On The Watch “It’s All About Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood”

WBA Super Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight champion Mauricio Lara (26-3-1, 19 kos) and challenger Leigh Wood (27-3, 16, Kos) was a rematch that desperately needed to be rectified by Leigh at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Having succumbed to an upsetting stoppage by Lara back in February 2023, Leigh wasted no time at applying the “game plan” at hand right from the jump. Leigh’s confidence was on point and looked quite focussed and determined to remedy the mishap of their last meeting.

Lara talked a good game prior to this bout but surprisingly did not back it up inside that squared circle. Lara looked slow, disengaged and one step behind every move Leigh had for him inside that squared circle.

Leigh looked stronger on the night and managed to dropped Lara twice early in the second round for two quick 8 counts but to me, it was the exceptional boxing skills displayed on the night and bewildering Lara round after round that sealed the deal. Leigh’s patience and determination was key to securing the win after 12 fully completed rounds of action with the Judges at hand calling it 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 unanimously for Leigh Wood.

With this convincing win now under his belt, Leigh is now a two-time WBA Super Featherweight Champion of the World with an even brighter future ahead.

Congratulations Leigh Wood. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Luis Alberto Lopez vs Michael Conlan”

IBF Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Top Rank/BT Sport/ESPN + Main Event was a showcase type of an event by the visiting IBF Featherweight Champion Luis Alberto Lopez (28-2, 16 Kos) who came down to defend his Championship Belt on foreign ground against challenger Michael Conlan (18-2, 9 Kos) at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The pro Conlan crowd in attendance soon found out that Lopez was not someone to be taken lightly inside that squared circle. Lopez came out the gate looking for that smoke and proceeded to press the action but Conlan stood his ground as best he could and boxed and moved and attempted to make things quite interesting at times with a very effective and active jab. However, the pressure Lopez was applying round by round was noticeably taxing on Conlan and it was only a matter of time before the inevitable occurred.

That being said, by the fifth round the heavier fisted Lopez landed a perfectly placed right uppercut straight to the chin of Conlan that dropped him lifeless to the ground for the count which then prompted Conlan’s corner to throw in the towel signalling the referee to halt the bout.

This was a statement bout for Lopez who walked it like he talked it by sticking to the script and making sure the Judges at hand were not needed by knocking out Conlan senseless and retaining his IBF Featherweight Championship.

The other Champions in the Featherweight Division need to keep a close eye on this dude as he said it loud and clear that he’s coming for all of them one by one.

Congratulations Luis Alberto Lopez on another destructive statement.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko”

Undisputed Lightweight Championship Showdown

Last night’s highly anticipated Top Rank/ESPN PPV Main Event between Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (30-0, 15 Kos) and mandatory challenger Vasiliy Lomachenko (17-3, 11 Kos) definitely lived up to the hype at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Real Talk!

It was evident from round one that Devin quickly realized that he was in there with a hungry and motivated Loma who brought the heat and his extensive experience inside that squared circle.

Styles make fights and last night both combatant dug deep into their arsenal going toe to toe and blow for blow trying to get an advantage at any cost. Loma looked exceptionally strong and applied the most pressure in my eyes. Loma showed absolutely no fear and constantly initiated the offence not waiting for a counter from Devin.

Devin stood his ground and hit the body quite well but definitely looked surprised by how strong and witty Loma was inside that squared circle. At times Devin looked bewildered, not knowing how to deter Loma from applying such controlled aggression. Devin may have been the bigger and longer fighter on the night but Loma found a way in and neutralized Devin’s noticeable advantages.

Both combatants put in that work and it was a back-and-forth type battle round after round keeping it real tight to call but to me Loma asserted himself as the aggressor with the most controlled activity with punches landed round by round.

After 12 fully completed, exciting rounds of action the Judges at hand called it 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 unanimously for Devin Haney.

Judging by the scorecard handed in, it was evident that the work being done inside that squared circle by both combatants made it hard to call but truth be told, I can’t sit here and honestly say that Devin was the clear winner here and disregard the heavy work that Loma administered on the night. Loma turned back the clock on this one and stole the show if you ask me.

Just my thoughts.

Blaze

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