On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia”

Legacy Clash

The youngins are coming. This highly anticipated matchup is finally here. Two of the best in the World of Boxing in three Division World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (28-0, 26 Kos) and Ryan “King Ryan” Garcia (23-0, 19 Kos) have officially agreed to meet at a catchweight of 136 pounds on Saturday April 22, 2023, on Showtime PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

From enjoying both press conferences from New York to LA, it’s clear them two warriors are both ready for that smoke. Real Talk! There’s been a lot of tough talk from both sides and predictions of a guaranteed knockout by both combatants. There are no belts on the line but their undefeated records and the possibility of claiming the Face of Boxing.

The heat is definitely brewing whenever them two are in the same vicinity of one another. Ryan is feeling himself and projecting some serious confidence at the task at hand while Gervonta has yet to show anything different other than his usual never bothered persona.

Both combatants clearly carry some serious ammunition in their hands, but it might take more than power to get the job done on that night. Both respective corners will have to produce a serious “game plan” to offset the opposition. Ryan, being the much bigger and longer opponent, possesses a considerable advantage, but “Tank” has always been at a disadvantage in the past, but his boxing IQ and boxing skills have always been the original equalizer aside from his high ko percentage bailing him out.

Gervonta’s small stature compared to Ryan’s is a hot topic that can’t go unnoticed but skill for skill, Gervonta has the goods to get the job done regardless of the obstacle ahead and is more proven at this point in his career. It will be up to “King Ryan” to fulfill his destiny of knocking “Tank” off the food chain when push comes to shove when the two combatants meet on Saturday night April 22, 2023, on Showtime PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Regardless of the outcome I expect nothing but fireworks come fight night. Hands Down!

Who you got?

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On The Watch “It’s All About Leigh Wood vs Mauricio Lara”

WBA Super World Featherweight challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 Kos) and Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 Kos) was an entertaining bout that had the fans in attendance on their feet at the Nottingham Arena, Nottingham.

The homegrown Nottingham warrior was well prepared for this bout and proceeded to execute their respective “game plan” as the rounds progressed. I was impressed by Leigh for boxing intelligently and not shying away from Lara who I thought started slower than expected but still kept applying nonstop pressure.

Both combatants stayed true to themselves by standing their ground and exchanging some serious leather back and forth making the bout that much more intriguing as the rounds progressed.

Although I personally felt like Leigh was winning the majority of the rounds, exchanging blow for blow with Lara may not have been the best way to tackle this particular opponent.

Mauricio is known to being a tough competitor with sneaky power that can be unleashed unexpectedly if not careful.

That being said, with a competitive seventh round nearing completion Lara was able to connect and drop Leigh with a devastating well placed left hook on the chin for a quick 8 count that saw Wood rise up on his shaky legs convincing the Referee that he was still able to continue. He visibly looked out on his feet which then hastily prompted Leigh’s trainer to throw in the towel to save his fighter from absorbing any further punishment.

As upset as Leigh was with his cornerman stopping the bout, the right decision was made, Leigh was in no condition to continue.

I tip my “B” hat to Leigh Wood for taking this bout as a voluntary defense. You stepped up and took on a tough contender in your first title defense but fell short – there is no shame in your game for trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

As for Mauricio Lara, congratulations are in order. You walked into enemy territory, and silenced the crowd and snatched the belt from the Champion and are now being crowned the new WBA Super World Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Amanda Serrano vs Erika Cruz”

Undisputed Featherweight Champion

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event showdown between Unified IBF/IBO/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Featherweight Champion Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 Kos) and WBA Super Featherweight Champion Erika Cruz (15-2, 3 Kos) brought the building down at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater with an electrifying performance by both combatants. Real Talk!

These two warriors made the Main Event worth every penny earned that night. Them two Champions knew exactly what was at stake and wasted no time asserting themselves right from the first bell.

Heavy bombs were being dropped from both combatants standing toe to toe and tightly knit with neither opponent showing signs of backing off. However, Amanda was slicker with her movements – boxing and dodging avoiding the onslaught coming her way.

With both combatants exchanging leather in the phone booth style a clash of heads occurred in the third round causing a deep cut on the forehead of Erika but still did not deter her from continuing to drop bombs at every opportunity

Amanda looked good and strong as the rounds progressed. She boxed and moved beautifully while keeping busy with her hands and landing some serious leather. That said Erika’s own shots did get through and eventually cut Amanda on the forehead making the bout that more interesting.

In the championship rounds Amanda showed her superiority and special skill set by out landing and outworking Erika to the punch. Erika showed crazy toughness, refusing to let the blood dripping in her eyes deter her from the task at hand.

After 10 fully contested rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93 unanimously for Amanda Serrano.

With this win Amanda collected the WBA Super Featherweight Belt from Erika and retained her IBF/IBO/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Featherweight Championship Titles to now being crowned the first man or woman from Puerto Rico to become Undisputed IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Featherweight Champion of the World. Now that’s “The Real Deal”.

Congratulations Amanda on this historical achievement – well-deserved.

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On The Watch “It’s All About Alycia Baumgardner vs Elhem Mekhaled”

Undisputed Super Featherweight Champion

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Co Main Event between Unified IBF/IBO/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Featherweight Champion Alycia Baumgardner (14-1, 7 Kos) and challenger Elhem Mekhaled (15-2, 3 Kos) at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater was a very entertaining bout from start to finish. Real Talk!

Alycia came out the gate by pressing the action looking to overwhelm Elhem with her controlled aggression which kept a high pace in the early rounds. Alycia used her physical strength to her advantage and eventually dropped Elhem twice for two standing 8 counts in the third round but was unable to put Mekhaled away.

Sensing things were going bad for her, Elhem didn’t submit and continued to press the action. She continued to absorb a lot of punishment but definitely showed her durability as the rounds progressed and Alycia slowed her pace down to conserve some energy.

Sensing Alycia looked a little breathless Elhem pressed the action well into the championship rounds making this a tougher bout then expected but Alycia showed determination and bit down on her gum shield and mustered the right amount of energy and shots needed to edge the rounds in my eyes. Her punches were simply more telling.

After 10 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 99-89, 99-89 and 98-90 unanimously for Alycia Baumgardner.

With this win Alycia picked up the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title while retaining her IBF/IBO/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Featherweight Titles, now crowning her the New Undisputed Super Featherweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Alycia on your latest astonishing accomplishment.

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On The Watch “It’s All About Emanuel Navarrete vs Liam Wilson”

Vacant WBO Super Featherweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN+ Main Event between WBC Featherweight Champion Emanuel Navarrete (37-1, 31 Kos) and challenger Liam Wilson (11-2, 7 Kos) definitely brought the fans in attendance at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona to their feet.

It was a very intriguing bout where the highly favourite Navarrete got tested early and probably underestimated his opponent when he got dropped and hurt badly in the fourth round but still managed to survive the onslaught coming at him.

With a strong fourth decisive round in the bank for Liam, his confidence grew from that point on but was still unable to capitalize fully as the rounds progressed. Navarrete definitely stepped his game up but still left himself quite open to some unnecessary shots due to his awkward style.

Navarrete’s lack of respect for defense was quite apparent but his high-volume offense and power shots undeniably make up for it as he usually overwhelms his opponents into submission.

As the rounds progressed both combatants exchanged good shots but it was Navarrete who seemed to take control in the later rounds. By the ninth round the inevitable occurred when Navarrete decided to put his punches together and chased down Wilson with a detonating right hand to the dome that dropped a badly hurt Liam for an 8 count that saw him rise up to his feet only to succumb to a barrage of unanswered punches from head to body pinned on the ropes and forcing the referee to put a stop to the bout.

It was a tougher bout then expected for Navarrete who got tested on the night but his higher work rate throughout the bout got the job done in a convincing fashion.

With this win Navarrete became a Three Division World Champion and the new WBO Super Featherweight Champion of the World.

Being that Emanuel is also the WBC Featherweight Champion and now WBO Super Featherweight Champion, he will have 10 days to inform the WBO sanctioning body of which Division he will be campaigning at as Champion in the future.

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On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde”

IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Championship Showdown

Canada stand Up! Tonight’s BT Sport/ESPN + Main Event between IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 Kos) and mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 Kos) at the OVO Arena in London England, definitely lived up to the hype! Real Talk!

This bout was a competitive battle right from the jump with both combatants feeling each other out and working on their respective game plan round by round. Both warriors looked strong and fit and ready for war. To me Beterbiev came out as the aggressor unlike what Anthony predicted prior to the build-up which was very surprising. Anthony felt he would be the one dictating how the bout would unfold but things quickly changed as the rounds progressed and he eventually felt Artur’s power.

Both combatants threw leather with intention to hurt each other by visibly marking each other with some very good shots but it was Artur who seemed to me to have the more telling effect as the rounds progressed.

The home-grown fighter Anthony stood his ground and represented his country to the fullest but clearly found himself in a dog fight as the rounds advanced. Both combatants were going blow for blow administering some serious damage but as the rounds developed it was Anthony who seemed to fade with fatigue in my eyes.

Anthony boxed beautifully but the pressure Beterbiev was moving in with was definitely breaking Anthony down slowly but effectively. By the eight round, the inevitable was on the horizon and when Beterbiev connected with two heavy, well-placed right hands to the dome and dropped Anthony, the writing was already on the wall.

Although Anthony rose to his feet after the standing eight count, he looked confused and defeated but proceeded to continue absorbing further punishment from Beterbiev which then quickly prompted Anthony’s corner to halt the bout.

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and although Beterbeiv was the elder of the two combatants it was his durability and his experience that carried him over this tough battle.

With this win Artur maintained his perfect knockout ratio along with his IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Titles patiently waiting for the opportunity at undisputed with WBA Super Light heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 Kos).

Congratulations Artur on another destructive performance.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Chris Eubank Jr. vs Liam Smith”

Middleweight Throwdown

Tonight’s Sky Sports/Boxxer Main Event between Chris Eubank Jr. (32-3, 23 Kos) and Liam Smith (33-3-1, 20 Kos) at the Manchester Lancaster, UK was a proper domestic showdown that shocked the fans in attendance and the world watching. Real Talk!

Former WBO Light Middleweight Champion Liam moved up in weight to challenge the former WBA Interim Middleweight Champion Eubank Jr. at the full Middleweight Division and asserted himself quite well at the new weight and stood his ground going toe-to-toe with the naturally bigger man inside that squared circle.

While Eubank used a nice stiff jab from the jump to keep Liam at bay, Smith kept coming forward never deterred in applying as much pressure as he could round by round.

Both combatants had their moments looking very active with their hands but in the third round, it looked like Eubank was about to take the lead until the unexpected happened throughout the fourth round when Liam backed Eubank to the corner and teed off on him with a series of accurate punches that dropped Eubank for the first time in his career. Although Eubank did get up, he clearly had no legs or the sense to survive the round. Seeing Eubank visibly hurt, Liam wasted no time at putting Eubank out of his misery by seizing the moment and dropping him to the canvas one more time prompting the referee to stop the bout at 1:09 of round four. Unbelievable!

No disrespect to Liam who is a good fighter, I never anticipated this type of finish by his hands. Liam flattened Eubank who was said to be the bigger and stronger fighter of the two in such a devastating fashion never seen before by any of his previous opponents. This is the type of finish that has you rethinking what the hell went wrong.

The build-up to this bout had a lot of heat from both sides but it was Liam who walked it like he talked it and stole the show in the blink of an eye.

This bout was a great domestic win for Liam but it was also the type of win that will bring up even greater opportunities ahead in the 154- or 160-pound Division.

Congratulations Liam, you walked inside that squared circle the underdog but walked out the “Top Dog” of the night. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Hector Luis Garcia”

WBA “Regular” Lightweight Challenge

Last night’s Showtime PPV/PBC Main Event between WBA “Regular” Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis (28-0, 26 Kos) and Super Featherweight Champion Hector Luis Garcia (16-1, 10 Kos) brought the heat to another sellout crowd of 19,731 at the Capital One Arena where “Tank” made sure the fans in attendance left the arena satisfied.

The bout started out as expected in a strategic fashion where both combatants were working on angling out their respective “game plans”. Garcia proved to be a worthy opponent that kept things very interesting as the rounds progressed.

Both combatants boxed well. Garcia kept his jab working keeping Davis at bay but a jab can only take you so far when you’ve got “Tank” opposite of you. “Tank” did what was expected of him and worked his way in touching Garcia with some heavy fast combinations clearly getting to Garcia as the rounds piled up.

Garcia showed some serious resilience going toe to toe with Davis but “Tank’s” power could only be avoided for so long. Although Garcia kept things exciting, Davis made sure he stayed one step ahead by countering Garcia’s attack with some serious leather with power behind every punch landed.

Gervonta had figured out Garcia by round 8 and in this round “Tank” put it all together and applied just the right amount of pressure with some serious accurate shots from head to body that clearly affected Garcia.

Before the start of round 9, Garcia complained about his vision being blurred and opted not to come off his stool for the beginning of the round and by doing so trusting Gervonta with a TKO.

This was a competitive bout from start to finish. Gervonta had to work for this one and prevailed like the superior boxer that he is and in doing so reattained his WBA “Regular” World Lightweight Title.

With this win now completed the next task at hand is a scheduled showdown encounter with Ryan Garcia in the upcoming months. Now that’s a very intriguing matchup that will surely have the attention of the boxing community at large.

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On The Watch “It’s All About Michel Rivera vs Frank Martin”

Lightweight Showdown

Last night’s Showtime Main Event between undefeated Michel Rivera (24-1, 14 Kos) and undefeated Frank Martin (17-0, 12 Kos) unfolded in a very unpredictable fashion at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Both combatants came out the gate confident and attempting to work out their respective “game plans” but as the rounds progressed, Frank is the one who shined round by round by applying nonstop pressure with a set of heavy hands making it very hard for Rivera to establish any type of comfort inside that squared circle aside from his jab which was good, but lacked volume to deter Martin.

Both combatants showed exceptional skills but as the rounds’ progressed Frank was clearly ahead securing each and every one of them. Michel had met his match. Frank was simply too slick, stronger, faster and the one controlling the action inside that squared circle.

Desperation was mounting in Rivera’s corner and by round seven Frank took the lead and never looked back when he dropped Rivera to the floor for a quick 8 count. It was at that moment when Rivera looked defeated.

There was no coming back for Rivera. As the rounds continued to pile up, Martin continued to dominate in a very convincing but impressive way. After 12 fully completed rounds, the Judges at hand scored it 120-107, 118-109 and 117-110 all in favour of Frank Martin.

It was a clear shutout by the rising contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin who has now put the 135-Pound Division on notice that he’s coming for all that smoke and looking for that work. Man Down!

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On The Watch “It’s All About Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler”

Undisputed Bantamweight Championship

The first-ever Undisputed Bantamweight Champion in the four-belt era was crowned last night when Undefeated Unified WBA/WBC/IBF and Ring Magazine Champion Naoya Inoue (24-0, 21 Kos) took on WBO Champion Paul Butler (34-3, 15 Kos) and completely outclassed him in front of his hometown at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

I expected to see two warrior Champions go blow for blow inside that squared circle vying for that Undisputed Crown but instead I witnessed the “Monster” Inoue establish immediate fear into his opponent causing him to retreat into survivor mode from round 1 and on.

For Butler to travel from the United Kingdom to Tokyo and not perform like the Champion that he is, was very disappointing. Butler talked a good game from the jump but failed miserably when faced head on with Inoue inside that squared circle.

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and clearly Inoue was 10 notches above Butler who had absolutely no answer and lacked a “game plan” to contain or deter the stronger, faster, smarter combatant from having his way with him inside that squared circle.

Inoue’s punches were thumping with accuracy round by round and even when Butler attempted to utilize the ring by moving away, he was met with an aggressive flurry of punches at every corner. Butler looked like a moving punching bag trying to survive a never-ending onslaught.

Entering the 11th round Inoue was ready to close the show and close the show he did when the crowd in attendance rallied behind their star, motivating him to punish his opponent with a flurry of body to head shots breaking Butler down who was unable to answer the count by the referee.

Although Butler did not behave like a Champion on this night, he did prove to be a tough Dude to withstand such a one-sided beatdown for eleven rounds at the hands of Naoya “Monster” Inoue – the New Undisputed WBA/WBC/WBO/IBF and Ring Magazine Bantamweight Champion of the world.

Congratulations Naoya on you latest history making accomplishment.

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