On The Watch “It’s All About Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Anthony Joshua”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

It has now officially been announced. The highly anticipated rematch between newly crowned Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22 Kos) and former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 Kos) is set to take place in an open-air arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night December 7, 2019.

In my eyes, what Andy accomplished back on June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City is genuinely one of the biggest upsets in Heavyweight history. Having finally tasted the fruits of his labor and enjoying that good life, Andy is now back preparing himself to prove the naysayers wrong if they think his win over AJ was a lucky break. The instant fame and attention he’s received till this day, along with holding all them Championship Belts, is something he’s not willing to part ways with anytime soon. Ruiz is firmly stating that his hunger to succeed is still there and he wants it to last. come December 7, 2019, Andy is anticipating on still being Heavyweight Champion of the World.

That being said, Anthony is seriously looking forward to the challenge ahead and at becoming a two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. AJ understands that he badly dropped the ball back in June and is now refocused on righting the wrong and reclaiming the No 1 Spot in the Heavyweight Division. Judging by the previous outcome it may look like Andy has AJ’s number and that could well be the case, but I’m anticipating Joshua to make the proper adjustments needed to neutralize Andy’s aggressive output.

With a full camp ahead this time around, Andy is expecting to be leaner, faster and that much sharper come fight night for whatever AJ is planning on bringing to that squared circle. Personally, I feel the pressure will be on Anthony to deliver and to deliver in a convincing fashion in order to reclaim the throne that was once his.

Andy ruined AJ’s U.S. debut back in June at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It will be up to Anthony to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night December 7, 2019, live on DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office. Tune in and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Erislandy Lara vs Ramon Alvarez”

Vacant WBA “regular” Junior Middleweight Title

Last night, at the Minneapolis Armory in Minnesota, Erislandy Lara (26-3-3, 15 Kos) picked up a much-needed win when he easily annihilated Ramon Alvarez (28-8-3, 16 Kos) in two rounds by TKO.

Ramon, who came in slightly over the contested weight, seemed quite big on the night but sluggish for the few rounds we got to see of him. Ramon was clearly outgunned and outclassed inside that squared circle. Lara was noticeably too much for him to handle from the jump. Personally, Ramon had absolutely no business challenging Lara on that night.

Lara desperately needed a convincing victory and he delivered on the task at hand. We didn’t get to see Lara’s full ammunition but did get a glimpse of his power when he staggered Ramon for a quick 8 count before the stoppage. Lara seemed to be sitting down more than usual on his punches making sure his opponent felt every bit of his power. This version of Lara could make his future bouts that more intriguing to watch if he continues with that type of approach.

With this win, Lara picked up the Vacant WBA “regular” junior middleweight Title
and rejoined the winner’s circle once again. That being said, in order to become the mandatory challenger to Unified WBA Super Junior Middleweight Champion Julian Williams, Lara will most likely set a date with fellow WBA Gold Junior Middleweight Champion Michel Soro (34-2-1, 23 Kos) to firmly establish who’s next in line.

Lara’s drive back to the top of the 154-pound Division is not an easy one but it’s definitely keeping him within the conversations amongst the top of the Division.

Seize the momentum Lara and keep focussed, until your next challenge.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell”

WBC/WBA/WBO Lightweight Challenge

Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 Kos) handled his business once again inside that squared circle tonight at the O2 Arena in London, with a hard and tough twelve round undisputed decision over UK’s very own and worthy opponent Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 Kos).

This bout was surprisingly competitive from start to finish but as expected, there are levels to this boxing sh*t and our usual suspect Lomachenko showed us fans and the boxing critics why he’s so dominant inside that squared circle.

Luke made it tougher than the previous suspects but as the rounds wore on, Lomachenko asserted himself effectively going high and low with an assortment of well-placed power punches that eventually caught Campbell late in the 11th round for a quick 8 count.

Luke fought a good fight tonight but was simply met with an exceptional superior warrior who was simply two steps ahead of him throughout the entire bout. All three Judges scored it 119-108, 119-108, 118-109 for Lomachenko.

With this win, Lomachenko successfully defended his WBA/WBO Lightweight Titles and now added the vacant WBC Lightweight Belt. With three of the Lightweight Belts safely in his possession, Vasiliy is now just one Title away from achieving Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the Division.

As I said before, Loma is a serious problem to the Lightweight Division and none of his competitors have yet to solve his puzzle.

Until your next bout is announced, congratulations on your latest achievement.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Sergey Kovalev vs Anthony Yarde”

WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge

Today at the Tracktor Sports Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 Kos) withstood a tough challenge from undefeated contender Anthony Yarde (18-1, 17 Kos) to retain his WBO Light Heavyweight Championship by knockout in the 11th round.

It was a tough and exciting bout from start to finish. Yarde, the much younger, stronger and determined fighter came into Kovalev’s house (game 7 style) attempting to dethrone the Champion but was met with resistance from the much older but savvy veteran, Kovalev.

Kovalev’s ring generalship came into play today. His experience and accurate jab carried him throughout the rounds. Stamina played a big factor for both combatants but surprisingly Kovalev proved to be the smarter conditioned one whom withstood the early onslaught of heavy body punches from Yarde.

Things got a little scary for Kovalev in the eight rounds but Sergey digged deep within and survived his most challenging round of the bout to later stop the young hungry “Lion” with a precise left-hand punch to the dome. Yarde, who was completely exhausted, was unable to answer the count.

This was a good test and an important win for Kovalev. Yarde’s inexperience with “A” level fighters may have cost him but the experience he gained today will definitely help him in his future fights and unquestionably proved himself worthy in the 175-Pound Division.

Many had thought that Sergey was ripe for the picking but he proved the naysayers and doubters wrong with another great performance.

Congratulations Kovalev on another great win. You’ve outdone yourself once again.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk”

IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight Unification

Top Rank is raising up the stakes in the Light Heavyweight Division by setting up a possible fight of the year 2019 by pitting undefeated IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (14-0, 14 Kos) against undefeated WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0 14 Kos) for a Unification bout on Friday night October 18, 2019 on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

I’m personally looking forward to this bout and anticipating it to be very competitive. These are two well-schooled Undefeated Champions who are both looking at one day, being crowned the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion of the Division.

Styles make fights, with Beterbiev being the heavier fisted come forward type boxer and Gvozdyk being the taller rangier specialist also with power, predicting the outcome of this bout is no easy task. Both combatants will need to perform their respected “game plan” and assert themselves early come fight night.

Both warriors have heart and a determination to succeed with a very strong will to win. That being said, whichever’s “ring generalship” gets established first in my eyes may have the upper hand at dictating the pace inside that squared circle.

Beterbiev’s strong and aggressive inside fighting along with his heavy hands have proven to be a key factor for his 100% knockout ratio. It will be quite intriguing to see if and how Gvozdyk will be able to neutralize Beterbiev’s strong assets.

Skill for skill both combatants match up pretty evenly, but there can only be one crowned Unified Champion on that night, so tune in Friday night October 18, 2019 on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia and witness two of the top Light Heavyweight in the Division go blow for blow.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Marcus Browne vs Jean Pascal”

Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Challenge

Last night, on FOX at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Jean Pascal (34-6-1, 20 Kos) jumped right back into the Light Heavyweight contention by overcoming previously undefeated and Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 Kos) by an eight round technical decision, due to a clash of heads from which Marcus suffered a severe cut over his left eye that then prompted the Dr. and the Referee to stop the bout.

This bout was shaping up to be a very interesting matchup. I would have liked to see it through the entire 12 rounds. Before the clash of heads, this bout was tight from start to finish. Marcus, who seemed to be controlling the bout and throwing more punches, still managed to get dropped by Pascal in the fourth round and then twice in the seventh round. Real Talk!

To me, Pascal was getting out-boxed at times but his heavy shots and clear-cut knock downs were to emphatic to overlook. It seemed to me that Browne’s punch resistance was particularly weak on that night and Pascal made sure to take advantage of it and made it count whenever the opening presented itself.

Once the bout went to the scorecards, all three Judges scored their fight identically, 75-74 across the panel for Pascal.

This surprise upset to Browne is a major hit considering Marcus was attempting to make the first defense of the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title. Personally, I’m thinking Marcus will ask to run it back one more time with Pascal if he has any plans on staying in contention in the top Light Heavyweight Division.

That being said, congratulations are in order to Pascal. With this win, Pascal is now the New WBA Interim Light Heavyweight and WBC “silver” Light Heavyweight Champion. With these two belts in his possession, Pascal has the option of a rematch with WBA Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (16-0, 11 Kos) or a bout with WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14 Kos). These are two very tough opponents sitting at the top of the Light Heavyweight Division.

The choice is yours Pascal now which avenue will you be taking?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Errol Spence Jr. vs Shawn Porter”

IBF/WBC Welterweight Title Unification

The Welterweight Division has been “Blazing” as of late and Premier Boxing Champions are to thank for that. The PBC brand has been setting up the matches that us fans truly want to see. The Pacquiao/Thurman bout this past Saturday night was worth the hype and excitement. To continue with the momentum the PBC are hitting us back to back with another Welterweight Unification bout between IBF Champion Errol Spence Jr. (25-0, 21 Kos) and WBC Champion Shawn Porter (30-2,1, 17 Kos).

Both Champions are set to collide on Saturday night September 28, 2019 at The Forum in Los Angeles. Spence is looking to become the Undisputed Champion at the FOX Sports Pay-Per-View but in doing so, EJ will have to grab that WBC strap held by “Showtime” Shawn Porter, and that will not be an easy task to do.

Things got a little heated between the two at the press conference last Saturday afternoon at the MGM Grand. For two guys who usually keep their cool, they definitely tossed some verbal jabs at each other and are certainly heating up this bout with the trash talking back and forth. I mean talk is talk but them two Dudes are looking like they are about to shut it down when they lace up inside that squared circle.

Spence right now is that young powerful Welterweight who’s been punishing all his opponents in a convincing manner. Dude is “The Truth” inside that squared circle but he can’t sleep on Porter with his aggressive high-pressure style that’s made him a two-time Welterweight Champion.

This bout right here has fireworks written all over it. The one holding them two belts at the end of the night will unquestionably be the No.1 Welterweight in the Division. Many in the boxing community already have Spence as the best right now but it will be up to Porter to prove them all wrong by backing up them tough talks and predictions on who the best really is.

Its unification time, so tune in Saturday night September 28, 2019 on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman”

WBA Super Welterweight Champion

Once again Manny proved to his haters that age is just a number until he says so. Last night at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 Kos) convincingly handed WBA Super World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 Kos) his first professional defeat. Real Talk!

Manny and his “t-rex arms” caught “Mr. One Time” Keith Thurman nice and early with a right hook knock down in the first round. From that point on Manny controlled the tempo of the fight and continued to administer some heavy damage with those so called “t-rex arms”. That being said Keith found out how quick and strong Manny really is first hand.

Keith did his thing though and didn’t falter and fought a good one but didn’t have the right “game plan” as the rounds wore on. Keith had no real answer for Manny’s offense and found it painfully challenging to lay steady hands on Pacquiao. He did manage to land more punches, just not as effectively as Pacquiao’s power punches and his steady “t-rex jab” that looked noticeably agonizing.

It didn’t help that Keith got caught again with a mean body shot in the 10th round that had him running for dear life, but the warrior in Thurman wouldn’t let him bow down without a fight. That being said this bout was very competitive and showed just how cutthroat the 147-pound division is.

After the 12 tough rounds, two of the Judges scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao and one Judge had it 114-113 for Thurman. No disrespect to Keith but I personally think that Manny clearly won this bout hands down unanimously.

That being said, this bout did live up to the hype. Manny showed up and performed just as he said he would. This 40-year-old man still got the “Juice” and now with the full WBA Super World Welterweight Championship Title in his possession, Manny is steadily climbing the top of the Welterweight Division once again.

Who’s next?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas”

WBC Heavyweight Eliminator

In a competitive WBC Heavyweight Eliminator bout Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, UK, Dillian Whyte “The Body Snatcher” (26-1, 18 Kos) picked himself up from a ninth-round knockdown to secure the win against Canadian-based Colombian Oscar Rivas (26-1, 18 Kos).

I gotta tip my “B” hat to Dillian for the way he handled himself inside that squared circle last night. This bout was a tougher fight than he expected but Whyte did not disappoint us.

Rivas came out of the gate strong but Whyte’s patience and steady jab were key and definitely effective throughout the rounds. Whyte executed the “game plan” to a “T” and managed to control the rounds when the going got tough. Whyte used his height and reach effectively and consistently which made it difficult for Rivas to establish any type of steady attack.

Rivas gave it a good showing and definitely made it competitive, but when all the smoked cleared the right man won the night. The Judges scored it 115-112, 115-112 and 116-111. No objections here.

With this win, Whyte now becomes the WBC Interim Heavyweight Champion with an assurance of an opportunity at the reigning full WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (41-0-1 40 Kos).

Now it’s debatable when we’ll actually see Whyte share the ring with Deontay but until then keep pilling them wins Whyte and maintaining that strong deserving mandatory position.

Blaze