On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder”

Undisputed Super Middleweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 Kos) and mandatory challenger WBO Super Middleweight Interim Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 Kos), was quite the homecoming the fans in Mexico craved for at the packed house of the Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

Last night’s Super Middleweight showdown was a festivity on the biggest stage where the star of the night, Canelo, performed beautifully in front of his adoring fans who were cheering him on from start to finish.

Although many had counted Ryder out before the bell even rang, John proved the naysayers wrong by bringing the fight to Canelo and fighting him toe to toe, round by round making this bout quite interesting.

Ryder definitely looked the part and fought like a determined courageous warrior inside that squared circle but there are levels to this Boxing sh*t and Canelo is at its pinnacle. Canelo proved to be the superior combatant as the rounds progressed and was the one administering the more damaging blows. He broke Ryder’s nose in the earlier rounds and dropped him for a quick 8 count in the fifth round and continuously abused Ryder heavily as the rounds progressed.

That being said I gotta tip my “B” to Ryder for withstanding this heavy onslaught round by round and still standing his ground dishing out whatever he could to earn Canelo’s respect inside that squared circle. As battered as the “Gorilla” was he still fought hard enough in the championship rounds making it harder on Canelo to earn this victory without being stopped by his hands.

After 12 fully completed rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109 unanimously for Canelo Alvarez.

This was a historical moment for Canelo and the fans in attendance. Although Canelo did not close the show with a knockout, this showcase of an event will forever be embedded in the memories of all his Mexican supporters.

That being said, the critics will still talk their sh*t and judge Canelo’s performance as usual for not stopping Ryder but as you can see, it’s easier said than done when you step foot inside that squared circle opposite of the “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion of the World Canelo Alvarez.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia”

The Moment

Last night’s PBC/Showtime PPV Main Event between Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 Kos) and Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 Kos) unquestionably lived up to the hype and shook the jam-packed building at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Real Talk!

Both combatants talked a lot of sh*t towards the build-up of this bout but truth be told the inside of that squared circle is the original truth teller of them all and the one that walked it like he talked it and backed up every word is none other than Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

Both combatants came out the gate very confident from round one but it was Tank who established his presence first by dropping an eager Ryan for a quick 8 count in the second round. In doing so, Ryan became more worrisome of Tank’s power and deviated slightly from the original “game plan” at hand, while Tank stayed cool and calm round by round.

Ryan attempted to press the action at times but kept on overreaching being countered by a very calculative Tank who seemed to always be ready at all times. Tank did not make it easy for Ryan who visibly outsized him in length and size but still wasn’t able to land anything of significance enough to slow Tank down.

With desperation and the rounds mounting on Ryan’s back, Ryan attempted to go blow for blow with Tank and succumbed to a vicious counter body shot in round 7 that forced him to take a knee, unable to answer the referee’s count. It was a delayed reaction type punch but in definitely closed the show in an emphatic fashion.

That being said, this was an exciting bout from start to finish and both combatants showed up and performed and the better man won. Ryan can keep his head up high for stepping up to the plate and giving it his best shot.

Congratulations Gervonta on another great performance, tonight was your night.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina”

IBF Junior Lightweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event definitely brought the house down at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales, when IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-1-1, 14 Kos) took on former IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Joe Cordina (16-0, 9 Kos) on his home ground of Cardiff.

This was Joe’s second homecoming and he did not disappoint his fans in attendance. Both combatants threw tough leather at each other right from the jump but it was Joe who established early dominance by dropping Rakhimov in the second round for a quick 8 count.

But not to be deterred by the second-round slipup, Rakhimov came out gunning and applying pressure from that point on with both combatants going toe to toe phone booth style round after round.

This bout was a competitive bout from start to finish. Both combatants had their moments hurting each other back and forth making it very hard to call the rounds clearly for either warrior. Rakhimov was busier with his hands and combination shots but the more telling punches were coming from Cordina.

After 12 completed, exciting rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 116-111 for Rakhimov, 115-112 and 114-113 for Cordina giving him the split decision win and the New IBF Junior Lightweight Champion.

I’m not sure how the Judge that scored it 116-111 saw the fight that far apart but I personally think the right combatant won the bout.

Congratulations Joe on becoming a two-time Junior Lightweight Champion. You walked it like you talked it and delivered on the biggest stage.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Sandy Ryan vs Marie-Pier Houle”

Vacant WBO Welterweight Showdown

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Co Main Event brought us the crowning of a new Champion when Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2 Kos) bested our own Canadian challenger Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1 2 Kos) at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

This may not have been Sandy’s best showing to date but knowing what was on the line tonight she definitely brought the right pressure on Marie, systematically breaking her down round by round. It wasn’t a pretty fight but it was effective enough to trouble Marie who did not have the right “game plan” to deter Sandy from having her way inside that squared circle.

Marie tried hard in every round – giving it her all but she lacked the right controlled aggression to offset Sandy’s higher work rate as the rounds progressed. Marie showed that she’s definitely tough inside that squared circle but she needed to be more active at times with her own work rate.

Sandy was undeniably looking for a knockout but Marie’s sturdy chin stood up to the assault but was unable to avoid the steady jabs hitting her straight all night.

After 10 rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 unanimously in favor of Sandy Ryan, the New WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Sandy, your future is looking brighter and brighter every time out.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin”

Heavyweight Showdown

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 Kos) and Jermaine Franklin (21-2, 14 Kos) was a much-needed reception that AJ required to have in his own backyard at the 02 Arena, Greenwich, London, UK to uplift his spirit. Real Talk!

Everyone in attendance and me included expected to see AJ dispatch of his opponent in a very quick and destructive fashion but instead we got to see Anthony display a little of what he’s been working with alongside his new trainer Derrick James.

The detractors are going to be going for AJ’s head for not taking Jermaine out before the last bell but let’s keep it real AJ is on his third head trainer change and needed to execute the “game plan” at hand and build from there.

I personally would have appreciated seeing AJ being a little more aggressive in this bout but Franklin was not some chump who was inside that squared circle to lay down without a fight. Franklin did his best and stood up going toe to toe with the hulking AJ for 12 full rounds.

Franklin showed AJ no respect inside that squared circle but lacked the power to deter Anthony from having his way with his own stiff and heavy jab alongside some serious power combination shots as the rounds progressed. Had AJ sat on his punches with a little more aggression I believe he could have collected his 23rd knockout. Real talk!

At the completion of this bout, the Judges at hand scored it 118-111, 117-111 and 117-111 unanimously for Anthony Joshua. Although we didn’t get to see a destructive performance by Anthony, he did what was necessary to secure a much-needed win under his belt.

My personal opinion after watching this bout is that with Derrick James having more time with Joshua, I expect to see a much more improved and imposing Anthony in his next bout.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Leigh Wood vs Mauricio Lara”

WBA Super World Featherweight challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 Kos) and Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 Kos) was an entertaining bout that had the fans in attendance on their feet at the Nottingham Arena, Nottingham.

The homegrown Nottingham warrior was well prepared for this bout and proceeded to execute their respective “game plan” as the rounds progressed. I was impressed by Leigh for boxing intelligently and not shying away from Lara who I thought started slower than expected but still kept applying nonstop pressure.

Both combatants stayed true to themselves by standing their ground and exchanging some serious leather back and forth making the bout that much more intriguing as the rounds progressed.

Although I personally felt like Leigh was winning the majority of the rounds, exchanging blow for blow with Lara may not have been the best way to tackle this particular opponent.

Mauricio is known to being a tough competitor with sneaky power that can be unleashed unexpectedly if not careful.

That being said, with a competitive seventh round nearing completion Lara was able to connect and drop Leigh with a devastating well placed left hook on the chin for a quick 8 count that saw Wood rise up on his shaky legs convincing the Referee that he was still able to continue. He visibly looked out on his feet which then hastily prompted Leigh’s trainer to throw in the towel to save his fighter from absorbing any further punishment.

As upset as Leigh was with his cornerman stopping the bout, the right decision was made, Leigh was in no condition to continue.

I tip my “B” hat to Leigh Wood for taking this bout as a voluntary defense. You stepped up and took on a tough contender in your first title defense but fell short – there is no shame in your game for trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

As for Mauricio Lara, congratulations are in order. You walked into enemy territory, and silenced the crowd and snatched the belt from the Champion and are now being crowned the new WBA Super World Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Josh Warrington vs Luis Alberto Lopez”

IBF Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DZAN Main Event between IBF Featherweight Champion Josh Warrington (31-2-1, 8 Kos) and Luis Alberto Lopez (26-2, 15 Kos) was an action packed bout from start to finish in Josh’s own backyard at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.

First off, the referee for this bout was horridness – hands down one of the worst officiating for a championship bout. That said, both combatants came out the gate going blow for blow in a very aggressive but competitive manner which resulted in some great action but as the rounds progressed, I personally felt that Josh was getting away with too much home cooking when the referee failed to call the constant fouling that Josh was getting away with the continuous back of the head, rabbit punches and head-butting happening in front of his capable eyes.

Although the no call was happening, Lopez kept his work on par and continued to press the action by not discouraging himself and sticking to the “game plan” at hand. Lopez did get an early cut from a Josh headbutt but did not let that deter him from staying in the pocket and hammering down his own heavy punches.

Aside from the constant fouling from Josh, he did let his hands go and fought back when things got heated between them two as the rounds progressed. Josh seemed to pick up the action in the later rounds making it really close to call. That said, the first half of the fight was clearer to call for Lopez who managed to secure the earlier round in my eyes.

This was a tough bout for both combatants but after 12 full rounds of non-stop action two of the Judges at hand called it 115-113 for Lopez while the third Judge called it a draw giving Lopez the unanimous decision.

This was a close bout from start to finish but truth be told I feel the right combatant won this battle inside that squared circle.

Congratulations Luis Alberto Lopez on your latest accomplishment. The odds were clearly stacked against you from the moment you stepped foot inside that squared circle but you fought through your toughest challenges and prevailed as the winner and now join the winner’s circle as the new IBF Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Juan Francisco Estrada vs Roman Gonzalez 3”

Vacant WBC Super Flyweight Championship

Last night’s DAZN/Matchroom highly anticipated trilogy rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 Kos) and Roman Gonzalez (51-4, 40 Kos) at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arizona, was a blazing hot bout from start to finish. Hands Down!

Both combatants picked up from where they left off from their last encounter and banged on one another with nonstop action from head to body. The saying is that styles make fights and them two warriors opposite of one another are a perfect example of when two styles mesh just right to give us fans a memorable performance. Real Talk!

They are two very competitive combatants that know each other very well and inside that squared circle it was very difficult to really see who had the edge round by round.

That being said I personally feel that Roman started to separate himself in the later rounds by applying even more pressure and letting his hands go with more authority, edging out the rounds in his favor.

However, Juan did have a better start and probably even stole the 12th round the way he finished stronger. Both combatants refused to succumb to one another and that gave us fans another great exciting outing for the ages.

After 12 full rounds of complete action, the Judges at hand scored it 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 giving the edge to Juan Francisco Estrada.

Scorecard aside, this bout could have gone either way once again. Juan got the nod but a draw wouldn’t have been far-fetched as a proper outcome.

Nevertheless, with this win Juan has now regained the vacant WBC Super Flyweight Championship and retained his Ring Magazine Belt, finally putting the trilogy to bed.

Congratulations Juan on another great win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez”

WBA Light Heavyweight Challenge

I had expectations regarding tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates between WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 Kos) and Mandatory Challenger Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 kos) but instead witnessed a very convincing and dominating performance by Bivol.

To be clear, I wasn’t disappointed with Bivol’s performance, it was “Zurdo’s” lack of a proper “game plan” and gun-shy approach that took me by surprise. “Zurdo” is usually the seek and destroy type combatant that puts just the right amount of pressure on his opponents demoralizing them into submission but tonight that effort from “Zurdo” was missing in action. Real Talk!

Tonight “Zurdo” had met his match in the form of Bivol the fundamentally sound assassin who broke him down round by round. Bivol showed levels to his boxing skills inside that squared circle. There was absoletely nothing that Gilberto could do to deter Bivol from having his way inside that squared circle. Bivol, the visibly smaller fighter bullied and walked down the much bigger combatant with utterly no fear.

Bivol was focussed from round 1 to 12 and never wavered at any time. His range and steady combination punches kept Gilberto honest and unable to settle down with his own offensive approach.

Gilberto failed to use his height or his range properly. His regular punch output and his usual body attack was nonexistent. I expected Gilberto to bring the “Heat” tonight but instead Gilberto’s gun-shy lack of approach cost him the biggest fight of his career to date.

That said, there wasn’t much Gilberto could do, Bivol had him on lock right from the Jump. Bivol proved once again why he is one of the most complete fighters in the game today.

This bout was out of reach from time and after 12 fully completed rounds, the Judges at hand made it an easy outcome of 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 in favor of Dmitry Bivol.

Gilberto Ramirez is a very worthy opponent for anybody in the Light Heavyweight Division but tonight Bivol made him look like a pedestrian who did not belong with him inside that squared circle.

Congratulations Dmitry on successfully defending your WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship for the 10th time.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica McCaskill”

Undisputed Junior Welterweight Championship

A new Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion was crowned tonight at the Matchroom/DAZN Co-Main Event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates between WBC/IBF
Junior Welterweight Champion Chantelle Cameron (17-0 8 Kos) and Undisputed Welterweight Champion Jessica McCaskill (12-3 5 Kos) who moved down in weight to accept the challenge.

The move down in weight wasn’t as eventful as Jessica expected as she was met with a formidable Champion in Chantelle who boxed and moved circles around Jessica while still maintaining a level of discipline and patience inside that squared circle.

Jessica did not make it easy with her rough house tactics but Chantelle’s superior boxing IQ soundly carried her round by round. I’m not sure what type of “game plan” Jessica’s corner constructed for this bout but truth be told, Jessica looked amateurish the way she was swinging wildly left and right with no real destination at hand. Jessica did not look like an Undisputed Welterweight Champion but rather like a fighter getting caught up in a street fight. Real Talk!

This version of Jessica made it really easy for Chantelle to collect the vacant WBA and WBO titles missing to complete the puzzle of Undisputed. Chantelle literally schooled the aggression out of Jessica and made it embarrassingly easy while doing so. After 10 rounds of action the Judges at hand called it 97-93, 96-94 and 96-94 all in favor of Chantelle Cameron.

With this convincing win over a Pound-for-Pound combatant in Jessica McCaskill, Chantelle retained her WBC/IBF Championship titles and collected the vacant WBA and WBO Titles, crowning her Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion of the world.

Congratulations Chantelle on becoming the 5th female Boxer to presently claim Undisputed Champion in the 4 Belt era. Well done!

Blaze