On The Watch “It’s All About James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr.”

Super Middleweight Challenge

Rumors have been swirling around for quite some time and now it has officially been confirmed. The domestic British dust up between James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 Kos) and Chris Eubank Jr. (27-2, 21 Kos) is set to take place on February 23, 2019 at London’s O2 Arena.

The trash talking between the two combatants has been going on for years and it’s only fitting to end all talks inside that squared circle. There’s a lot on the table here. A loss for either combatant will have a serious gut check when it’s all said and done.

This bout is more about “Pride Fighting” then “Prize Fighting”. A lot has been said about where both warriors are at in their respective careers to date. Some in the boxing community see DeGale as a shot fighter on the decline while others in the boxing community see Eubank Jr. as an underachiever who chokes when tested by legitimate competitors.

I personally, see this bout as an opportunity for either combatant to show the naysayers that they still got what it takes to get bigger and better fights in the Super Middleweight Division. It’s “Show and Prove” time. Enough with the talking it’s time to step up and back it up.

Eubank Jr. is the younger of the two with less mileage. He’s at a peak point of his career and has serious skills inside that squared circle when focused. with a full-time trainer now by his side, it’s time for Eubank Jr. to perform and steal the show.

DeGale keeps talking about this bout being a “retirement fight” for the loser but truth be told he needs to step up his own game up to avoid that specific outcome on February 23, 2019. He could be the odd man out if he doesn’t come correct and focused come fight night.

There is absolutely no shortage of confidence when it comes to these two opponents, but truth be told the pressure is on 100 for them two to deliver and look convincing doing it.

The winner at the O2 Arena on Saturday night February 23, 2019 will get a positive boost within the Super Middleweight Division and possibly a Championship bout looming on the horizon?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jermall Charlo vs Matt Korobov”

WBC Interim-Middleweight challenge

Jermall Charlo (29-0, 21Kos) retained his WBC Interim-Middleweight Title against a very worthy opponent Matt Korobov (28-2, 14 Kos) as the Main Event at the Barclays Center Brooklyn, New York.

This bout was a very competitive one considering Matt Korobov was a late replacement. Jermall had himself a real Middleweight challenge inside that squared circle tonight but he definitely rose to the occasion and performed exceptionally well.

Korobov showed up and performed from start to finish and kept things quite competitive round after round. He showed no fear and fought a good fight that kept the back and forth action quite interesting. Korobov showed durability with a very good Boxing IQ inside that squared circle. His counter punching was on point and had some pop to it that kept Jermall on his toes all night.

In my eyes, this bout was a lot closer than the Judges had it but Jermall’s power and heavy-fisted combination was certainly the equalizer that separated the two in the championship rounds. Jermall asserted his will when it counted and secured the win.

Congratulations Champ, now on to the next.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jermell Charlo vs Tony Harrison”

WBC Super Welterweight Challenge

In a controversial outcome at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo (31-1, 15 Kos) suffered his first professional loss of his career to a unanimous decision to challenger Tony Harrison (28-2, 21 Kos).

All three Judges, scored it 116-112 115-113, 115-113 for Tony. Now no disrespect to any of the Judges working that bout tonight but real talk, what fight were they all watching? Don’t get it twisted, Tony fought a good technical fight that went back and forth at times but to say he was dominating Jermell throughout the rounds is an understatement.

It was definitely a good chess match between the two that certainly made it harder for Jermell then expected. That being said Jermell was the more aggressive fighter of the two constantly looking for that one punch knockout.

Controversy aside Tony stood his ground and fought a good one that certainly made it interesting inside that squared circle but to say it was a unanimous decision for Tony is very debatable. A rematch is unquestionably needed to clear the air on this one.

Until then, congratulations Tony on becoming the New WBC Super Welterweight Champion.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Dereck Chisora”

Heavyweight Challenge

Another good showing by Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 Kos) tonight at the O2 Arena, in London against a “WAR” ready challenger Dereck Chisora (29-9, 21 Kos).

This second go around between the two warriors was completely different from their last meeting inside that squared circle. While Dereck was clearly the more aggressive fighter of the two, Whyte surprisingly maintained a very controlled offensive approach in every round. Whyte stuck to his game plan and waited out the storm before administering the “End Game” knockout blow in the 11th round. Real Talk.

Dereck fought a good one and was also very calm throughout the bout. He fought smart and he was in control up until he got caught in the 11th round. Although the bout was close up until then, two of the Judges at the time of stoppage had Chisora up on the cards while the third Judge had it dead even.

It was an interesting fight with the two combatants working their respective game plans to a “T” and for that I tip my “B” hat to the both of them. It was a strategic bout from start to finish and the better executor prevailed.

With this win Dillian has reassured his position within the top of the Heavyweight Division. His options are clearer than ever, as a mandatory challenger to the WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, it’s only a matter of time before he gets a crack at him or he could inevitably rematch Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua. That is a viable option considering he could also be mandatory challenger to the Champs WBO Belt.

Some heavy options for the Heavyweight Challenger “The Body Snatcher”.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Rocky Fielding”

WBA Super Middleweight Champion

Last night, in his first time Main Event at the sold-out Madison Square Garden, Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 Kos) did not disappoint the masses in attendance. Canelo, the Unified Middleweight “King”, moved up to the Super Middleweight Division and dismantled WBA “Regular” Super Middleweight Champion Rocky Fielding (27-2, 15 Kos). Real Talk!

It took Canelo only three rounds to complete the task at hand but it was clear from the first-round body shot take down that the game plan was to stop Rocky. Attack the body and he will crumble. It was obvious that Rocky was not physically or mentally prepared for an aggressive heavy fisted Canelo. Rocky did not use his height, reach or weight to his advantage at all. Whatever game plan Rocky’s corner had went straight out the window once Canelo started landing the heavy shots to the head and body with bad intention at will.

Alvarez simply bullied the bigger fighter inside that squared circle and overwhelmed him with his power. Having seen Rocky go down four times and take a knee in less than three rounds, the referee saw no point in continuing the bout and waived it off without a count at the 2:38 mark of the third round. Nuff said.

With this win Canelo claims the WBA “Regular” Super Middleweight Title and now becomes a Three Division Champion and current Title Holder in two Weight Divisions. Impressive!!

Congratulations Canelo on achieving another great milestone in your extensive career.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury”

WBC Heavyweight Title Challenge

Last night, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the two Biggest Heavyweight Boxers in the game-WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 39 Kos) and Linear Champion Tyson Fury (27-0-1, 19Kos) dazzled us fans to a surprising and controversial split draw. Real Talk!

I gotta tip my “B” hat to “The Gypsy King” for such an impressive performance. He really outdid himself in that squared circle against Deontay. I didn’t think he still had it in him but “DAMN” was I wrong. The man withstood two knockdowns from the “Bronze Bomber” but completed the 12 rounds like a warrior. Aside from the two knockdowns, Fury executed their game plan to a “T”. He did a great job at neutralizing Deontay’s power with good movement and a stiff jab and constantly kept it awkward. Tyson was fearless and definitely motivated to outbox the heavy- fisted puncher. His boxing IQ was on full display last night.

Deontay retained his WBC Heavyweight Title but not without being pushed to the limit. Wilder was in a war last night but stepped up like a true Champion. I personally think Wilder was met with a tougher challenge then we all expected. Wilder’s equalizing power couldn’t finish Fury but he did manage to lay “The Gypsy King” down twice on the canvas but couldn’t sleep the giant out permanently as he had previously predicted.

Judges scores aside, the respect from both competitors was unquestionably earned last night, this was a great bout. Debatable outcome but definitely entertaining from start to finish.

I congratulate both combatants for a performance well worth it.

Now the question remains, will they do it again?

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Adonis Stevenson vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk”

WBC Light Heavyweight Championship

Tonight, at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, our own Canadian and longest-reigning Lineal WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (29-2-1, 24 Kos) lost his WBC Title by a devastating knockout in the 11th round to Oleksandr Gvozdyk (16-0, 13 Kos).

Adonis was holding his own out there and winning on two Judges cards but Gvozdyk’s constant but strategic movement was a major key to offsetting Adonis’ offence.

To me, Adonis looked tired early and it showed round by round. He was nailing Gvozdyk with some heavy shots but was unable to put him away. Gvozdyk’s corner came up with a great game plan that he executed perfectly. Gvozdyk was patient and smart enough to last the needed rounds to administer a demoralizing combination knockout that ended Adonis’ reign at the top.

It was a good performance by Gvozdyk. He saw a tired looking Adonis fading in the championship rounds and took advantage of the situation as a challenger should.

Congratulations to the New WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk, it’s a win well deserved.

Welcome to the Winners’ Circle.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dmitry Bivol vs Jean Pascal”

WBA Light Heavyweight Challenge

WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (15-0, 11 Kos) had himself another dominating performance last night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City when he easily dismantled former Champion Jean Pascal (33-6-1, 20 Kos).

As dominant as Bivol was last night it was certainly not his best performance to date. Bivol has shown us time and time again that he is fundamentally sound with a very high Boxing IQ inside that squared circle; however, I still think he’s holding back at times when he’s got his opponent hurt.

I was confused by Pascal’s game plan or lack thereof. Dude had heart but absolutely no jab or strategic offence whatsoever? It was embarrassing to see a former Champion go out the way he did. Real Talk! Sporadic bursts of punches doesn’t do anything if you’re not consistent with your pressure throughout the rounds!!

Bivol clearly outclassed Pascal inside that squared circle last night but seemed to have run out of juice in the championship rounds. As polished as Bivol is as a fighter, there are still some unanswered questions that can hopefully be addressed as his competition improves.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner”

WBA Welterweight Challenge

It’s official, the “living legend” Manny Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 Kos) will be defending his WBA (regular) Welterweight Title against Adrien Broner (33-3-1 24 Kos) Saturday January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

This bout right here has the potential of being a blockbuster if both combatants show up and perform to the best of their abilities come fight night. Real Talk!

Aside from the WBA belt being on the line there is a lot at stake here for both combatants. A win here for Pacquiao would silence his naysayers and prove to the boxing community that the “Pacman” still got it and still has more to add to his legacy.

As for AB a win against a living active legend like Paquiao would bring him right back up into the mix with the rest of the top Welterweights. This is the type of bout that AB needs to bring the best out of him. The big stage, the glitter, the lights and a convincing win could just be what he needs to get him back focus on his career 100%.

That being said, we can’t front on Pacquiao. His last demolition of Lucas Matthysse four months ago showed us that “Pacman” still got the goods and the skills to hang with the best of them young or old. It will be up to Broner to show him a “Problem” that he can’t solve inside that squared circle come Saturday night January 19, 2019, live on Showtime PPV in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Errol Spence Jr. vs Mikey Garcia”

IBF Welterweight Challenge

Ask and you shall receive. It’s now officially been announced; the highly questionable match up between IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. (24-0, 21 Kos) and WBC Lightweight Champion Mikey Garcia (39-0, 30 Kos) is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Mikey is a proven and established warrior who’s held World Titles at Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight and Super Lightweight. With this challenge ahead, he is now looking to claim a Title in his fifth weight class Division by attempting to dethrone IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr.

Mikey has been calling for this fight for a minute now and the call has finally been answered. To me this is a tough task considering Mikey will be going up two weight Divisions to take on Errol. Real Talk! I personally rate Mikey as pound-for-pound one of the best within his primary weight class in this era hands down but taking on the “Boogie Man” of the Welterweight Division is a challenge beyond belief.

The weight difference between the two combatants is a major factor. Mikey won’t just be dealing with a heavier Dude but also one that carries crack with every punch he throws. I know that styles make fights and that Mikey is technically sound and strong within his own right but the size and power that Errol walks with might just be too much for Mikey inside that squared circle.

That being said, if Mikey were to pull off the unthinkable and give Spence his first loss, he would be joining a prestigious circle of the likes of Sugar Ray Lenard, Tommy Hearns, Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. who’ve all won World Titles in five different weight classes. Not bad company if you ask me.

On paper and amongst the boxing community, Spence looks like a clear winner. It will be up to Garcia to prove all the naysayers and doubters wrong come fight night. Will the little man beat the bigger guy?

Tune in Saturday night March 16, 2019 on FOX pay-per-view and witness possibly the most intriguing bout of the New Year.

Blaze