On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Yordenis Ugas”

WBA “Super” welterweight Challenge

Last night’s PBC/FOX Sport Pay-Per-View Main Event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas between Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 Kos) and WBA “Super” Champion Yordenis Ugas (27-4, 12 Kos) was a shocking type of an event that saw the underdog Yordenis silence all the critics when he handily defeated the Legendary “Pacman” by unanimous decision.

It was a beautiful display of boxing by Ugas who stuck to the “game plan” from the jump and executed it perfectly. Ugas’ strong and steady jab was key all night in preventing Manny from rushing him with his flurry of punches. Ugas asserted himself and imposed and utilized his size and reach the right way.

Pacquiao looked surprisingly confused at times, not able to get into a proper offensive flow to offset Ugas, who kept it really simple but effective enough to trouble Pacquiao round by round.

I was very impressed by Ugas’ patience inside that squared circle, never letting the moment of fighting a legend deter him or distract him off his mission at hand.

Watching the way this bout unfolded it was evident to me that Pacquiao underestimated Ugas’ ability to box the way that he did. I tip my “B” hat to Ugas for showing us that he can still elevate his game as the competition steps up. Ugas came into this bout as the underdog but walked out earning Pacquiao’s respect the hard way, inside that squared circle.

After 12 full rounds of non-stop action, all three Judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 115-113 in favor of Yordenis Ugas. By far the best win of his career to date.

With this convincing win, Yordenis retained his WBA “Super” Welterweight Title and reinforced his position in 147-Pound Division. With the momentum on his side, Ugas is now looking forward to a unification bout with WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (37-0, 28 Kos) or an encounter with Unified IBF/WBC Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 Kos).

Regardless of the opponent, both combatants would have the making of an exciting bout.

Until then Yordenis congratulations on your latest triumph.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman”

WBA Super Welterweight Champion

Once again Manny proved to his haters that age is just a number until he says so. Last night at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 Kos) convincingly handed WBA Super World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 Kos) his first professional defeat. Real Talk!

Manny and his “t-rex arms” caught “Mr. One Time” Keith Thurman nice and early with a right hook knock down in the first round. From that point on Manny controlled the tempo of the fight and continued to administer some heavy damage with those so called “t-rex arms”. That being said Keith found out how quick and strong Manny really is first hand.

Keith did his thing though and didn’t falter and fought a good one but didn’t have the right “game plan” as the rounds wore on. Keith had no real answer for Manny’s offense and found it painfully challenging to lay steady hands on Pacquiao. He did manage to land more punches, just not as effectively as Pacquiao’s power punches and his steady “t-rex jab” that looked noticeably agonizing.

It didn’t help that Keith got caught again with a mean body shot in the 10th round that had him running for dear life, but the warrior in Thurman wouldn’t let him bow down without a fight. That being said this bout was very competitive and showed just how cutthroat the 147-pound division is.

After the 12 tough rounds, two of the Judges scored it 115-112 for Pacquiao and one Judge had it 114-113 for Thurman. No disrespect to Keith but I personally think that Manny clearly won this bout hands down unanimously.

That being said, this bout did live up to the hype. Manny showed up and performed just as he said he would. This 40-year-old man still got the “Juice” and now with the full WBA Super World Welterweight Championship Title in his possession, Manny is steadily climbing the top of the Welterweight Division once again.

Who’s next?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman”

WBA Super Welterweight Showdown

Ask and you shall receive. It has officially been announced. WBA Super World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman (29-0, 22 Kos) will have an opportunity and the privilege of sharing the squared circle with the Living Legend WBA “regular” Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 Kos) on Saturday night July 20th at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

As it stands right now, Pacquiao is perceived as the underdog going into this bout, however, fresh off two back to back convincing wins, it’s clear to me that the “Pac Man” still has what it takes to upset the odds. Aside from their 10 years difference in age, I think they both match up pretty well. Both carry speed and legitimate power and know how and when to use it.

Personally, I think some major factors to look at is going to be their conditioning, the ring generalship and their Boxing IQ come fight night. Pacquiao, being the veteran has 30 years of experience on his side. Manny has seen it all by this point and fought the best in the game. Unlike Keith who is younger, undefeated but has been hit with some serious injuries that has slowed down his activity and momentum to date that could play an issue in their bout.

That being said, if the “One Time” Keith Thurman shows up on Saturday night July 20th, then your Boy “Pac Man” will be in for his toughest fight since the Mayweather Jr. bout. Real Talk!

Manny is out to prove the naysayers that he still got the “juice” and that he can still box with the best of them in any era. Taking down the undefeated Champion Keith Thurman would prove just that, he’s still the man to beat in the 147-pound Division.

I’m anticipating this bout to be action packed from start to finish. Keith been asking for crack at a “Legend” from time and now it’s here. Keith cannot drop the ball on this one. In order for him to regain his No. 1 Spot in the Welterweight Division he needs to win “Big” and in a convincing manner.

Keith already started the heavy trash talking out the gate at the press conference but we all know that talk is cheap if you don’t back it up 100 % come fight night. So, you know I’ll be tuning in Saturday night July 20th on Fox Sport pay-per-view.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner”

WBA Welterweight Challenge

Last night, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 Kos) proved to the naysayers that turning 40 is the new 30 the way he looked inside that squared circle dismantling the much younger Adrien Broner (33-4-1, 24 Kos) to retain his WBA “regular” Welterweight Title.

This bout was a beautiful display by Pacquiao but an embarrassing and disappointing one by Broner. Real Talk! Once again Broner failed to let his hands go or assert himself inside that squared circle. I’m not sure what “game plan” his corner had for him but in watching that fight I personally think Broner left the “game plan” back in the change room when the bout started. Real Talk! Broner did nothing but try to survive which was very hard to watch. All that trash talking and nothing to back it up. Broner showed absolutely no urgency throughout the entire bout and for that it cost him dearly.

As for Pacquiao, “the Professor” for the night, clearly schooled “the student” Broner with his aggression and quickness round by round. Pacquiao stuck to the “game plan” and administered a stiff and effective jab all night. There was absolutely no doubt that Pacquiao was the stronger, busier fighter landing the heavier shots when it counted.

In the end, the three Judges scored it 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 for Paquiao. Nuff said!

Pacquiao still got the “juice” and is willing to keep going for as long as his body will allow him to. That being said, the Welterweight Division has been put on notice that the “Pacman” is out here looking for that smoke.

Who’s next?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner”

WBA Welterweight Challenge

It’s official, the “living legend” Manny Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 Kos) will be defending his WBA (regular) Welterweight Title against Adrien Broner (33-3-1 24 Kos) Saturday January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

This bout right here has the potential of being a blockbuster if both combatants show up and perform to the best of their abilities come fight night. Real Talk!

Aside from the WBA belt being on the line there is a lot at stake here for both combatants. A win here for Pacquiao would silence his naysayers and prove to the boxing community that the “Pacman” still got it and still has more to add to his legacy.

As for AB a win against a living active legend like Paquiao would bring him right back up into the mix with the rest of the top Welterweights. This is the type of bout that AB needs to bring the best out of him. The big stage, the glitter, the lights and a convincing win could just be what he needs to get him back focus on his career 100%.

That being said, we can’t front on Pacquiao. His last demolition of Lucas Matthysse four months ago showed us that “Pacman” still got the goods and the skills to hang with the best of them young or old. It will be up to Broner to show him a “Problem” that he can’t solve inside that squared circle come Saturday night January 19, 2019, live on Showtime PPV in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Lucas Matthysse”

WBA Welterweight Fight of Champions

Last night, in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur at the Axiata Arena, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 Kos) in a convincing fashion earned his 60th win by dismantling Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse (39-5, 36 Kos) with a dominant performance.

There was a lot of talk about how old Pacquiao was and what he was attempting to do in challenging a stronger younger opponent in Matthysse but after last night’s performance some naysayers will probably have to reconsider their thoughts on where Pacquiao stands at this later stage in his career to date.

Pacquiao was focused; patient, strong, fast, and determined to put on a good show last night for all his fans. He controlled every round and showed no fear of his worthy opponent. Manny just displayed what he always knew he possessed. There are levels to this boxing sh*t and Matthysse found out the hard way what it meant to step into that squared circle with Manny.

As tough and strong as Matthysse was, I believe, he mentally and physically got broken down, round by round by Pacquiao. Matthysse showed absolutely no punch resistance at all, which to me was very unexpected.

Pacquiao was able to drop Matthysse in the third round, fifth round and finally close out the show with a seventh-round knockout. Nuff said!

With this win Pacquiao became The New WBA “Regular” Welterweight Champion and put the rest of the Welterweight Division on notice once again.

The “Pacman” is not done yet, now who wants next??

Congratulations on your victory Champ!!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Lucas Matthysse”

WBA Welterweight Fight of Champions

It’s official; Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 Kos) will be challenging WBA “regular” Welterweight Champion Lucas Matthysse (39-4, 34 Kos) on July 14, 2018 in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur at the Axiata Arena.

Manny, in my eyes is out to prove to all the naysayer’s and the haters that he’s still got it despite his recent controversial loss to Jeff Horn. Hand picking Lucas Matthysse as his latest opponent proves just that. Matthysse is no slouch in that squared circle. This Dude can crack and box with the best of them while still fighting at a high level.

Real talk, this is a dangerous 50/50 fight for either combatant. At this point in their careers both are still very strong with knockout power. Their aggressive styles mesh really well and should make for a very thrilling bout.

This bout will undoubtedly be Matthysse’s most important of his career considering he will be facing an eight-time Division World Champion in Pacquiao. This also being his first defense of his recently acquired WBA “regular” Welterweight Belt.

A lot will be riding on the line here for both fighters on July 14, in Malaysia. Matthysse has earned himself a version of a title that he is not ready or willing to part ways with by any means necessary. As for Paquiao this is a must-win situation. He needs to show up and deliver a very convincing performance along with a win, if he plans on continuing to compete at this level and remain relevant in the Welterweight Division.

The momentum at this present time is on Matthysse’s side. He is the Champion. A win for him could propel his career in the Division for the future. Pacquiao requested this bout now it’s up to Matthysse to silence the “Legend” and Future Hall of Famer by successfully and convincingly retaining his title.

That being said I personally anticipate this bout to be very competitive, so tune in Saturday night July 14, 2018 from the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia, courtesy of ESPN.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn”

WBO Welterweight Champion

Once again, I witness with my own eyes another highly scandalous unanimous decision for the challenger. REAL TALK! On Saturday night July 1, 2017, in a fight televised on ESPN Boxing at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, the unimaginable but not impossible occurred. Jeff Horn (17-0-1, 11 Kos) the homegrown fighter took it to Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 Kos) and stole the show “literally speaking “ from right under his feet.

It was a much tougher fight then most including me anticipated it to be. Horn came out the gate with the Guns blazing, roughing up Pacquiao and at times trying to bully him with his weight advantage. Pacquiao clearly got caught off guard at first but as the fight wore on the savvy veteran clearly felt he did enough to secure the win. The ninth round was noticeably evident of that when Pacquiao nearly stopped Horn in that round.

The referee instructed Horn and his corner that if he didn’t step his game up he will stop the fight. At that point, it was clear Horn was taking too much abuse from Pacquiao. His work rate and accuracy over Horn’s roughhouse tactics were quite apparent. Now with that being said I’m not sure if the three Judges scoring the fight that night were watching the same two fighters. The Judges scores after the full 12 rounds were 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 for the New WBO Welterweight Champion Jeff Horn. WOW!!

Horn stepped up to the plate and gave his fans a good show but truth be told Pacquiao may not have been at his best that night but he definitely did not lose that fight. REAL TALK! Unanimous decision?? Them Judges were compromised nuff said. These are the type of dramatic scoring that give Boxing a bad reputation. REAL TALK! This trend needs to stop. Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mayweather (The Champ is here)

Mayweather (The Champ is here)

They Battled, we saw; he conquered. Mayweather did not disappoint us Saturday night May 2, 2015. Mayweather took on the WBO pound-for-pound Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao and dismantled him publicly with a unanimous decision to prove to him, the critics and the boxing world, who is the better fighter of this generation between the two. REAL TALK!

Mayweather now possesses the WBA/WBC/WBO Titles at 147, and WBA/WBC Titles at 154. Nuff said! Congratulation Floyd!! Hate him or Love him you can’t deny greatness and ring superiority at its best whenever he steps into that squared circle and puts in that work that all of his 48 opponents have witness and fallen to first hand.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a man on a mission and nearing retirement whit one more fight left under contract coming this September 2015 but retirement with an unblemished record that now stands at (48-0, 26 Kos) Who’s next to be included in the history books?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mayweather/Pacquiao”

Mayweather/Pacquiao

The most anticipated boxing fight of the century is now set for Saturday May 2, 2015. Two of the “BADEST” pound-for-pound boxers will finally be facing each other at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. For those of us who can’t do the trip keep in mind that HBO and Showtime have joined forces once again to also broadcast this Main Event on pay-per view.

On one side we have the undefeated five-division world champion and current WBA/WBC welterweight champion Money Mayweather Jr. (47-0, 26 KOs) putting it all on the line to challenge the first and only eight-division world champion and current WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs).

For the past 18 years Money Mayweather had succeeded in defending his titles and staying unbeaten due to the fact that he possess an impeccable boxing IQ to go along with his astounding defensive fighting style and being a proficient counter puncher. REAL TALK!

With that being said fans of Pacquio seem to think that his aggressive style, never back down mentality and his quick and powerful hand speed, are just the required tools needed to take down the self proclaimed “TBE” in Money Mayweather.

I see the May 2, 2015 Boxing Main Event between the two has Judgment Day; Two different styles from two very different boxers. Now the question remains, will accumulate wisdom out-knowledge in ring intelligence? Tune in Saturday May 2, 2015 and witness “greatness” at their best.

Blaze