On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev”

IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Challenge

Last night’s Heavyweight Bout inside the SSE Arena, Wembley in London, UK was a homecoming fight for Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 Kos) and Kubrat Pulev (28-2, 14 Kos) that did not disappoint.

AJ looked good last night, focussed, assertive, poised and did not deviate from the “game plan“ at hand. His jab and uppercut were key last night and he handled his opponent the right way, dropping Pulev four times throughout the bout to a convincing stoppage in the 9th round.

Pulev, a worthy opponent, tried to keep up with AJ but was simply met with a better, complete and motivated fighter in AJ. Anthony worked the ring well and controlled every round while wearing Pulev down.

Kubrat couldn’t put any type of a convincing offence together long enough to deter Anthony who showed much improvement in his repertoire. Pulev showed some durability at times throughout the bout but Anthony’s size and power proved to be too much.

The “End Game” was inevitable and in the 9th round when AJ connected with a vicious strong and accurate right hand to Kubrat’s jaw that put him down indefinitely for the 10 count.

With this emphatic win by AJ, he now retains his IBF/IBO/WBA “Super” and WBO Heavyweight Titles. This was a much-needed win for Anthony last night. He needed to make a statement of Pulev and show the Heavyweight Division that he is nothing to play with inside that squared circle. The road to undisputed is still the mission at hand.

Congratulations AJ on finishing this turbulent year 2020 in a strong fashion.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Anthony Joshua”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

In a beautiful display of boxing at the open-air arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 Kos) successfully regained his crown by defeating Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-2, 22 Kos) by unanimous decision.

A slimmed down and focussed AJ showed up tonight to silence all the naysayers who counted him out and rewrite the wrong of June 1st when he suffered his first humiliating defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden.

From round 1 to round 12, AJ executed the “game plan” to a “T” and never wavered from it. AJ stayed long and tall, moved and jabbed his way to a unanimous decision. The Judges scored it 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 all in favor of Anthony Joshua.

AJ boxed and maintained his composure throughout the entire bout. Andy couldn’t close the distance or administer any type of sustained offence. AJ ‘s movement was clearly frustrating Andy as the rounds wore on.

That being said, the naysayers will still have some negative things to say about AJ ‘s win but truth be told, AJ dominated Andy in such a convincing fashion that cannot be ignored by his peers.

Hate him or love him, Anthony Joshua has now regained his rightful position in the Heavyweight Division and is now a Two-Time IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Anthony on a job well done. Now on to the New Year 2020!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Anthony Joshua”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

It has now officially been announced. The highly anticipated rematch between newly crowned Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22 Kos) and former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 Kos) is set to take place in an open-air arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night December 7, 2019.

In my eyes, what Andy accomplished back on June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City is genuinely one of the biggest upsets in Heavyweight history. Having finally tasted the fruits of his labor and enjoying that good life, Andy is now back preparing himself to prove the naysayers wrong if they think his win over AJ was a lucky break. The instant fame and attention he’s received till this day, along with holding all them Championship Belts, is something he’s not willing to part ways with anytime soon. Ruiz is firmly stating that his hunger to succeed is still there and he wants it to last. come December 7, 2019, Andy is anticipating on still being Heavyweight Champion of the World.

That being said, Anthony is seriously looking forward to the challenge ahead and at becoming a two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. AJ understands that he badly dropped the ball back in June and is now refocused on righting the wrong and reclaiming the No 1 Spot in the Heavyweight Division. Judging by the previous outcome it may look like Andy has AJ’s number and that could well be the case, but I’m anticipating Joshua to make the proper adjustments needed to neutralize Andy’s aggressive output.

With a full camp ahead this time around, Andy is expecting to be leaner, faster and that much sharper come fight night for whatever AJ is planning on bringing to that squared circle. Personally, I feel the pressure will be on Anthony to deliver and to deliver in a convincing fashion in order to reclaim the throne that was once his.

Andy ruined AJ’s U.S. debut back in June at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It will be up to Anthony to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night December 7, 2019, live on DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office. Tune in and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr.”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

Expect the unexpected. The Heavyweight Division has once again taken a major twist.
Late replacement and substantial underdog, Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22 Kos) shook the world last night at the Madison Square Garden in New York City to a sell out crowd of 20,201 fans, when he defeated the No. 1 Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 Kos) by TKO. Unbelievable!!

What started off slow quickly heated up in the third round when both fighters exchanged knock downs with AJ receiving the worst of it by hitting the mat twice to Ruiz’s heavy combination punches. Joshua landed the first knock down and immediately went in for the kill but ended up being careless and got caught paying the price.

Joshua’s approach was off from the jump. He did not impose his height and reach and fought too tentatively as the rounds wore on. To me AJ looked sluggish and slow while Ruiz showed patience with a sense of fearlessness while stalking AJ.

The underdog Ruiz had suddenly turned the odds around in his favour. Andy’s confidence was growing and his presence was being felt inside that squared circle. The pressure was working AJ and his energy was quickly dissipating, and in the seventh round, Anthony tasted the mat two more times in dramatic fashion, eventually leading to the referee calling to stop the fight. Just like that, Anthony Joshua got broken down.

I tip my “B” hat to Andy Ruiz Jr. He came in there with absolutely nothing to lose and walked away dethroning the No.1 Heavyweight in the game, Anthony Joshua, to now become History’s first Mexican descent Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the world.

Congratulations Andy, your dreams have now become a reality. Enjoy the fruits of you labour, you deserve it!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Jarrell Miller”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

It has officially been announced today that undefeated Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 Kos) will be making his U.S. debut June 1, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City against undefeated challenger Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20 Kos).

Judging from the first press conference, there is definitely a really thick build-up of animosity between the two boxers. Real Talk!

“Big Baby” looked like he was ready to rip AJ’s head off from the jump. The trash talking coming from “Big Baby” was real heavy and personally a little disrespectful to my liking but I get it, the adrenalin is running on a high and the big stage can do that to you.

That being said, this will be AJ’s first bout on American soil and AJ is welcoming the “HEAT” from “Big Baby” and can’t wait to put them paws on him. This bout might be a block buster in the making. Two very big undefeated warriors ready to do some unapologetic harm to one another inside that squared circle.

There will be some serious pressure on both combatants to show up and perform to their best abilities come fight night. Trash talking aside this is supposed to be Miller’s time to shine since he’s the Kid from Brooklyn and can’t afford to drop the ball on his biggest test of his career.

AJ is out to prove he’s the “Top Dog” on any block around the world. That being said AJ needs to be impressive on his U.S. debut establishing his presence by silencing Miller by convincingly beating him on his own home court, Brooklyn, New York that is.

Both fighters are extremely confident and talking that sh*t, now let’s see if both can keep that same energy come fight night. Tune in on DAZN Saturday June 1, 2019 or better yet see it LIVE at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

Tonight, on a drizzling night at Wembley Stadium in London, England, Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 Kos) successfully retained his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Titles by systematically defeating Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 Kos).

It was by no means a walk in the park for AJ but seven rounds are all it took for him to figure out Povetkin and administer him his only stoppage to date. Povetkin was a tough, dangerous and a crafty opponent but AJ performed patiently and took his time and calmly waited for the perfect opening to administer a well-placed and timed combination to lay Povetkin down not once but twice which then prompted the referee to halt the bout at 1:59 in the seventh round.

This was a bout that AJ needed to show his dominance. It’s clear that being the No. 1 Heavyweight in the game comes with some added pressure from the fans and the competitors in the Division aiming to dethrone the “King”. Peeps need to realize and understand that AJ is that “Lion” in the Division but still working hard at perfecting his craft. Every battle is a learning experience and tonight, it was nothing short of another great performance.

The challenges to come will only get harder but it will be up to you AJ to perform to the best of your abilities and prevails while silencing all doubters out there refusing to accept the position you hold in the Heavyweight Division.

Congratulations Champ on reaffirming yourself in the Heavyweight Division in a devastating fashion.

Now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

It’s now official. Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (21-0, 20 Kos) will be defending his IBF, IBO, Super WBA and WBO Championship titles against his WBA mandatory Alexander Povetkin (34-1, 24 kos) on Saturday September 22, 2018 at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The Boxing Community and boxing fans might be disappointed that AJ’s next fight is not with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder but truth be told the Povetkin bout is still a serious and dangerous one for AJ. Real Talk!

Peeps are looking at Povetkin as an easy mark without knowing the Dude’s pedigree, strength and experience. He is also a decorated Olympic Champion and former WBA “regular” World Heavyweight Champion. He’s easily top 5 in the Heavyweight Division today. In other words Povetkin is a serious threat not to be taken lightly.

As the Unified Heavyweight Champion, AJ is a walking target in the Division. Every bout poses a different challenge. A win against a warrior like Povetkin will certainly enhance his profile inside that squared circle.

Styles make fights and this bout is a true test for AJ to be gauging where he’s at in his career to date.
The stakes are high here for AJ with no room for error or days off. Maintaining the top spot in the Heavyweight Division is pressure within itself.

Now it’s up to AJ to continue his winning ways and prevail come Saturday September 22, 2018 at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker”

Heavyweight Title Unification

Tonight, at the sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Anthony Joshua (21-0, 20 Kos) unanimously decision Joseph Parker (24-1, 18 Kos) in their 12-round bout to become Super WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO Unified Heavyweight Champion of the world!!!

All three Judges had AJ winning by a large Margin. Hands Down! Truth be told this was not the most exiting AJ performance to date but my Boy showed character and patience tonight inside that squared circle and kept with the game plan at hand. AJ was the predator all night and Parker the pray with no real answer to AJ’s advancement towards him. I was seriously expecting Parker to be more aggressive and quicker of his feet but tonight his performance was very lackluster compared to what he usually brings to the squared circle. Styles make fights but that only works if both fighters are fully engaged and tonight that was not the case.

Tonight, AJ’s knockout streak may have ended but the job at hand was still delivered, he secured the win and collected Parker’s WBO Belt to become Unified Champion.

It’s clear that as the competition improves for AJ so does the challenge. Every time out is an opportunity to show improvement and tonight going the full 12-rounds unmarked by his opponent for the first time is a good way to gage where your are at this point in your career. Real Talk!

Congratulations on your win tonight AJ, you are one step closer to becoming Undisputed. Keep working and perfecting your craft but keep in mind there can only be one true “King” in the Heavyweight Division so be cautious of Deontay Wilder the man holding the last peace to the puzzle, the WBC Belt, cause he’s a BADDDD Man inside that squared circle.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker”

CHAMPION VS CHAMPION

Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 Kos) will be returning to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday March 31, 2018 on Sky Sport Box Office for a Unification fight against Champion Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 Kos).

This will be the first time in History that two reigning Heavyweight World Champions have met in Britain. The stakes couldn’t be any higher. Joshua will be defending his IBF, WBA Super and IBO Belts to Joseph’s WBO Belt along with both unbeaten records on the line.

Both fighters have their own views on how things are going to go down come fight night. Both are young, hungry, and strong and determined to become Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.

Surprisingly the early trash-talking has been coming from Parker, who feels he’s got the right attributes to put a stop to Joshua’s reign at the top of the food chain. He’s even going as far as predicting a knockout! Parker’s a tough Dude who’s never been stopped or shaken in that squared circle to date. It’s clear to me where the confidence is coming from.

Joshua’s heard the entire trash-talking coming from the opposite camp and he hasn’t been impressed. Personally, I think the critical attacks from them have actually fueled his anger and in return we are going to see a highly motivated AJ pumped up to put a hurting on his opponent in an emphatic fashion.

For some reason or another AJ’s opponents are quick to overlook or underestimate what he brings to that squared circle. AJ is clearly still learning fight by fight but to assume that he’s a walk in the park is blasphemy. REAL TALK!

The winner from this Unification Bout will hold four of the five Major Titles, leaving Deontay Wilder’s WBC Belt as the last one to acquire.

This is shaping out to be quite an intriguing month for the Heavyweight Division. Who will fall and who will rise one step closer to Undisputed?

Who you got?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Carlos Takam”

IBF, IBO, WBA Heavyweight Championship

Due to Kubrat Pulev’s injury sustained two weeks or so before the fight a mandatory late replacement was found in the shape and form of # 3 IBF Carlos Takam (35-4-1, 27 Kos). The Frenchman stepped in to become Joshua’s worthy challenger at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Saturday night October 28, 2017.

Having seen how tough and durable Takam is, tonight he did not disappoint me despite the referee stopping the bout in the 10th round. Going toe-to-toe with AJ is not an easy task to do and Takam showed heart and courage tonight but just didn’t have enough in the form of power or proper game plan to put AJ out.

Tonight, AJ performed beautifully by winning every round and never losing control inside that squared circle. Although AJ scored a knockdown in the fourth round, the boxing fans at ringside booed the stoppage of round 10, as they felt that AJ should have been allowed to try and finish Takam, who was still on his feet at the time but in the referee’s opinion was taking too much punishment.

I personally think it was a great fight. AJ needs rounds like these to help him build and improve on his boxing skills as a fighter. With that being said AJ successfully defended his IBF, IBO and WBA Heavyweight Titles and kept his flawless knockout record intact (20-0, 20Kos).

Congratulations Champ now on to 2018!

Blaze