On The Watch “It’s All About Errol Spence Jr. vs Yordenis Ugas”

WBA/WBC/IBF Welterweight Unified Champion

Last night’s Showtime PPV Main Event between WBC/IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-0, 22 Kos) and WBA “Super” Welterweight Champion Yordenis Ugas (27-5, 12 Kos) at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, was simply an excellent display of how great Errol can be when dialed in inside that squared circle. Real Talk!

Both combatants showed up in tip top shape ready to go to war with one another but it was Errol who hadn’t fought in over 16 months, and had to recover from retina surgery to be back healthy for this bout he had the look and the aura of a man who wasn’t going to be deterred by no means, regardless of the opponent inside that squared circle.

Errol let his hands go early and did not stop pounding his opponent right from the jump. Both combatants surprisingly fought from the “phone booth” style not giving each other an inch but it was Spence who was getting most out of that tactic due to the higher volumes of punches being thrown with power.

I was surprised by Ugas’ “game plan” or lack of considering going toe to toe with Errol requires you to dish out a punch output to at least deter him from coming forward. Ugas gave back but was looking more at placing his punches rather than keeping up with Spence. Allowing Spence to have his way helps him build his confidence and encourages him to keep applying nonstop pressure with no real fear of anything coming at him.

Ugas had some moments inside that squared circle and even caught Spence slipping in the 6th round with a couple of heavy shots that caught Spence’s attention and visibly hurt him, but Ugas didn’t capitalize on that momentum and once Spence shook it off, he went back into “beast mode” throwing heavy punches looking for that get back.

As the rounds progressed Ugas’ right eye was swollen shut from the pounding, he was receiving from Spence who by then was breaking his opponent down round by round. The inevitable was near.

By the tenth round Ugas became a punching bag, absorbing punishment after punishment coming from all angles prompting the referee to send Yordenis to the ringside Doctor who than decided Ugas could no longer continue seeing out the right eye. Errol won by technical knockout and became the New Unified WBA “Super”/WBC/IBF Welterweight Champion of the World. Well done.

Errol Spence Jr. is “The Truth” hands down inside that squared circle. This performance by Spence last night proved once and for all that your Boy is back 100% from all previous setbacks. The only thing next to do is to challenge WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (38-0, 29 Kos). Two undefeated Champions laying it all on the line for Undisputed.

Who you got?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS 2022”

NBA Playoffs 2022 (Sweet 16)

With a full 82 Games NBA season now over and the NBA Play-In Tournament effectively completed, we are now officially ready to proceed with the NBA Playoffs 2022.

This year’s shocking “King of The Court” and No. 1 Seed in the entire league are the dominating Phoenix Suns (64-18). Them Boys fell short last year in the NBA Finals but worked their way back into a powerhouse team this year that dominated the entire league with such presence on both sides of the court that, short of reaching and winning the NBA Finals this year, would be a disappointment for this focused squad. With home court advantage secured throughout the Playoffs the path to the Finals should be very interesting.

The No. 2 Seed are the surging Memphis Grizzlies (56-26) who have caused havoc throughout the league with their young core of stallions making a name for themselves by dominating their opposition and making pure highlight reels night in and night out. Lack of experience aside, this squad has the goods to outduel any challenger on any given night. They are undeniably must watch TV.

Coming in as the No. 3 Seed are the Golden State Warriors (53-29). The Warriors have steadily worked their way back into the Playoffs and could surprise quite a few teams who underestimate their squad who are not at full strength as of yet but still possess the experience to overcome tough challenges If a healthy Curry, Klay and Draymond can grace the floor together, their chances of advancing throughout the Playoffs increase dramatically.

The No. 4 Seed are the Dallas Mavericks (52-30). Them Boys have had a slow start but managed to get it together in time to build that confidence needed to raise hell throughout the Playoffs. Their squad is intact and well balanced but absolutely need a healthy Luka Doncic to lead the way to any victory.

The stronghold of the Western Conference has dipped this year but rounding up the remaining playoff spots are at the No. 5 Seed Utah Jazz (49-33). The Jazz have had an up and down type season but still managed a respectful seeding while battling it out to the wire. They could cause a problem throughout the Playoffs on any given night. The No. 6 Seed Denver Nuggets (48-34) have maintained their respectful standing throughout the season by playing hard night in and night out but surviving the Playoff run will be challenging, especially without the services of Jamal Murray still out recovering from a torn ACL but with Nikola Jokic running the show, their odds of success are still good. Making a new entry as the No. 7 Seed are the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36). Them boys making it to the dance is a positive and good for the experience but other than that, I see a quick exit out. The same can be said about the New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) fresh from the Play-In game against the Clippers, them Boys fought hard to get to the dance but their stay might be short lived.

Representing the Eastern Conference with the No.1 Seed are the Miami Heat (53-29). Grabbing that No. 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference wasn’t easy this year. The Eastern teams have improved dramatically making the conference very competitive all around. Any team from 1 to 5 had a chance at claiming the No. 1 Seed. That said Miami earned it but will still have a hell of time defending it throughout the Playoffs. The No. 2 Seed are the Boston Celtics (51-31). Them Boys literally came from the bottom seed all the way up into the standings giving themselves a legitimate chance at a good run in the Playoffs. Their squad is solid with two very good All-Star players in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown playing at an all-time high-level night in and night out. In the No. 3 Seed are the Defending Champions Milwaukee Bucks (51-31). Them Boys had it rough at times throughout the season with injuries disrupting their line up but with their MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo holding the team down on every level, these Defending Champs will remain a problem to any team trying to derail them from reaching the NBA Finals.

The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 4 Seed with their revamped squad balling out. They are hoping to reach the NBA Finals this year with Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level at both ends of the floor and newly acquired point guard James Harden running the show. Over all they have a tight squad that can get the job done but actions speak louder than words and they gotta get it together and not choke this time around. The No. 5 Seed are our Canadian Team the Toronto Raptors (48-34) who worked their way up to a respectable standing considering they were at the bottom riddled with injuries slowing them down throughout the season. Fully healthy now they have an opportunity to give it a good solid run.

The Chicago Bulls hold the No. 6 Seed and at one point held the No. 1 Seed but dealt with some close losses that eventually knocked them down the standings. They have a solid squad that can get it done but will have a hell of a time competing with the Heavy hitters sitting ahead of them but the Bulls shouldn’t be slept on just yet.

The 7 Seed Brooklyn Nets (44-38) and the 8 Seed Atlanta Hawks (43-39) both needed the Play-In Tournament to get in this year’s Playoff run but truth be told, they are also the two teams capable of beating the No. 1 and No. 2 Seed to move on and completely disrupt the Playoffs. Neither team is gun-shy and can rack up the scoring board in very little time. They both possess the playmakers who can individually win games on their own when on fire. Definitely two teams to keep a close eye on during the first round of the Playoffs.

Tune in this Saturday April 16, 2022 for this year’s NBA version of the “Sweet 16” Playoffs run.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Erickson Lubin vs Sebastian Fundora”

WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title

Last night’s Showtime Main Event between Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (24-2, 17 Kos) and Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora (19-0-1, 13 Kos) was nonstop action from start to finish at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Them two combatants came to fight last night and definitely put on an exciting performance worthy of fight of the year in my eyes. The 6’5 ½ “Towering Inferno” gave “The Hammer” an early introduction to the canvas in round two when he connected with a vicious well-placed uppercut that dropped him for a quick 8 count setting the pace for the remainder of the bout.

As tall and rangy as Sebastian was inside that squared circle the majority of the bout was fought more or less in the “phone booth” style with Lubin landing some serious power shots but receiving double the output from Sebastian. That Kid Fundora stays busy with his hands round after round landing uppercut after uppercut straight from the inside.

That said, Lubin stayed competitive trying to figure out how to keep Fundora from walking him down. Lubin had himself some good work at times banging some good shots at the “Towering Inferno”, outworking him in spurts and eventually forcing Fundora to take a knee in a round that Sebastian was actually winning until he got blitzed with a series of punches catching him off guard in the seventh round

After shaking off the knockdown Sebastian continued hammering “The Hammer” straight to the face which was slowly transforming him to an unrecognizable man as the rounds progressed. Lubin showed heart inside that squared circle but was visibly absorbing too many damaging blows, increasing the swelling around his eyes and face.

At the conclusion of the ninth round Erickson’s head trainer had seen enough and pulled his fighter out when he instructed the referee to stop this electrifying compelling bout.

With this stoppage win Sebastian now picks up the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title placing him as the mandatory challenger for the Unification bout between WBC/WBA Super/IBF and Ring Magazine Champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1, 18 Kos) and WBO Champion Brian Castano (17-0-2, 12 Kos) rematch on Saturday May 14, 2022 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California to crown the first Super Welterweight Undisputed Champion of the World.

With this competitive bout now on his resume, Sebastian will be well prepared for what is to come when facing the future Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion on his next outing.

Until then congratulations Sebastian on your astounding win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gennadiy Golovkin vs Ryota Murata”

IBF/IBO/WBA Middleweight Unification

The Matchroom/DAZN Middleweight Unification bout between IBF/IBO Champion Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 Kos) and WBA “Super” World Champion Ryota Murata (16-3, 13 Kos) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan this morning, was an interesting bout for as long as it lasted.

It has been a little over 15 months since we last saw the aging but still very strong “GGG” grace the inside of that squared circle and after shaking off some cobwebs “GGG” proceeded to break down his opponent one round at a time. Real Talk!

I tip my “B” hat to Ryota who had the right “game plan” at first and stood his ground banging leather for leather with the hard hitting “GGG” but soon found out that withstanding toe to toe blows with “GGG”, and being at the receiving end of some serious destructive shots with “GGG” will leave you demoralized. Real Talk!

“GGG” looked strong and physically fit inside that squared circle but visibly looked tired at times whenever Ryota let loose with his hands going blow for blow. This bout was competitive in the earlier rounds but as “GGG” started to get comfortable, Ryota slowly started to breakdown from absorbing punishment coming at him from all angles.

Golovkin may not have had the foot movement or his usual punch output going for him this morning but he definitely had the power and the strength to knockdown Ryota in the ninth round which then prompted Murata’s trainer who had seen enough by then to throw in the towel.

With this dominant performance by Golovkin at the age of 40 years old, “GGG” showed us that he still has the goods to keep up with the best of them inside that squared circle. That said,
Golovkin is once again the Unified IBF/IBO/WBA “Super” Middleweight Champion of the World.

Although Golovkin has unfinished business that requires him to move up in weight to the 168-Pound Division and challenge the Pound-for Pound Undisputed “Kingpin” of the Super Middleweight Division Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 Kos), regardless of that outcome “GGG”, will still remain the most hunted in the 160-Pound Division.

Until then congratulations Golovkin on your latest accomplishments.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About George Kambosos Jr. vs Devin Haney”

Lightweight Unification Championship

It has now officially been announced. Unified IBF/WBA/WBO/WBC “Franchise” Champion and Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 Kos) will be putting all off his hardware on the line in a unification bout against WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (27-0, 15 Kos). Both are levelling to be the first Undisputed Lightweight Champion in the four-belt era, set for Saturday night Live on ESPN June 4, 2022 in the United States and Sunday June 5, 2022 at the Marvel Stadium in Australia.

This will be the biggest bout staged on Australian soil since Jeff Horn upset Manny Pacquiao in 2017. Kambosos has been the road warrior working his way up from day one to now being at the top of the 135-Pound Division with the one missing hardware: the WBC Lightweight Championship held by Haney keeping him from being this Division’s Undisputed Champion.

Kambosos is on a natural high right now after dethroning the previously undefeated Teofimo Lopez to become the Lightweight Division Unified Champion of the World, and rightfully so, he should still be enjoying the fruits of his hard labor. Kambosos defied all odds that night when he walked away will all the hardware.

That being said we gotta keep it real here. Styles make fights and the undefeated WBC Champion Devin Haney has all the right tools and attributes needed to remove the IBF/WBA/WBO and Ring Magazine Championship Belts from George Kambosos Jr. Real Talk!

Kambosos may have choked the Boxing World back on November 27, 2021 but in order to become the new Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World he will have to crush “The Dream” Devin Haney convincingly on his biggest stage of his career, a task at hand that will not be easy considering his highly motivated opponent Devin also has his own agenda at hand with the right “game plan” in mind to walk out of Australia and back into the United States the New Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World.

Kambosos has already proven to us and the boxing critics not to be taken lightly inside that squared circle. Now it’s time for Devin to show the World and Kambosos that he’s the real deal inside that squared circle, come Saturday night on ESPN June 4, 2022 in the United State and Sunday June 5, 2022 at the Marvel Stadium in Australia.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Miguel Berchelt vs Jeremiah Nakathila”

Lightweight Showdown

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN Main Event at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas was supposed to be somewhat of a comeback bout for Miguel Berchelt (38-3, 34 Kos) since his demoralizing knockout defeat to WBO Super Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez 13 Months ago. To avoid the same outcome Miguel decided to move up in weight from the Super Featherweight Division to the Lightweight Division and selected Jeremiah Nakathila (23-2, 19 Kos). Wrong move!

Although Berchelt looked the part physically, he definitely did not act accordingly inside that squared circle. From round one on Nakathila showed Miguel absolutely no respect by moving forward and jabbing him at will all over his face and eventually sitting Berchelt down for a quick 8 count that visibly hurt him until the end of the third round.

Having been dropped from the third round it was quite noticeable that Miguel’s legs were gone. His defence was non-existent leaving himself uncharacteristically open to some heavy uncontested shots. Miguel looked a shell of himself and continued to take unnecessary punishment round after round.

This was a one-sided beating that did not need to go any further. By the end of the sixth round the referee on hand called an end to the bout. Definitely the right call. Miguel will need to re-evaluate his performance tonight and contemplate the inevitable outcome.

That said, Nakathila came in this bout with the right “game plan” and executed it to a “T” and for that, recorded his best win of his career to date.

Congratulations Jeremiah – you earned this convincing win hands down.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Kiko Martinez vs Josh Warrington”

IBF Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between IBF Featherweight Champion Kiko Martinez (43-11-2, 30 Kos) and Josh Warrington (31-1-1, 8 Kos) was a rematch that brought the house at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England to its feet.

This bout was one of the most important bouts in Josh’s career to date, considering a lost tonight would have meant retirement. With that in mind and a full house in attendance, Josh wasted no time asserting himself at the first bell of round one throwing leather with vicious combinations strong enough to drop Kiko for a quick 8 count.

Kiko clearly wasn’t expecting Josh to being so aggressive from the jump. Josh’s approach forced Kiko to exchange but wasn’t able to match Josh’s output from the early rounds.

Once the action slowed down as Josh lowered his output, Kiko proceeded to press the action with his own shots attempting to deter Josh who was still able to box with some very good exchanges going back and forth.

With Josh landing the better shots as the rounds progressed it was quite evident that Josh was the combatant outworking his opponent inside that squared circle. Josh looked good and sharp moving and boxing and landing punches at will.

By the seventh round, it was another trashing by Josh who had pinned Kiko to the ropes and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches like a heavy bag that quickly prompted the referee to stop the bout and kept Kiko from further abuse.

This rematch was way different from their first encounter of five years ago, where Josh won a rough twelve round majority decision over Kiko. This time around Josh shut the show down in a convincing fashion.

With this conclusive win, you have now regained the IBF Featherweight Title and reasserted yourself as a key player in the 126-Pound Division.

Congratulations Josh, can’t wait to see what your next move will be.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Maria Cecilia Roman vs Ebanie Bridges”

IBF Bantamweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Co Main Event between long reigning IBF Bantamweight Champion Maria Cecilia Roman (16-6-1) and well-liked Australian star Ebanie Bridges (8-1, 3 Kos) was an exciting showdown that definitely brought some “hype” at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.

Ebanie brought the “heat” early and kept her hands busy by staying aggressive with some very good punch output from head to body. Ebanie boxed beautifully and stayed one step ahead at all corners in the first half of the bout.

That being said, Maria wasn’t the longest reigning Champion for no reason. Maria proceeded to utilized her experience in the second half of the bout to slowly regain some ground. The two combatants exchanged leather for leather going back and forth but it was Ebanie’s higher work rate throughout the bout that clearly separated the two warriors in my eyes.

As we got closer to the championship rounds fatigue started to show on Ebanie giving Maria a better chance at reclaiming some much needed rounds but Ebanie’s sheer will to stay alert and bang with the Champ carried her all the way to the later rounds.

After 10 full rounds of exciting action the Judges scored it 100-91, 97-93, 97-93 all in favor for the New IBF Bantamweight Champion Ebanie Bridges.

Aside from the Judge who scored it 100-91, the right combatant definitely won the bout. Hands Down.

Ebanie’s early work rate and good boxing paid dividends tonight, although she tired near the end, she boxed a good fight and showed much improvement on the biggest night of her career to date.

Congratulations Ebanie – you have now entered the Winner’s Circle of Champions.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Blair Cobbs vs Alexis Rocha”

Welterweight Showdown

Last night the fast talking, trash talking Welterweight prospect Blair Cobbs (15-1-1, 10 Kos) got himself humbled when he took on Alexis Rocha (19-1, 13 Kos) inside that squared circle as the Main Event of the night at the USC Galen in Los Angeles, California on the Golden Boy/DAZN card.

Cobbs talked the talk but clearly underestimated his opponent when he first stepped foot inside that squared circle. Cobbs boxed and moved not looking too concerned about his opponent, right until he got caught and chin checked in the second round which opened up a clear flaw in Cobbs defense as the rounds progressed.

Alexis’ left hand was landing at will all night clearly rocking Cobbs who then started to move way too much to win any rounds. Cobbs was having some serious problems figuring out Alexis who was growing stronger as the rounds progressed.

Alexis’ “game plan” was simple but effective. His patience and steady aggressive approach troubled Cobbs enough to land another hard left chin checked and dropped Cobbs for a quick 8 count in the eighth round. Cobbs, who was clearly hurt struggled heavily to survive the end of the round.

The “End Game” was near and in the ninth round a visibly weakened Cobbs continued to absorb a burst of unanswered punches from body to head and again chin checked out on his feet prompting the referee to call an end to the bout.

Prior to the bout, Alexis had promised to hurt Blair inside that squared circle but went a step further and silenced the flamboyant one permanently.

This bout was a reality check for Cobbs who prior to the bout was calling out the top Welterweights in the Division. There are levels to this Boxing sh*t and this one showed you where you at, but it’s nothing you can’t bounce back from. Keep your head up Blair.

As for Alexis, congratulations on your convincing win keep up the momentum.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Leigh Wood vs Michael Conlan”

WBA Featherweight Title Defence

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 Kos) and Michael Conlan (16-1, 8 Kos) at the sold-out Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK, surpassed all my expectations and definitely lived up to the hype. Real Talk!

This bout started out with a bang straight from the jump with Conlan catching Leigh with an overhand left straight to the chin dropping him for a quick 8 count in the first round that had him shook and on the recovery for quite a few rounds. Conlan looked fresh and very accurate in the early rounds boxing circles around Leigh but the Champion in Wood bravely stood his ground and fought through the rough patches one round at a time.

As the second half of the bout progressed Leigh started regaining some ground capitalizing on Conlan who was looking visibly fatigued as the later rounds developed.
Although Leigh himself looked to be on shaky legs at times, Wood never stopped pressing the action and continued to apply pressure that showed cause and effect whenever he kept his hands busy enough to trouble Conlan to retreat to the ropes looking for a way out.

By the championship rounds, Leigh continued his pressure on Conlan by simply outworking him at every corner and eventually evened the odds by dropping Conlan with a left hook to the dome for a quick 8 count near the end of the 11th round.

In the final 12th round, Leigh pressured Conlan once again to the ropes and proceeded to unleash a barrage of unanswered punches that eventually knocked out Conlan between the ropes and out of the ring which then prompted the referee to wave an end to the bout.

These types of bouts, when a combatant has to come from behind and worked their way back one round at a time to finish the bout in a convincing fashion, is what builds Champions in my eyes, and tonight Leigh Woods did just that to secure his Championship Title. Unbelievable performance! I tip my “B” hat to both combatants for giving us fans an incredible show.

Congratulations Leigh on retaining your WBA Featherweight Title. You had to dig deep for this one and came out on top. Job well done Champ.

Blaze