On The Watch “It’s All About Jermell Charlo vs Brian Castano II”

Junior Middleweight Unification Championship Showdown

Last night’s PBC/Showtime Main Event Junior Middleweight Unification Championship Rematch bout between Unified WBC/WBA Super/IBF and Ring Magazine Champion Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 Kos) and WBO Champion Brian Castano (17-1-2, 12 Kos) at the Dignity Sports Park, Carson, California was definitely a bout to remember as we finally witnessed the crowning of the first Undisputed Junior Middleweight Champion since the four-belt era.

This time around both combatants came out the gate with a different approach. Castano’s punch output was visibly less while Charlo stepped up his boxing and moving being more aggressive from the jump.

Charlo’s jab was very effective and definitely gave Castano a harder time at getting on the inside but that being said, both combatants had their moments making this bout quite exciting as the rounds progressed with both warriors dropping some heavy bombs on one another up close and personal.

With the rounds heating up, it was Charlo who walked it like he talked it and made sure to keep the Judges out of the equation this time around when he viciously dropped Castano heavily in the tenth round twice as Castano resisted to get to his feet a second time visibly still hurt from the knockdowns which then prompted the referee to stop the electrifying bout.

It was an action-packed event that saw Jermell defend his WBC/WBA Super/IBF and Ring Magazine Championships and seize the WBO Belt from Brian to now becoming the first Undisputed Junior Middleweight Champion of the World since the four-belt era.

With this convincing win and major achievement in your career to date, you are now part of one of the most prestigious clubs in Boxing and join the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Oleksandr Usyk, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Josh Taylor and Terence Crawford to become Undisputed Champions in the four-belt era.

Congratulations Jermell, you cleaned out the 154-Pound Division and now reign supreme. You earned that one the hard way. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol”

WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN PPV Main Event between Pound-for-Pound “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion Canelo (57-2-2, 39 Kos) and WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 Kos) at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, was a shocking and disappointing outcome to the pro-Canelo crowd in attendance. Real Talk!

Canelo may have been reaching a little too high when he attempted to recapture a title at his second run at Light Heavyweight by choosing to pry away the “Big Fundamental” Bivol’s WBA “Super” Title. Bivol wasn’t having it and defended his title like a champion should.

Canelo was met with a warrior in Bivol who did not play by his rules but instead proceeded to being quite the challenge Canelo was looking for. Hands Down!

A lot of boxing pundits discredited Bivol and had already counted him out but I personally thought all these people were dead wrong about him. Anyone who paid attention and actually watched how Bivol dismantled all of his previous opponents would know that Dmitry’s fundamental skills are flawless. He may not be the strongest or the fastest but his efficiency inside that squared circle remains unmatched.

Team Caleno severely miscalculated their “game plan” this time around as they were unable to deter Bivol’s steady nonstop pressure aided by a stiff pistol-like jab that stayed connecting all night. Bivol’s punch output and punch combinations were on point and definitely kept Canelo frustrated throughout the bout.

Bivol was impressive and showed absolutely no fear inside that squared circle, unlike some of Caleno’s past opponents who crumbled under the bright lights and the big stage.

Bivol silenced the pro-Caleno crowd who were privy enough to witness this masterclass performance unfolding right before their eyes. After 12 full rounds of action all three Judges scored it 115-113 in favor of Dmitry Bivol.

I’m a big fan of Caleno win or lose but this score card does not reflect what transpired inside that squared circle. This score card is way too close to my liking. Bivol owned this bout from start to finish in my eyes hands down! Let’s give the man the respect he is due. Bivol just took down the Pound-for-Pound “Kingpin” on the biggest night of his career and retained his WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Title in the process.

This outcome is nothing that Caleno can’t bounce back from. Maybe an immediate rematch to redeem himself will be in the works but until then congratulations Dmitry this was an incredible win that will last the test of time. Job well done.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shakur Stevenson vs Oscar Valdez”

WBC/WBO Super Featherweight Unification Championship

Last night’s Top Rank’s Main Event Unification bout between WBO Super Featherweight Champion Shakur Stevenson (18-0, 9 Kos) and WBC Super Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez (30-2, 23 Kos) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, was a clinical beatdown bestowed by Shakur on the biggest night of his career to date. Real Talk!

Shakur’s boxing IQ was on full display last night. I was expecting Shakur to box and move all night but instead Shakur stood his ground right from the jump and patiently dismantled his opponent round by round with a stiff powerful jab that couldn’t miss or be deterred by Valdez, who was stuck all night clueless behind an ineffective high guard that left his face visibly touched up at the end of the night.

Shakur walked it like he talked it and shut down Valdez who looked defeated as the rounds progressed. Valdez was unable to stop Shakur from having his way inside that squared circle. Valdez’s “game plan” or lack thereof was non-existent. Valdez looked lost inside that squared circle with absolutely no guidance from his corner. Unbelievable.


Shakur was always two steps ahead of Valdez all night. Stevenson stood his ground and beat the power puncher at his own game. After 12 full rounds of schooling, the Judges scored it 118-109, 118-109 and 117 110 all in favor of Shakur Stevenson.

With this convincing win by Shakur, he is now the new WBO/WBC and newly acquired Ring Magazine Unified Super Featherweight Champion of the World.

With the way Shakur made this bout look so effortless, I can’t see anybody beating this kid in the 130-Pound Division. Real Talk! The road to undisputed just got clearer for Shakur. Good luck to the competition.

Congratulations Shakur on your latest triumph.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano”

Undisputed Lightweight Championship Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between Undisputed Lightweight IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/ Ring Magazine Champion Katie Taylor (21-0, 6 Kos) and highly decorated Champion Amanda Serrano (42-2-1, 30 Kos), outdid themselves when they battled it out at Madison Square Garden in New York.

This was women’s Boxing at its highest level and both combatants showed the World and the fans in attendance a boxing match that will last the test of time. Real Talk! Amanda, who moved up in weight from the 126-Pound Division to the 135-Pound Division, did not look out of place exchanging leather for leather against the visibly bigger Champion in Katie Taylor.

Them two warriors gave it to each other right from the jump with neither combatant letting one another get the edge as the rounds progressed. Both had moments throughout the bout and both managed to impress me with the way they executed their respectable “game plan”.

Amanda, being the smaller opponent, performed exceptionally well and even had the Champ hurt a few times and could have put the Champ out if it wasn’t for the round being over at the right time giving Katie that out long enough to recover. Amanda’s power was real and looked quite effective and definitely bothered Katie whenever she got tagged hard enough.

That said, Katie is one resilient combatant who wasn’t about to be outdone on the biggest night of her career to date. Katie’s hand speed and punch output was quite efficient and definitely made it difficult for Amanda to match her punch for punch. Her foot work and conditioning were key points that carried her throughout the bout.

This was a tight bout to call from start to finish and both combatants had their respectable moments throughout the bout, but after 10 full rounds of nonstop action the Judges at hand scored it 96-93, 97-93 for Taylor and 96-94 for Serrano, giving the edge and the win to Katie Taylor.

Listen, I’m a big fan of Katie but I personally think that Amanda edged this one, hands down!
Again, this was a tight bout from start to finish but Amanda did the better work round by round and clearly had Katie hurt numerous times and landed the more visible telling punches. Katie’s punch output was very good but Amanda stood her ground and showed her strength and power with clean punches that were too clean to be ignored by these two Judges’ score cards.

Just my thoughts.

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 2022”

NBA PLAYOFFS CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 2022

With the first round officially over, we can now set our focus on the second round of attention-grabbing match-ups to come. The only team claiming a four-game sweep in the first round of action was the No. 2 seeded Eastern team the Boston Celtics who dismantled the Brooklyn Nets game by game. Proving their growth and maturity will definitely be a problem for the Defending Champions Milwaukee Bucks who will be going into battle against them short handed with Khris Middleton out of action for this round due to a knee injury. The pressure will be on Giannis to carry his team through the tough challenge ahead.

The No. 1 seeded Miami Heat may have caught an early break with their match up with the Philadelphia 76ers. With Joel Embiid out indefinitely due to an orbital fracture and concussion, this major setback for the 76ers may have cost them the series. It will be up to Miami to capitalize on Philly’s misfortune by not letting this series go pass four.

The Western Conference No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns successfully dispatched the New Orleans Pelicans to welcome an interesting matchup with the 5 seed Dallas Mavericks who took down the Utah Jazz to have the opportunity to put a stop the crazy run the Suns have been enjoying all season long. The Mavericks have been playing some serious ball as of late and with a healthy Luka Doncic running the show the Mavs might be able to upset the Suns if they can’t find an answer to Luka.

That said, the most intriguing second round matchup to me is the No. 2 Seed Memphis Grizzlies and the No. 3 Seed Golden State Warriors. No one predicted that Memphis would be balling at such a high level and keeping up that same momentum in the Playoffs. The Grizzlies have arrived and have fire power, the squad, and a star in the making in Ja Morant to carry them through the trenches of the NBA Playoffs. However, standing in their way is the 3-time NBA Champions Golden State Warriors. Them Boys may have missed out on the Playoffs last year but with this version of an updated battle tested squad now intact, the team’s sole mission is to reclaim their rightful throne by winning another NBA Championship. To some, this may sound farfetched but truth be told the Warriors seem to have the right nucleus to actually make happen. However, in order to even get to the NBA Finals, the Warriors will have to deal with a highly motivated Memphis team ready to accept all challenges. A very tough task for both teams but definitely one series that can’t be missed.

Tune in and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte”

WBC Heavyweight Challenge

Tonight’s Queensberry Promotion/Top Rank Main Event between WBC/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 Kos) and Mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte (28-3, 19 Kos) at the Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, UK, with an attendance of 94,000 fans definitely lived up to the hype. Hands Down!

The “Gypsy King” defended his Championship belts for the second time and did it in style by boxing circles around “The Body Snatcher” Dillian who had absolutely no proper “game plan” in keeping Tyson from having his way inside that squared circle.

It was a boxing clinic by Tyson who kept Dillian at bay with a very effective jab, enabling Dillian from landing anything significant enough to deter Tyson from pressing the action from round one and on.

Tyson looked good from the jump boxing and moving at ease inside that squared circle. Dillian tried numerous times to land that heavy left hand but with no avail constantly missing and swinging at air whenever Tyson moved with grace avoiding every power shot coming from Dillian.

Tyson’s size, reach and boxing IQ inside the ring was simply too much of a puzzle for Dillian to overcome. Tyson always seemed to be two steps ahead of Dillian’s every move. Dillian was outmatched and outwitted inside that squared circle. To me this bout looked like a sparring session gone wrong for Dillian. It was only matter of time before the inevitable happened and by the 6th round, Tyson connected with a vicious right uppercut straight to the chin that dropped Dillian who then managed to get up before the count but was on shaky legs to continue. This prompted the referee to call the bout in fear for his safety. Game over!

This was a long overdue mandatory position that Dillian Whyte rightfully deserved from time but fell short on the biggest night of his career to the so-called pillow fisted “Gypsy King”. I tip my “B” hat to Fury for successfully defending his WBC/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Championship Titles and walking away from the game still undefeated and on his own terms in the presence of 94,000 fans at the Wembley Stadium in London.

Job well done Tyson, now enjoy your retirement.

Blaze

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