On The Watch “It’s All About Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron”

Undisputed Junior Welterweight Challenge

Tonight, we were privy to another great event of boxing when Matchroom/DAZN provided us a Main Event between Undisputed Lightweight IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Katie Taylor (21-1, 6 Kos) who moved up in weight to challenge Undisputed Junior Welterweight IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0, 8 Kos) for all her jewelry and home court advantage at 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.

The night was set for Katie to perform on the highest stage in front of her adoring crowd and mesmerise them inside that squared circle but what unfolded on the night was completely different from what was expected by the fans in attendance.

Chantelle came into this bout with her own “game plan” and executed it to a “T”. Cameron showed Taylor her respect but still proceeded to apply just the right amount of controlled offensive pressure to also gain Katie’s respect inside that squared circle.

Chantelle proved to be a formidable opponent – strong and skilled enough to trouble Katie round by round. Chantelle kept a steady active pace administering some heavy shots clearly concerning Katie as the rounds progressed.

Katie was well matched tonight and fought quite well but to me lacked the right amount of effective damage to deter the relentless and focused Cameron from constantly pressuring her from all angles. Chantelle cut the ring effortlessly and boxed beautifully even when Katie would rally up her punch output from time to time.

Nevertheless, this bout was quite competitive and crowd pleasing from start to finish with Katie making a statement in the Championship rounds but after 10 rounds of nonstop action, the Judges at hand scored it 95-95, 96-94-96-94 all in favor of Chantelle Cameron.

It took 12 years for Chantelle to avenge her loss to Katie from the amateur days but tonight’s win on foreign ground, makes this win even sweeter and still Undisputed Junior Welterweight IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion of the World.

Congratulations Chantelle, this was definitely a performance worthy of Pound-for-Pound status in my eyes.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2023 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2023 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

The No. 2 Seed Boston Celtics put a beating on the 76ers today to secure their position at the Eastern Conference Finals pinning them once again for the second following season against the No. 8 Seed Miami Heat.

This is an Eastern Conference rematch that saw Miami fall short on their quest succumbing to Boston in a game seven last year but these are different times this time around. The Celtics have proven to be the team to beat all season long. They are determined to reach the NBA Finals and once again hoist that Championship Crown but one major obstacle ahead is the rejuvenated heat seekers Miami.

The Heat have already taken down the No. 1 Seed Milwaukee and the No. 5 seed Knicks in a very convincing fashion proving to be every bit ready to tackle their biggest hurdle who have prevented them from ever reaching the NBA Finals.

Miami is walking into this battle as the underdog but the hunger that this team displays on the court says different. They are the 8 Seed this time around looking to defy and upset the betting favourites Boston Celtics on the biggest stage. The odds are definitely stacked against them but the Heat wouldn’t have it any other way.

Miami beating the Celtics is history in the making but Boston would rather be the last team standing when it’s all said and done.

That said both teams match up well at every corner making this series that much more intriguing than the previous years. Tune in this Wednesday night to see which team will have kept the momentum going in their favor.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2023 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2023 NBA Western Conference Finals

The NBA’s version of the Final 4 is set to start this Tuesday night May 16, 2023 in the Western Conference, with the No. 1 Seed Denver Nuggets still going strong and ready to fend off the Play-In Tournament survivor Los Angeles Lakers who are fresh off a solid game six series win with the Golden State Warriors.

The way the season went on for the Lakers this year nobody expected them to crack the Playoffs let alone reach the Western Conference but they are here now and ready to rekindle the rivalry of their 2020 Western Conference Finals where the Lakers prevailed and eventually took the Crown that year.

Times have changed and this version of the Nuggets has gained massive experience and has a much healthier squad this time around to compete with the Lakers who have been playing some serious impressive ball as of late and will show resistance when push comes to shove.

The way the Lakers dismantled the No. 2 Seed Grizzlies and the Defending Champion Warriors is proof enough that the Lakers mean business and are quite motivated to win another NBA Championship but they have a formidable opponent that they must go through first in the Denver Nuggets, making this particular series must see TV.

Tune in this Tuesday night May 16, 2023 for game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder”

Undisputed Super Middleweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 Kos) and mandatory challenger WBO Super Middleweight Interim Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 Kos), was quite the homecoming the fans in Mexico craved for at the packed house of the Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

Last night’s Super Middleweight showdown was a festivity on the biggest stage where the star of the night, Canelo, performed beautifully in front of his adoring fans who were cheering him on from start to finish.

Although many had counted Ryder out before the bell even rang, John proved the naysayers wrong by bringing the fight to Canelo and fighting him toe to toe, round by round making this bout quite interesting.

Ryder definitely looked the part and fought like a determined courageous warrior inside that squared circle but there are levels to this Boxing sh*t and Canelo is at its pinnacle. Canelo proved to be the superior combatant as the rounds progressed and was the one administering the more damaging blows. He broke Ryder’s nose in the earlier rounds and dropped him for a quick 8 count in the fifth round and continuously abused Ryder heavily as the rounds progressed.

That being said I gotta tip my “B” to Ryder for withstanding this heavy onslaught round by round and still standing his ground dishing out whatever he could to earn Canelo’s respect inside that squared circle. As battered as the “Gorilla” was he still fought hard enough in the championship rounds making it harder on Canelo to earn this victory without being stopped by his hands.

After 12 fully completed rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109 unanimously for Canelo Alvarez.

This was a historical moment for Canelo and the fans in attendance. Although Canelo did not close the show with a knockout, this showcase of an event will forever be embedded in the memories of all his Mexican supporters.

That being said, the critics will still talk their sh*t and judge Canelo’s performance as usual for not stopping Ryder but as you can see, it’s easier said than done when you step foot inside that squared circle opposite of the “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion of the World Canelo Alvarez.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

Western Conference Semifinals

The western Conference has finally reached completion. The No. 1 Seed Denver Nuggets stayed true to their position and dispatched of the pesky No. 8 Seed Minnesota Timberwolves in a very convincing fashion. The Nuggets have had plenty of rest and considerable time to strategize for their next foe in the No. 4 Seed Phoenix Suns who them too dispatched of their opponent, the No. 5 Seed Los Angeles Clippers in a convincing fashion as well. Considering their early dominance of the first round, both teams have already engaged in their battle, giving the Nuggets a 1-0 win over their formidable adversary. Definitely a series to keep an eye on.

The same can’t be said for the No. 2 Seed Memphis Grizzlies who talked a good game all the way up to the Playoffs and looked the part right until they fell short to the No. 7 Seed Los Angeles Lakers. The Grizzlies made that series competitive up until they got the attention of LeBron James. The excess trash talking sent his way woke up a sleeping giant waiting for a reason to unleash his unstoppable assault and that he did. LeBron and company showed levels above the Grizzlies and shut the show down and crushed the Grizzlies into submission and went on to round two. Waiting for them are the No. 6 Seed Golden State Warriors who took down No. 3 Seed Sacramento Kings fresh off the only game 7 series in the first round but they are still hungry to prove the naysayers wrong. Truth be told, the Warriors have been horrendous on the road throughout the season but still managed enough quality wins to be able to attempt to defend their previous NBA Championship. Beating the young gunning Kings was a tough obstacle but the challenge ahead with a very motivated LeBron James and the Lakers, will be must see TV considering these are the No. 6 and 7 Seed trying to get to the NBA Finals. Both squads are starting to get it together game by game. I can’t wait to see how this particular series unfolds.

Tune in and witness the outcome.

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

Eastern Conference Semifinals

With the first round officially over, we can now set our focus on the second round of attention-grabbing match ups. The only team claiming a four-game sweep in the first round of exciting action was the No. 3 seeded Eastern team the Philadelphia 76ers who fought tooth and nail and eventually overpowered the Brooklyn Nets game by game. If the 76ers can maintain their focus on both sides of the court, they can definitely bring that heat to the No. 2 Seeded Boston Celtics who have been looking stronger and stronger game by game. However, with Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown balling out of their mind as of late, I can only expect an incredible shootout come Game 1 of the second round. Real Talk!

With the fall of the No. 1 Seeded Milwaukee Bucks at the hands of the No. 8 Seeded Miami Heat, the Eastern Conference Playoffs have taken a serious shift. The Heat will have to capitalize on this great first round win and continue with the momentum when they take on the No. 5 Seeded New York Knicks. The Knicks have been looking sharp and motivated game by game, but that said Jimmy Butler has put the Heat on his back playing out of his mind and looking like an “Equalizer” that can’t be stopped. An intriguing matchup to pay attention too. Real Talk!

Tune in this Sunday April 30, 2023, for round two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia”

The Moment

Last night’s PBC/Showtime PPV Main Event between Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 Kos) and Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 Kos) unquestionably lived up to the hype and shook the jam-packed building at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Real Talk!

Both combatants talked a lot of sh*t towards the build-up of this bout but truth be told the inside of that squared circle is the original truth teller of them all and the one that walked it like he talked it and backed up every word is none other than Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

Both combatants came out the gate very confident from round one but it was Tank who established his presence first by dropping an eager Ryan for a quick 8 count in the second round. In doing so, Ryan became more worrisome of Tank’s power and deviated slightly from the original “game plan” at hand, while Tank stayed cool and calm round by round.

Ryan attempted to press the action at times but kept on overreaching being countered by a very calculative Tank who seemed to always be ready at all times. Tank did not make it easy for Ryan who visibly outsized him in length and size but still wasn’t able to land anything of significance enough to slow Tank down.

With desperation and the rounds mounting on Ryan’s back, Ryan attempted to go blow for blow with Tank and succumbed to a vicious counter body shot in round 7 that forced him to take a knee, unable to answer the referee’s count. It was a delayed reaction type punch but in definitely closed the show in an emphatic fashion.

That being said, this was an exciting bout from start to finish and both combatants showed up and performed and the better man won. Ryan can keep his head up high for stepping up to the plate and giving it his best shot.

Congratulations Gervonta on another great performance, tonight was your night.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina”

IBF Junior Lightweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event definitely brought the house down at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales, when IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-1-1, 14 Kos) took on former IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Joe Cordina (16-0, 9 Kos) on his home ground of Cardiff.

This was Joe’s second homecoming and he did not disappoint his fans in attendance. Both combatants threw tough leather at each other right from the jump but it was Joe who established early dominance by dropping Rakhimov in the second round for a quick 8 count.

But not to be deterred by the second-round slipup, Rakhimov came out gunning and applying pressure from that point on with both combatants going toe to toe phone booth style round after round.

This bout was a competitive bout from start to finish. Both combatants had their moments hurting each other back and forth making it very hard to call the rounds clearly for either warrior. Rakhimov was busier with his hands and combination shots but the more telling punches were coming from Cordina.

After 12 completed, exciting rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 116-111 for Rakhimov, 115-112 and 114-113 for Cordina giving him the split decision win and the New IBF Junior Lightweight Champion.

I’m not sure how the Judge that scored it 116-111 saw the fight that far apart but I personally think the right combatant won the bout.

Congratulations Joe on becoming a two-time Junior Lightweight Champion. You walked it like you talked it and delivered on the biggest stage.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Sandy Ryan vs Marie-Pier Houle”

Vacant WBO Welterweight Showdown

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Co Main Event brought us the crowning of a new Champion when Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2 Kos) bested our own Canadian challenger Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1 2 Kos) at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

This may not have been Sandy’s best showing to date but knowing what was on the line tonight she definitely brought the right pressure on Marie, systematically breaking her down round by round. It wasn’t a pretty fight but it was effective enough to trouble Marie who did not have the right “game plan” to deter Sandy from having her way inside that squared circle.

Marie tried hard in every round – giving it her all but she lacked the right controlled aggression to offset Sandy’s higher work rate as the rounds progressed. Marie showed that she’s definitely tough inside that squared circle but she needed to be more active at times with her own work rate.

Sandy was undeniably looking for a knockout but Marie’s sturdy chin stood up to the assault but was unable to avoid the steady jabs hitting her straight all night.

After 10 rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 unanimously in favor of Sandy Ryan, the New WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Sandy, your future is looking brighter and brighter every time out.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang”

WBO Interim-Heavyweight Challenge

Tonight’s Queensberry Promotions/ESPN + Main Event between WBO Interim-Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce (15-1, 14 Kos) and challenger Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1, 20 kos) at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, London, Uk, was a case of a cherry pick by Joe’s team gone wrong. Real Talk!

Joyce walked inside that squared circle with absolutely no respect for his opponent but quickly found out within minutes of the first round that he was in there with a “Big Bang” of an opponent who was gamed and willing to bang toe-to-toe with the “Juggernaut”.

Zhang stood his ground early and asserted himself quite well-hitting Joyce flush with some serious heavy shots straight to the dome and drawing first blood from his nose. It was clear to me from the first two rounds that Joyce’s team definitely drew up the wrong “game plan” cause Joyce was there boxing but looking shaky every time he got hit hard.

It was certainly unfamiliar ground for Joyce who was caught off guard at the receiving end of a game warrior. Zhang showed absolutely no fear inside that squared circle. Zhang welcomed the opportunity presented to him and broke Joyce down round by round.

Although Joyce looked more active with his hands, it was Zhang who was doing the most damage with his. Zhang’s power punches completely closed Joyce’s right eye out prompting the ring physician to check his eye in between rounds to eventually having the referee stop the bout in the sixth round.

Nobody in attendance expected this bout to unravel like this but tonight the “Juggernaut” had met his match and succumbed to the hands of the “Big Bang” Zhang.

Congratulations Zhilei Zhang on becoming the New WBO Interim-Heavyweight Champion of the World. Well done!

Blaze