in Philippine boxing history as the first-ever two Filipino boxers fought a world championship match held outside the Philippines. This magnitude of boxing match-up happened most of the time between two world-recognized Mexican boxers but not between two Filipinos.
The fight will be seen live on ESPN+ in the United States and ESPN 5 in the Philippines.
Many Filipinos frowned at the idea of two Filipinos fighting against each other. But it's a great opportunity to showcase Filipino boxing skills and talent at the world stage. It's a win-win for both fighters and the country they represent. Ancajas and Sultan will bring the prize back to their home country. The world championship on the line, whoever wins still remains to a Filipino.
Similar beginnings
Jerwin Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 KOs), and Jonas Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs) both came from the same place I was born and raised, in the southern part of the Philippines, in Mindanao. A place where economic growth and development are hampered by rebellion, unstable law, and order. Opportunities for decent-paying jobs were scarce. Thanks to the current president, whose primary platform in governance is law and order. The Philippine government is on talking terms with all rebel fronts.Many young from Mindanao look at boxing as their ticket way out of poverty. For Ancajas and Sultan, boxing may not be a choice but sees the sport of boxing as their way out of poverty.
Both men were raised by farmer fathers. Ancajas father worked at a banana plantation in Panabo City. Sultan's father grows corn in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Influenced by their respective older brothers about boxing, Ancajas, and Sultan lace a pair of gloves to punch their way out of poverty.
Tale of the tape
During Friday's weigh-in, Jerwin Ancajas hit the scales and came in at 114.8 lbs while Jonas Sultan came in at 114.4. Both fighters were below the 115-pound limit. They look strong, in top shape, brimming with confidence, and ready to go for tonight's showdown.Ancajas has the height advantage who stands at 5 foot, six inches tall, whereas Sultan stands 5 foot, 4 inches, a two-inch disadvantage. Ancajas fights on a southpaw stance, while Sultan on an orthodox stance.
Boxing records show Ancajas has the experience advantage of having 31 total fights out of which; 29 wins, 20 inside the distance, a draw, and a loss. Sultan has 17 total fights out of which; 14 wins, 9 inside the distance, and 3 losses.
Ancajas also registers 16 consecutive winning streak starting from his lone loss back in 2012. Whereas Sultan has only five starting from his last loss in 2015. But don't let the records fool you, Sultan's last three fights were all former champions, Makazole Tete, veteran Sonny Boy Jaro, and his last fight he scored a stunning upset against John Riel Casimero. Ancajas last three fights were all stoppages against Teiru Kinoshita, Jamie Conlan, and Israel Gonzalez.
Styles
Ancajas is a methodical, technical fighter with decent power on both hands. He has great footwork, fast hands. He can't be easily lured into a brawl as he looks for better angles, comes in and out pretty quick, and racking points on the scorecards. He's patient in the ring, not rushing things but if he senses the opponent's breaking point, he has the ferocity to finish the job with a knockout.Sultan is a fighter who finds a way to win. His style is unpredictable, awkward, not easy to read what will be his next move. He's confident, unintimidated even on the opponent's home turf. He finds answers and counters to every type of assault, ask Casimero. But of course, he's the underdog tonight.
Prediction
Since I'm predicting, I'll go for the unpredictable. Jonas Sultan in a razor-thin decision. Why? it's because.Monday, May 21, 2018
Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver Credits USA Boxing for giving him Structure that carried him to top
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 21, 2018) - Future Hall of Famer Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver (31-6-1, 1 NC, 22 KOs) has just about done it all as a boxer having been an Olympic medal winner and world champion as an amateur, along with capturing five major light heavyweight world titles as a professional, as well as a pair of The Ring magazine's top honors, and four other world championships in two different divisions.
"I credit USA Boxing for giving me a structure for the first time in my life," Tarver explained. "Everything was scheduled; curfew, eating, training, sleep....everything! I then understood that I had to be accountable for everything I did. I had talent, but I wasn't structured, and that was bigger than me. I had to adjust to authority. My determination took off, giving me the support I never had before. I went on to make speaking engagements and get sponsors. I broke barriers. I've been the best at every level that I fought at in the world."
Tarver was a highly decorated amateur who had an amazing 158-12 record. He is the only boxer to capture gold medals at World Amateur Championships, U.S. National Championships, and Pan-American Games in the same year (1995). The Orlando, Florida-born southpaw won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, losing in the quarterfinals to future world champion Vassiliy Jirov, who Tarver had defeated in the semifinals of the 1995 World Amateur Championships. Tarver also won top honors at the 1994 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 1995 World Championships Challenge.
"I went on a winning roll in 1995 and went into the Olympics in rare form," Tarver said. "And that's why I was favored to win a gold medal. I was hitting him (Jirov), the same guy I'd beaten in the World Championships, but no points were registering for me. I had a good second round, but I was down three points, so I threw my game plan away in the third round. I felt I had to do more and got away from my style: counter punching, not getting hit, and being patient. I thought I had won and so did a lot of people. I made up for that, though, with a gold-medal professional career.
"I had been faced with a decision about going pro after I was beaten in the '92 Olympic Trials. I decided to stay in the amateurs, despite not having any guarantees about making the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team. I sacrificed four years of my pro career, which is why I turned pro at a relatively late age (27). I was determined when I found out the 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta. I think I made the right decision and I have no regrets.
"I had always dreamed of going to the Olympics. I saw Roy Jones, Jr - we first fought each other at 13 - get robbed of gold. I was watching that on television, jumped up, and knew where I was heading: The Olympics! We both suffered horrible decisions in the Olympics and I knew then that our careers would be parallel.
Tarver made his pro debut on February 18, 1997, in Philadelphia, stopping Joaquin Garcia (4-0) in the second round.
"I was an Olympic bronze medal winner but when I first turned pro," Tarver added, "I didn't have a promoter or manager. Nobody was willing to take a chance on me until I was 4-0, when I signed by first contract with Russell Peltz. I felt nobody could beat me."
Nobody was able to beat Tarver, at least until his 17th pro fight, when Eric Harding defeated Tarver by way of a 12-round unanimous decision.
Two years later, Tarver embarked on a 12-fight murderer's row stretch during the next seven years, arguably establishing him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. It all started with a successful rematch with Harding (21-1-1) in Indianapolis, when Tarver dropped Harding in the fourth round, plus twice more in the fifth, on his way to a fifth-round technical knockout to avenge his lone pro loss to that date.
Next up for Tarver was a showdown with 44-3 Montell Griffin for the WBC and IBF 175-pound division titles, which were vacated by Roy Jones Jr., April 26, 2003 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In his first world title shot as a pro, Tarver pitched a complete shutout, decking Griffin in the first and last rounds to shut out his opponent by scores of 120-103 from all three judges.
Seven months later, however, Tarver lost a controversial 12-round majority decision and his WBC crown (he was stripped of his IBF belt) to WBA Super and IBO champion Jones in Las Vegas. The following May at the venue, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, though, Tarver became the first to knockout Jones, putting him to sleep in the second round.
Tarver then became a mainstream celebrity, appearing on late-night shows and covers of The Ring magazine and KO Magazine, and co-hosting an ESPN Friday Night Fights telecast.
"I was robbed in my first fight with Roy," Tarver insisted. "They called my knockout of Roy the greatest upset in light heavyweight history. Why didn't they see me coming? I had beaten everybody ranked ahead of me. Roy was the pound-4-pound king, but he knew. I may not be the fastest, the quickest, or the strongest, but I doubt that there's ever been a pro fighter to enter the ring with a higher IQ than me. Even at my age, I still feel that way today."
The WBC stripped Tarver of his title in 2004 for fighting IBF champion Glen Johnson (41-9-2) instead of the WBC mandatory challenger. Johnson, ironically, was stripped of his IBF title for the same reason right before his fight in Los Angeles with Tarver. Tarver and Johnson fought for The Ring and IBO titles and Johnson won a 12-round split decision.
In their rematch six months later in Memphis, Tarver won a unanimous 12-round decision over Johnson to capture the IBO strap. Tarver completed his trilogy with Jones, retaining his IBO title with a unanimous 12-round decision (117-111, 116-112, 116-112).
Tarver lost a 12-round decision June 10, 2006 in Atlantic City to Bernard Hopkins for the IBO championship, which was soon vacated and recaptured by Tarver with a 12-round majority decision over Elvir Muriqi (34-3).
Tarver traveled to Australia in 2011 to challenge IBO cruiserweight champion and local hero Danny Green, who retired after nine rounds, as Tarver added another title belt to his display case.
In December of 2013 in Temecula, California, Tarver knocked out Jonathon Banks (29-2-1) in the seventh round, and Tarver's last fight was a 12-round split decision draw with former world champion Steve Cunningham (28-7) in Newark, New Jersey.
In 2006, Tarver starred as Mason "The Line" Dixon, the heavyweight champion in the film, Rocky Balboa.
Tarver, as he marches towards his planned history-making performance by becoming the oldest heavyweight world champion of all-time, also has served as a color commentator in boxing for Spike TV and Showtime.
Today, at the age of 49, Tarver is still technically active, and he also trains his son and undefeated middleweight prospect, Antonio Tarver, Jr. (5-0 (4 KOs), where they live in Tampa, Florida.
"I was older than the rest of the boxers on the U.S. Olympic Team and the U.S. National Team," Tarver remarked. "What a team! Guys like Diego Corrales and Zab Judah didn't make that Olympic Team. I gave Floyd Mayweather, Jr. his first moniker, 'Pretty Boy Floyd', until he changed it years later to 'Money'. We had a bond on that Olympic team with Floyd, Fernando Vargas, David Reid, Zarim Raheem and the others."
Although at the age of 49 he is still an active fighter, Tarver occasionally does some color commentating and he trains pro and amateur boxers at a gym in Tampa, Florida. "I'm not retired as a fighter," Tarver commented. "I started a program, 'Train with The Champ', and it includes room rent and training. I like to say it's an AirB&B for boxing. I train my son (5-0 middleweight Antonio Tarver, Jr. there. I learned a lot from my early days, training in Orlando with my coach, Lou Harris, and I reunited with Jimmy Williams, who is 90 now, training my son together in Tampa.
Tarver also is an advocate of the relatively new "USA Boxing Alumni Association," which was created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, --boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans -- the Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing's future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
"I'm going online to join," Tarver said. "I'm looking forward to attending an Alumni Association meeting, June 24-30 during the Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia.
Everything that goes around, comes around, in USA Boxing. Just ask future Hall of Fame candidate Antonio Tarver.
"I credit USA Boxing for giving me a structure for the first time in my life," Tarver explained. "Everything was scheduled; curfew, eating, training, sleep....everything! I then understood that I had to be accountable for everything I did. I had talent, but I wasn't structured, and that was bigger than me. I had to adjust to authority. My determination took off, giving me the support I never had before. I went on to make speaking engagements and get sponsors. I broke barriers. I've been the best at every level that I fought at in the world."
Tarver was a highly decorated amateur who had an amazing 158-12 record. He is the only boxer to capture gold medals at World Amateur Championships, U.S. National Championships, and Pan-American Games in the same year (1995). The Orlando, Florida-born southpaw won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, losing in the quarterfinals to future world champion Vassiliy Jirov, who Tarver had defeated in the semifinals of the 1995 World Amateur Championships. Tarver also won top honors at the 1994 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 1995 World Championships Challenge.
"I went on a winning roll in 1995 and went into the Olympics in rare form," Tarver said. "And that's why I was favored to win a gold medal. I was hitting him (Jirov), the same guy I'd beaten in the World Championships, but no points were registering for me. I had a good second round, but I was down three points, so I threw my game plan away in the third round. I felt I had to do more and got away from my style: counter punching, not getting hit, and being patient. I thought I had won and so did a lot of people. I made up for that, though, with a gold-medal professional career.
"I had been faced with a decision about going pro after I was beaten in the '92 Olympic Trials. I decided to stay in the amateurs, despite not having any guarantees about making the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team. I sacrificed four years of my pro career, which is why I turned pro at a relatively late age (27). I was determined when I found out the 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta. I think I made the right decision and I have no regrets.
"I had always dreamed of going to the Olympics. I saw Roy Jones, Jr - we first fought each other at 13 - get robbed of gold. I was watching that on television, jumped up, and knew where I was heading: The Olympics! We both suffered horrible decisions in the Olympics and I knew then that our careers would be parallel.
Tarver made his pro debut on February 18, 1997, in Philadelphia, stopping Joaquin Garcia (4-0) in the second round.
"I was an Olympic bronze medal winner but when I first turned pro," Tarver added, "I didn't have a promoter or manager. Nobody was willing to take a chance on me until I was 4-0, when I signed by first contract with Russell Peltz. I felt nobody could beat me."
Nobody was able to beat Tarver, at least until his 17th pro fight, when Eric Harding defeated Tarver by way of a 12-round unanimous decision.
Two years later, Tarver embarked on a 12-fight murderer's row stretch during the next seven years, arguably establishing him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. It all started with a successful rematch with Harding (21-1-1) in Indianapolis, when Tarver dropped Harding in the fourth round, plus twice more in the fifth, on his way to a fifth-round technical knockout to avenge his lone pro loss to that date.
Next up for Tarver was a showdown with 44-3 Montell Griffin for the WBC and IBF 175-pound division titles, which were vacated by Roy Jones Jr., April 26, 2003 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In his first world title shot as a pro, Tarver pitched a complete shutout, decking Griffin in the first and last rounds to shut out his opponent by scores of 120-103 from all three judges.
Seven months later, however, Tarver lost a controversial 12-round majority decision and his WBC crown (he was stripped of his IBF belt) to WBA Super and IBO champion Jones in Las Vegas. The following May at the venue, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, though, Tarver became the first to knockout Jones, putting him to sleep in the second round.
Tarver then became a mainstream celebrity, appearing on late-night shows and covers of The Ring magazine and KO Magazine, and co-hosting an ESPN Friday Night Fights telecast.
"I was robbed in my first fight with Roy," Tarver insisted. "They called my knockout of Roy the greatest upset in light heavyweight history. Why didn't they see me coming? I had beaten everybody ranked ahead of me. Roy was the pound-4-pound king, but he knew. I may not be the fastest, the quickest, or the strongest, but I doubt that there's ever been a pro fighter to enter the ring with a higher IQ than me. Even at my age, I still feel that way today."
The WBC stripped Tarver of his title in 2004 for fighting IBF champion Glen Johnson (41-9-2) instead of the WBC mandatory challenger. Johnson, ironically, was stripped of his IBF title for the same reason right before his fight in Los Angeles with Tarver. Tarver and Johnson fought for The Ring and IBO titles and Johnson won a 12-round split decision.
In their rematch six months later in Memphis, Tarver won a unanimous 12-round decision over Johnson to capture the IBO strap. Tarver completed his trilogy with Jones, retaining his IBO title with a unanimous 12-round decision (117-111, 116-112, 116-112).
Tarver lost a 12-round decision June 10, 2006 in Atlantic City to Bernard Hopkins for the IBO championship, which was soon vacated and recaptured by Tarver with a 12-round majority decision over Elvir Muriqi (34-3).
Tarver traveled to Australia in 2011 to challenge IBO cruiserweight champion and local hero Danny Green, who retired after nine rounds, as Tarver added another title belt to his display case.
In December of 2013 in Temecula, California, Tarver knocked out Jonathon Banks (29-2-1) in the seventh round, and Tarver's last fight was a 12-round split decision draw with former world champion Steve Cunningham (28-7) in Newark, New Jersey.
In 2006, Tarver starred as Mason "The Line" Dixon, the heavyweight champion in the film, Rocky Balboa.
Tarver, as he marches towards his planned history-making performance by becoming the oldest heavyweight world champion of all-time, also has served as a color commentator in boxing for Spike TV and Showtime.
Today, at the age of 49, Tarver is still technically active, and he also trains his son and undefeated middleweight prospect, Antonio Tarver, Jr. (5-0 (4 KOs), where they live in Tampa, Florida.
"I was older than the rest of the boxers on the U.S. Olympic Team and the U.S. National Team," Tarver remarked. "What a team! Guys like Diego Corrales and Zab Judah didn't make that Olympic Team. I gave Floyd Mayweather, Jr. his first moniker, 'Pretty Boy Floyd', until he changed it years later to 'Money'. We had a bond on that Olympic team with Floyd, Fernando Vargas, David Reid, Zarim Raheem and the others."
Although at the age of 49 he is still an active fighter, Tarver occasionally does some color commentating and he trains pro and amateur boxers at a gym in Tampa, Florida. "I'm not retired as a fighter," Tarver commented. "I started a program, 'Train with The Champ', and it includes room rent and training. I like to say it's an AirB&B for boxing. I train my son (5-0 middleweight Antonio Tarver, Jr. there. I learned a lot from my early days, training in Orlando with my coach, Lou Harris, and I reunited with Jimmy Williams, who is 90 now, training my son together in Tampa.
Tarver also is an advocate of the relatively new "USA Boxing Alumni Association," which was created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, --boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans -- the Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing's future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
"I'm going online to join," Tarver said. "I'm looking forward to attending an Alumni Association meeting, June 24-30 during the Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia.
Everything that goes around, comes around, in USA Boxing. Just ask future Hall of Fame candidate Antonio Tarver.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Watch: Outstanding boxing moments from the last 10 years
When I felt like losing my interest in the sports of boxing all I need to do is watch the above video. These were a compilation of the best boxing fights that happened in the last 10 years.
Once I watch them, my interest in boxing comes again alive and kicking and I wanted to write some boxing stuff again. Really, It was hectic lately that I wasn't able to update this lowly blog with anything.
Well hopefully after watching again the video above from the Youtube channel Boxing Extra I start writing again. Forgive me if I said I'm losing interest in boxing as I was not able to update regularly this blog. Two or some three years ago, I'm updating this blog on daily basis. I just write anything about everything boxing, but lately, it's not even on a weekly basis. My last post here was on 1st April.
It was not really losing interest, but it's the time to write. The demand for my day job was getting a toll on me, and as I age, it seemed that my body needed more rest. I can't wake up early at 5:00 AM (Kuwait Time) to watch live fights. It's usually early in the early Sunday morning here in Kuwait for a Saturday night big fights in the States. Before, I have no problem waking up early watching the boxing matches live and then write a quick post after. Now, it's tough for me.
Hopefully, I can, at least a single post weekly. Anyway, enjoy watching the above video. There's more compilation of boxing videos created by Boxing Extra.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Watch: Alexander Povitkin's horrific knockout of David Price
Alexander Povetkin demolished David Price with a vicious overhand right followed by a left hand. The overhand right obviously sent Price to the wonderland. It seemed to me that Price was out from the overhand right and the second punch looks unnecessary should the referee quick enough to recognize the reaction from Price. Watch below.
Alexander Povetkin vs David Price #JoshuaParker WOWOWOWOWOW!!! pic.twitter.com/J4dMOhVRYu
— Zombie Prophet (@ZPGIFs) March 31, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor takes on Steve "The Dragon" Claggett in Boston
BOSTON (March 17, 2018) - Tonight's "St. Patrick's Day Clash 3" will air on pay-per-view, as well as on Super Channel in Canada, headlined by the 10-round main event featuring (WBC) Silver International champion junior welterweight Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (29-3, 11 KOs) against Canadian challenger Steve "The Dragon" Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs), live from the House of Blues in Boston.
"St. Patrick's Day Clash 3", starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, is presented by Murphys Boxing in association with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. The popular Dropkick Murphys will play a live acoustic set prior to the main event.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute "St. Patrick's Day Clash 3" in the United States on cable, satellite and digital PPV via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and FITE.TV app and website for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Viewers in Canada will be able to see it live on super Channel, which will showcase Calgary's rising star Steve Claggett to the entire country.
Fans around the world can also order "St. Patrick's Day Clash 3 via FITE TV live streaming platform (excluding Canada) for $24.95. For details visit www.fite.tv.
Calling all the action from ringside are Ray Flores and Marc Abrams. Two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi will join them for the main event as a color analyst.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Juan Francisco Estrada looks for a knockout against Wisaksil Wangek
Flyweight titlist Juan Francisco Estrada is looking for a knockout when he faces Wisaksil Wangek for the super flyweight world title fight on Saturday night at the Forum, Inglewood in Los Angeles.
Estrada (36-2, 25 KOs) wants to leave no doubt and is looking for the knockout.
"I am a fighter who goes from less to more and we will go looking for the knockout to leave no doubt and return with that belt," Estrada said.
Estrada ranks number two in the TBRB rankings at the super flyweight division. Wangek (44-4-1, 40 KOs) ranks number one in the same division. It's a fight against number one and number two fighter in the same division. The winner is no doubt the world champion at the 115-pound division.
During the weigh-in, all fighters were within the weight limits. Below is the result:
Estrada (36-2, 25 KOs) wants to leave no doubt and is looking for the knockout.
"I am a fighter who goes from less to more and we will go looking for the knockout to leave no doubt and return with that belt," Estrada said.
Estrada ranks number two in the TBRB rankings at the super flyweight division. Wangek (44-4-1, 40 KOs) ranks number one in the same division. It's a fight against number one and number two fighter in the same division. The winner is no doubt the world champion at the 115-pound division.
During the weigh-in, all fighters were within the weight limits. Below is the result:
- Wangek - 114.8 pounds vs Estrada - 115 pounds
- Cuadras - 114.6 pounds vs Arroyo - 114.2 pounds
- Nietes - 111.6 pounds vs Reveco - 112 pounds
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Danny Garcia vs Brandon Rios preview
Danny Garcia and Brandon will face Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Events Center, Las Vegas for a 12-round welterweight bout.
Garcia and Rios came in at 146.5 pounds during the official weigh-in on Friday. Both men looked very impressive and in tremendous shape. If you look at Rios in many of his weigh-ins in the lower divisions, he looks drained and pale. And as he climbed on to higher division, he looks fat on those few weigh-ins in the past. As to Danny Garcia, he always came in shape at every division he fought into.
These two guys have similar numbers if you look into their height, reach, and age. Garcia stands 5'81/2", reach 174 cm. Rios, 5'8", reach 173 cm. A slight advantage on Garcia though but I don't see it really matters.
As I look at it, the fight is good till Rios' chin still able to absorb those overextended right hooks from Garcia or an overhand right counter. The style of Rios looks tailor-made for Garcia. Rios loves to come in and Garcia loves to counter with some little angle maneuvers. If you look at Rios's previous fights, he loses to fighters that adjusted his fight and by not fighting his fight, which is toe-to-toe, tough-to-tough bravado.
Well, of course, I'm not counting Rios on this fight, I mean if he could lure Garcia to fight his fight then he has the chance of knocking Garcia also. Rios has this tendency of talking in the ring that could really piss an opponent. A style that would lure an opponent to answer fire with fire.
Hunger to win
Garcia would not want back-to-back losses here obviously. He really would go back to the win column to get back on track and go back to where he's at prior to the Thurman loss.
Rios on the other hand, looking also to get a solid win. I mean a win from Danny Garcia will boost his rank among the top welters. It's the hottest division so far.
During the weigh-in, Garcia said "I'ma do what I wanna do. Like I said before, it's the Danny Garcia show... I'ma put him to sleep!"
In response, Rios said, "I can win this fight. I won my world title why can't I beat Danny Garcia? He's nobody special. Everybody thinks he's somebody special, he ain't nobody special. I'm ready for this guy."
Garcia and Rios came in at 146.5 pounds during the official weigh-in on Friday. Both men looked very impressive and in tremendous shape. If you look at Rios in many of his weigh-ins in the lower divisions, he looks drained and pale. And as he climbed on to higher division, he looks fat on those few weigh-ins in the past. As to Danny Garcia, he always came in shape at every division he fought into.
These two guys have similar numbers if you look into their height, reach, and age. Garcia stands 5'81/2", reach 174 cm. Rios, 5'8", reach 173 cm. A slight advantage on Garcia though but I don't see it really matters.
As I look at it, the fight is good till Rios' chin still able to absorb those overextended right hooks from Garcia or an overhand right counter. The style of Rios looks tailor-made for Garcia. Rios loves to come in and Garcia loves to counter with some little angle maneuvers. If you look at Rios's previous fights, he loses to fighters that adjusted his fight and by not fighting his fight, which is toe-to-toe, tough-to-tough bravado.
Well, of course, I'm not counting Rios on this fight, I mean if he could lure Garcia to fight his fight then he has the chance of knocking Garcia also. Rios has this tendency of talking in the ring that could really piss an opponent. A style that would lure an opponent to answer fire with fire.
Hunger to win
Garcia would not want back-to-back losses here obviously. He really would go back to the win column to get back on track and go back to where he's at prior to the Thurman loss.
Rios on the other hand, looking also to get a solid win. I mean a win from Danny Garcia will boost his rank among the top welters. It's the hottest division so far.
During the weigh-in, Garcia said "I'ma do what I wanna do. Like I said before, it's the Danny Garcia show... I'ma put him to sleep!"
In response, Rios said, "I can win this fight. I won my world title why can't I beat Danny Garcia? He's nobody special. Everybody thinks he's somebody special, he ain't nobody special. I'm ready for this guy."
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Jorge Linares vs Mercito Gesta a must watch card
Lightweight titlist Jorge Linares will be facing Filipino Mercito Gesta to co-headline with Lucas Matthysse vs Tewa Kiram, Saturday, January 29 at the Forum, Inglewood.
For me, it is a must-see bout, as I expected a competitive match. Style-wise it appears to me that Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) is more of the technical fighter and Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs) seems to be the come forward guy on a southpaw stance.
Experience-wise, it favors Linares (46 total fights) also as he has more fights against his Gesta (34 total fights). Both men at their 30s with a slight difference in height and reach. Linares is also riding on momentum from his 12 winning streaks after back-to-back losses. Well, Gesta also is looking good after rebounding from a loss in 2012 but he hasn't fought in 2016 and just fought twice in 2017. It should be a motivation for Gesta to step up on this one. A chance also for Linares to start well this year.
Well, I've been busy with my day job nowadays. Maybe you could notice the erratic posts on this blog. I'm not able to watch boxing matches on a Saturday night (Sunday early morning in Kuwait) on a regular basis as the demand for work had increased drastically. But well not this 29 January as I mark this date for the Linares-Gesta fight.
Don't ask me who I'll be rooting for. You know that one already. I like Linares' fight but this time, I'll go for my kabayan. May the best man win on fight night.
For me, it is a must-see bout, as I expected a competitive match. Style-wise it appears to me that Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) is more of the technical fighter and Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs) seems to be the come forward guy on a southpaw stance.
Experience-wise, it favors Linares (46 total fights) also as he has more fights against his Gesta (34 total fights). Both men at their 30s with a slight difference in height and reach. Linares is also riding on momentum from his 12 winning streaks after back-to-back losses. Well, Gesta also is looking good after rebounding from a loss in 2012 but he hasn't fought in 2016 and just fought twice in 2017. It should be a motivation for Gesta to step up on this one. A chance also for Linares to start well this year.
Well, I've been busy with my day job nowadays. Maybe you could notice the erratic posts on this blog. I'm not able to watch boxing matches on a Saturday night (Sunday early morning in Kuwait) on a regular basis as the demand for work had increased drastically. But well not this 29 January as I mark this date for the Linares-Gesta fight.
Don't ask me who I'll be rooting for. You know that one already. I like Linares' fight but this time, I'll go for my kabayan. May the best man win on fight night.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Taguchi routs Melindo in unification bout
Ryoichi Taguchi unified the junior flyweight belts as he outslugs Milan Melindo on new year's eve at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. It was an action-packed, bloody fight and Taguchi came out as the better boxer. The scorecards read 117-111 (twice) and 116-111.
Melindo (37-3, 13 KOs) of Cagayan de Oro City was able to control the first two rounds. He tagged Taguchi with solid body shots, precise counters, and effective jabs. In the third, Melindo suffered a cut over his left eye that bothered him throughout the fight. That's the round Taguchi stepped up the tempo of his offense.
Taguchi (27-2-2, 12 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan controlled the third round onwards connecting clean punches upstairs and moving away as Melindo counters. Taguchi utilized his long left hands to gauge distance, blocked Melindo's vision as Taguchi follow through with his right hand.
In the sixth, again, Melindo suffered a cut this time over his right eye resulting from a head clash, slowing down Melindo in the process.
In the ninth, an accidental headbutt opened a cut over Taguchi's forehead. Melindo, capitalized on the situation digging deep down to Taguchi's body and upstairs.
In the tenth, Taguchi showed determination to control the round throwing barrage of punches, which Melindo answered with his own barrage.
In the end, it was Taguchi's hands raised in victory. With the win, I love to see Taguchi square it up against the best in the division, compatriot Ken Shiro or Kosei Tanaka.
Melindo (37-3, 13 KOs) of Cagayan de Oro City was able to control the first two rounds. He tagged Taguchi with solid body shots, precise counters, and effective jabs. In the third, Melindo suffered a cut over his left eye that bothered him throughout the fight. That's the round Taguchi stepped up the tempo of his offense.
Taguchi (27-2-2, 12 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan controlled the third round onwards connecting clean punches upstairs and moving away as Melindo counters. Taguchi utilized his long left hands to gauge distance, blocked Melindo's vision as Taguchi follow through with his right hand.
In the sixth, again, Melindo suffered a cut this time over his right eye resulting from a head clash, slowing down Melindo in the process.
In the ninth, an accidental headbutt opened a cut over Taguchi's forehead. Melindo, capitalized on the situation digging deep down to Taguchi's body and upstairs.
In the tenth, Taguchi showed determination to control the round throwing barrage of punches, which Melindo answered with his own barrage.
In the end, it was Taguchi's hands raised in victory. With the win, I love to see Taguchi square it up against the best in the division, compatriot Ken Shiro or Kosei Tanaka.