On The Watch “It’s All About Andre “S.O.G.” Ward”

Andre Ward Retiring From Boxing

Today we see another future Hall of Famer hang his Boxing Gloves up. Andre “S.O.G.” Ward is one of very few Professional Boxers who get to walk away while still being on the top of his Game. His accolades in this Boxing Game speak for himself. 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Two-Division World Champion, Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion, Reigning Pound-For Pound WBA, WBO, IBF and still undefeated (32-0 16Kos). Nuff said.

Haters are going to talk that shit about homey but REAL TALK, I’m happy to see Ward walk away from Boxing on his own terms. Andre is part of that exceptional breed of disciplined Boxers who took the Game seriously and stayed on path throughout his entire career and looking back at it now, all that hard work and dedication to the sport he loved paid off.

Even if his career ends earlier than anyone projected, “Hate him or love him” peeps can’t front on what Ward brought to the Boxing World. You will be missed. Thank you Andre “S.O.G.” Ward for blessing us with your greatness.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin”

“Middleweight World Supremacy Battle To A Split Draw”

First off I would like to congratulate both Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2 34KOs) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0-1 33KOs) for giving us a hell of a fight. This Middleweight Battle was as good as expected. Both fighters stepped up to the plate and performed at a high level. “GGG” stayed true to himself as he was the aggressor chasing down the “Pitbull” Canelo whom surprised me with his constant movements around the ring. Which was very unusual for him.

Both fighters were dropping “bombs” on each other. Golovkin had his jab game on point on that night but Canelo had his combination and counterpunches to answer the jab. I have to give the “ring generalship” to Golovkin cause he seemed to cut off the ring well and pretty much controlled the fight. Canelo established himself as a true Middleweight in withstanding Golovkin’s onslaught like a worrier. Your Boy’s chin is serious. REAL TALK! He gave his fair share to Golovkin, whether “GGG” respected his power it’s another question.

For 12 full rounds of action we saw two of the Pound-For-Pound best Middleweights the game had to offer duke it out in that squared circle. The result, a split draw?

Golovkin will retain his IBF, IBO, WBC and WBA Middleweight Titles while Canelo still remains The Ring Magazine and lineal Middleweight Champion since no one has officially beaten him for taking the WBC, Ring and lineal Middleweight Titles from Miguel Cotto back in November 2015.

That being said the unexpected but not too surprising “Drama Show” came in the hands of one particular Judge Adalaide Byrd scored the closely contested fight 118-110 for Alvarez? Judge Dave Moretti scored it 115-113 for Golovkin and Judge Don Trella scored it even, 114-114.

Truth be told this fight was a damn close one no disputing that but to call it 118-110, you have just tainted this “Battle of Middleweight Supremacy”. Now the question remains, will a rematch be the next chapter or will we be left to ponder what could have been? Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Billy Joe Saunders”

Reigning WBO Middleweight Champion

Tonight at London’s Copper Box Arena, Billy Joe Saunders (25-0, 12Kos) successfully retained his WBO Middleweight Title in beating Willie Monroe Jr. (21-3, 6 Kos) with a twelve round unanimous decision. REAL TALK!

Billy looked calm, in control and never looking rattled or bothered by Willie. It was a boxing chess match in winch Billy’s game plan was executed to perfection. I was quite disappointed to see how weak Monroe performed tonight knowing what was at stake if he won. Willie’s offence was stagnating and lackadaisical. As the visiting fighter your game needs to be on point from the “jump”. You can’t afford to sit back and play the waiting game. He may have looked the part tonight but he did not show up to win in that squared circle.

With that being said I have to congratulate Billy Joe Saunders for his convincing win. Billy showed up in shape and performed well for someone who hadn’t fought since December 2016. His improved stamina was very noticeable considering how he competed impressively in every round. With this win I’m eager to see how he follows it up. Will the winner of the Canelo/Golovkin call him out? Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Billy Joe Saunders vs Willie Monroe Jr.”

WBO Middleweight Title Challenge

Once again another important Middleweight fight is flying under the radar due to the Middleweight Supremacy battle between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, which definitely needs some attention.

Billy Joe Saunders (24-0, 12 Kos) will be making his second defense of his WBO Middleweight Championship Title against Willie Monroe Jr. (21-2, 6Kos) on Saturday September 16, 2017 at London’s Copper Box Arena live on BT Sport and Box Nation.

Judging by the change of trainer to Dominic Ingle and the newfound discipline of Billy Joe, I’m starting to think that he’s actually taking this defense seriously. Billy is viewing this defense as a new beginning a renewed focus to actually attempt at unifying the Middleweight Division. In his mind securing a convincing win against Willie Monroe could open up talks between the winner of Canelo/Golovkin.

With that being said Willy Monroe is hoping to disrupt Saunders future plans by attempting to snatch the WBO Middleweight Title from him. The WBO Belt is the last remaining missing piece to the puzzle. The winner between Saunders’ and Monroe Jr. will have a major bargaining piece to bring to the negotiating table. Losing is not an option for either fighter vying for a shot at the “Throne” in the Middleweight Division.

Ultimately the pressure relies on Billy to perform like the Champion that he is proclaiming to be. The last two years for him have not been his greatest considering injuries while also playing the waiting game with the lack of good competition. He’s been talking a lot of trash as of late so its time to back it up.

I personally anticipate for this bout between Saunders/Monroe to be a very competitive. Stamina will play a major part in this one. Both are unique Boxers in their own way. With Billy’s newfound “fountain of youth” on display and Willie’s fired-up hunger to dethrone the Champ in his own house, we can certainly expect an action-packed evening. Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin”

“Middleweight World Supremacy”

With the “Money Fight” between Mayweather and McGregor now successfully completed it is now time to navigate our attention to the “Countdown” to possibly one of the biggest Middleweight Division battle in History to date. REAL TALK! Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 Kos) will attempt to dethrone WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO undefeated Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33Kos).

Some fights are left to “marinate” for too long and end up missing the mark. This fight has had 2 years of “hype” built up behind it and personally as a boxing fan I felt this challenge would never take place.

Expectation is running high for both fighters. Both clearly think and believe that this bout will most likely end by way of knock out. Now let’s keep in mind that Canelo is taking part in his first full Middleweight limit of 160-pounds while Golovkin has been vacationing there from the jump. The Middleweight Division belongs to him; he’s at top of the food chain. Now with that being said, the odd makers have Golovkin as a slight favorite against Canelo, who happens to be eight years younger than him.

To me I see this battle of the “Middleweight Supremacy” as being a tough 50/50 fight. Neither Golovkin nor Alvarez has been knocked down as a pro to date but come Saturday September 16, 2017 in Las Vegas this will most likely change. REAL TALK!

With so much at stake for both fighters, neither can afford to slip up or come in unprepared. Both fighters are strong and aggressive with very good boxing IQ. The experience is there but who will crumble when the going gets tough and there’s nowhere to hide in that squared circle but to duke it out?

There is no shortage of confidence on either side. Golovkin is claiming “Big Drama Show” while Canelo is looking to silence and shock all doubters’ on September 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view. So many questions to be answered but who will step up their “Game” and move on to a superior level at the end of the night? Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Floyd “Money” Mayweather”

The Champ is here

Last night Mayweather (50-0, 27Kos) took it back in time. He left the cell phone at home and went straight to the phone booth, the inside game that is. REAL TALK!

The retired older and much smaller fighter outsmarted the bigger stronger and younger challenger in Conor McGregor (0-1). It was a boxing lesson at its finest for the public and fans all around the world watching. The so-called old man “Money” Mayweather took it straight to McGregor and pressured the Young Lion throughout the fight. Mayweather’s game plan was perfectly executed.

Conor showed a lot of heart and a strong will but at the end Floyd was just too witty and crafty for the Young Blood to figure out. Your Boy McGregor just simply ran out of “juice” and couldn’t sustain the ongoing aggressiveness that Mayweather was bringing on to him. Floyd stayed cool, calm and collective while walking the awkward McGregor down round by round. By the tenth round it was clear that Conor was about to be out on his feet so the ref saved him from more punishment and stopped the fight.

To me win or lose McGregor is still a tough competitor hands down. The MMA World still has a Champion in Conor McGregor. He walked it like he talked it but just happen to tangle with “The Best To Ever Do It” in the Boxing World in Floyd “Money” Mayweather that is.

Congratulation Champ! You masterfully secured your 50th victory with a hell of a memorable performance. Thank you for staying true to your word. The Champ is here!

Blaze

WBC “Money Belt”

The WBC has created a special “Money Belt” for “The Fight of The Century” between Mayweather/McGregor. Shit just got REAL. These dudes are actually fighting for a WBC Belt which contains 3,360 diamonds, 600 sapphires, 160 emeralds and approximately 1.5 kilograms of 24-karat gold with crocodile leather . Both names are featured on the Belt but who will be “The Don” to walk away with the “Money Belt” come Saturday night August 26, 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas? Tune in!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford”

The New Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion

Listen, I have to tip my “B” hat to your Boy Terence “Bud” Crawford for the hell of an exceptional performance in that squared circle Saturday night August 19, 2017, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Crawford (32-0, 23Kos) shattered previously undefeated WBA and IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Julius Indongo (22-1, 11Kos) in just three amazing rounds. He was cool collective, and powerful in dismantling his worthy opponent. He showed no sign of fear at any time. To be honest I expected Julius to put up a more competitive and challenging fight but when your opponent is as determent as Terence was that night the unavoidable was bound to happen.

His greatness can no longer be denied. “Bud” ran through the 140-pound Division like a “Man” on a mission to now becoming the New Undisputed WBO, WBC, WBA and IBF Junior Welterweight Champion of the world. REAL TALK!

His stock has risen now and his name will forever be in the “History Books” as one of the very few to complete this accomplishment of being “Undisputed” in this day and age. Congratulation Terence you showed the Boxing World and every naysayer out there just how great of a Champion you truly are. You ducked know won on your way up to “Supremacy” status of this Division.

You are unquestionably in “The Pound-for-Pound” conversation after this astonishing win! Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford vs Julius Indongo”

Junior Welterweight Supremacy

There is a very important match up taking place Saturday August 19, 2017, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, that has been flying under the radar due to the “Super Fight” between Mayweather/McGregor garnishing so much attention this Month.

Terence “Bud” Crawford (31-0, 22 Kos) WBO, WBC World Super Lightweight Champion and Julius “The Blue Machine” Indongo (22-0, 11 Kos) WBA, IBF World Super Lightweight Champion are set to unify the Lightweight Division and establish whom between them will be truly “Undisputed King” at 140 lbs. REAL TALK!

Holding all 4 Belts from each Major Sanctioning Bodies is something that has been lacking in this day and age due to various reasons; sanctioning fees, different networks, different promotional teams, disagreement over purse bids or simply afraid of some really good competition. REAL TALK!

With that being said I can’t wait to witness these two fearless Undefeated Light Welterweight Champions go at it on this Historical night. It has been 12 years since an Undisputed Champion has held all 4 Belts in any Division. REAL TALK!

Crawford will have hometown advantage but Indongo has been known to upset the home fighters since two of his belts have been won in a convincing fashion as the visiting challenger.

The odd makers have Crawford as the favorite and rightfully so. Crawford is a “beast” in that ring and he handles his business like the Champ that he is. His skills set are exceptional. The Kid got the goods for sure.

As for Indongo he is the lessor known assassin of the two but definitely not one to be taking lightly, ask his two last highly ranked opponents Edward Troyanovsky previously unbeaten until he ran into Julius and snatched his IBF Title from him and Ricky Burns whom he beat for his WBA Belt both while being on the road. The Man went from a little known fringe contender to top of the food Chain. REAL TALK!

Some people in the Boxing Community are calling this fight a mismatch, but me personally I think that styles make fights; I’m anticipating this unification fight to be an exciting one considering how skillful and precise each opponent is. Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mayweather vs McGregor”

“The Money Fight”

I never thought this day would actually come to fruition? When talks first started swarming around I thought this was a big joke going around in the Boxing Community but truth be told Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Conor “The Notorious” McGregor is an official realistic thing. REAL TALK.

Mayweather the undefeated greatest fighter of his generation is putting his legacy all on the line vs Lightweight Champion McGregor in a pure Boxing match.

Judging by the four cities, three countries World Press Tour outcome, Conor’s fans and supporters were out in abundance at every stop they made and definitely had the masses thinking that he would be the favorite to win this “Super Fight”. However, like Floyd said on that stage “the fans can’t fight for you”.

This is a fight between two “warriors” from two completely different disciplines, Boxing and MMA.

On one side McGregor only 29 years old is regarded as one of the best in mixed martial arts. A two Division Champion in the UFC and currently holding their Lightweight Title. He is a stronger, larger, longer limb, taller and will most likely be the heavier fighter between the two come fight night.

Mayweather now 40 years old (but looking 30 years old) will be reentering the ring for the first time since September 2015. When considering all the pros and cons that Conor possesses you have to keep in mind some major factors when talking about Mayweather, A former 5 Division World Champion. The Best Defensive Boxer of All Time! Speed and accuracy are still well intact. Boxing IQ and Ring Generalship cannot be match even at this point in his career. The fact that he’s been doing this for 21 years as a profession at the top level speaks volume when you’re thinking about going against this Man. Undefeated at 49-0.

Listen I respect Conor for the great fighter that he is in his respectable field but thinking you’re going to jump ship and conquer Mayweather at his own game is ludicrous. I have to keep it real though; every fighter has a punchers chance on any given day and I know McGregor is no punk or your average fighter by any means but this ain’t MMA this is strictly Boxing and Mayweather’s code is not that easy to break. 49 (Professional Boxers) have tried and all 49 have failed.

Will “The Notorious One” concede to the Mayweather puzzle or will he be the one to crack the Da Vinci Code and hand Mayweather his first lost? Win or lose McGregor will be part of History along with Mayweather on Saturday August 26, 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze