On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman”

WBA Super Welterweight Showdown

Ask and you shall receive. It has officially been announced. WBA Super World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman (29-0, 22 Kos) will have an opportunity and the privilege of sharing the squared circle with the Living Legend WBA “regular” Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 Kos) on Saturday night July 20th at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

As it stands right now, Pacquiao is perceived as the underdog going into this bout, however, fresh off two back to back convincing wins, it’s clear to me that the “Pac Man” still has what it takes to upset the odds. Aside from their 10 years difference in age, I think they both match up pretty well. Both carry speed and legitimate power and know how and when to use it.

Personally, I think some major factors to look at is going to be their conditioning, the ring generalship and their Boxing IQ come fight night. Pacquiao, being the veteran has 30 years of experience on his side. Manny has seen it all by this point and fought the best in the game. Unlike Keith who is younger, undefeated but has been hit with some serious injuries that has slowed down his activity and momentum to date that could play an issue in their bout.

That being said, if the “One Time” Keith Thurman shows up on Saturday night July 20th, then your Boy “Pac Man” will be in for his toughest fight since the Mayweather Jr. bout. Real Talk!

Manny is out to prove the naysayers that he still got the “juice” and that he can still box with the best of them in any era. Taking down the undefeated Champion Keith Thurman would prove just that, he’s still the man to beat in the 147-pound Division.

I’m anticipating this bout to be action packed from start to finish. Keith been asking for crack at a “Legend” from time and now it’s here. Keith cannot drop the ball on this one. In order for him to regain his No. 1 Spot in the Welterweight Division he needs to win “Big” and in a convincing manner.

Keith already started the heavy trash talking out the gate at the press conference but we all know that talk is cheap if you don’t back it up 100 % come fight night. So, you know I’ll be tuning in Saturday night July 20th on Fox Sport pay-per-view.

Blaze

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

Vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title

In his first meaningful fight since David Lemieux, Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13 Kos) moved up to the Super-Middleweight Division and challenge No. 1 rated WBO challenger Shefat Isufi (27-4-2, 20 Kos) for the vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

On paper this bout looked like an even match considering BJS was coming up in weight from the Middleweight Division. However, as the bout progressed, it quickly became clear that we were witnessing another BJS vs David Lemieux type performance inside that squared circle.

For someone who didn’t have an active outing in 2018, BJS was sharp as a whistle-bobbing and weaving, slipping and dipping and popshots at will. BJS controlled every round. There are levels to this Boxing sh*t and it was evident last night that Isufi did not belong in that squared circle with BJS.

No disrespect to Isufi, Dude showed up to fight and gave it a good try even had a good round six in his favour but not enough to sway the Judges. All three Judges scored the fight 120-108, 117-111 and 118-110 in favour of Billy joe Saunders. Nuff said!

With this dominant performance by Billy Joe Saunders, the former WBO Middleweight Champion now becomes a two-weight Champion by capturing the vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title.

Billy Joe is a problem in either weight Division. I can’t wait to see what becomes of his latest acquisition.

Congratulations on your latest achievement Billy.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale”

WBC Heavyweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York was another highlight reel for the WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder (41-0-1, 40 Kos). Real Talk!

The “Bronze Bomber” handled his mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-2, 18 Kos) in a demoralizing fashion with a ruthless one-punch knockout at 2:17 of the very first round. The sh*t was straight out of a video game. Night Night!

This sh*t had way more hype in the build-up of the fight then the actual bout. Breazeale talked a good game and spoke of strategies and all that but, real talk, when that bell rung, Breazeale’s “Game Plan” went out the ring once Deontay connected with that straight right hand. Lights out!

I was hoping to see some rounds out of Breazeale and see what Deontay had been working on but clearly, Wilder had a different agenda and called it an early night. (Dude had an after party he needed to attend and he had to make sure he was clean ).

With a destructive performance like this, Deontay reaffirms his stance as the hardest hitting Heavyweight in the game today. He may not be the most polished Heavyweight, but one thing is for sure, his power in both hands, is real.

Until then, congratulations on your win Champ. I can’t wait to see who signs up for that contract next.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2019 NBA CONFERENCE FINALS”

2019 NBA CONFENCE FINALS

It’s about that time: the NBA’s version of the Final 4 is set to start tonight in Oakland in the Western Conference, when the Defending Champions, the No. 1 seeded Golden State Warriors will be looking to reach the finals by going ball for ball against the 3rd seeded Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams are coming in wounded but driven to reach the Finals by any means necessary. I’m anticipating a serious shootout between them two teams and for the guard play to be a major factor considering both team’s backcourt is their most noticeable strength. The Warriors have been looking vulnerable during this year’s Playoff run but are still considered the favourite to come out of the West. That being said, you can’t count the Blazers out, them boys have been on a mission to silence all the doubters. The Blazers have been balling out of their minds and their swag is on 100 right now. The Blazers have been battle tested during this Playoff run. Now it’s time for them to keep that momentum going long enough to reach the NBA Finals. Tune in this Tuesday night May 14, 2019 and witness the Western Conference shootout under the bright lights!

The No. 1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks have been dominating all year and haven’t lost a step during their Playoff run to date. Them Boys only lost one game during the first two series of the Playoffs. The Bucks have arrived and are determined to complete their “Cinderella” year by reaching the NBA Finals and seizing that Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy. That being said, our very own No. 2 seeded Canadian team The Toronto Raptors, have their own dreams and aspirations of them also reaching the NBA Finals and seizing that Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy for themselves. This Eastern Conference Finals will be must watch TV at its best. Real Talk! While Milwaukee cruised their way to the Conference Finals, the Raptors needed a heroic game 7 in their second round to secure their seat at the table. Although both teams match up pretty well, I think the deciding factors will fall on the respective play of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard. Them two have been playing on some next level. We’ve seen Kawhi’s clutch play at this level. He’s been here before now its for the rest of the team to follow his lead. As for Giannis “The Greek Freak”, this is his first time going deep into the Playoffs, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the way he’s been “Ballin”. Giannis has looked unstoppable as of late making this match up that much more intriguing. So, tune in Wednesday night May 15, 2019 and see who will be repping the East come Finals time.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jarrett Hurd vs Julian Williams”

IBF/IBO/WBA Junior Middleweight Challenge

The Junior Middleweight Division is “Blazing Hot” right now. Last night’s Main Event at the EagleBank Arena, in Fairfax, Virginia, between IBF/IBO/WBA Super Junior Middleweight Champion Jarrett Hurd (23-1, 16 Kos) and Julian Williams (27-1-1, 16 Kos) was a thing of beauty. Real Talk!

J-Rock who was a 5-1 underdog from the jump, walked into the Champion’s own turf (game 7 style) and claimed all the gold by defeating Hurd by unanimous decision with the scores off 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112. Unbelievable!

J-Rock’s performance was on point from the jump. He executed their “game plan” to a “T”. Julian was calm, focused and definitely well prepared physically and mentally. Being visibly smaller than Jarrett, Julian still had enough power nice and early to drop Hurd down for an 8 count in the second round.

To me, that was the game changing moment right there. From that point on, them two warriors entered the phone booth and exchanged some serious leather back and forth. The up close and personal style usually favours Hurd but, on this night, J-Rock had his number.

Round by round Williams stayed busy with his hands at all times. His defence was tight and making Hurd miss while still staying composed whenever Hurd did land something of significance.

Williams went toe to toe with the heavy fisted Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and out boxed him at his own game. Hurd took a lot of punishment last night and it cost him dearly as the rounds wore on.

Personally, I’m thinking Jarrett underestimated J-Rock’s ring generalship and in doing so succumbed to his first professional loss.

That being said, with this win, Julian is now the New IBF/IBO/WBA Super Unified Junior Middleweight Champion. A feat well deserved.

Congratulations Julian, you defied the odds and fulfilled your dreams of becoming a Champion.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Daniel Jacobs”

Middleweight Unification Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas did not disappoint. Once again, Middleweight WBA, WBC, Ring Magazine, Lineal Champion Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 Kos) proved to his peers and the World why he is the “Kingpin” of the Middleweight Division, hands down, by defeating with a unanimous decision IBF Middleweight Champion, Daniel Jacobs (35-3, 29 Kos).

There was no controversy here last night. Both came out with their respective “game plan” and executed it as best as they could. It was a chess match from start to finish, a well thought out bout.

Canelo, the shorter fighter of the two, pressed the action and kept his hands busy with a very good jab to go along with steady body punches and a higher percentage of power shots, while Jacobs started off slow and was having a harder time asserting himself throughout the bout.

It took Jacobs a few more rounds to eventually get things going but by that time, Canelo was ahead on the cards and had already affirmed himself and knew exactly how to disrupt Jacobs’ offence.

The Kid Canelo is a serious problem inside that squared circle. If you’re going to start slow against him, you’re doomed from the jump. You have to stay on point at all times against this Kat, one slip up and he has you.

Although Jacobs was the bigger, taller fighter, Canelo’s in ring experience and boxing IQ made up for any possible disadvantage. This was a true test in every way. Two well-schooled Champions going at it on the biggest stage.

Unlike Canelo’s last bout with Gennady Golovkin, this was not a war but a skillful display of boxing at its best.

All three Judges had Canelo winning by the scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112. (No complaints from me.) Listen, had Jacobs connected more with his power shots and started early, this bout could have easily been a draw. Real Talk!

That being said, with this win Canelo now captured his third Middleweight Title. He now possesses the IBF, WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine Belts. In order to completely unify the Middleweight Division, Alvarez needs to collect the last remaining WBO Belt from Champion Demetrius Andrade. Not an easy task but definitely one well worth the challenge.

Until then, congratulations on your latest great achievement. You truly are the “Kingpin” of the Middleweight Division.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas”

Heavyweight Challenge “Last Man Standing”

It has just been officially announced that Dillian Whyte “The Body Snatcher” (25-1, 18 Kos) will be putting up his WBC No. 1 ranking on the line at the O2 Arena in London, UK on July 20, 2019, against our own undefeated Canadian-based Columbian Oscar Rivas (26-0 18 Kos).

I’m impressed with Whyte taking on this high-risk task by willingly accepting a bout against a tough undefeated Heavyweight on the come up like Rivas.

The name Oscar Rivas may not be familiar to the average boxing fan, but truth be told your “Boy” Rivas is a serious threat who has been avoided by many of the top Heavyweights in the game to date. Judging by his rankings in the WBO No. 5, WBA No. 6, IBF No. 7 and WBC No. 10, you would be foolish to take him on thinking its going to be an easy night. A win over a highly ranked opponent like Whyte would speak volumes in the Heavyweight Division and definitely make for an appealing bout between the two Heavyweight Champions Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.

That being said, Dillian is slated to be the favorite between the two since he’s the bigger name and the one who will be fighting at home. Whyte has improved in many areas since he last fought AJ and with his steady momentum of back to back wins, Whyte will be looking to continue the streak all the way to a Championship bout in the near future.

I’m intrigued by this bout and can’t wait to see how it will unfold. There is a real potential of an upset. This might be Rivas’ coming out party on the big stage under the bright lights or just another body snatched by Dillian.

Whatever the outcome I anticipate a great bout in the making. Tune in and witness the “Last Man Standing” Saturday night July 20, 2019 at the O2 Arena in London, live on Sky SPORTS Box Office.

Blaze

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

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden in New York City was a disappointing one: and not because of Terence Crawford (35-0, 26 Kos), but because of his opponent for the night Amir Khan (33-5, 20 Kos).

Khan talked that talk but definitely didn’t back it up inside that squared circle. Khan came out the gate aggressive and fast but got caught nice and early in the first round and went down for an 8 count. From this point on it was clear that Khan was no match for Crawford.

As the bout wore on Khan was getting touched and broken down round by round. Khan looked weak and uncertain about how to proceed with the “Game Plan”. Crawford was having his way inside that squared circle and was boxing circles around Khan making him look out of place at times.

The “End Game” was bound to come but due to an accidental low blow to Khan, his corner informed the referee that he wouldn’t be able to continue. Just like that, the fight was over and Crawford retained his WBO Welterweight Belt by TKO in round six.

I personally expected a better effort from Khan but regardless of last night’s outcome, the end result would have been the same with Terence getting his hand raised when it’s all said and done.

Congratulations Champ now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Danny Garcia vs Adrian Grenados”


Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California was well worth it.
Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 Kos) showed up and reaffirmed his position in the Welterweight Division by being the only fighter to date to administer Adrian Grenados (20-7-2, 14 Kos) his first defeat by knockout. Real Talk!

Danny got busy from the jump and laid some heavy gloves on Grenados and dropped him twice in the second round. The first knockdown came off a heavy precise left hand, while the second knockdown came from a well-timed right hand. Your Boy Danny was on point and had that hunger back in his eyes.

It looked like Granados miscalculated his approach last night and in doing so got dismantled by Garcia who was determined to put the hurting on him. It was a statement bout that Garcia desperately needed and in stopping a tough and rugged Grenados the way that he did was very impressive.

By round 7, the referee had seen enough and jumped in and pulled the plug. Grenados was looking like a punching bag getting hit with some real heavy shots from left to right. There was no coming back at this point. Danny had convincingly proved his point. Garcia is back and looking for that smoke!

With this win Danny may have secured himself a rematch with Sean Porter for the WBC Welterweight Title. However, Danny has made it clear that he’s calling out all Champions in the Welterweight Division.

Until then, congratulations on your win Danny, now keep the momentum going.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Claressa Shields vs Christina Hammer”

Undisputed Middleweight Championship

Last night’s performance by Claressa Shields (9-0, 2 Kos) at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was a thing of beauty. Real Talk! Claressa talked that talk and backed up every word of it inside that squared circle and in doing so walked away the Undisputed Women’s Middleweight Champion of the World. Real Talk!

Shields, the younger Champion simply outclassed and outworked Hammer (24-1, 11 Kos) the more seasoned Champion round by round. Claressa fought with that hunger in her eyes while Christina showed fear with no real sense of urgency knowing, she was behind on the cards.

Personally, I expected Christina to put up a way better performance than what she came out with last night but truth be told Hammer had absolutely no way of disrupting Shields’s onslaught. Claressa’s speed, high work rate, counter punches combined with her power punches were just too much for Christina to settle in any type of offensive redeem.

This “Super Fight” was a one-sided schooling session by the younger but highly gifted Claressa Shields. All three Judges were in agreeance with the score of 98-92 for Claressa Shields. Nuff said!

Claressa came in with the IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight Belts around her waist and picked up the WBO Championship Belt from Christina and the prestigious Ring Magazine Belt that was also up for grabs on this very special night. Dream achieved.

With all 5 Belts now safely in her possession, Claressa is willing to challenge herself one step further by moving one weight Division down to Welterweight and challenge the Undisputed Champion Cecilia Braekhus, the first women in any weight class to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Titles concurrently.

Listen, if this “Super Fight” were ever to come to fruition, the winner of this bout could definitely lay claims to being crowned “The Greatest Female Boxer” of all time. Real Talk!

Until then congratulations on your Historical achievement.

Blaze