On the Watch “It’s All About Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Carlos Takam”

Vacant WBC Silver Heavyweight Title

Last night’s Eye of the Tiger Management Main Event that went down at the Montreal Casino, Montreal Quebec, Canada between undefeated Heavyweight Arslanbek “Lion”Makhmudov (15-0, 14 Kos) and veteran Heavyweight challenger Carlos Takam (39-7-1, 28 Kos), was not as eventful as I expected.

From the way this bout unfolded it was clear that Arslanbek underestimated Takam inside that squared circle. Although Arslanbek did drop Takam in the first few seconds of the first round and then again in the seventh round, Arslanbek was clearly in a fight that he was not anticipating of being so tough.

Takam may have had a slow start in this bout but his strength, durability and experience at this level paid dividends last night. As big as Arslanbek was inside that squared circle he felt Takam’s presence throughout every round. Takam took some serious shots but gave just as much of his own making this bout that much harder to call.

Takam’s awkward style made it hard for Arslanbek to land his thunderous punches he is known for. Arslanbek’s lack of movement and footwork were a major issues that will need to be addressed if he plans on competing with the other top Heavyweights in the Division.

I tip my “B” hat to Takam for going toe to toe with the big “Lion” and forcing his opponent to go 10 full rounds for the first time in his career to date. The Judges for the night scored it 96-92, 96-92 and 97-91 unanimously for Arslanbek Makhmudov. Personally, I think Takam outworked Arslanbek and aside from the two knockdowns, did enough to deserve a draw. No disrespect to Arslanbek but the “Lion” did not perform like a king inside that squared circle last night.

That being said, Arslanbek was awarded the win and now picked up the Vacant WBC Silver Heavyweight Title.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Luis Ortiz”

WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator

Last night’s PBC/Fox PPV Main Event between former Unified Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 Kos) and Luis Ortiz (33-3 28 Kos) at the Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, was an interesting bout that saw “King Kong” be at the receiving end of three knockdowns during the 12-round contest. Unbelievable.

I’m not sure if Ortiz underestimated Ruiz inside that squared circle but after seeing the canvas twice in round two, Ortiz awoke and realized quickly that Andy was coming for him by all means necessary. It took Ortiz some time but he eventually gathered himself and adjusted his “game plan” by working his jab while boxing and moving around making Andy rethink his approach.

That said this version of Andy last night was patient, less active with his hands but more calculative with his approach making sure when he pressed the action, his presence was felt with every punch landed. Ruiz’s hand speed and counter punching was the key to his success.

Both combatants fought with caution and at a slower pace than expected at times but both still had signs of success whenever they did connect blows back and forth. That being said, Andy’s counter punching speed and power was quite evident when he once again dropped Ortiz in round seven for a quick 8 count, but Ortiz bounced backed up and completed the tough round.

Ortiz regrouped and managed to build up some momentum throughout the later rounds with an effective jab keeping Ruiz at bay but he lacked that extra bounce in the back of his jab to put Ruiz down whenever the opportunity presented itself.

After 12 full rounds of action the Judges scored it 115-110, 114-111, 113-112 unanimously in favor of Andy Ruiz Jr.

Although Ruiz managed to drop Ortiz multiple times throughout the bout, this was by far one of his toughest battles to date. With this WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator win under his belt Andy creeps closer to an official WBC World Championship opportunity down the road.

Congratulations Andy on your latest win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II”

IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Rematch Challenge

Tonight’s Heavyweight Championship rematch between Undefeated Unified IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 Kos) and former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 Kos) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, definitely lived up to the hype.

This highly anticipated bout was a continuation from their last meeting but this time Joshua, with a new trainer by his side, performed exceptionally better then his last outing. This time around AJ had a much better “game plan” and proceeded to execute it well but Usyk with his country of Ukraine at war on his mind, fought with all his people on the back of his shoulders and performed remarkably well with the added pressure.

That being said, AJ’s “game plan” was the right way to go about it in this bout but as the rounds progressed AJ seemed to divert from the plan at hand at times as Usyk proved to be just as elusive with his boxing skill on full display figuring AJ out as the rounds advanced.

AJ had some moments where he had the upper hand but neglected to capitalize and finish the job as the bigger and stronger man inside that squared circle and those critical times were key to him having that window of success.

Usyk weathered the storm and fought through the adversity and like the great technical combatant that he is managed to turn things around while never losing focus or confidence inside that squared circle.

This bout was a much closer outing then their last encounter but the deciding factors to me were the championship rounds where Usyk separated himself from AJ by being the much busier combatant in the most important rounds.

Both combatants showed fatigue in the later rounds but Usyk closed it out with pure will and effort in my eyes. After 12 full rounds of none stop action, the Judges scored it 116-112, 115-113 for Usyk and 115-113 for Joshua giving the split decision win to Oleksandr Usyk.

With this second win over AJ under his belt, Usyk retained his IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Championship belts and picked up the prestigious Ring Magazine belt for good measure.

Had Anthony stuck to the original “game plan” and not gassed out, we definitely could have seen a different outcome but the superior warrior in Oleksandr Usyk prevailed and completed the task at hand.

Congratulations Oleksandr on your latest accomplishment, well done.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua”

IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Rematch Challenge

It has officially been announced, the highly anticipated Heavyweight rematch between newly crowned undefeated unified IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 Kos) and former Heavyweight Champion and challenger Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 Kos), has now been set for August 20th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This bout is a very important bout for both combatants but more so for the Heavyweight Division in general as the winner of this bout will most likely be looking to unify the Division with WBC/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 Kos).

That said, looking ahead is irrelevant at this point without first seeing the outcome of this rematch. Usyk has proven to all the naysayers that he is a legit Heavyweight worthy of the Heavyweight Crown by the way he systematically broke down Anthony round by round in their previous outing. Usyk is a very skillful combatant with the attributes to adapt to any scenario. A focussed Usyk is a difficult man to beat inside that squared circle.

That said, AJ will need to produce the right “game plan” in order to beat this version of the “War Machine” dedicated to representing his country by all means necessary. With a new trainer, Robert Garcia now running the camp, I anticipate a more aggressive, active, focussed and better prepared AJ to be ready to do whatever it takes to be victorious on August 20th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

We already know what Usyk will be bringing into that squared circle and judging by the odds makers favoring Usyk, they too are assuming a second victory over Anthony is inevitable. It will be up to AJ to defy all odds and execute the right plan at hand to avenge his loss and recapture the missing belts from his previous conqueror.

So much at stake and so many questions, tune in on DAZN Saturday August 20th from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to see who will reign supreme when the “Rage of the Red Sea” settles.

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 Luis Ortiz vs Charles Martin”

IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator

Last night’s FOX Pay-Per-View/Premier Boxing Champions Main Event between “King Kong” Luis Ortiz (33-2, 28 Kos) and “Prince” Charles Martin (28-3-1, 25 Kos) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida was quite the interesting bout to bring in the New Year 2022.

Both combatants promised fireworks in this bout and the first one to let out a spark was Charles when he pressed the action in the first round and surprisingly dropped Ortiz for a quick 8 count that got the crowd in attendance fired up.

Being that both combatants are southpaws, Charles was the one who looked more comfortable at letting his hands go in the earlier rounds, disrupting Ortiz with a good solid jab that landed dead on the mark in the fourth round and dropped Ortiz once again for an 8 count but this time right before the bell.

Ortiz, clearly behind on points entering the fifth round, attempted to press the action and appeared to do enough with his own strong jab to win the round.

By the sixth round, Ortiz continued with his pressure and eventually caught Martin with a strong jab to the dome that had him frozen in the “Matrix” dead on his feet, oblivious to his surroundings. This prompted Ortiz to administer an onslaught of heavy shots that dropped Martin tangled into the ropes and the floor which forced a weird break in the heated action.

Once Martin was untangled by the referee, Ortiz when in for the kill with a series of unanswered body and head shots that dropped Martin for another 8 count that eventually urged the referee to stop the bout.

Ortiz had to dig deep coming off the canvas twice in this bout to pull this one off but “King Kong” prevailed and got the job done in a convincing fashion.

With this win, Ortiz is now the mandatory challenger to the IBF Title held by Heavyweight Unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 Kos). That being said Ortiz made it real clear last night after the bout that if any Heavyweight wants to fight for the IBF Heavyweight Title they will have to go through “King Kong” to get that opportunity.

With Ortiz getting up there in age, nearly three months shy of his 43rd birthday, the competitors are probably thinking the time is now to get Ortiz out of the way. The trap is set, now let’s see who signs up for the challenge.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder”

WBC Championship Heavyweight Throwdown

Last night’s PBC/Top Rank Main Event Heavyweight Championship bout between WBC/Ring Magazine Champion Tyson Furry (31-0-1, 22 Kos) and Deontay Wilder (42-2-1, 41 Kos) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a proper showdown that will definitely last the test of time in the Heavyweight Division. Real Talk!

This trilogy bout lived up to the hype from start to finish. Tyson walked in as a “Spartan” and clearly silenced “The Bronze Bomber” without any dispute. Although Deontay was able detonate two heavy bombs on Tyson that dropped him in the fourth round, Deontay was not able to empty the artillery needed to keep Fury from coming forward with controlled aggression.

Deontay came out the gate with the right “game plan” but neglected to utilize it to its fullest and stick with the task at hand as the tiredness and the rounds became harder to endure as Fury maintained constant pressure on him.

I gotta tip my “B” hat to Deontay cause Dude was getting manhandled inside that squared circle but his strong heart and sheer will wouldn’t let him bow down without a fight. Deontay was on shaky legs early in the bout and took some heavy punishment while handing some of his own as well,  but the “Spartan” warrior that Tyson is proved to be the better prepared combatant on the night. Hands down!

Once again, the strongest puncher in the Heavyweight Division Deontay Wilder got broken down and dropped three times by the so called “pillow-fisted” Tyson Fury who dramatically put a stop to the bout with a devastating knockout in the 11th round. Unbelievable!

I gotta tip my “B” hat to the “Gypsy King”. This man walks it like he talks it inside that squared circle. With another convincing win over the “Bronze Bomber” Tyson successfully defended his WBC Heavyweight Championship and Ring Magazine Belt.

With Boxing Trainer SugarHill Steward in the Gypsy’s corner, it’s going to be hard pressed to remove the WBC Heavyweight Championship and Ring Magazine Belt from this man’s possession. Good luck to the competition.

Until then, congratulations Tyson on another historical type performance. You are truly the man to beat in the Heavyweight Division.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk”

IBO/IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom Main Event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England was a disappointing outcome in my eyes when Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 Kos) succumbed to the former Cruiserweight Unified Champion turned Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 Kos) by a unanimous decision on home turf. Unbelievable!!

Usyk, the former Unified Cruiserweight Champion walked it like he talked it and moved up to the Heavyweight Division and after only two Heavyweight bouts under his belt dethroned the No. 1 Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua by handing him a schooling display of Boxing 101.

AJ the hulking Heavyweight had his moments throughout the bout but severely neglected to impose his own physical attributes when needed. AJ let the smaller man in Usyk have his own way with him inside that squared circle and it cost him dearly round after round.

Usyk’s “game plan” was simple but effective. He boxed and moved for 12 rounds and accumulated enough points to outduel the gun-shy Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua. Usyk the visible smaller man inside that squared circle had absolutely no fear in his eyes and proceeded to put hands on AJ all night handing him the most embarrassing loss that could have easily been avoided had AJ presented a better effort inside that squared circle.

Real Talk, AJ got his ass handed to him tonight hands down. After 12 full rounds of action the Judges scored it 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 all in favor for the New Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk.

With Usyk now being the New Unified Heavyweight Champion, the Heavyweight Division has once again taken a massive blow, leaving AJ contemplating his next move. There’s going to be a lot of soul searching on this one for AJ cause this loss right here is a game changer.

Congratulation to Usyk for conquering yet again another Division in an emphatic fashion.

Although a rematch clause is most likely to be executed by AJ, I personally think he needs to re-evaluate that option because another performance like this could well be detrimental to the rest of his career.

Just my thoughts.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Joe Joyce vs Carlos Takam”

Heavyweight Showdown

Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 Kos) walked it like he talked it tonight when he stopped Carlos Takam (39-6-1, 28 Kos) as he predicted, in the sixth round at the SSE Arena in Wembley, England.

Watching Joe fight tonight wasn’t pretty but he did the job. Takam came in willing and able to trouble Joe who made it hard for Takam with his size and length but props still need to be given to Takam for pressuring Joe enough to actually winning rounds in my eyes.

As big as Joe was inside that squared circle, Takam’s movement and quicker hands did find a home landing on Joe quite frequently. Takam had the right “game plan” going for him but the pace he had to maintain to keep Joe from landing was visibly taxing him as the rounds were going.

It was only a matter of time before the “Juggernaut” caught him and seconds into the sixth round Joe did just that when he connected with a heavy left hook to Takam’s dome that rocked him so hard that he started Crip walking on shaky legs leaving himself open to a series of unanswered punches that hastily prompted the referee to stop the bout.

Takam did not agree with the stoppage and rightfully so since he was still standing but judging by the way Joe was picking up steam in the sixth round, the inevitable ending was bound to happen.

As slow and predictable as Joe looked inside that squared circle tonight, one thing for sure is he carries some serious power in those hands and when he connects you definitely feel it.

With this win, Joe continues his winning streak and maintains his WBO mandatory position to challenge the winner of the Anthony Joshua IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Champion and Oleksandr Usyk future bout.

Until then, congratulations Joe on another great win.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Chris Arreola”

Heavyweight Throwdown

Last night’s PBC/Fox PPV Main Event between former Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (34-2, 22 Kos) and Chris Arreola (38-7-1, 33 Kos) at Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, was a dramatic bout from start to finish. Real Talk!

A visibly slimmed down Andy walked in the squared circle feeling himself and thinking this was going to be easy work and underestimated his opponent. He was careless in the second round when he got caught flush on the dome and dropped for a surprising quick 8 count that kept him shook for the remaining of a tough round.

Chris didn’t come to lay down and he fought a smart fight and actually hurt Ruiz again in the third round. Andy kept it cool and took a few rounds to shake it off and then proceeded to box his way through the remaining rounds applying some good pressure with his combinations.

Chris proved to be tough as expected and made Andy work and respect the veteran who was in front of him inside that squared circle.

As good as Andy looked physically inside that squared circle, he seemed a little off to me and had to dig really deep to survive all 12 rounds of this bout. Both combatants were visibly tired as their punch output slowed down in the later rounds.

That being said, both warriors put on a show that did not disappoint. At the conclusion of this bout the Judges scored it 117-110, 118-109, 118-109 unanimously for Andy Ruiz.

Listen, I don’t have a problem with Andy walking away with the win but the score cards do not reflect what transpired inside that squared circle. These Judges did Chris dirty on this one. Hands Down!

Congratulations to Andy for pulling off this though win.

Blaze