On The Watch “It’s All About Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez”

IBF/WBO Super Featherweight Unification Showdown

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event Between WBO Super Featherweight Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 Kos) and IBF Super Featherweight Champion Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez (29-2, 27 Kos) was an impressive performance by the underdog Navarrete, who showed the fans in attendance at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, why he’s been a Champion for so long.

Many of boxing’s pundits favoured Nunez and anticipated Navarrete to have his toughest fight to date but what transpired was quite different. Navarrete came in this bout extremely focused and well-conditioned for the task at hand and proceeded to press the action with controlled aggressive boxing and moving from the first bell.

Nunez is a well-schooled tough combatant but, on this night, he was playing catch up with an assassin who was shooting on all cylinders. Nunez had some moments with the body shots but not enough to deter Navarrete from pressing him with some heavy shots.

As good as Nunez attempted to stand his ground and fight toe-to-toe, the consistent onslaught coming his way was severely taking a toll on him. After damaging his eye in the early rounds, the writing was on the wall. The ringside Doctor was on the lookout. 

By round 10, the blood continued to pour out of Nunez’s shut right eye as he was brutally taking in some serious abuse. This prompted the ringside Doctor to inspect Nunez’s right eye once again at the beginning of round 11 and advised the referee to stop the bout.

This was a bout where the betting world projected Navarrete to fail but this Champion proved the naysayers wrong by outclassing a formidable Champion Eduardo Nunez on the biggest fight of his career, to now being crowned Unified IBF/WBO Super Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois”

WBO Heavyweight Challenge

A very intriguing Heavyweight showdown has officially been announced where newly crowned WBO Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 Kos) will be looking to have a voluntary first defence of his Championship Title against former IBF Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 Kos) at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9, 2026. 

Interestingly, Wardley could have chosen a softer touch for his first title defence but specifically sought out Dubois as he is one of the most dangerous opponents available and the one that would give him an even better look once he adds that conquest to his resume.

Wardley is a real Warrior looking to be taken seriously in the Heavyweight Division so looking for an easy roll out is not in his present DNA. This bout is being billed as “Don’t Blink” due to the fact that both combatants pack some heavy heat and have proven in the past to do some serious damage to their opponents. 

The 95% knockout ratio they both carry speaks volumes, hence the intrigue. My question is which combatant will be able to withstand each other’s heavy onslaught when the going gets tough inside that squared circle?

This championship bout is set to be a 12 round competition but truth be told, with these two heavy- handed combatants gracing that squared circle Saturday night May 9, 2026, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, anticipate a quick and destructive outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn”

Undisputed Heavyweight Showdown

Last night’s Salita Promotion/Kings Promotion/DAZN Main Event was another showcase of an event for the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” IBF/WBA/WBC/WBF/WBO Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Claressa Shields (18-0, 3 Kos) who defended her crown against Unified WBA/WBC Super Middleweight Champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (10-3, 2 Kos), in a rematch of their 2016 professional debut but this time they brought the house to their feet at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Real Talk!

Franchon “The Heavy Hitting Diva” stayed true to her moniker and went it gunz blazing with them heavy hands trying to take Claressa’s head off right from the jump at the first bell but Claressa held her ground and fought fire with fire dishing out the same heat and not letting herself get bullied in the opening round.

Franchon set the pace early with her aggressive output but Claressa matched her energy at every corner and hit her up with the right combinations to let her know things wasn’t going to be this easy to take her out of her comfort zone.

Both combatants banged hard and stood toe-to-toe but as the rounds progressed you could see Franchon losing steam in her punches and her output and was taking in a lot more abuse from Claressa who was still sharp and active with her hands.

Claressa separated herself round by round and showed levels above Franchon as she boxed and banged all the way through the 10 official rounds. Things didn’t look all that pretty inside that squared circle but when it was all said and done, the Judges at hand saw it as a one-sided affair and scored it unanimously 100-90 on the panel.

Franchon was a “GAME” fighter from the jump but truth be told that pace she tried to keep up with was simply too much for her to deal with, having Claressa on the opposite side.

With this dominant performance by Claressa, she retained her IBF/WBA/WBC/WBF/WBO Undisputed Heavyweight Championship Tittles, and has her still looking for that challenge.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa”

WBA Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s homecoming Queensberry/DAZN Main Event between WBA Featherweight Champion Nick Ball (23-1-1, 13 kos) and challenger Brandon Figueroa (27-2-1 20 Kos) surpassed my expectations by the way these two warriors banged on one another from start to finish at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, England.

Brandon, fighting for the first time out of the country on enemy territory, did not let Nick, who was fighting in his own backyard of Liverpool deter him from the task at hand. Brandon looked focussed from the jump and did not let the energy from Nick’s fans distract him whatsoever from executing the “game plan”.

That being said, Nick approached this bout in usual form. He came in with the heavy punches flowing with his nonstop pressure but was met with a willing combatant who was willing to bang with him punch for punch making this bout that much more interesting as it unfolded.

Nick, being the house fighter had the crowd behind him every time he threw a punch but Brandon kept his own work rate up and boxed competitively and well enough to keep things honest inside that squared circle.

Brandon did not come all the way to the United Kingdom to lay down and take a beating at Nick’s hands. Brandon stood tall and banged toe-to-toe with the bully and dished out just as much as he was taking in and made this a tougher outing than expected for Nick.

Brandon kept a challenging pace that clearly bothered Nick from settling down and getting comfortable enough to dictate the bout. Brandon kept the “HEAT” coming at all times. By the twelfth round, Brandon finally caught an opening and landed a hard left right to Nick’s chin that viciously dropped him to a standing 8 count. Nick quickly got back up to his feet to continue only to receive an onslaught of unanswered punches that eventually knocked him out outside of the ring which prompted the referee to stop the bout.

Brandon, the “Heartbreaker” stayed true to his moniker and broke everybody’s heart in attendance in that building when he brutally stopped their Champion Nick Ball and snatched the WBA Featherweight Championship belt from him.

This impressive win by Brandon now crowns him a Three-Time World Champion.

Congratulations Champ. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch”It’s All About The 75th 2026 NBA All-Star Game”

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game

This year, the 75th annual NBA All-Star Game will be hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Sunday night February 15, 2026, and will feature a new format with two U.S. teams and one international World team competing in a round-robin tournament featuring four 12-minute games. Each team will feature a minimum of eight players. The Starters were chosen by the fans (50%), the players (25%), and the media (25%).  The 30 NBA Coaches selected the reserves. The Western Conference leading vote-getter from the fans is Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic and Eastern Conference leading vote-getter from the Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The two U.S. teams are USA Stars and USA Stripes. The U.S. All-Stars were assigned to teams based on age, with the younger squad placed on USA Stars and the older seasoned squad placed on USA Stripes. Team World will be comprised of international players.

Team USA Stars (Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff from the Detroit Piston)

  • Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
  • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
  • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
  • Jalen Duren (Detroit Piston)
  • Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Team USA Stripes (Head Coach Mitch Johnson from the San Antonio Spurs)

  • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
  • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
  • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
  • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
  • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)
  • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Norman Powell (Miami Heat)

Team World (Head Coach Darko Rajakovic from the Toronto Raptors)

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
  • Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
  • Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
  • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
  • Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
  • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

With this new format debuting at this year 75th, the jury will be out on full display, but what remains the same is that “King of the Court” will still be up for grabs come Sunday night February 15, 2026, airing on NBC. Which Squad will claim “GAME” when it’s all said and done?

Tune in and enjoy the festivities of the entire weekend starting February 13 to February 15, 2026.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson”

WBO Junior Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN Main Event between WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 Kos) and WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 Kos) was a one-sided affair that favoured the challenger who was moving up in weight at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Real Talk!

Solving the puzzle that Shakur presented is a tough task but entering that squared circle opposite of him without a full proof “game plan” with different options to go along with is diabolical and that is exactly what Teofimo did on the night.

Judging from the first few rounds it was clear that Teofimo and his dad had absolutely no clue on how to break the Shakur Stevenson code. Shakur did say that this was going to be easy work but what transpired was just unexpected pure dominance.

Teofimo looked lost from the jump even when Shakur made it easy for him by standing right in front of him jabbing his head off with an accurate punch that couldn’t miss the target. Shakur showed Teofimo absolutely no respect and no fear as he boxed circles around him round by round.

Shakur systematically disarmed Teofimo with such ease inside that squared circle that it was painful to watch such a decorated champion in Teofimo be humiliated and humbled after talking all that sh*t towards the build-up of this bout and not be able to back any word of it. Real Talk!

Shakur showed us another facet in his arsenal and the boxing IQ needed to always be able to raise the levels when being tested by the so called best.

After 12 rounds of one-sided action, the Judges at hand had absolutely no problem scoring this bout unanimously 119-109 in favor of Shakur Stevenson.

With this impressive performance, Shakur singlehandedly elevated his star status to Superstar on the come up and snatched the WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Championship titles from Teofimo in the process, crowning him a Four-Division Champion.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz”

Junior Welterweight Showdown

Last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN Co-Main Event was an introduction to the Junior Welterweight Division for former WBO Lightweight Champion Keyshawn Davis (14-0, 10 Kos) who challenged Jamaine Ortiz (23-3-1, 10 Kos) and passed the test with flying colors.

Jamaine, a formidable opponent, came in this bout very confident and was ready to dish out a beating on Keyshawn but might have underestimated him as the rounds progressed. Keyshawn stood his ground and fought fire with fire showing absolutely no fear inside that squared circle.

Jamaine thought he could bully the smaller opponent who was coming up in weight but soon found out that Keyshawn was built different and possessed some power with a pin point accuracy that seriously troubled him round by round.

As the rounds progressed it was clear that Keyshawn was breaking Jamaine down as his movements began to slow down whenever Keyshawn pressed the action. Keyshawn’s punches from head to body were taking a toll on Jamaine who tried desperately to stay on survivor mode but he eventually got dropped with a mean body shot to a standing 8 count in the eleventh round but he made it out.

By the twelve round the inevitable was written. Keyshawn continued his assault from head to body and eventually landed the right body shot that shut the show down indefinitely in the last 20 seconds of the round prompting the referee to halt the bout.

With this impressive win, Keyshawn has officially announced himself to the Junior Welterweight Division but he may be looking to bring his talent to the Welterweight Division towards the Champions for his next conquest.

Until then, well done Keyshawn.    

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly”

IBF Junior Middleweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event at the Newcastle Arena in Newcastle, England, between the boogeyman of the Division, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 Kos) and challenger Josh Kelly (18-1, 9 Kos) was an interesting bout that drew a surprising outcome when the final bell rang.

Josh came in this bout quite confident knowing he was entering that squared circle with one of the most avoided Champions in the Division. Josh stayed true to himself and executed a near perfect “game plan” that had Bakhram frustrated for most of the duration of the bout.

Josh’s speed, footwork and precise punch selection kept Bakhram unsettled and unable to administer his own usual destructive punches due to Josh being so elusive round by round.

Surprisingly, it was Bakhram who suffered his first knock down of the night when he got caught by Josh with a strong jab that cost him a standing 8 count but quickly got back up to his feet showing no signs of being hurt.

Bakhram tried desperately to press the action but lacked the speed or the right “game plan” to cut off the ring and trap Josh when the opportunity presented itself.

Josh did his best to stay disciplined and kept his feet moving at all time but eventually got caught with a short but powerful left hand that dropped him to a standing 8 count in the ninth round. From this point on Josh survived the round and played keep away for the remainder of the bout doing his best to avoid any further slip ups.

After 12 rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 115-111, 114-113 and 113-113, giving the majority decision to Josh Kelly.

Josh impressed me with this one. I didn’t think he could stand 12 rounds with Bakhram but tonight he definitely proved me wrong and for that I tip my “B” hat to you.

With this convincing win Josh you have now added your name to the United Kingdom active male Champions by claiming the IBF Junior Middleweight Title. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz”

IBF Lightweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between IBF Lightweight Champion Raymond Muratalla (24-0, 17 Kos) and Olympic Gold medalist, undefeated Challenger Andy Cruz (6-1, 3 Kos) was a competitive bout that had the fans in attendance at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, quite entertained.

Raymond knew exactly what he was up against and wasted no time executing his “game plan” from the fist bell. Raymond pressed the action with calculated pressure throwing punches from head to body at a higher clip rate than expected but definitely efficient enough to keep Andy from settling down into his own groove.

Andy did his part to match Raymond punch for punch but it was clear as the rounds progressed that Raymond was the one outworking Andy when push came to shove. Andy had his moments in between rounds but never quite capitalized on them enough in my eyes.

Raymond showed up last night and brought his “A” game inside that squared circle and silenced all the naysayers who discredited him as a Champion.

That being said, this was a highly competitive and technical bout where both combatants had to be on point to outduel one and other. After 12 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 114-114, 116-112 and 118-110 giving the majority decision to Raymond Muratalla.

Although the score of 118-110 is suspect in my eyes, the right man definitely won this bout hands down.

Congratulations Raymond on retaining your IBF Lightweight Championship.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?

The NBA Who’s On Top?

We have officially passed the midpoint mark for the NBA Season with 42 plus games played to date and the Defending Champions Oklahoma City Thunder (36-8) have yet to relinquish their No. 1 Spot. They continue to oversee the entire league looking as focused as ever and determined to hold on to their crown by any means necessary.  Breathing closely down their necks are the San Antonio Spurs (30-13) steady pacing themselves and proving to be live contenders ready for the challenge when push comes to shove. The Denver Nuggets (29-14) are already a proven squad, so they are always in the mix regardless of their standing. The intriguing question in the Western Conference right now is who’s next on the come up between the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-16), the Houston Rockets (25-15), the Los Angeles Lakers (25-16), the Phoenix Suns (26-17) and the Golden State Warriors (25-19)?

On the Eastern Conference side, the Detroit Pistons (31-10) are passing the eye test by holding down their No. 1 Spot while still looking like the old school Pistons and steadily improving game by game. The Boston Celtics (26-16) have picked up some steam and put some games together to move up the standings while the New York Knicks (25-18) have had a harder time holding down their spot after winning the Emirates NBA Cup. Our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors (25-19) have been impressively competitive night in and night out and could easily move up the standings if they could get a good run going. Vying to stay in the mix are the Philadelphia 76ers (23-18), the Orlando Magic (23-19), the Cleveland Cavaliers (24-20) and the Miami Heat (22-21) but things could look different as the season progresses.

That being said, stay locked in for a competitive second half of the season.

Blaze