On The Watch “It’s All About Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia”

WBC Welterweight Showdown

A focussed and more matured Ryan Garcia is a dangerous man and that is who we witnessed at last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN Main Event when WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 Kos) defended his title against a hungry looking Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 Kos) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ryan established himself early in the first round after dropping Mario with a well-placed right hand to the dome giving him a standing 8 count and that was a perfect introduction to Ryan’s power.  That one moment in the bout was a game changer as it dictated from the jump how this bout was going to unfold.

Ryan looked sharp, fit, strong and was very accurate with his punch output and visibly more active than what we’re used to seeing from him. Ryan’s ring generalship was on full display. Ryan showed the bigger man absolutely no respect inside that squared circle and dominated the champion from every angle.

That being said, Mario had the wrong “game plan” on the night and looked a shell of himself for it. Ryan’s jab was on point the entire night and Mario had absolutely no clue how to deter Ryan from having success against him. The speed and the power of Ryan’s jab was too much for Mario to contend with. The work rate that Ryan brought inside that squared circle could not be matched by Mario.

After twelve full rounds of one-sided action, the Judges at hand had an easy night of scoring this bout 120-107, 119-108 and 118-109, unanimously for Ryan Garcia.      

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and last night Ryan showed the world what a disciplined “King Ry” can accomplish when dedicated. With this dominant performance under his belt, Ryan has now captured his first World Title as the New WBC Welterweight Champion of the World.

Well done, Ryan. This was by far your best performance to date.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Brian Norman Jr. vs Devin Haney”

WBO Welterweight Showdown

The Co Main Event on “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” between undefeated WBO World Champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 Kos) and undefeated former two Division Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (33-0, 15 Kos) was an intriguing bout at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the challenger silenced all the naysayers who doubted.

Both camps talked a good game towards the build-up of this bout but it was the Haney camp who had the last word by the way Devin proceeded to disarm Brian from all angles inside that squared circle.

I anticipated that Brian would bring the “HEAT” to Devin in a bullyish way inside that squared circle but to my surprise Devin was well prepared and focussed for that action and neutralized Brian from ever getting any type of traction at any time throughout the duration of the bout.

It was a one-sided boxing clinic by Devin who made the Champion look amateurish and dropped Brian early in the second round to earn his respect. That was the moment when Brian’s “game plan” went out the window.

Brian talked a good game and made some tough claims he couldn’t deliver on but Devin stayed true to his word and talked it like he walked it. Devin showed levels above his competition and delivered on the night and for that I gotta tip my “B” had to “The Dream”.

After 12 rounds of one-sided action, the Judges at hand called it 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113 unanimously for Devin Haney.

With this convincing win Devin has now claimed a Championship in three different continents, the new WBO Welterweight Champion and became a three-Division Champion. Well done!

Congratulations Devin on another great accomplishment.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Regis Prograis vs Joseph Diaz”

Welterweight Showdown

Last night’s Golden Boy/DAZN Co-Main Event between former Junior Welterweight Champion Regis Prograis (30-3, 24 Kos) and former Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz (34-8-1, 15 Kos), was quite an entertaining bout that took place at a catchweight of 143 pounds at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Both combatants desperately needed a victory. That being said the action was on and popping right from the gate as Diaz pressed the action early and rocked Prograis with a deadly left hook that had him on shaky legs for the remainder of the first round. To my surprise, Prograis fought back instinctively in survivor mode preventing Diaz from stopping him in the first round.

Diaz proceeded to press the action in the second round and once again managed to rock Prograis putting him right back on shaky legs and Prograis still managed to complete the second round.   

By the third round, Prograis still looking a little shaky on them legs, started to put his punches together by being active enough to win rounds by matching fire with fire with Diaz round by round.

Both warriors brought the “HEAT” inside that squared circle hammering heavy shots after heavy shots looking to do some damage to each other. What surprised me the most is how a non-puncher like Diaz was able to hurt Prograis multiple times throughout the bout.

I’m starting to think that Prograis amour might be broken considering how his last few opponents have been against non-punchers like Devin Haney, Jack Catterall and now “Jo Jo” Diaz and they have all been able to look stronger and more durable than him inside that squared circle.

Nevertheless, after 10 rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 96-94, 96-94 and 98-92 (suspect) unanimously for Regis Prograis.

Prograis may have secured the win with his activity on the night but Diaz definitely put in that work to the point where Prograis, although the winner, should definitely re-evaluate his punch resistance problem at this point in his career if he plans on fully moving up to the Welterweight Division. Them Boys up there at the top, they do pack a punch and they don’t play with their food.  

Blaze

On The Watch ”It’s All About The Ring Magazine Fatal Fury in Times Square”

Ring’s Fatal Fury “City of the Wolves”

Last night’s three-card Fatal Fury in Times Square Main Event brought to us by his Excellency Turki Alashikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment, sadly, did not live up to the “HYPE” created by the unknown and the expected excitement.

The closed-out location at Times Square, the production and the Ring, created a different scene and atmosphere that will forever be remembered but where things went left is with the performances that some of the chosen talent for the night who neglected to perform at their peak form on this historical night. Real talk!

First up on the Main Event night was WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 Kos) defending his Championship Belts against undefeated mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 Kos). Although Barboza earned his way to the mandatory position and talked a good game throughout the build-up, he quickly found out that there are levels to this boxing sh*t and on this night, Lopez produced a dominant performance that will forever haunt Barboza. Lopez outworked, outhustled, outboxed and outgunned Barboza who is a very good boxer but lacked the proper skill set and “game plan” to dethrone the Champ on the night. After 12 one-sided rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 unanimously for Teofimo Lopez. Well done!

Next up was Devin Haney (32-0, 15 Kos) and Jose Ramirez (29-3, 18 Kos) who met up at a catch weight of 144 Lbs. Haney, who talked a good game during the build-up of the bout failed miserably to capture the hearts of viewers at home and in attendance. Neither combatant pressed the action or threw enough leather to land anything significant. I expected Devin, who hadn’t fought in a year, to come out the gate pumped up and ready for some action but what we got was a shell-shocked safety-first reluctant fighter, who put the viewers and fans in attendance to sleep. Ramirez did himself no favours as well with his own lack of activity. It was a very disappointing performance by both combatants on such a big stage like this. Nevertheless, the Judges at hand called it 119-109, 119-109 and 118-110 unanimously for Devin Haney.

The final bout of the night belonged to Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 Kos) and Rolando “Rolly” Romero (17-2, 13 Kos) who met up at the Welterweight Division. With “Rolly” being counted out and labeled the underdog, he wasted no time asserting himself and pressed the action to score an impressive second-round knockdown over Garcia that changed the flow of the bout as it progressed. Garcia looked flat and disengaged, unable to pull the trigger on “Rolly” who was calm and disciplined out-boxing Garcia round by round. “Rolly” stuck with the “game plan” and executed it to a “T” and gained mad confidence round by round while Garcia neglected his corner’s instructions and urgency to let his hands go. Although neither combatant threw an abundance of leather, “Rolly” made his presence felt more than none by landing the more telling punches.

After 12 rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 118-109, 115-112 and 115-112 unanimously for Rolando “Rolly” Romero. You were counted out and you prevailed and silenced all the naysayers. With this impressive win under your belt, you are now the proud owner of the vacant WBA “Regular” Welterweight Championship Title. Well done Champ and enjoy this well-earned victory

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Jaron Ennis vs Eimantas Stanionis”

IBF/WBA Welterweight Unification Showdown

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between IBF Welterweight Champion Jaron”Boots” Ennis (34-0, 30 Kos) and WBA World Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-1, 9 Kos), was a statement type bout that brought the house down at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

On this night Jaron did not disappoint the fans in attendance and put out a memorable performance that will shake the Welterweight Division for certain. Stanionis, a legitimate and well-schooled Champion bumped gloves with another Champion in Jaron who had a personal agenda and something to prove inside that squared circle.

Jaron came out the gate with a steady and strong jab setting the tone for the night that Stanionis could not evade. Stanionis attempted to stand his ground and exchange leather for leather but soon found out that this “game plan” was futile as he got battered round by round from top to bottom and eventually got dropped by a barrage of heavy punches in the sixth round for a standing 8 count.

Judging by the onslaught that Stanionis was taking in this bout and the fact that he was clearly losing every round by this point, his corner did the logical thing and pulled their fighter, stopping any further unnecessary abuse and stopped the fight.

Personally, I was not anticipating Stanionis getting stopped in this fashion but truth be told, Jaron was on point from all angles last night and his dominant performance over a high caliber opponent of Stanionis’ stature was just the type of performance that was missing in his game to silence the naysayers who doubted him.

Jaron completely annihilated Stanionis, possibly the second-best combatant in the Welterweight Division and relieved him of his WBA World Title, retained his IBF Championship Title and picked up the vacant Ring Magazine Belt now firmly positioning himself as the No. 1 Champion in the Welterweight Division.

Congratulations Jaron. Well done!

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN + Rematch Main Event between WBO Welterweight Champion Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 Kos) and challenger Sandy Ryan (7-3-1, 3 Kos) was definitely entertaining with a more determined outcome than their previous clash at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Them two warriors definitely picked up the action from where they left off from their last encounter but this time around Mayer’s “game plan” was just as good as the first time out. Mayer pressed the action right from the bell with both combatants trying to establish their effective jabs but Mayer’s activity was once again key by the number of punches she was putting together compared to Ryan.

As hard as Ryan was fighting back, Mayer’s bullyish way and aggression was definitely throwing Sandy off her “game plan” as she was not always able to match the energy coming her way. Ryan is usually known to put the pressure on her opposition but last night, she looked defeated at times and unable to deter Mayer from having success against her.

Ryan managed to put some good work together in the later rounds of the bout but to me it looked like she may have missed her opportunity by not being able to adjust her “game plan” in the first haft of the bout.

After 10 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93, unanimously for Mikaela Mayer.

Absolutely no controversy this time around. Mayer showed skill for skill that she was the better combatant on the night hands down.

With this convincing win, Mikaela Mayer retained her WBO Welterweight Title and is now looking to challenge the Queen of the Welterweight Division Unified IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine Champion Lauren Price (9-0, 2 Kos).

Now that is a very interesting matchup, but until then, congratulations Mikaela on another great win.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price”

Welterweight Unification Showdown

Last night’s Boxxer/Sky Sports Main Event between IBF/WBC Welterweight Champion Natasha Jonas (16-3-1, 9 kos) and IBO/WBA/Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion Lauren Price (9-0, 2 Kos) was not a passing of the torch but rather a coronation of a new Queen in the Welterweight Division at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

Lauren came out the gate with the utmost confidence looking to prove her dominance over her fellow Champion Natasha. Lauren’s “game plan” was simple but effective and very well executed.

Natasha, the 40-year-old veteran Champion had met her match on the night. As seasoned and competitive as Natasha was, she found out quickly that she could not compete with the younger combatant inside that squared circle.

Lauren was a serious force to contend with, where Natasha simply could not deter the stronger and extremely accurate warrior from having her way with her.

Natasha got outworked and outhustled from every corner and had absolutely no proper “game plan” to keep up with Lauren. It was a dominant performance by Price from start to finish where she showed levels way above what Natasha was accustomed to.

Simply put, Lauren made it look easy. After 10 rounds of one-sided action, the Judges at hand scored it 100-90, 98-93 and 98-92 unanimously for Lauren Price.

With this impressive statement win now under her belt, Lauren retains her
IBO/WBA/Ring Magazine Welterweight Titles, snatched the IBF/WBC Welterweight Titles from Natasha and unified the Welterweight Division.

Well done, Lauren. Undisputed should be next on the horizon but until then good luck to the competition.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Sandy Ryan vs Mikaela Mayer”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN + Main Event between WBO Welterweight Champion Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 Kos) and challenger Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 Kos) definitely lived up to the hype at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The animosity towards one another was quite evident towards the build up to this bout and when the first bell went off both worriers went straight to work with no hesitation. Sandy came out the gate with a strong jab but was met with some very busy hands by Mikaela who was countering every shot with speed.

Sandy definitely brought the pressure but the activity and the punch output coming back from Mikaela made things quite interesting as the rounds progressed. The power punches coming in by Sandy were quite evident whenever she landed but Mikaela showed grit and toughness standing her ground at every corner.

Both combatants had their moments as the round progressed but it was Mikaela who might have benefited from the first half of the fight by being exceptionally more active with her hands while Sandy needed to raise the “HEAT” in the second half of the bout to keep things close.

Both girls brought it in the later rounds going toe-to-toe and dishing out some serious leather from both sides but Mikaela’s experience at this stage in her career may have been key to this bout.

After 10 rounds of nonstop action the Judges at hand called it 95-95, 96-94 and 97-93, giving the majority decision to Mikaela Mayer.

I personally thought this was a very competitive bout that could have easily gone either way but on this night, a new Champion was crowned giving Mikaela a world title in her second Weight Division and the New WBO Welterweight Champion.

Well done, Mikaela.

Blaze

On the Watch ” It’s All About Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan”

IBF Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between IBF Welterweight Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (32-0, 29 Kos) and David Avanesyan (30-5-1, 18 Kos) (the one who replaced mandatory challenger Cody Crowley) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, was more or less a showcase type of an event that saw his hometown fans in attendance looking quite satisfied by the performance of their Champion.

Jaron pressed the action from the first bell and never looked back while David embraced the pressure and dished out some of his own to show Jaron he wasn’t here to lay down as everyone expected.

David tried heavily to stand his ground in a bravado way but Jaron was simply too big, too strong and too skillful to be contained by him. No disrespect to David but Jaron pretty much toyed with him inside that squared circle. As tough and durable as David usually is, on this night he was severely outgunned and outmatched with simply no answer to the problems that Jaron was throwing his way.

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and on this night, David found out the hard way that he did not belong inside that squared circle with Jaron. When “Boots” decided to stop playing with his food in the fifth round he caught David with a hard overhand left and dropped him for a standing 8 count that saw him rise up to further punishment that lasted the entire remaining round.

Having assessed the situation after the fifth round, David’s corner and the ringside Doctor both agreed that any further assault at the hands of “Boots” would be futile and it was best to call an end to the bout.

With this very convincing stoppage win Jaron defended his IBF Welterweight Title and picked up another TKO to be added to his ever-growing knockout percentage to date.

Jaron is the total package. Skillful, powerful and blessed with levels above his opposition on the ring IQ inside that squared circle. Good luck to the competition trying to derail this Dude on their way up.

Who’s next?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Adrien Broner vs Blair Cobbs”

Welterweight Showdown

Last night’s Don King promoted Main Event between former Four-Time Division World Champion Adrien Broner (35-5-1, 24 Kos) and Blair Cobbs (17-1-1, 10 Kos) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, was another clear illustration of how bad things have gotten for AB inside that squared circle. Real Talk!

The once upon a time “Can Man” failed again to pull the trigger when he was hesitant to let his gloves go against Cobbs who had his “game plan” on point letting his own gloves do the talking all night. Blair was very active throwing punches in bunches from all angles and even clipping AB early with a swift left hand that knocked him down for a standing 8 count in the second round.

Although AB recovered quickly from the knockdown, he showed no life or urgency into getting his get back or any attempt of a man on mission inside that squared circle.

Cobbs wasn’t able to stop AB but he did keep his foot on the gas by being active with his gloves round by round. While AB looked like a shell of himself inside that squared circle his power was still quite alive whenever he managed to connect anything significant enough and having some effect on Cobbs just not enough to deter him.

As usual, Broner talked a good game to the lead up of the bout but neglected to follow through with the tough talk inside that squared circle. What Broner was known for in the past seemed to have disappeared, his cat like speed and reflexes were a no show and he paid the price by being tagged all night by Blair who looked focused, sharp and hungry at getting the job done by any means necessary.

After 10 completed rounds the Judges at hand scored it 97-91, 96-93, 96-93 unanimously for Blair Cobbs.

This was a solid win for Cobbs but if he has any plans on challenging the upper echelon of the Welterweight Division he needs to get back in the lab and continue to perfect his craft cause them Dudes up there don’t play with their food.

Blaze