On The Watch “It’s All About Jaime Munguia vs Kamil Szeremeta”

WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Title Defense

Last night’s Golden Boy/DAZN Main Event between WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Champion Jaime Munguia (37-0, 29 Kos) and Kamil Szeremeta (21-2, 5 Kos) at the Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, was another showcase type of event for the Champion.

No disrespect to Szeremeta but he did not belong inside that squared circle with this young Lion Munguia. I personally think this bout was a step down from his previous outing. This bout was simply an open night to some light sparing session for Munguia.

Munguia may not be quite ready for the belt holders in the Division but the kid needs to be fed with better competition. You can clearly see he’s eager to test his skills with the best of them.

Szeremeta had absolutely nothing to offer him. Munguia was having his way with him with little to no resistance coming back Munguia’s body and head attacks were simply too strong for Szeremeta to withstand. It was like watching Munguia hit the heavy bag at will. It didn’t take long for Szeremeta’s corner to pull the plug at the end of the 6th round. The onslaught was just too painful to watch. Real Talk!

The kid needs to be unleashed and properly tested. Hopefully his next bout will do just that.

Just my thoughts.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jarrett Hurd vs Luis Arias”

Middleweight Throwdown

Last night Luis Arias (19-2-1, 9 Kos) silenced a lot of naysayers when he entered that squared circle and upset Jarrett Hurd (24-2, 16 Kos) at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Florida.

Arias, who was visibly the smaller fighter between the two surprisingly brought the fight to Hurd right from the jump. Exchanging leather for leather and going blow for blow making sure Hurd knew he was in for a hard long night of entertaining action.

Hurd, who usually likes to fight in the phone booth style, at times looked uncomfortable with the non-stop pressure that Arias was applying. Both were landing heavy shots on each other to the point that neither fighter could have easily been stopped during the bout. Real Talk!

Although this bout was quite entertaining to watch, I personally don’t think it’s the most effective way to preserve ones’ career. This type of fighting style is what cost Hurd his first loss to J-Rock. I’m not sure if this is due to the trainer change but your Boy Hurd looked like he’d regressed since his last ring appearance. Hurd’s defence was non-existent and if he plans on mixing it up with any of the top Dudes in the Junior Middleweight Division or the Middleweight Division with that style, the end result could be worse than this one. Real Talk!

That being said, I gotta tip my “B” hat to Arias for sticking to his “game plan” and never giving up or backing down from a tough challenge. You fought a good one with your head up high. You stood your ground and dished out more then you received.

After 10 hard rounds of action one Judge scored it 95-94 for Hurd while the other two Judges scored it 97-93 and 96-94 for Arias giving him the split decision.

Congratulations Luis, this was by far your best win to date, now keep this positive momentum going strong.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Chris Eubank Jr. vs Marcus Morrison”

Middleweight Showdown

Chris Eubank Jr. (30-2, 22 Kos) had himself some much-needed rounds tonight on the Matchroom/DAZN card at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England when he took on Marcus Morrison (23-4, 16 Kos).

No disrespect to Marcus who was a tough Dude that showed up ready to fight, but it was clear after round 2 that Marcus was way over his head and did not belong inside that squared circle with Chris. As the rounds were piling up you could clearly see that Chris was purposely keeping him around in order to get some rounds in. I don’t blame him for doing so considering Chris hadn’t fought in 17 months and was working with a new trainer in Roy Jones Jr. in his corner.

Chris was visibly capable of stopping Marcus whenever he pressed the action but personally, I was pleased in seeing Chris listening to his corner and executing the instructions given while boxing with patience and dominating his opponent with ease.

After 10 full rounds of action all three Judges scored it 98-92, 98-92, 98-92, in favor of Eubank. Job well done.

I can definitely see the positive work you’ve been putting in with Roy Jones – now keep at it and keep the momentum going.

Until then, congratulations on your win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams”

WBO Middleweight Title Defence

Tonight’s DAZN/Matchroom Main Event between WBO Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade (30-0, 18 Kos) and mandatory challenger Liam Williams (23-3-1, 18 Kos) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, was tougher than expected for the Middleweight Champion.

I gotta tip my “B” hat to Liam who proved to be tough and competitive as expected on his first title opportunity. Liam stood his ground, got dropped early in the second round for a quick 8 count but bounced right back up and continued to apply non-stop pressure throughout the rest of the rounds.

That being said, Andrade defended off the pressure coming his way by boxing and administering some serious power punches that were visibly landing at will. Surprisingly Andrade stayed in the pocket a lot longer than expected but definitely got the better of Liam as the rounds were piling up.

Liam definitely stepped-up big time tonight and tried to go toe to toe with the Champ by roughing him up but Andrade proved to be too allusive at times and made it extremely hard for Liam to land anything significant to slow Andrade down.

Liam made the Champ work tonight but after 12 rounds of action all three Judges saw it 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 all in favor of Demetrius Andrade. Hands Down!

With this win Andrade successfully defended his WBO Middleweight Title for the fourth time. There are levels to this boxing sh*t and Andrade clearly showed tonight that he still got plenty of levels to go when tested as the competition improves.

Congratulations Demetrius on another great win. Hopefully a Unification bout is on the horizon.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jaime Munguia vs Spike O’Sullivan”

Middleweight Challenge

Last night’s DAZN’s Main Event at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas between Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 Kos) and Spike O’Sullivan (30-4, 21 Kos) did not disappoint.

Munguia, in his first Middleweight debut, asserted himself quite well against the tough and seasoned veteran O’Sullivan. It wasn’t a walk-in park for Munguia but a stiff challenge type introduction to letting him know what is to come in the 160-Pound Division.

Spike did his best at keeping up with Munguia and making it quite interesting in the early rounds with his counter punches but as the rounds wore on Munguia started to feel more and more comfortable in there. Munguia showed improvement with his speed and movement but the main and obvious factor causing Spike all his problems was Munguia’s power. Munguia’s steady jab and overhand right was landing at will last night and Spike had no real answer for it.

Although Spike showed tough grit in there and the willingness to compete, the non-stop onslaught he was receiving by the 11th round had him out on his feet which then prompted O’Sullivan’s corner to throw in the towel.

With his first win at the Middleweight Division, Jaime Munguia has officially arrived. His youth, size, speed and strength appear to fit the 160-Pound Division just right. The Kid is nice with it and feeling himself rightfully so. But calling for all that smoke with all the Champions at the Middleweight Division (not called Demetrius Andrade) might be a step too early.

That said, congratulations on your victory Jaime, I can’t wait to see who will step up to the plate and accept that challenge.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Sergey Kovalev”

WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge

Middleweight “King Pin” Champion Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 Kos) added another chapter to his history-making career last night at the MGM Grand Arena when he knocked out WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev (34-4-1, 29 Kos) in the eleventh round.

This bout was a chess match played at the highest level. Kovalev’s “game plan” was clear and executed to perfection. Sergey proceeded as instructed with his stiff jab and doubling up whenever permitted. As good as Kovalev’s jab was all night it literally came down to who had the better tactical approach on the night.

Canelo showed exceptional patience from the start. He did not let Kovalev’s jab deter him from the plan at hand which was making every punch count with controlled aggression. Canelo showed absolutely no fear towards the visibly bigger Kovalev. It was a thing of beauty to see how Canelo was systematically breaking down Kovalev’s body attack round by round.

Kovalev showed great boxing IQ throughout the very close bout but seemed to tire in the later rounds. All though the pace of the fight wasn’t that fast, Sergey was visibly looking weaker and ready for the “end game”. By round 11, Canelo went in for the kill with a devastating two-peace combo that flattened Kovalev into the ropes. Nuff said.

With this win, Canelo has once again conquered his fourth Division and becoming the fourth Mexican boxer to accomplish such an achievement. That being said, Canelo is now the only active boxer to concurrently hold world titles in the Light Heavyweight Division, Super Middleweight Division and Unified Middle Weight Division.

Congratulations Canelo on another great accomplishment. You are truly defying all odds and literally creating your own History.

Until the next chapter Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Sergey Kovalev”

WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge

Its Official, Middleweight “King Pin” Champion Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 Kos) will be moving up two weight Divisions to challenge Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 Kos) for his WBO Light Heavyweight Championship on Saturday November 2, 2019 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

From having two tough bouts with Gennady Golovkin onto a stern challenge with Daniel Jacobs, Canelo is now seeking to outdo himself once again by attempting to dethrone the Three-Time Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev and become the fourth Mexican fighter to win World Titles in four different Divisions.

I’m very intrigued with this matchup. A lot of people in the boxing community see this bout as a cherry pick by Canelo but I personally see it has a real tough task ahead for Alvarez. Real Talk! Peeps need to stop looking at Kovalev’s age and really see what the “Krusher” brings to that squared circle. With trainer Buddy McGirt by his side leading the helm and challenging him in camp, Kovalev has now regained focus and is now showing up a more disciplined fighter inside the ring. Sergey has shown us many times before that he is a very smart, skillful fighter with an extended boxing IQ that also carries heat in both hands. Definitely not a walk in the park for any competitor.

That being said, Canelo is out here chasing history and testing himself every time he enters that squared circle. Canelo is the total package at this point in his career. Skill for skill Alvarez is heads above most and on this night, November 2, 2019 Canelo will be banking on his extensive skills and the right “game plan” from trainer Eddy Reynoso to take down the visibly bigger and stronger “Krusher”.

A successful leap from the 160-pound Division to the 175-pound Division is not familiar. In fact, only a few of the greats have succeeded in doing so but Canelo feels he is destined to join the limited prestige club and plans on achieving that goal come Saturday night November 2, 2019 live on DAZN at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. That is if he can effectively slay the “Krusher” down to pieces.

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

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

Middleweight Unification Challenge

Women’s Boxing has been picking up some steam as of late and will continue in doing so with the first Undisputed Showdown in the women’s 160-Pound Division.

This unification bout on the horizon between Claressa Shields (8-0, 2 Kos) a Two-Division Champion who holds the IBF, WBA and WBC Belt, and Christina Hammer (24-0, 11 Kos) who possesses the WBO and WBC Champion in Recess Belt, will go down in history as one of the biggest women’s bout for the ages.

These two young Undefeated Champions, in their prime, are putting it all on the line Saturday April 13 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It’s clear off the jump that Christina has the edge base on the experience. Having been a Champion for over eight years she definitely “hammered” her way through the Women’s Middleweight Division with her gloves up.

That being said, Shields is not your typical girl on the come up. Claressa has entered the professional level iced up with back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, then after four fights in she acquired two Super Middleweight World Titles. To further challenge herself Claressa then dropped down to the Middleweight Division and contested for two vacant Middleweight Titles that she proudly owns the rights to today.

Christina considers herself the best Middleweight in the “Game” and plans on putting the “Hammer” on Shields come fight night but truth be told, Claressa has her own agenda and will be looking to prove Christina wrong by becoming the Women’s Undisputed World Middleweight Champion.

Skills for skills these two female warriors match up pretty well inside that squared circle but there can only be one face, one name, one champion. Who will prevail under pressure and the bright lights?

Tune in Saturday night, April 13 live on SHOWTIME from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and be part of a historical night.

Blaze