On The Watch “It’s All About Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez”

IBF/WBO Super Featherweight Unification Showdown

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event Between WBO Super Featherweight Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 Kos) and IBF Super Featherweight Champion Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez (29-2, 27 Kos) was an impressive performance by the underdog Navarrete, who showed the fans in attendance at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, why he’s been a Champion for so long.

Many of boxing’s pundits favoured Nunez and anticipated Navarrete to have his toughest fight to date but what transpired was quite different. Navarrete came in this bout extremely focused and well-conditioned for the task at hand and proceeded to press the action with controlled aggressive boxing and moving from the first bell.

Nunez is a well-schooled tough combatant but, on this night, he was playing catch up with an assassin who was shooting on all cylinders. Nunez had some moments with the body shots but not enough to deter Navarrete from pressing him with some heavy shots.

As good as Nunez attempted to stand his ground and fight toe-to-toe, the consistent onslaught coming his way was severely taking a toll on him. After damaging his eye in the early rounds, the writing was on the wall. The ringside Doctor was on the lookout. 

By round 10, the blood continued to pour out of Nunez’s shut right eye as he was brutally taking in some serious abuse. This prompted the ringside Doctor to inspect Nunez’s right eye once again at the beginning of round 11 and advised the referee to stop the bout.

This was a bout where the betting world projected Navarrete to fail but this Champion proved the naysayers wrong by outclassing a formidable Champion Eduardo Nunez on the biggest fight of his career, to now being crowned Unified IBF/WBO Super Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson”

WBO Junior Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN Main Event between WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 Kos) and WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 Kos) was a one-sided affair that favoured the challenger who was moving up in weight at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Real Talk!

Solving the puzzle that Shakur presented is a tough task but entering that squared circle opposite of him without a full proof “game plan” with different options to go along with is diabolical and that is exactly what Teofimo did on the night.

Judging from the first few rounds it was clear that Teofimo and his dad had absolutely no clue on how to break the Shakur Stevenson code. Shakur did say that this was going to be easy work but what transpired was just unexpected pure dominance.

Teofimo looked lost from the jump even when Shakur made it easy for him by standing right in front of him jabbing his head off with an accurate punch that couldn’t miss the target. Shakur showed Teofimo absolutely no respect and no fear as he boxed circles around him round by round.

Shakur systematically disarmed Teofimo with such ease inside that squared circle that it was painful to watch such a decorated champion in Teofimo be humiliated and humbled after talking all that sh*t towards the build-up of this bout and not be able to back any word of it. Real Talk!

Shakur showed us another facet in his arsenal and the boxing IQ needed to always be able to raise the levels when being tested by the so called best.

After 12 rounds of one-sided action, the Judges at hand had absolutely no problem scoring this bout unanimously 119-109 in favor of Shakur Stevenson.

With this impressive performance, Shakur singlehandedly elevated his star status to Superstar on the come up and snatched the WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Championship titles from Teofimo in the process, crowning him a Four-Division Champion.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz”

Junior Welterweight Showdown

Last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN Co-Main Event was an introduction to the Junior Welterweight Division for former WBO Lightweight Champion Keyshawn Davis (14-0, 10 Kos) who challenged Jamaine Ortiz (23-3-1, 10 Kos) and passed the test with flying colors.

Jamaine, a formidable opponent, came in this bout very confident and was ready to dish out a beating on Keyshawn but might have underestimated him as the rounds progressed. Keyshawn stood his ground and fought fire with fire showing absolutely no fear inside that squared circle.

Jamaine thought he could bully the smaller opponent who was coming up in weight but soon found out that Keyshawn was built different and possessed some power with a pin point accuracy that seriously troubled him round by round.

As the rounds progressed it was clear that Keyshawn was breaking Jamaine down as his movements began to slow down whenever Keyshawn pressed the action. Keyshawn’s punches from head to body were taking a toll on Jamaine who tried desperately to stay on survivor mode but he eventually got dropped with a mean body shot to a standing 8 count in the eleventh round but he made it out.

By the twelve round the inevitable was written. Keyshawn continued his assault from head to body and eventually landed the right body shot that shut the show down indefinitely in the last 20 seconds of the round prompting the referee to halt the bout.

With this impressive win, Keyshawn has officially announced himself to the Junior Welterweight Division but he may be looking to bring his talent to the Welterweight Division towards the Champions for his next conquest.

Until then, well done Keyshawn.    

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly”

IBF Junior Middleweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event at the Newcastle Arena in Newcastle, England, between the boogeyman of the Division, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 Kos) and challenger Josh Kelly (18-1, 9 Kos) was an interesting bout that drew a surprising outcome when the final bell rang.

Josh came in this bout quite confident knowing he was entering that squared circle with one of the most avoided Champions in the Division. Josh stayed true to himself and executed a near perfect “game plan” that had Bakhram frustrated for most of the duration of the bout.

Josh’s speed, footwork and precise punch selection kept Bakhram unsettled and unable to administer his own usual destructive punches due to Josh being so elusive round by round.

Surprisingly, it was Bakhram who suffered his first knock down of the night when he got caught by Josh with a strong jab that cost him a standing 8 count but quickly got back up to his feet showing no signs of being hurt.

Bakhram tried desperately to press the action but lacked the speed or the right “game plan” to cut off the ring and trap Josh when the opportunity presented itself.

Josh did his best to stay disciplined and kept his feet moving at all time but eventually got caught with a short but powerful left hand that dropped him to a standing 8 count in the ninth round. From this point on Josh survived the round and played keep away for the remainder of the bout doing his best to avoid any further slip ups.

After 12 rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 115-111, 114-113 and 113-113, giving the majority decision to Josh Kelly.

Josh impressed me with this one. I didn’t think he could stand 12 rounds with Bakhram but tonight he definitely proved me wrong and for that I tip my “B” hat to you.

With this convincing win Josh you have now added your name to the United Kingdom active male Champions by claiming the IBF Junior Middleweight Title. Well done!

Blaze

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 Subriel Matias vs Dalton Smith”

WBC Junior Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Fresh Productions Main Event at the Barclays Center between the so-called boogeyman WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Subriel Matias (23-3, 22 Kos) and undefeated challenger Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 Kos) surpassed my expectations by the way Dalton announced himself to the Junior Welterweight Division. Real Talk!

Dalton, in his first world title opportunity, came in from the United Kingdom with a driven challenger’s mentality determined to get the job done by any means necessary. Dalton who is primely known as a boxer puncher, asserted himself from the jump and pressed the action with a very efficient jab showing Subriel that he carried power as well.

That approach prompted Subriel, who is usually a slow starter to press the action with his own seek and destroy tactics that made this bout that much more intriguing and crowd pleasing as it unfolded.

Personally, I thought this approach by Dalton to fight toe-to-toe with Subriel was the wrong way to go considering that style of fighting suited Subriel better but to my surprise Dalton stood his ground and dished out just as much abuse as he was taking in. Visibly, Subriel’s punches looked more damaging but his lack of defense cost him to take some heat as Dalton was able to land with power as well.

In round five, both combatants continued their toe-to-toe slugfest landing heavy shots after heavy shots but it was Dalton who pierced Subriel’s armour first with a deadly well-placed overhand right that dropped him for the count. Subriel quickly got up on weak legs looking badly hurt

which prompted the referee to stop the bout.

This was a very impressive showing by Dalton who walked in this bout as the underdog and is now crowned the new WBC Junior Welterweight Champion of the World. As of today, the United Kingdom now has five active male Champions.

Fabio Wardley -WBO Heavyweight Champion

Lewis Crocker -IBF Welterweight Champion

Dalton Smith -WBC Junior Welterweight Champion

Jazza Dickens -Junior Lightweight Champion

Nick Ball WBA -Featherweight Champion

Congratulations Dalton!  As Champion you are now the new kid on the block so make your presence felt.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez”

WBA/WBC/WBO Junior Bantamweight Unification Showdown

The second fight on “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” was another continuation of the “Bam Rodriguez Show” when WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Bantamweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0, 16 Kos) completely dominated WBA World Junior Bantamweight Champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez (18-1, 9 Kos) at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Martinez, a Champion himself, talked a good game during the build-up to this bout but the one who kept it true was Rodriguez who came into this bout laser-focused and on point as usual. Like I said before “Bam” is ahead of his time with his skill set is levels above his competition every time he enters that squared circle.

Martinez had absolutely no proper “game plan” to contest with “Bam” who completely dominated him and made it look effortless. It was like watching a sparring session where “Bam” toyed with his opponent and eventually sat him down for the count with a vicious left hand to end the night.  

With this convincing win now under his belt, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez snatched the WBA World Title from Martinez and added it to his WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Championship Titles, leaving the last remaining piece to the puzzle for him to retrieve: the IBF World Junior Bantamweight Title held by Champion Willibaldo Garcia Perez (23-6, 13 Kos).

The road to Undisputed is getting closer and closer.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2”

Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s Matchroom/Boxxer/DAZN Main Event rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. (35-4, 25 Kos) and Conor Benn (24-1, 14 Kos) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, was more of a statement bout than a revenge bout by the way things unfolded. Real Talk!

I anticipated these two warriors to pick up the heat where they left off from their last encounter but what transpired was quite surprising. This time around Benn looked focussed and more calculative with his approach and a lot stronger at the weight. His controlled aggression and volume punches kept Eubank Jr. unsettled and unable to adjust on the fly like he did in the previous fight.

From the first bell Eubank Jr. looked uncharacteristically shaky and unsure of his own “game plan” by the way he attempted to box inside that squared circle. It was clear that the weight cut was once again a big issue. His punches looked weak and his usual punch output was non-existent this time around.

It was painful to watch at times as the bigger man was clearly getting bullied and manhandled by the smaller but stronger man round by round. Benn executed his “game plan” to a “T” and beat the usual tough and durable Eubank Jr. to the punch every time.

By the championship rounds it was clear that Eubank Jr.’s energy was completely depleted and his will was the only thing keeping him going and standing on his feet. Seeing what state Eubank Jr. was in, Benn proceeded to keep the pressure on for the remaining rounds and managed to score two knockdowns in the 12th round that sealed the deal in a very convincing fashion.

After 12 one-sided rounds of a systematic beatdown, the Judges scored it 119-107, 118-108 and 116-110, unanimously for Conor Benn. Well done!

Although these two combatants are now tied 1-1 between them, it is clear that Eubank Jr. is no longer able to make the middleweight Division and should forget about a trilogy and close the door on this rivalry.

As for Benn, he’s made it clear that the 147-Pound Division is where he’s heading back to and is looking to bring the “HEAT” to all the Champions in that Division.  

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima”

Junior Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between former Unified Welterweight .Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (35-0, 31 Kos) and Uisma Lima (14-2, 10 Kos), was a statement event where “Boots” announced himself in an aggressive fashion to the 154-Pound Division at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Real Talk!

Jaron was looking to impress his hometown crowd and that he did at just about 1:58 of the first round by dropping Uisma three times and knocking him out with a barrage of unanswered punches coming in from all angles, quickly prompting the referee to stop the bout and saving Uisma from further damage.

Uisma was caught cold from the jump and didn’t have enough time to recover as Jaron went in for the kill and shut down the show before sending everyone on attendance home happy with the outcome. No need for the Judges on this night.

With this impressive win now under his belt, Jaron picked up the Interim Junior Middleweight Belt positioning himself in line to challenge the full Champion Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 Kos).

That being said, Jaron has made it be known that he’s looking to take over the 154-Pound Division and is looking at all the champions or top contenders – anyone of them can get it.

Statement made and heard!

Blaze

On The Watch ”It’s All About Alexis Barriere vs Guido Vianello”

Heavyweight Showdown

In last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Co-Feature Main Event at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, our own Canadian prospect Alexis Barriere (12-1, 10 Kos) was dealt a minor setback at the hands of Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (14-3, 12 Kos).

No one anticipated ever seeing this outcome but truth be told, Guido was never going to be an easy out for anybody in the Heavyweight Division on any given night. Coming off a tough 10 round loss to Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr., Guido desperately needed a win to keep himself going in the Heavyweight conversations.

Giving what was at stake, Guido proceeded to dish out his best work by dismantling Alexis from head to body inside that squared circle. Alexis looked outgunned and unprepared for the pressure and the heavy shots that were coming his way.

Usually, Alexis is the hunter inside the squared circle but on this night, he was the hunted being outboxed and outhustled from every angle. Guido’s speed and power played a major factor as he was able to drop Alexis in the fourth round and stop Alexis in the fifth round after the referee waved it over preventing any further onslaught. This was a tough loss for Alexis and a teaching lesson that he will bounce back from but this was definitely a great win for Guido.

Blaze