On The Watch “It’s All About Regis Prograis vs Josh Taylor”

World Boxing Super Series Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final

Tonight’s World Boxing Super Series Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Finals at the O2 Arena in London between WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion & WBC Diamond Champion Regis Prograis (24-1, 20 Kos) and IBF Super-Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor (16-0, 13 Kos), came down to the wire.

This bout was a back and forth tussle from the jump with both fighters trying to assert themselves round by round while working their respective “game plan” and each looking for that advantage.

Taylor came to fight tonight and he wasn’t about to let this big opportunity pass him by. Regis, on the other hand, started a little slower and in doing so, to me, kept the fight a lot closer than it should have been. The visiting fighter Regis, should have kept his foot on the peddle and kept that pressure coming by being busier round by round.

That being said, this bout was a strategic chess match with both fighters performing at a very high level of boxing IQ with neither fighter backing down.

As damn close as this bout was, to the Judges’ eyes they scored it 115-113, 117-112 and 114-114 in favor of Taylor. Josh backed his trash talking by keeping his IBF Super-Lightweight Title and picking up the WBA Super-Lightweight World Championship Belt, the vacant Super-Lightweight Ring Magazine Belt and the prestigious Ali Trophy.

By defeating the No. 1 seeded Regis Prograis and collecting all that hardware, Josh has officially captured the No. 1 Spot in the Super-Lightweight Division. Next on the hit list is a unification bout with WBC/WBO Super-Lightweight Champion Jose Ramirez (25-0, 17 Kos) to decide the Undisputed Champion in the 140-pound Division.

Until then Josh, congratulations on your latest accomplishments. The road to undisputed is on the horizon .

Blaze

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 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

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs”

Middleweight Unification Challenge

Another highly anticipated bout has officially been announced today between Middleweight “Kingpin” IBO, WBA, WBC, Lineal Champion Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 Kos) and IBF Middleweight Champion Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 Kos).

A unification bout has been set for May 4, 2019 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, airing live and exclusively on DAZN and Sky Box Office.

I’m impressed with how Canelo is stepping up and taking on another real challenger in Danny, cause your “Boy” Jacobs is no walk in the park for anyone in the Middleweight Division. Real Talk! Canelo has been on a roll and showing steady improvement, with levels upon levels every time he walked into that squared circle. Canelo is one of the best pound-for-pound in the “Game“ today and a win against Jacobs could possibly move him up closer to that No. 1 spot on the pound-for-pound list in my eyes.

That being said, Jacobs is cut from a different cloth. He’s a thoroughbred who’s been down before but fought his way back to the top and re-established himself as a very worthy opponent who’s ready to shock the world come fight night. There is a lot riding on this fight for both combatants but for Jacobs, this is his second chance and possibly his last at unifying the Division, so coming short of accomplishing his goal is not in the plans.

Styles makes fights and with this in mind I can’t wait to see how this one plays out. This is a real 50/50 fight where both warriors are strong, agile, ring savvy with a very high boxing IQ. Aside from the height and reach difference between the two, the real denominator will be which one will have the better “Game Plan” come fight night.

There are levels to this Boxing sh*t, so tune in Saturday night May 4, 2019, exclusively on DAZN and Sky Box Office or better yet be there live at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to witness two of the best Middleweights battling it out for “supremacy” of the Division.

The time has come, who will triumph?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Demetrius Andrade vs Artur Akavol”

WBO Middleweight Challenge

Last night, on DAZN at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, Demetrius Andrade (27-0, 17 Kos) successfully defended his WBO Middleweight Title against fringe contender Artur Akavov (19-3, 8 Kos).

This bout was a glorified sparring session in my eyes. There are levels to this boxing sh*t and as good as a boxer Akavov was on that night he was levels below Andrade. Real Talk! Andrade controlled every round from start to finish. Andrade was sharp and busy with his hands but Artur was in plain survivor mode and only showed signs of life sporadically. He actually connected with some good shots in the ninth round but other than that Akavov wasn’t competitive enough.

Demetrius was on way to a unanimous decision by the 12th round until the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight with less than 30 seconds left in the round after Akavov got hit with three heavy shots in a row that made him stumble back.

That being said, I personally think that the stoppage was unjustified. Artur had no chance of winning this bout but definitely deserved the right go out on his shield like a warrior should.

With this win Demetrius secured his fist defence of his WBO Middleweight Title and banked in some much-needed rounds.

Controversy aside, Demetrius is still a major player in the Middleweight Division; however, it’s time to step up to some better competition. Who’s next?

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 Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew”

Undisputed Cruiserweight Championship Challenge

Tonight, at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 Kos) still remained unbeaten and Undisputed Cruiserweight King after demolishing a very worthy opponent in Tony Bellew (30-3-1, 20Kos).

Tony came out of the gate aggressive and was looking to land heavy punches to the body every chance he got, but the crafty Champion Usyk kept it real cool and level headed round by round. In the early rounds Tony was establishing himself as the stronger fighter between the two but as the rounds wore on, Usyk started to raise his punch output and started landing some effective jabs that bothered Bellew’s offence.

Tony was doing a good job trying to box with the better boxer but by the eighth round Bellew was visibly looking tired on his feet and Usyk simply jumped on him and battered him with two heavy left-hand shots that connected perfectly to knock him out for the count.

Tonight, Tony stepped his game up and gave it a good run but as the saying goes there are levels to this boxing sh*t and Usyk proved it once again that he’s one notch above Bellew in that category and rightfully Undisputed Cruiserweight King because of it.

That being said, Usyk will now be eyeing the Heavyweight Division as his next big challenge. The year 2019 will be a new chapter for one of the fastest rising stars in the “Boxing Game” to date but until then, enjoy all your great achievements, you deserve it Champ.

Blaze

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 George Groves vs Callum Smith”

World Boxing Super Series (WBSS)

Tonight, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at King Abdulla Sport City Arena, the long-awaited World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight Tournament came to an end in an impressive fashion.

The No. 1 Seed in the Tournament George Groves WBA Super World Super Middleweight Champion (28-4, 20 Kos) succumbed to the gloves of the No 2 Seeded Callum Smith WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Champion (25-0, 18 Kos). The underdog in the betting circuit silenced all naysayers and non-believers on the biggest stage of his career.

Tonight, Callum’s approach vs George were executed perfectly. He fought a smart, technical fight all while using his height and range to his advantage. George fought well with some aggression but had a hard time figuring Callum out. Heavy blows were thrown from both combatants, at times with some very good exchanges but to my surprise Callum’s punches looked to sting just a little more than what Groves expected. Callum seemed relaxed and poised round by round unlike George who looked uncomfortable and desperate at times. By the seventh round, George got complacent and lost focus and got caught with a heavy left hand followed by a burst of punches that sent him down for the count.

It was a beautiful display by an underdog in Callum Smith who has now risen to the top and taken claim of the World Boxing Super Series Muhammad Ali Trophy, the WBA Super World Super Middleweight Championship, The Ring Magazine Belt and retained his WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Title.

With this trifecta of a night you have singlehandedly sky rocketed your position as the top “Dog” in the Super Middleweight Division. Real Talk!

Congratulations Champ for this historical achievement, you deserve it.

Blaze