On The Watch “It’s All About Demetrius Andrade vs Walter Kautondokwa”

WBO Middleweight Championship

Last night, at TD Garden in Boston, Billy Joe Saunders (26-0, 12 Kos) was supposed to make a mandatory defense of the WBO Middleweight Title against Demetrius Andrade (26-0, 16 Kos) but due to Saunders testing positive for a banned stimulant, on the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association banned substances, BJ voluntarily gave up his WBO Middleweight Title.

With the WBO Middleweight Title now vacant, top-ranked Andrade challenged the WBO’s No. 2 contender Walter Kautondokwa (17-1, 16 Kos) last night and he did not disappoint us.

For someone who last fought a year ago, Andrade showed absolutely no signs of rust. Andrade dominated Kautondokwa from start to finish. As good as Walter’s record stood, he was simply outclassed by a top-rated Boxer of Andrade’s caliber.

Demetrius established himself early by dropping Walter’s in the opening round, the third round and twice again in the fourth round. That being said I still gotta tip my “B” hat to Kautondokwa for having a heart of a “Lion” to withstand such punishment and still stand tall for the full twelve rounds. Walter’s took this opportunity on a two-week notice and did the best he could. He showed up and proved he belonged in this Division just not quite ready for this level of competition.

In an exciting and convincing performance, Andrade is now a Three Time Two Division World Champion by picking up the vacant WBO Middleweight Title.

Congratulations Champ, now stay active and keep this momentum going.

Now on to the next.

Blaze

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

WBA Super Middleweight Challenge

Fresh off his biggest win to date against Gennady Golovkin for the Middleweight “Supremacy”, Canelo (50-1-2, 34 Kos) has now decided to go one step higher towards the Super Middleweight Division and challenge Rocky Fielding (27-1, 15 Kos) for his WBA “Regular” Super Middleweight Title.

This will be a quick turnaround for Canelo considering he just came back from a war with “GGG” last September, but the thought of making his first appearance at the historic Madison Square Garden Saturday December 15, 2018, has motivated him to make history and to be one of the top 10 Mexican fighters to become a Three-Division World Champion.

The boxing critics will be out there voicing their displeasure on Canelo challenging WBA “Regular” Super Middleweight Champion Rocky, but truth be told this bout will not be a cake walk for Canelo. Rocky will have a great size advantage on him to go along with his height and reach.

To me, this is an intriguing fight where Canelo will definitely be out of his usual comfort zone. Alvarez is one of the best technical Pound-for-Pound boxers in the “Game” to date so Rocky will unquestionably have his hands full trying to retain his WBA “Regular” Super Middleweight belt. As it stands right now Rocky will be the underdog against Canelo. However, this bout is an immense opportunity for Rocky and if he were to pull off a major upset on the biggest stage of his career by dethroning the face of Boxing in Canelo that is, this could be a life changing moment for Fielding that could positively catapult his career to new heights.

This is uncharted territory for both combatants but the risk vs reward for both competitors makes this bout that much attractive.

Madison Square Garden Saturday night December 15, 2018 is the place to be at but you can definitely cop this bout on the DAZN streaming app.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford vs Jose Benavidez Jr.”

WBO Welterweight Championship

Last night at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Terence Crawford (34-0,25 Kos) shut the place down in a spectacular fashion by dropping down previously unbeaten Jose Benavidez (27-1, 18 Kos) to the point of stoppage at 2:42 of round 12.

Benavidez who trashed talked his way into a bout with Crawford showed a lot of heart and durability throughout the fight but damn was I ever confused by their game plan! Benavidez taunted Crawford into a fight but didn’t seem to have a plan “B” when Crawford got into his groove and started laying combination after combination on his ass round after round.

Don’t get me wrong, I rate Benavidez as a very good fighter but last night proved that Crawford is truly levels above most competitors when they’re inside that squared circle with him, Real Talk! Terence is that silent assassin toying with his prey waiting for that right moment to put you down. Henceforth in round 12 when he administered that timely snapping uppercut that took Benavidez straight up off his feet and straight down for an 8 count which then led to a flurry of unanswered punches until the referee officially stopped the fight. Nuff Said!

Last night, Crawford showed Benavidez and us fans that he truly walks it like he talks it. He specifically told Benavidez he was going to knock him out and he delivered as promised.

With this win Terence retained his WBO Welterweight Title and once again puts the Welterweight Division on notice that he’s definitely looking for that work.

Who’s up next?

Blaze

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

WBC Heavyweight Title Challenge

It has now officially been announced. Two of the biggest Heavyweight Boxers in the game – WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 Kos) and Linear Champion Tyson Fury (27-0, 19 Kos) have now set a date to bump gloves on Saturday night, December 1, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Both camps are calling this bout a “Mega Fight” but personally I just can’t see it as that considering Fury ‘s last two outings since his long 2 ½ year layoff. His two-last showings inside that squared circle were lackluster and mediocre at best versus “C” level fighters. Definitely not the type of fight one would take to get ready for a clash with the “Bronze Bomber”. This to me sounds like a move from Fury who is simply daring to be great. He’s got it in his mind that he is the Best Heavyweight in the “Game” today and is determined to prove it by taking out the hardest power puncher in the Heavyweight Division, Deontay Wilder.

Styles make fights but, in this case, we have two undefeated fighters who are sitting at 6-feet-7 for Wilder and 6-feet-9 for Fury, two very long and awkward styles that could potentially make it real ugly but very intriguing to see?

The odds are favoring the “Bronze Bomber” to knock “The Gypsy King” out cold but Fury has proven the naysayers wrong before and is determined to once again defy the odds stacked against him. Fury’s quickness and boxing skill will be on full display as long as he makes sure to stay away from Wilder’s “Alabama slammer” but that alone may not be enough for Fury to win the bout.

With their promotional 3-day press tour now in motion the trash talking will be on full display to hype up the bout. Both got mouthpieces to go on for days. There is absolutely no lack of confidence from both fighters but there can only be one winner when it’s all said and done.

Tune in on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View Saturday night December 1, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and witness the drama unfold.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew”

Undisputed Cruiserweight Championship Challenge

Tony Bellew (30-2-1, 20 Kos) has officially accepted Oleksandr Usyk’s (15-0, 11Kos) challenge and is now set to meet the unbeaten Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion on Saturday November 10, 2018 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, for the right to claim the Ring Magazine, IBF/WBA Super/WBC/WBO Titles.

Bellew , who’s been enjoying himself as of late, is coming off of two consecutive knockout wins over former two-Division World Champion David Haye. These are two wins against a proven warrior and I personally did not expect Bellew to come out on top but to my surprise he convincingly battered and conquered David Haye, who by the way was the favorite to win.

If there is one thing I learned from Bellew’s last two outings is to never underestimate him again. He has a way of defying the odds stacked against him and always finds a way to steal the win right from under your eyes. Real Talk!

Once again, Bellew is seen here as the underdog who will be facing his stiffest challenge to date in Usyk the first Boxer in History to hold all 4 major World Championships in the Cruiserweight Division.

I personally think that Bellew might be reaching a little too far with this one. To me Usyk is the total package with exceptional boxing skills that has troubled all 15 previous challengers into submission one way or another. What he may lack in the power department he well makes up in ring generalship while taking you apart for as long as the rounds continue.

That being said, Bellew is not a walk in the park opponent. I would not underestimate this man come fight night. He may not be able to outbox Usyk but he certainly carries his own proven power and has a high Boxing IQ inside that squared circle. He moves fairly well and has a very good counter punch that does demand respect.

The Undisputed Cruiserweight King will be in a tough fight cause if there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Bellew is that he’s tough as hell and will not bow down easily.

Tune in Saturday November 10, 2018 on DAZN/Sky Sports Box Office and see who will walk away with all the Crown Jewels?

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 David Lemieux vs Gary O’Sullivan”

WBA Middleweight Mandatory Challenge

David Lemieux (40-4, 34 Kos) showed up last night at the T-Mobile Arena and redeemed himself once again on the big stage in Las Vegas in a do or die bout against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-3, 20 Kos) and handed the Irishman a devastating first round knockout for the ages.

When focussed, healthy and fit, David is a real problem inside that squared circle. I’m not sure what game plan “Spike” had in mind on that night but he surely miscalculated his approach towards Lemieux. “Spike” talked a good game and I personally thought he would have at least made a fight out of it but to my surprise, Lemieux came ready to shut it down nice and early 2:44 in the first round is all he needed. Real Talk! It was the type of display Lemieux has been known for but with his last failed showing against WBO Middleweight “Kingpin” Billy Joe Saunders, the boxing community was suspect on what to expect. That being said, Lemieux silenced the masses in attendance with his fan friendly performance.

With this showing Lemieux has now secured a Middleweight mandatory position and may possibly get a bout with the newly crowned “King” of the Middleweight Division Canelo Alvarez.

This is a bout that Lemieux really wants but personally I think he might be reaching in asking for that bout. Although his performance was quite impressive, I think two more wins against any of the top-heavy hitters in the Middleweight Division might be in order. As much as I’m a fan of our own Canadian Lemieux, I still need to see some consistency and discipline along with a few more back-to-back wins to even think of challenging for another title let alone the top Dude in the Division.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Billy Joe Saunders vs Demetrius Andrade”

WBO Middleweight Challenge

The World Boxing Organization has mandated Billy Joe Saunders (26-0, 12 Kos) to defend his WBO Middleweight Title against former WBO/WBA 154-pound Champion Demetrius Andrade (25-0, 16 Kos).

This bout right here has the potential of being one of the best fights made in the Middleweight Division for the year 2018. Real Talk! I’ve seen firsthand what BJ brings to that squared circle. The dismantling of his previous opponent (our Canadian) David Lemieux, showed me just how crafty and dominant BJ can be when focussed.

That being said, I’m anticipating BJ to step it up another level when he bumps gloves with Andrade who himself is quite an exceptional boxer with a very high IQ inside that squared circle. Again, there are levels to this boxing sh*t and these two are definitely going to give us a great performance to remember. This will most likely be a chess match type dual. Both are crafty and strategic when they fight. Both use the full ring to their advantage. Andrade is more of a come forward type boxer who moves very well while BJ is best fighting of the back foot while being very elusive himself.

Expect a brilliant boxing match from two of the best in the game come Saturday October 20, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

The stakes are high for both combatants. Both are out to prove that they are the No. 1 Middleweight in the Division. BJ is the defending WBO Champion planning on being victorious, while Andrade will be attempting to become a two weight Division Champion by snatching that WBO Belt away from Saunders.

The outcome of this bout will once again shift the Middleweight Division so tune in to DAZN, the new platform for Matchroom Boxing USA and enjoy two of boxing’s finest duke it out under the bright lights.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Daniel Jacobs vs Sergiy Derevyanchenko”

Vacant IBF Middleweight Championship

It’s just been announced that stable mate Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 Kos) and Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 Kos) will do battle for the vacant IBF Middleweight Title on October 27, 2018 on HBO Championship Boxing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

This is going to be an exciting bout and very interesting to say the least. These two combatants have sparred together quite a few rounds. The fear factor is non-existent when you’ve gone so many rounds with one another.

This challenge would not be going on if it weren’t for the IBF Title being on the line. Friendship aside, this is an opportunity that neither fighter could afford to look over.
That being said these two warriors know each other inside out, strength and weaknesses accounted for. Both carry power and know how to use it.

It’s not often you see a head trainer having to decide which fighter from his camp he will have to side with but for this one head trainer, Andre Rozier, will be in Jacobs’ corner while assistant trainer Gary Stark Sr., to Jacobs and Sergiy, will be in Derevyanchenko’s corner.

I’m intrigued to see what the game plan will be when these two combatants and head trainers meet inside that squared circle, not for sparring but for a legitimate title bout that could push forward the winner’s careers in a major way. Real Talk!

Although these two competitors match up really well, I personally see this as a chess match that will come down to execution, patience and experience.

Who will deliver the goods when it’s all said and done?

Blaze

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

WBO Light Heavyweight Championship

In a major upset, last night, Saturday August 4, 2018 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the underdog Eleider “Storm” Alverez (24-0, 12 Kos) prevailed in a very convincing manner and silenced all critics by defeating WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 Kos) by knockout. Real Talk!

Not too many people in the boxing community saw this one coming. The bout started out real competitive with some good back and forth from both fighters. Kovalev seemed to be coasting throughout the rounds and in control until Alverez started applying a bit more pressure and somewhat out boxing the veteran Champion in the second half of the fight to eventually taking over in the seventh round by dropping Kovalev three times in a brutal fashion to an subsequent stoppage.

With patience and determination, Alverez defied all odds and accomplished his dream of becoming a Light Heavyweight Champion. Alverez took this occasion and delivered inside that squared circle. With this credible win over “Krusher”, Alverez has now changed the landscape of the Light Heavyweight Division and now has positioned himself as a major player in the Division as the New WBO Light Heavyweight Champion of the world. Music to his ears. This was an opportunity well over due but one definitely well deserved.

Congratulations on your Win Champ and enjoy the moment, you’re officially in the “Winners circle”.

Blaze