On The Watch “It’s All About Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz”

IBF Lightweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between IBF Lightweight Champion Raymond Muratalla (24-0, 17 Kos) and Olympic Gold medalist, undefeated Challenger Andy Cruz (6-1, 3 Kos) was a competitive bout that had the fans in attendance at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, quite entertained.

Raymond knew exactly what he was up against and wasted no time executing his “game plan” from the fist bell. Raymond pressed the action with calculated pressure throwing punches from head to body at a higher clip rate than expected but definitely efficient enough to keep Andy from settling down into his own groove.

Andy did his part to match Raymond punch for punch but it was clear as the rounds progressed that Raymond was the one outworking Andy when push came to shove. Andy had his moments in between rounds but never quite capitalized on them enough in my eyes.

Raymond showed up last night and brought his “A” game inside that squared circle and silenced all the naysayers who discredited him as a Champion.

That being said, this was a highly competitive and technical bout where both combatants had to be on point to outduel one and other. After 12 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 114-114, 116-112 and 118-110 giving the majority decision to Raymond Muratalla.

Although the score of 118-110 is suspect in my eyes, the right man definitely won this bout hands down.

Congratulations Raymond on retaining your IBF Lightweight Championship.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All about Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Teofimo Lopez”

Lightweight Title Unification Challenge

The highly anticipated battle in the Lightweight Division between WBA/WBO/WBC “Franchise” Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 Kos) and IBF Champion Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 Kos) has officially been signed and set to take place in “The Bubble”. It will be live on ESPN, Saturday October 17, 2020 from the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

This bout has been an intriguing one from the jump. Loma, one of the best Pound-for-Pound boxers in the game today will be looking to hand Teofimo, the young, strong and unbeaten lion in the game today, his first professional loss.

Teofimo has been talking that sh*t and backing it up from the time he stepped foot inside that squared circle. Lopez has absolutely no shortage of confidence that he will be the one to put a stop to the reign of the great Lomachenko.

That being said, Loma is a unique fighter who is not easy to figure out. The Dude has boxed the lights out of most of is opponents with relative ease. His Boxing IQ is next to none inside that squared circle.

Teofimo firmly believes that his youth, strength and his own Boxing IQ will be enough to dethrone the Lightweight Unified Champion Lomachenko.

Many have talked that talk but failed under the bright lights when the opportunity presented itself inside that squared circle. Loma “The Matrix” is the truth when he’s gloved up and his back is against the ropes but I do believe that Teofimo may be his toughest challenge to date. Real Talk!

However, for Lopez to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year, he will have to box a flawless bout or take him out early cause your Boy Loma possesses the stamina to go 12 rounds unbothered.

Teofimo has been calling for this moment from day one – now the time has come for the “Takeover” to manifest itself.

Tune in Saturday night October 17, 2020 live on ESPN from the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas and witness who will be crowned Lightweight Undisputed Champion of the World.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Richard Commey vs Teofimo Lopez”

IBF Lightweight Championship Challenge

Last night at Madison Square Garden In New York City, Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 Kos) fulfilled his Dad’s premonition of becoming Champion by his 15th professional fight. Real Talk!

What was supposed to be Teofimo’s biggest challenge ended up being one of his easiest fight to date. No disrespect to IBF Lightweight Champion Richard Commey (29-3, 26 Kos) who is a tough Champion on his own right but from the moment the first round started it was clear that Teofimo’s power was going to be a problem the minute he connected on Commey.

The left hand was landing at will with some vicious strength behind it in the first round that visibly rattled Commey. Teofimo’s speed and accuracy were too much for Commey and by the second round Lopez connected with a clear-cut right hand that dropped Commey for an 8 count that visibly shook him hard. Once Commey got up, Teofimo pounced on him with a flurry of punches that went unanswered forcing the referee to stop the fight 1:13 in the second round.

This display by Teofimo is exactly what he needed to put the Lightweight Division on notice. The Kid Lopez is a problem. He’s got the goods and the charisma to do something real big here but the question remains: is he ready for what awaits him in his next bout?

With this convincing win, Teofimo becomes the New IBF Lightweight Champion of the World. The “takeover” is in effect. In the New Year 2020 a date will be set to face Unified WBA/WBO WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1-1, 10 Kos).

I’m intrigued by the potential outcome of this bout but only time will tell if Teofimo will be ready for what the “matrix” will have in store for him come fight night.

Until then Teofimo, congratulations on your astonishing victory.

Blaze