On The Watch “It’s All About Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas”

Undisputed Junior Featherweight Showdown

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN+ Main Event between Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Featherweight Champion Naoya Inoue (30-0, 27 Kos) and challenger Ramon Cardenas (26-2, 14 Kos), single handedly saved the entire heavy weekend of boxing by giving us fans the excitement that was missing throughout the weekend when these two warriors graced the inside of that squared circle at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This bout was action packed from start to finish. Both combatants were very sharp and brought the “HEAT” while exchanging some serious leather with “BOMBS” coming from both sides. Inoue’s aggressive style is very crowd pleasing but can sometimes leave openings when not careful and that is exactly what transpired when he got caught late in the second round with a counter left hook and tasted the canvas for a quick standing 8 count. He brushed himself off though while the fans in attendance erupted with “HYPE” as the action was about to blow up!

From round three, the action picked up from both combatants. I was impressed by Cardenas who stood his ground and fought toe-to-toe and asserted himself quite well and made it an entertaining bout as the rounds progressed.

That being said, a highly motivated Inoue stepped his game up and his pressure as he started to walk down his opponent while administering some heavy shots loaded with combinations. The inevitable was near as Inoue’s onslaught was becoming painfully hard for Cardenas to avoid and he eventually folded in the corner to a standing 8 count in the seventh round. The crowd once again erupted to their feet as Cardenas survived the round.

By the start of round eight the unanswered onslaught came in hot and Cardenas was pinned on the ropes absorbing some serious leather which then prompted the referee to halt the bout. Some will say that the stoppage was premature but truth be told, the end was truly inevitable as the punches were coming in at a higher clip with some serious power behind them.

With this convincing win now under his belt, Naoya Inoue retained his Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Featherweight Championship Titles and continues to reign supreme.

Well done, Champ.

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 Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois II”

Unified Heavyweight Championship

Redemption is on the horizon as an intriguing rematch has officially been announced between IBF World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 Kos), who will be looking to avenge his previous loss to Undefeated Unified IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 Kos) on Saturday night July 19, 2025, at the Wembley Stadium in London.

Dubois has worked his way back in an impressive fashion by beating highly rated Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and completely annihilating former Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua to capture the IBF Heavyweight Title. These back-to-back wins have created a “Monster” in Daniel Dubois.

Since becoming a Champion, Dubois’ confidence has been on 100% screaming at anybody who would listen to him to bring him Oleksandr Usyk so he could right the wrong and claim Undisputed by dethroning the King of the Heavyweight Division.

A tough task if you ask me, considering Usyk has already run the gauntlet by defeating Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua (twice), Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury (twice). This man Usyk is a one-man army ready and always willing to accept any and all challenges regardless of the obstacle.

Usyk has shown us time and time again that he is levels above all competitors who dare to contest him and on Saturday night July 19, 2025, at the Wembley Stadium in London, Usyk will be looking to become a two-time Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World by beating Daniel Dubois convincingly and reclaiming his IBF World Title that Dubois has been keeping warm for him.

That being said, this version of Dubois is a Champion this time around and a highly motivated one desperately looking to put a beating on Usyk and to prove to himself and the naysayers that his time is now.

Can’t wait to see if Dubois can walk it like he talked it so tune in to DAZN on Saturday night July 19, 2025, at the Wembley Stadium in London and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn”

Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s highly anticipated domestic grudge match between the sons of legends Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, IBO Middleweight Champion Chris Eubank Jr. (35-3, 25 Kos) and Conor Benn (23-1, 14 Kos) brought the house down at the sold out 65,000 plus fans who gathered in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

These two warriors did not disappoint when they both stepped foot inside that squared circle. This was a shootout from start to finish where Conor held no punches and went in straight for the kill with his aggressive style looking to pressure Chris into early submission but to no avail. Chris withstood the early onslaught and kept his composure long enough to get his own “game plan” into action.

This was a tougher fight than expected as both combatants threw nuff leather at each other round by round but Chris’ experience prevailed and carried him through the tough challenges ahead.

Conor’s aggressive style was very impressive but could not be sustained for the entire bout as Chris was able to neutralize Conor with a hard and steady active jab. The action definitely picked up as both combatants fought toe-to-toe banging on one another making it that much more entertaining as the rounds progressed, but Chris’ experience with superior opposition showed up last night as he was able to control the later rounds.

Both combatants showed fatigue but fought through it as the adrenalin of being in a sold-out stadium carried them through. Chris’ style and strategy eventually overwhelmed Conor to the point where his own aggressive nonstop output visibly caught Conor off guard as fatigue was seriously settling in on both of them but was visibly more taxing on Conor.

That said, I gotta tip my “B” hat to Conor for bringing the “HEAT” to Chris. Conor came in this bout gunz blazing and went for the kill but after 12 full competitive rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 116-112 unanimously for Chris Eubank Jr.

Real Talk! Love him or hate him Chris Eubank Jr. was the superior combatant on the night hands down. This was a tough bout but truth be told Chris’ effective punch output in the championship rounds sealed the deal in his favor in my opinion.

This was a glorified street fight inside a squared circle that definitely lived up to the “HYPE”. Congratulations are in order to both combatants for giving us a possible fight of the year candidate. Real Talk!

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 Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano III”

Undisputed Junior Welterweight Showdown

The rematch between Undisputed Junior Welterweight IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 Kos) and highly decorated Champion Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 30 Kos) has officially been announced and they are going to go at it in a highly anticipated and well received trilogy showdown on an all-women’s card live on Netflix Friday July 11, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Judging by their first press conference, these two well-decorated warriors are definitely going to bring that “HEAT” when they step foot inside that squared circle. They’ll start right where they left off from their two highly-contested but controversial showdowns that keep us wanting more every time.

Throughout all the trash talking and the back and forth these two warriors were throwing at each other one thing was made certain by Katie, she is 2-0 over Amanda and will be looking to maintain that lead come fight night by making it 3-0.

That being said, Amanda is extremely determined to right the wrong this time around and prove to the naysayers that she is capable of dethroning Katie off her Queen’s chair and become once and for all the Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion. Those are her intensions but truth be told, Katie Taylor is no walk in the park type of an opponent. Katie is highly skilled in every department and equipped with the will of a Lioness who refuses to back down.

Regardless of their previous outings this trilogy is once again must-see TV. Another moment in time to be added to the History Books!

So, tune in live on Netflix Friday night July 11, 2025, from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and be part of this historical night of boxing.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic”

Heavyweight Showdown

Last night’s Queensberry Promotions/DAZN Main Event between Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce (16-4, 15 Kos) and Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (18-1, 14 Kos) was quite entertaining considering what these two combatants brought to that squared circle at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

Hrgovic, who took this bout on short notice, clearly wasn’t at his best on the night but did assert himself quite well considering the short three-week camp. Hrgovic conserved his energy by throwing calculated and effectives punches round by round making sure each and every one of them was felt.

As for Joyce, who may have looked the part, definitely looked like a fighter that has been regressing fight after fight as of late. Joyce understood the assignment and proceeded to press the action but to me he was getting hit way too cleanly round by round. Joyce was never a fast fighter but last night, although his punches still looked like they thumped with power, his slow movement and reaction made it painful to watch at times.

That said, Hrgovic may not have been in tip top shape but was good enough to go rounds with a slow looking “Juggernaut” and hammer in his punches as much as he could to edge out the rounds in my opinion.

Joyce showed us he could still take a heavy punch but at the cost of taking them he did not look good. After 10 brutal rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 98-92, 97-93 and 96-95 unanimously for Filip Hrgovic.

This was an important bout for both combatants. The winner can move forward to a brighter opportunity while the loser will fall down the Heavyweight Division standings and re-evaluate their future.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer”

WBC Interim Lightweight Challenge

Last night’s Golden Boy/DAZN rematch Main Event at Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico between WBC Interim Lightweight Champion William Zepeda (33-0, 27 kos) and challenger Tevin Farmer (33-8-1, 8 Kos), was more of a statement bout, than expected by the Champion Zepeda.

This time out Zepeda looked more like the warrior we are accustomed to seeing by the way he came out the gate with his controlled aggression and volume punches coming in from all angles catching Farmer off guard and unable to adjust on the fly.

Farmer, as competitive as he tried to be on the night, looked off and possibly injured his left arm and hand during the fight but nevertheless didn’t stop trying to hang in there with the super aggressive Zepeda who continued to press the action.

It was painful to watch at times considering Farmer was overmatched due to his injuries but I have to tip my “B” hat to Farmer for fighting through the pain and physical restrictions and still putting up a good fight while being compromised.

Farmer wasn’t visibly able to keep up with Zepeda’s work rate and aggression. Farmer was simply a wounded animal trying to survive but proceeded to do it in a way that you have to respect his “Gangsta” mentality made him refuse to concede at the hands of his opponent.

After 12 full rounds of action, one Judge had it 114-114 (suspect) while the other two Judges scored it 116-112 and 115-113 giving William Zepeda the majority decision.

I personally think that a healthier version of Tevin Farmer on the night would have given us a different result but this wasn’t the case. Zepeda did what was needed to be done to secure the win and can now look forward to a possible showdown with the full WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 Kos).

Shakur vs Zepeda is an intriguing bout but only time will tell if and when the challenge will be accepted by both parties involved.

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