On The Watch “It’s All About Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington”

WBA Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (28-3, 17 Kos) and challenger Josh Warrington (31-3-3-1, 8 Kos) brought the house to its feet at the Sheffield Arena, with a surprising ending. Real Talk!

Josh came out the gate like the warrior he is and proceeded to put hands from all angles on Leigh who kept his cool maneuvering throughout the aggressive attacks coming his way.

Leigh fought back round by round but at first sight, Leigh’s punches looked weak but were still able to land good shots. However those punches did not have enough spice to deter Josh who was coming in with a relentless style.

It looked like it was going Josh’s way inside that squared circle but throughout all the rough rounds Leigh never gave up and continued to fight fire with fire with an effective jab doing some good work.

At the start of the seventh round, Leigh was clearly down on the cards but fought hard and didn’t let the moment get to his head. As the clock was winding down in the round, Leigh unleashed a vicious combination of punches that stunned Josh cold on his feet. He crumpled to the floor only to hastily get up to his feet drunk and walking back to his corner while the referee was administering a standing 8 count. The referee eventually ruled that Josh was in no position to continue and waved the bout off.

It was an astonishing finish exactly at the 3-minute point of round seven. With this unbelievable win now under his belt, Leigh retained his WBA Featherweight Title to continue this “Cinderella” version of his boxing career.

Well done, Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood”

WBA Super Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight champion Mauricio Lara (26-3-1, 19 kos) and challenger Leigh Wood (27-3, 16, Kos) was a rematch that desperately needed to be rectified by Leigh at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Having succumbed to an upsetting stoppage by Lara back in February 2023, Leigh wasted no time at applying the “game plan” at hand right from the jump. Leigh’s confidence was on point and looked quite focussed and determined to remedy the mishap of their last meeting.

Lara talked a good game prior to this bout but surprisingly did not back it up inside that squared circle. Lara looked slow, disengaged and one step behind every move Leigh had for him inside that squared circle.

Leigh looked stronger on the night and managed to dropped Lara twice early in the second round for two quick 8 counts but to me, it was the exceptional boxing skills displayed on the night and bewildering Lara round after round that sealed the deal. Leigh’s patience and determination was key to securing the win after 12 fully completed rounds of action with the Judges at hand calling it 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 unanimously for Leigh Wood.

With this convincing win now under his belt, Leigh is now a two-time WBA Super Featherweight Champion of the World with an even brighter future ahead.

Congratulations Leigh Wood. Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron”

Undisputed Junior Welterweight Challenge

Tonight, we were privy to another great event of boxing when Matchroom/DAZN provided us a Main Event between Undisputed Lightweight IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Katie Taylor (21-1, 6 Kos) who moved up in weight to challenge Undisputed Junior Welterweight IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0, 8 Kos) for all her jewelry and home court advantage at 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.

The night was set for Katie to perform on the highest stage in front of her adoring crowd and mesmerise them inside that squared circle but what unfolded on the night was completely different from what was expected by the fans in attendance.

Chantelle came into this bout with her own “game plan” and executed it to a “T”. Cameron showed Taylor her respect but still proceeded to apply just the right amount of controlled offensive pressure to also gain Katie’s respect inside that squared circle.

Chantelle proved to be a formidable opponent – strong and skilled enough to trouble Katie round by round. Chantelle kept a steady active pace administering some heavy shots clearly concerning Katie as the rounds progressed.

Katie was well matched tonight and fought quite well but to me lacked the right amount of effective damage to deter the relentless and focused Cameron from constantly pressuring her from all angles. Chantelle cut the ring effortlessly and boxed beautifully even when Katie would rally up her punch output from time to time.

Nevertheless, this bout was quite competitive and crowd pleasing from start to finish with Katie making a statement in the Championship rounds but after 10 rounds of nonstop action, the Judges at hand scored it 95-95, 96-94-96-94 all in favor of Chantelle Cameron.

It took 12 years for Chantelle to avenge her loss to Katie from the amateur days but tonight’s win on foreign ground, makes this win even sweeter and still Undisputed Junior Welterweight IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion of the World.

Congratulations Chantelle, this was definitely a performance worthy of Pound-for-Pound status in my eyes.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder”

Undisputed Super Middleweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 Kos) and mandatory challenger WBO Super Middleweight Interim Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 Kos), was quite the homecoming the fans in Mexico craved for at the packed house of the Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

Last night’s Super Middleweight showdown was a festivity on the biggest stage where the star of the night, Canelo, performed beautifully in front of his adoring fans who were cheering him on from start to finish.

Although many had counted Ryder out before the bell even rang, John proved the naysayers wrong by bringing the fight to Canelo and fighting him toe to toe, round by round making this bout quite interesting.

Ryder definitely looked the part and fought like a determined courageous warrior inside that squared circle but there are levels to this Boxing sh*t and Canelo is at its pinnacle. Canelo proved to be the superior combatant as the rounds progressed and was the one administering the more damaging blows. He broke Ryder’s nose in the earlier rounds and dropped him for a quick 8 count in the fifth round and continuously abused Ryder heavily as the rounds progressed.

That being said I gotta tip my “B” to Ryder for withstanding this heavy onslaught round by round and still standing his ground dishing out whatever he could to earn Canelo’s respect inside that squared circle. As battered as the “Gorilla” was he still fought hard enough in the championship rounds making it harder on Canelo to earn this victory without being stopped by his hands.

After 12 fully completed rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109 unanimously for Canelo Alvarez.

This was a historical moment for Canelo and the fans in attendance. Although Canelo did not close the show with a knockout, this showcase of an event will forever be embedded in the memories of all his Mexican supporters.

That being said, the critics will still talk their sh*t and judge Canelo’s performance as usual for not stopping Ryder but as you can see, it’s easier said than done when you step foot inside that squared circle opposite of the “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion of the World Canelo Alvarez.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina”

IBF Junior Lightweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event definitely brought the house down at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales, when IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-1-1, 14 Kos) took on former IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Joe Cordina (16-0, 9 Kos) on his home ground of Cardiff.

This was Joe’s second homecoming and he did not disappoint his fans in attendance. Both combatants threw tough leather at each other right from the jump but it was Joe who established early dominance by dropping Rakhimov in the second round for a quick 8 count.

But not to be deterred by the second-round slipup, Rakhimov came out gunning and applying pressure from that point on with both combatants going toe to toe phone booth style round after round.

This bout was a competitive bout from start to finish. Both combatants had their moments hurting each other back and forth making it very hard to call the rounds clearly for either warrior. Rakhimov was busier with his hands and combination shots but the more telling punches were coming from Cordina.

After 12 completed, exciting rounds of actions, the Judges at hand scored it 116-111 for Rakhimov, 115-112 and 114-113 for Cordina giving him the split decision win and the New IBF Junior Lightweight Champion.

I’m not sure how the Judge that scored it 116-111 saw the fight that far apart but I personally think the right combatant won the bout.

Congratulations Joe on becoming a two-time Junior Lightweight Champion. You walked it like you talked it and delivered on the biggest stage.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Sandy Ryan vs Marie-Pier Houle”

Vacant WBO Welterweight Showdown

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Co Main Event brought us the crowning of a new Champion when Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2 Kos) bested our own Canadian challenger Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1 2 Kos) at the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

This may not have been Sandy’s best showing to date but knowing what was on the line tonight she definitely brought the right pressure on Marie, systematically breaking her down round by round. It wasn’t a pretty fight but it was effective enough to trouble Marie who did not have the right “game plan” to deter Sandy from having her way inside that squared circle.

Marie tried hard in every round – giving it her all but she lacked the right controlled aggression to offset Sandy’s higher work rate as the rounds progressed. Marie showed that she’s definitely tough inside that squared circle but she needed to be more active at times with her own work rate.

Sandy was undeniably looking for a knockout but Marie’s sturdy chin stood up to the assault but was unable to avoid the steady jabs hitting her straight all night.

After 10 rounds of action, the Judges at hand scored it 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 unanimously in favor of Sandy Ryan, the New WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.

Congratulations Sandy, your future is looking brighter and brighter every time out.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jesse Rodriguez vs Christian Gonzalez”

Vacant WBO Flyweight Championship

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between Jesse Rodriguez (18-0, 11 Kos) and Christian Gonzalez (15-2, 5 Kos) was a very entertaining bout for all the fans in attendance at Tech Port’s Boeing Center in San Antonio.

Both combatants threw some serious leather at each other making this bout that much more intriguing but it was Rodriguez who separated himself by showing a level of boxing IQ above his opponent that couldn’t go unnoticed. The kid “BAM” is something special inside that squared circle. For a young kid, his skill set inside that squared circle was visibly growing fight by fight.

Although Jesse did not get the stoppage in this bout, he clearly dominated his opponent who realized he was severely outmatched inside that squared circle and did whatever was needed to survive the duration of the bout. Gonzalez started the bout with a good “game plan” but quickly abandoned it when the pressure was too overwhelming to overcome.

After 12 fully completed rounds, the Judges at hand had no problem calling the bout 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 unanimously for Jesse Rodriguez.

With this convincing win, Jesse “BAM” Rodriguez picked up the vacant WBO Flyweight Championship Belt of the World and became boxing’s youngest Two-Division World Title holder.

Quite an impressive accolade for the young warrior. Well done, Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin”

Heavyweight Showdown

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 Kos) and Jermaine Franklin (21-2, 14 Kos) was a much-needed reception that AJ required to have in his own backyard at the 02 Arena, Greenwich, London, UK to uplift his spirit. Real Talk!

Everyone in attendance and me included expected to see AJ dispatch of his opponent in a very quick and destructive fashion but instead we got to see Anthony display a little of what he’s been working with alongside his new trainer Derrick James.

The detractors are going to be going for AJ’s head for not taking Jermaine out before the last bell but let’s keep it real AJ is on his third head trainer change and needed to execute the “game plan” at hand and build from there.

I personally would have appreciated seeing AJ being a little more aggressive in this bout but Franklin was not some chump who was inside that squared circle to lay down without a fight. Franklin did his best and stood up going toe to toe with the hulking AJ for 12 full rounds.

Franklin showed AJ no respect inside that squared circle but lacked the power to deter Anthony from having his way with his own stiff and heavy jab alongside some serious power combination shots as the rounds progressed. Had AJ sat on his punches with a little more aggression I believe he could have collected his 23rd knockout. Real talk!

At the completion of this bout, the Judges at hand scored it 118-111, 117-111 and 117-111 unanimously for Anthony Joshua. Although we didn’t get to see a destructive performance by Anthony, he did what was necessary to secure a much-needed win under his belt.

My personal opinion after watching this bout is that with Derrick James having more time with Joshua, I expect to see a much more improved and imposing Anthony in his next bout.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Leigh Wood vs Mauricio Lara”

WBA Super World Featherweight challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN Main Event between WBA Super Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (26-3, 16 Kos) and Mauricio Lara (26-2-1, 19 Kos) was an entertaining bout that had the fans in attendance on their feet at the Nottingham Arena, Nottingham.

The homegrown Nottingham warrior was well prepared for this bout and proceeded to execute their respective “game plan” as the rounds progressed. I was impressed by Leigh for boxing intelligently and not shying away from Lara who I thought started slower than expected but still kept applying nonstop pressure.

Both combatants stayed true to themselves by standing their ground and exchanging some serious leather back and forth making the bout that much more intriguing as the rounds progressed.

Although I personally felt like Leigh was winning the majority of the rounds, exchanging blow for blow with Lara may not have been the best way to tackle this particular opponent.

Mauricio is known to being a tough competitor with sneaky power that can be unleashed unexpectedly if not careful.

That being said, with a competitive seventh round nearing completion Lara was able to connect and drop Leigh with a devastating well placed left hook on the chin for a quick 8 count that saw Wood rise up on his shaky legs convincing the Referee that he was still able to continue. He visibly looked out on his feet which then hastily prompted Leigh’s trainer to throw in the towel to save his fighter from absorbing any further punishment.

As upset as Leigh was with his cornerman stopping the bout, the right decision was made, Leigh was in no condition to continue.

I tip my “B” hat to Leigh Wood for taking this bout as a voluntary defense. You stepped up and took on a tough contender in your first title defense but fell short – there is no shame in your game for trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

As for Mauricio Lara, congratulations are in order. You walked into enemy territory, and silenced the crowd and snatched the belt from the Champion and are now being crowned the new WBA Super World Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Josh Warrington vs Luis Alberto Lopez”

IBF Featherweight Challenge

Tonight’s Matchroom/DZAN Main Event between IBF Featherweight Champion Josh Warrington (31-2-1, 8 Kos) and Luis Alberto Lopez (26-2, 15 Kos) was an action packed bout from start to finish in Josh’s own backyard at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.

First off, the referee for this bout was horridness – hands down one of the worst officiating for a championship bout. That said, both combatants came out the gate going blow for blow in a very aggressive but competitive manner which resulted in some great action but as the rounds progressed, I personally felt that Josh was getting away with too much home cooking when the referee failed to call the constant fouling that Josh was getting away with the continuous back of the head, rabbit punches and head-butting happening in front of his capable eyes.

Although the no call was happening, Lopez kept his work on par and continued to press the action by not discouraging himself and sticking to the “game plan” at hand. Lopez did get an early cut from a Josh headbutt but did not let that deter him from staying in the pocket and hammering down his own heavy punches.

Aside from the constant fouling from Josh, he did let his hands go and fought back when things got heated between them two as the rounds progressed. Josh seemed to pick up the action in the later rounds making it really close to call. That said, the first half of the fight was clearer to call for Lopez who managed to secure the earlier round in my eyes.

This was a tough bout for both combatants but after 12 full rounds of non-stop action two of the Judges at hand called it 115-113 for Lopez while the third Judge called it a draw giving Lopez the unanimous decision.

This was a close bout from start to finish but truth be told I feel the right combatant won this battle inside that squared circle.

Congratulations Luis Alberto Lopez on your latest accomplishment. The odds were clearly stacked against you from the moment you stepped foot inside that squared circle but you fought through your toughest challenges and prevailed as the winner and now join the winner’s circle as the new IBF Featherweight Champion of the World.

Well done!

Blaze