On The Watch “It’s All About Jojo Diaz Jr. vs Javier Fortuna”

Vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Title

Jojo Diaz Jr. (32-1-1, 15 Kos) came up a division last night to the 135-Pound Division to challenge Javier Fortuna (36-3-1, 25 Kos) for the WBC Interim Lightweight Title on the Golden Boy/DAZN co Main Event at the Banc of California Stadium, in Los Angeles, California, and did not disappoint.

Jojo stayed true to himself and came in tip top shape made weight comfortably and looked like a legit Lightweight inside that squared circle.

Jojo understood what this important bout meant to him and his future and wasted no time asserting himself inside that squared circle. Jojo needed a great performance last night and he made sure to deliver.

Both combatants threw some serious hands at each other going back and forth keeping things exciting but as the rounds were piling up you could clearly see Diaz getting a slight edge over Fortuna.

I don’t think Javier anticipated Diaz being so aggressive and active with his hands but them two combatants made it tough on each other with Diaz probably getting the better body work of the two. The phone booth style they had going at times was very impressive.

That being said, this was certainly a close bout and after 12 rounds of non-stop action the Judges scored it 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 unanimously in favor of Jojo Diaz Jr. Personally, I thought the bout was a lot closer than that but the right warrior definitely won this fight.

With this great win Jojo picked up the Vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Title and is now looking to compete amongst the top of the 135-Pound Division of the likes of Ring Magazine and Unified “King Pin” Teofimo Lopez, WBC Champion Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Ryan Garcia.

However, the two main combatants on his list as of today are Ryan Garcia or WBC Champion Devin Haney.

Let’s see who answers the call, until then congratulations Jojo you earned that one.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Masayoshi Nakatani”

Lightweight Showdown

Last night’s Top Rank Main Event saw the return of Vasiliy Lomachenko (15-2, 10 Kos) taking on
Masayoshi Nakatani (19-2, 13 Kos) at the Virgin Hotels, in Las Vegas Nevada.

“Loma” came into this bout with a chip on his shoulders and showed us what a fully healed driven fighter can accomplish when no existing lingering injuries are present.

No disrespect to Nakatani, but last night Masayoshi was merely a prop for Loma’s 2.0. version of the “Matrix” inside that squared circle. Loma broke down the bigger, rangier and taller combatant piece by piece at will from head to body round by round.

There was absolutely nothing Nakatani could do to stop the smaller “Loma” from having his way with him inside that squared circle. Punches were coming from all corners with speed and precision. “Loma” looked surprisingly sharp for someone who just came back from shoulder surgery.

Nakatani looked lost and puzzled with no real “game plan” to stop the offensive onslaught coming his way. By the 9th round Nakatani was pretty much out on his feet from the barrage
he was absorbing and eventually dropped to the canvas which then prompted the referee to stop the bout.

This was a masterful performance by “Loma” hands down against a worthy opponent. With this convincing win “Loma” has rightfully reinserted himself back into title contention once again.

It will be interesting to see if IBF/WBA/WBO/WBC Franchise Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 Kos) offers Lomachenko that rematch he’s been asking for.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Devin Haney vs Jorge Linares”

WBC Lightweight Title Defense

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, between WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (26-0, 15 Kos) and Jorge Linares (47-6, 29 Kos) was an intriguing bout that definitely lived up to the hype. Real Talk!

Straight from the jump Devin knew he had himself a real test inside that squared circle and did not wait for his opponent to warm up. Devin applied some serious pressure with a stiff jab that had Linares puzzled at first unable to counter Devin’s steady offence.

Devin surprisingly went blow for blow with the savvy veteran which was quite entertaining. As the rounds progressed Linares started to loosen up and performed exceptionally well, turning this bout into a serious scrap withstanding and administering heavy shots of his own. Linares looked good last night and showed that he still got the goods to go rounds with the best of them in the Division.

That being said, Devin got a little careless exchanging blows with the veteran and got caught with a heavy clean shot in the 10th round that had him on shaky legs near the end of the round.
Although Devin survived the round, Linares was picking up momentum in the 11th round but was unable to finish off Devin who was holding on for the most part of the round clearly still on shaky legs.

In the 12th and final round, Devin still looked a little shook from the two previous rounds but proceeded to box and move for the remainder of the round instead of staying in the pocket with the still fresh and aggressive looking Linares.

Devin needed a bout like this where he had to dig deep when adversity presented itself inside that squared circle. After 12 full rounds of action the Judges scored it unanimously 116-112, 116-112, 115-113 for Devin Haney who successfully retained his WBC Lightweight Title.

Great performance Champ now on to the next.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell”

Interim WBC Lightweight Championship

Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 Kos) is no longer a contender. Tonight’s Main Event at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas between Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell (20-4, 16 Kos) lived up to the hype as expected.

The unbeaten young warrior “King Ryan” had himself a true test inside that squared circle tonight when he exchanged leather with a formidable opponent in the two-time title contender Campbell.

Straight from the jump, Ryan thought sh*t was going to be nice and easy until he found himself in uncharted territory when he got dropped early in the 2nd round for a quick 8 count. Being that this was the first time Garcia had ever tasted the canvas, Ryan bounced right back up and shook it off.

Luke’s confidence was up from dropping Garcia in the second round but it wasn’t enough to deter Ryan from moving forward on him like a lion on a hunt for his kill. Luke had the right “game plan” throughout the rounds and fought exceptionally well, while still holding his ground efficiently.

However, I was impressed by Garcia throughout the rounds. Garcia kept it cool and worked his way back on the cards with a steady jab along with some very good power shots while still maintaining his height and reach advantages. It was only a matter of time before Ryan caught up with Campbell.

That being said, Garcia’s non-stop pressure eventually overwhelmed Luke in the 7th round to where Ryan was able to pick up a spectacular left body knockdown that had Luke gasping in pain for air which then prompted the referee to stop the bout since Luke was unable to beat the count.

It was an intriguing bout from start to finish. Both combatants showed up and performed exceptionally well. This was an important fight for Ryan, one that he needed to win in a convincing fashion to show his worth in the Lightweight Division.

With this imposing victory, Ryan now possesses the Interim WBC Lightweight Championship giving him a guaranteed mandatory shot at the WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (25-0, 15 Kos).

Although the mandatory position is his for the taking, Ryan seems adamant on calling out and facing WBA “Regular” Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis (24-0, 23 Kos). Whichever opponent accepts the challenge, Ryan will have his hands full.

Until an official opponent is confirmed, congratulations Ryan on your latest accomplishment.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All about Gervonta Davis vs Leo Santa Cruz”

WBA Super Featherweight and Lightweight Challenge

Last night’s Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime Pay-Per-View Main Event at the Alamodome in San Antonio between WBA Regular Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis (24-0, 23 Kos) and WBA Super Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz (37-2-1, 19 Kos) was an exciting bout for as long as it lasted. Real Talk!

This bout was “Blazin” from the start of the first bell. Leo looked focused and determined. Leo came out the gate and asserted himself by not shying away from Gervonta and actually boxing his way towards him. Leo was giving Gervonta some good work and looking good doing it.

However, as good as Leo was doing so was Gervonta. Tank was just as focused and definitely took this bout seriously. Gervonta showed patience while boxing beautifully with exceptional quickness to go along with the powerful shots he was throwing accurately at Santa Cruz.

As the rounds wore on you could clearly see the power shots were getting to Leo as he was more cautious and tentative with his usual output. Still, I have to tip my “B” hat to Leo for standing there and actually going toe to toe with Gervonta.

That being said, I think Leo may have been believing his own hype a little too much by the sixth round. Leo tried once again to go toe to toe with Gervonta one time too many and brutally got caught with a vicious left uppercut that landed Leo’s first ever knockout of his 14-year pro career. Leo was lights out cold with an official time of stoppage at 2:40 of the sixth round.

With this destructive performance by Gervonta, he now regains the WBA Super Featherweight Title and retains his WBA Regular Lightweight Title to now simultaneously become a two weight Division Champion.

Hate him or love him your Boy “Tank” is nothing to play with in the 130 or the 135-Pound Division hands down.

Both Divisions have some serious talented competitors waiting for their opportunity. I can’t wait to see what’s next or better yet who’s next in line for the young “Pitbull” Gervonta Davis.

Congratulations “Tank” on your latest accomplishment.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Yuriorkis Gamboa”

Vacant WBA “regular” Lightweight Title

Last night’s Main Event Showdown at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia between Gervonta “Tank” Davis (23-0, 22 Kos) and Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-3, 18 Kos) was a hell of show. Real Talk!

Gervonta, who usually walks through his opponents was met with a real tough warrior in Gamboa that wasn’t going to lay down without a fight. Real Talk! Gamboa put up a hell of a fight but still got touch at will whenever “Tank” pressed the action.

Gamboa showed heart and bravery in withstanding all those power shots that Davis was hammering on him throughout the rounds. However, in doing so he also gave Davis his toughest fight to date.

As good as “Tank” was doing he was in a real fight last night and definitely had to work to get the job done. Gervonta knocked Gamboa down in round 2, 8 and again in round 12. It’s in that final round that the referee decided to pull the plug after that last knockdown and stopped the fight.

It was a learning experience for Davis this go around. Fatigue settled in, he had to go 12 rounds for the first time in his professional career and this was his first fight at 135 Division. That being said “Tank” still weathered the heat and completed the task at hand with a knockout victory.

With this win Gervonta becomes a two-weight Division Champion by picking up the Vacant WBA “regular” Lightweight Title.

Congratulations Gervonta, now on to the new year 2020.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Yuriorkis Gamboa”

Vacant WBA “regular” Lightweight Title

Gervonta “Tank” Davis (22-0, 21 Kos) will be moving up a Division and attempting to become a two weight Division Champion by challenging Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-2, 18 Kos) for the vacant WBA “regular” Lightweight Title on Saturday December 28, 2019 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Despite Gamboa being much older than Gervonta, I’m anticipating this bout to be “Blazin Hot” when these two tough combatants meet inside that squared circle. Gamboa has been pushing an impressive 4- fight winning streak as of late and looking better and better every time out. Gamboa ain’t no walk in the park. He is a 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and a Three-Time World Champion at Featherweight, Junior Lightweight and at Lightweight. He’s a proven warrior attempting to get back at the top one more time.

That being said, Gervonta is a young undefeated star in the making, a Two-Time World Champion ready to conquer another Division. Tank is that Dude that people can’t sleep on. He has an abundance of skill sets that have yet to be seen inside the squared circle because he hasn’t been tested. Since his power has always been the equalizer, considering his high knockout ratio, but I’m hoping that Gamboa can bring that next unseen level out of him to the point where we can really appreciate a tough, competitive, back and forth type bout.

Tune in live on SHOWTIME Saturday night December 28, 2019 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia and witness an exciting year-end event.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mikey Garcia vs Robert Easter Jr.”

Lightweight Championship Unification

Last night, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Mikey Garcia WBC Lightweight Champion (39-0, 30 Kos) successfully unified two of the Lightweight Titles by administering a masterful beat down to IBF Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-1, 14 Kos). Real Talk!

To me the key to the fight last night was patience and Mikey, in being the much shorter boxer of the two, had to make sure every shot counted by being precise and accurate with every effort. There are levels to this boxing sh*t and Mikey proved it once again last night why he is above all opponents to date.

Now don’t get it twisted, Robert, an exceptional and very worthy opponent was gamed last night and came to fight but was simply out-boxed and out-smarted by a more seasoned boxer. Robert to say the least, had absolutely no answer to Mikey’s stalking, aggressive attacks. Once Robert got put down late in the third round he felt Mikey’s power and became the prey from this point on.

To me, Mikey is showing us time after time why he deserves to be on that Pound-for Pound list and why he’s determined to be the, best. Moving from Division to Division and successfully beating the best fighters is a statement within itself.

Congratulations Mikey on unifying two of the 135-pounds Titles. You truly are a Champion of Champions.

That being said, your call out of IBF Champion at the 147-pound Division Errol Spence Jr. as your next possible hit, might just be the ultimate challenge you’ve been looking for. Now I’m curious to see if the so-called “Boogie Man” of the Welterweight Division answers your call out and oblige your request.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mikey Garcia vs Robert Easter Jr.”

Lightweight Championship Unification

There is another very interesting Championship Unification on the horizon that will be taking place in the 135-pound Division, Saturday, July 28, 2018 live on SHOWTIME from Staples Center in Los Angeles; an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

WBC Lightweight Champ Mikey Garcia (38-0, 30 Kos) and IBF Lightweight Champ Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 Kos) will both be putting up their straps at a chance to becoming Unified Division Champion.

Styles make fights, so I anticipate this bout to be nothing short of pure entertainment at its best. Real Talk. We have here two very hungry undefeated fighters and two of the top guys in the Division, who are both chasing greatness. Two young warriors at their prime willing and ready for a very competitive challenge.

The stakes are high for this bout. Easter’s five-inch height and eight-inch reach advantage could be a determining factor in causing Mikey to have difficulty, but Garcia’s ring generalship and experience could also be a significant factor and problem for Robert to solve.

Both Mikey and Robert have asked for this bout. The time is now. This is the best fighting the best and on July 28, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a new Unified Lightweight Champion will be crowned.

Blaze