On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford vs Amir Khan”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden in New York City was a disappointing one: and not because of Terence Crawford (35-0, 26 Kos), but because of his opponent for the night Amir Khan (33-5, 20 Kos).

Khan talked that talk but definitely didn’t back it up inside that squared circle. Khan came out the gate aggressive and fast but got caught nice and early in the first round and went down for an 8 count. From this point on it was clear that Khan was no match for Crawford.

As the bout wore on Khan was getting touched and broken down round by round. Khan looked weak and uncertain about how to proceed with the “Game Plan”. Crawford was having his way inside that squared circle and was boxing circles around Khan making him look out of place at times.

The “End Game” was bound to come but due to an accidental low blow to Khan, his corner informed the referee that he wouldn’t be able to continue. Just like that, the fight was over and Crawford retained his WBO Welterweight Belt by TKO in round six.

I personally expected a better effort from Khan but regardless of last night’s outcome, the end result would have been the same with Terence getting his hand raised when it’s all said and done.

Congratulations Champ now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Anthony Crolla”

WBA Lightweight Mandatory Challenge

Last night’s Friday Night Boxing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the 10,101 fans in attendance had themselves another great performance courtesy of WBA/WBO Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 Kos).

It was another quick night at the office for Lomachenko when he successfully defended his WBA mandatory challenger Anthony Crolla (34-7-3, 13 Kos).

Last night, Loma looked sharp and focussed and showed some serious pop in his punch combinations when he sat down Anthony for the count in the fourth round. Easy work!

It was clear from the jump that Crolla had no idea what he was in for and by the second round when Loma had figured Crolla out it was a wrap from that point on. Loma started to let his gloves loose with shots from every angle with power and precision that left Crolla helpless and shell-shock as the thrashing kept on creeping.

The “End Game” knock out in the fourth round spared Crolla from further unnecessary punishment. Crolla was simply outclassed and outmatched by a superior gifted opponent in Vasiliy Lomachenko. Real Talk!

This version of Loma is a problem for all competitors and Champions in the Lightweight Division. But that being said I can’t wait to see who signs up next for the challenge and the opportunity. Loma has made it clear fight after fight, he wants all the belts!!

Until your next foe is announced, congratulations on your victory Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Eleider Alvarez vs Sergey Kovalev”

WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge

Last night, at the Ford Center at the Star, in Frisco, Texas, Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 Kos) successfully avenged his previous loss to Eleider Alvarez (24-1, 12 Kos) by defeating him by unanimous decision.

With new trainer Buddy McGirt in his corner, Kovalev was a completely different fighter then the one who fought 6 months ago and lost his title to Alvarez. Real Talk!

This version of Kovalev who stepped into that squared circle last night was laser focussed with controlled aggression and a very effective jab that was on point throughout the entire bout. Kovalev stuck to the “game plan” at hand and never wavered. He showed patience with no signs of stamina issues well into the second half of the bout.

I was impressed and surprised by his discipline in this bout. Sergey controlled the fight from start to finish while being mindful of Alverez’s effort of trying to land something significant all night.

Alvarez’s approach in this bout was confusing to say the least. Alvarez was hoping to catch Sergey slipping in the second half but to his surprise Kovalev actually stepped it up and finished stronger than expected. Alvarez had no real answers for Kovalev’s strategic approach. Alvarez’s low punch output was definitely the most unexpected to me. Alverez’s overconfidence this time around cost him to succumb to his first professional defeat and his WBO Light Heavyweight Title.

With this win Kovalev now becomes three-time WBO Light Heavyweight Champion of the World and is now anxiously looking for a unification bout with either Titleholder in the 175-pound Division.

I’m curious to see which of the Champions is going accept the challenge.

Until then, congratulations on regaining your Championship Belt, Kovalev.  Job well done.

Blaze