On The Watch “It’s All About David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde”

WBC Light Heavyweight Showdown

The Main Event at “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” between WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez (31-0, 25 Kos) and challenger Anthony Yarde (27-4, 24 Kos) did not disappoint as this was another showcase type of a fight for “The Monster Bandera Roja” at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Real Talk!

Yarde came in this bout looking fit and strong as usual and beaming with confidence but lacked the proper “game plan” to derail the “The Mexican Monster” from having his way with it. Yarde found out first hand what the moniker “The Mexican Monster” really means.

Being under pressure with an aggressive combatant under the bright lights, has a way of making you rethink your approach and that is exactly what happened when things got heavy in there with Yarde.

Going toe-to-toe with “The Mexican Monster” while not being properly prepared is a death trap which suits David perfectly fine since he usually thrives on his opponent’s aggression. Yarde stood his ground and tried to bang as best he could but eventually crumbled in round seven to a standing 8 count and a two-point deduction for David for hitting Yarde after his knee touched the canvas.  That being said, the inevitable was near, Yarde got up but continued receiving an onslaught of unanswered shots and looked visibly shook prompting the referee to jump in and stop the bout.

There are levels to this boing sh*t and in Yarde’s third attempt at a title he found out the hard way where he stands in the hierarchy of the Light Heavyweight Division.

With this win David retained his WBC Light Heavyweight Championship and continues his winning streak, anticipating his next challenge.   

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Showdown

In tonight’s Main Event at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 Kos) avenged his previous defeat by dethroning our own Russian/Canadian representative Undisputed IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 Kos).

It was a continuation of their previous encounter where both combatants picked up where they left off but this time around Bivol made sure to be as active with his hands and feet more than before.

Beterbiev pressed the action as expected, stalking Bivol at every corner and landing the more telling punches but Bivol’s punch output and random combinations may have played a factor as the rounds progressed. Although Bivol’s punches weren’t visibly hurting Beterbiev the fact that he was more active did play a pivotal part.

Bivol used calculated movement to offset Beterbiev from landing his usual damaging blows but that did not deter Beterbiev from applying pressure. It was a close bout very much like their previous encounter where both combatants had their moments round by round.

After 12 full competitive rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113, giving the majority decision to Dmitry Bivol the new Undisputed IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Personally, I think Beterbiev did enough to retain his Undisputed status but fair play to Bivol, this time around the Judges felt he had done enough and for that congratulations are in order. Well done!

A rubber match is definitely warranted.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith”

WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Challenge

Today’s British domestic dust up between undefeated WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Joshua Buatsi (19-1, 13 Kos) and challenger Callum Smith (31-2, 22 Kos), got the night started on the right foot when these two warriors stepped foot inside that squared circle at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Both combatants wasted no time at getting busy right from the jump. Both combatants exchanged leather for leather letting their hands go from head to body round by round with a hefty pace that neither fighter could maintain throughout the progressing rounds.

Both combatants had their moments throwing and landing some serious shots at one another which made the bout that much more interesting to call but to me one of the defining factors was the body work being administered by both fighters.

Both combatants clearly hurt one another inside that squared circle but the more visible damage may have been administered by Callum who although looked very tired, he did land the noticeable stronger punches with further lasting effects on Joshua who himself looked quite tired as well.

After 12 full competitive rounds the Judges at hand scored it 119-110, 116-112 and 115-113 unanimously for Callum Smith.

The Judge scoring it 119-110 is a little too wide in my opinion considering this was a very tight bout but nevertheless, Callum handed Joshua his first lost and picked up the WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship belt in the process, now positioning him for a potential bout against the winner of the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship showdown between Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Until then, congratulations Callum. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About David Benavidez vs David Morrell”

Light Heavyweight Showdown

Last night’s PBC/PPV Prime Video Main Event between WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 Kos) and WBA “Regular” Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell (11-1, 9 Kos) was a very entertaining bout from start to finish that lived up to the “HYPE” at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Both combatants wasted no time with the introduction once the first bell rang and proceeded to throw mad leather to feel each other’s power right from the jump. Two very big and strong combatants with different skill sets trying to earn each other’s respect inside that squared circle.

Morell showed power, intelligence and durability and a different type of resistance that Benavidez wasn’t used to dealing with inside that squared circle but what Morell lacked was the professional experience to deter a strong and active warrior with Benavidez’s experience.

Morell found out that going toe-to-toe with the “Mexican Monster” wasn’t the brightest idea. Benavidez’s punch output was key last night. Morell had a hard time keeping up punch for punch with Benavidez as the rounds progressed. Although Morell had his moments and made it a lot tougher on Benavidez, the activity of Benavidez punch connection ratio swayed the rounds in his favor. Those uppercuts and straight body shots landing at will by Benavidez could not be ignored.

That being said, Morell did do good work at times landing some good heavy shots, clearly showing his power and even scored a knock-down with a quick right hook on Benavidez in the 11th round that had the crowd on their feet but surprisingly, the benefit of the knock-down was useless when the referee penalized Morell for hitting after the bell. A suspect call if you ask me.

Benavidez got seriously touched up last night but his offence did a good job at hiding his lack of defence but proved once again that he’s a tough Dude with a higher work rate than most of his opponents inside that squared circle.

That said, after 12 full rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 115-111, 115-111 and 118-108 unanimously for David Benavidez. I don’t have a problem with Benavidez being declared the winner but that score of 118-108 is straight out of pocket!

With this solid win now under his belt Benavidez retained his WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Title and snatched the WBA “Regular” Light Heavyweight Championship Title from Morell, giving him an even clearer path to challenge the winner of the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship between Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

Until then, congratulations David.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Showdown

Former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 Kos) will be looking for his “get back” when he will face the only man to have beaten him in the professional ranks: Undefeated, Undisputed IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 Kos), February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

With this rematch now locked in, Bivol’s only mission is to rectify and avenge the result of his previous encounter with “King Arthur” and reclaim his WBA Light Heavyweight Title along with the remaining hardware, to become the New Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion.

A well thought out plan by Bivol with only one problem; our own Russian/Canadian representative reigning Undefeated Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion of the World “King Artur” has absolutely no intention of relinquishing his hard-earned Championship Belts any time soon.

Beterbiev understands that their previous encounter inside that squared circle was a highly-contested chess match that showed their respective skill sets but this time around Beterbeiv will be looking to tweak a few things and end all possible controversy by once again beating Bivol more convincingly.

That being said, Bivol will need to make the necessary adjustments and be prepared for a highly motivated and aggressive “King Artur” looking to administer some serious damage inside that squared circle.

Past controversy aside, this upcoming rematch bout is a sure shot so tune in Live on DAZN February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About David Benavidez vs David Morrell”

Light Heavyweight Showdown

A very interesting match up has officially been announced. WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez (29-0, 24 Kos) will be putting his undefeated record on the line once again by challenging the strong and powerful undefeated WBA “Regular” Light Heavyweight Champion David Morrell (11-0, 9 Kos) on February 1, 2025, in a PPV on PBC/Prime Video Main Event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Although Morrell has only been in the professional ranks for a short period of time, he has been yearning for a chance to take down Benavidez and prove to the world that although Benavidez is one of the “top dogs” in the Division, he is not the “Mexican Monster” or the “Boogieman” that some in the boxing community perceive him to be.

That being said, Benavidez is a proven warrior who has been taking out the willing contenders brave enough to challenge him one by one. Benavidez is a big Dude who puts his punches together in such a fashion that usually overwhelms his opponents into submission.

Benavidez’s style is what makes this bout interesting to me because Morrell is also big and strong at the weight and has exceptional boxing skills to go along with his own power that could give Benavidez some serious problem on the night.

The trash talking was heavy at the press conference, but one thing was clear to me is that both combatants seemed confident and showed no fear of backing down from one another.

A lot of questions will be answered at the conclusion of this bout. Is this fight too soon for Morrell? Has Benavidez truly met his match by facing Morrell? Who will prevail the No. 1 challenger to the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev?

Tune in on PBC PPV Prime Video Saturday night February 1, 2025, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and witness this very intriguing showdown unfold.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion

Last night, we witnessed the crowning of the first Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion in the four-belt era when our own Russian/Canadian representative Undefeated IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 Kos) defeated highly skilled and Undefeated Super WBA/IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 Kos) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This bout to me definitely lived up to the “HYPE” surrounding it. It was a long time coming but this high-level chess match unfolded in a competitive way that showed us just how great and exceptional these two warriors are inside that squared circle.

Bivol came out the gate with a busy jab and clever foot movement keeping Beterbiev at bay but not discouraged as Beterbiev maintained his own pressure with a very calculated jab.

Surprisingly Bivol sat down on his punches and exchanged toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Beterbiev which made this bout that much more interesting but Beterbiev made his presence known despite Bivol’s “game plan”. Although Bivol was dishing out combinations after combinations, Beterbiev’s single shots resonated with thunderous power every time they landed.

Both combatants had their moments as the rounds progressed but it was very clear and visible that the pressure that Beterbiev was coming in with had some serious effect on the light footed Bivol.

Heavy leather was being thrown from both combatants but the stress of the pace of the bout seemed more taxing on Bivol who had to keep constant movement to offset Beterbiev who was building up steam round by round.

The more Bivol stood his ground the more punishment Beterbiev administered. Both combatants showed no fear as the rounds progressed but fatigue looked to be weighing on Bivol as his high punch output diminished in the later rounds. That being said Bivol and Beterbiev did continue to bring the “HEAT” in the championship rounds.

After 12 rounds of competitive action the Judges at hand scored it 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 in favor of Artur Beterbiev.

This was a highly contested bout from start to finish where both combatants brought their “A” game but when all was said and done there could only be one true winner and that is “King Artur” the first and new Undisputed IBO/IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Well done, Champ. You’ve collected all the hardware piece by piece from every champion out there to now being “The Last Man Standing” in the Light Heavyweight Division.

Congratulations, Artur on an achievement well deserved.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Claressa Shields vs Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse”

WBC Heavyweight Challenge

Over the past weekend we witnessed the self-proclaimed GWOAT Claressa Shield (15-0, 3 Kos) conquer yet another Division when she moved up to Heavyweight and challenged our own Canadian WBC Heavyweight Champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2-2, 2 Kos) at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Listen I’m a supporter of our Canadian athletes that get down and represent us to the fullest but this particular Heavyweight Showdown was a mismatch from the jump. No disrespect to Vanessa who was game to the challenge but truth be told she had nothing to deter Claressa from having her way with her inside that squared circle.

Although Claressa was the one moving up in weight, she was the bigger and stronger boxer of the two and wasted no time asserting herself by pressing the action from the first bell dishing out heavy punches from all angles clearly taking Vanessa by surprise.

Vanessa looked shaky and by the second round Claressa went in for the kill by dropping Vanessa with a heavy counter right hand off the ropes for a quick 8 count. When Vanessa rose back up she got dropped again by another right hand and a second standing 8 count. With Vanessa now looking defeated Claressa hit her up with a barrage of unanswered shots dropping Vanessa for the third time and prompting the referee and Vanessa’s corner to stop the fight.

This is a very impressive version of Claressa where she continues to add to her historical career by adding the WBC Heavyweight Title and the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight Title, now crowning her a four Division Champion.

Congratulations Claressa on another dominating performance. Good luck to the challengers attempting to dethrone this version of the self-proclaimed GWOAT, she definitely walks it like she talks it, Hands Down!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Supremacy

The most intriguing matchup in the Light Heavyweight Division has officially been announced thanks to his Excellency Turki Alashikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, who took it upon himself to bankroll one of the most anticipated fights in Boxing to be made today.

Undefeated IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 Kos) is out there belt chasing looking at Undisputed in the 175-Pound Division but standing in his way with the same objective is the undefeated Super WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 Kos).

Both undefeated combatants want and need each other’s hardware to lay claim as the sole Undisputed Champion in the Light Heavyweight Division and on June 1st 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this high-level chess match will be on full display for the Boxing World to see.

Our own Russian/Canadian representative Beterbiev is a man of few words but one who does 100% of his talking inside that squared circle. His unblemished record and 100% knockout ratio speak volumes but it’s his boxing IQ that most opponents underestimate whenever they go up against him inside that squared circle. The man is a “Beast” who’s broken down every opponent when all is said and done.

That said, Bivol has proven numerous times to have the skillset needed to disarm heavy punchers from ever using their strongest assets inside that squared circle. The man is a genius that knows how to follow a good “game plan” and on fight night he will attempt to box his way to the crown.

Styles makes fights and these two highly skilled warriors have individually dominated the 175-Pound Division for quite some time now. That being said, there can only be one true ruler of this Division and the time has finally arrived, on June 1st 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and these two combatants will be putting it all on the line for a chance at Undisputed Light Heavyweight Supremacy. The crowning of a New King is inevitable.

Tune in live on DAZN/ESPN+ at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez”

Light Heavyweight Showdown

Tonight’s British domestic Boxxer/Sky Sports Main Event between Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 Kos) and British & Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez (20-1, 13 Kos) was an interesting bout that had the attention of all the fans in attendance at the OVO Arena in London, England.

Both combatants came out with a very good “game plan” that had both opponents exchanging blows back and forth round-by-round while holding their respective ground inside that squared circle.

Although both combatants each had their moments inside that squared circle, Buatsi, to me had the more telling type punches with the speed and accuracy giving him the edge as the rounds were piling up.

Buatsi’s level of experience was quite evident between the two combatants. Buatsi stayed level-headed and continued with the “game plan” as instructed by his cornerman unlike Azeez who was unable to deliver the bodywork his corner was requesting of him.

Both combatants did throw nuff hard leather shots at each other in the later rounds but it was Buatsi’s power punch that eventually got through and dropped Azeez twice in the eleventh round for two quick 8 counts. Water on the floor may have played a part in the knockdowns but nevertheless both were counted in Buatsi’s favor.

That being said, both combatants finished the last round strongly going toe-to-toe and bringing the crowd in attendance to their feet. After 12 full rounds of action the Judges at hand called it 117-109, 117-109 and 116-110 unanimously for Joshua Buatsi.

It was a very good domestic bout, one that the winner can definitely build onto bigger and better things. With this win Buatsi picked up the British & Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship belts and secured himself a mandatory position to challenge undefeated WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 Kos) for his title.

Only time will tell if this opportunity will be granted sooner rather than later.

Blaze