On The Watch “It’s All About Danny Garcia vs Adrian Grenados”


Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California was well worth it.
Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 Kos) showed up and reaffirmed his position in the Welterweight Division by being the only fighter to date to administer Adrian Grenados (20-7-2, 14 Kos) his first defeat by knockout. Real Talk!

Danny got busy from the jump and laid some heavy gloves on Grenados and dropped him twice in the second round. The first knockdown came off a heavy precise left hand, while the second knockdown came from a well-timed right hand. Your Boy Danny was on point and had that hunger back in his eyes.

It looked like Granados miscalculated his approach last night and in doing so got dismantled by Garcia who was determined to put the hurting on him. It was a statement bout that Garcia desperately needed and in stopping a tough and rugged Grenados the way that he did was very impressive.

By round 7, the referee had seen enough and jumped in and pulled the plug. Grenados was looking like a punching bag getting hit with some real heavy shots from left to right. There was no coming back at this point. Danny had convincingly proved his point. Garcia is back and looking for that smoke!

With this win Danny may have secured himself a rematch with Sean Porter for the WBC Welterweight Title. However, Danny has made it clear that he’s calling out all Champions in the Welterweight Division.

Until then, congratulations on your win Danny, now keep the momentum going.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Errol Spence Jr. vs Mikey Garcia”

IBF Welterweight Challenge

Last night at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Errol Spence Jr. (25-0, 21 Kos) retained his IBF Welterweight Title by masterfully breaking down and shutting out Mikey Garcia (39-1, 30 Kos) by a unanimous decision. All three Judges scored it 120-107, 120-108 and 120-108.

I’m in agreeance with the Judges’ score cards but definitely tip my “B” hat to Mikey standing up throughout the full 12 rounds. Mikey is a great fighter and deserving to be on the pound-for-pound list hands down but on this night, Mikey was reaching wayyyy out of pocket in attempting to unseat EJ inside that squared circle.

Mikey had absolutely no answer to Errol’s steady jab and powerful body shots all night. It was clear that EJ was just too big, too strong and too long for Mikey to lay any type of offence with all these disadvantages going against him. In the past Mikey had always figured out his opponents but this time he was met with a superior boxer in Errol Spence Jr. Real Talk!

Surprisingly, EJ didn’t try to go for the “endgame” like he usually does and instead chose to show off his boxing skills while administering heavy punishment to his opponent. It was a glorified sparing bout at its finest with EJ never taking his foot off the gas all night. Errol literally toyed with Mikey round by round making it real painful to watch at times.

This type of schooling that Mikey took last night reinforces why weight divisions are to be respected. Mikey may have lost this fight but he is still a Champion in the Lightweight Division and going back down might be the most logical thing to do.

With this win and dominant performance by EJ now out of the way, he is now back on the prowl looking for that smoke with any of the top welterweights and his first target on sight is none other than Manny Paquiao.

The call out was officially made last night inside that squared circle in front of 47,525 fans, now let’s see if this bout comes into fruition.

Until then, congratulations on your win Errol, job well done.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shawn Porter vs Yordenis Ugas”

WBC Welterweight Title Defence

Last night at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 Kos) defended his newly acquired WBC Welterweight Title against a formidable opponent in Yordenis Ugas (23-4, 11 Kos).

It was a tight bout from start to finish that saw Porter successfully retain his WBC Belt with a split decision with the score of 116-112 for Porter, 117-111 for Ugas and 115-113 for Porter.

The score card doesn’t tell the whole story cause this bout was very interesting and could have easily gone either way or to a draw if you ask me.

Ugas, the underdog, came out and executed his “game plan” and asserted himself quite well. His body shots were there all night, he fought smart and was under control. To me he was the stalker moving in on Porter with efficiency and accuracy.

To my surprise Porter was doing a lot more movement and fighting on the back foot while loading up way more on his punches. He fought under control but seemed to me a little more hesitant than usual. His typical aggressive style seemed to pop up in sporadic stretches unlike his customary approach. That being said he still fought under control but with less urgency from round to round.

Ugas may have come up short last night but he definitely showed the rest of the Welterweights that he belonged amongst the top in the 147-pound Division. Real Talk! He should keep his head up high and welcome all challengers ahead.

As for Porter, whether he believes it or not, he dodged a real close call last night. Holding on to that WBC Title might prove to be a tougher task than expected in the near future.

That being said, congratulations are still in order Shawn on securing your first tile defence.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Brian Castano vs Erislandy Lara”

WBA Junior Middleweight Challenge

Fresh of his gruelling unification defeat of April 2018 to Jarrett Hurd, Erislandy Lara (25-3-3, 14 Kos) jumped right back into the mix and into that squared circle last night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York to challenge younger unbeaten WBA (regular) Junior Middleweight Champion Brian Carlos Castano (15-0-1, 11 Kos).

Both combatants came out their respective corners with one thing in mind: to prove that they belong amongst the best in the 154-pound Division. The end result after 12 hard rounds was an unsettled split draw. One Judge had it 115-113 for Lara, one Judge had it 115-113 for Castano and the third Judge had it dead even 114-114.

Real Talk! I can’t front, it was a real tight fight with both warriors having their way from time to time but personally I think Lara had the cleaner work. Lara was way more accurate with his punch selection while Castano not as precise but definitely more aggressive with his punch output.

Castano’s stalking tactics throughout the bout is what kept him in the “Game” all night. His “phone booth” style of fighting was very effective but Lara’s defense was also keeping Castano from administering heavy pain.

That being said, Castano’s performance last night proved that he can definitely hang with the “top dogs” in the 154-pound Division. Going 12 tough back and forth rounds with “The American Dream” Erislandy Lara is no easy task.

With no clear winner or loser on the night, Castano retained his WBA (regular) Junior Middleweight Championship Title in the hope of securing a unification bout with the other Champions in the 154-pound Division or better yet a rematch with Lara to clear the air?

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr.”

IBO Super Middleweight Championship

Tonight’s domestic British dust up at the O2 Arena between James DeGale (25-3-1, 15 Kos) and Chris Eubank Jr. (28-2, 21 Kos) wasn’t pretty but definitely a good showing by Eubank who dropped DeGale two times to win the bout by unanimous decision with the score of 114-112, 115-112 and 117-109.

Eubank showed a lot of patience under new Head Coach Nate Vasquez. As the rounds wore on you could see Eubank working his way through the “Game Plan” as required. DeGale tried hard by making it real ugly with his excessive holding but Eubank stuck with it and out-work and out-punched DeGale round by round.

At times Eubank threw some heavy wild punches but when composed, he connected efficiently and made them count. Eubank pretty much controlled the bout from start to finish and was never in any danger.

As for DeGale, he looked like a shell of himself, he fought tentatively and seemed to be in retreat mode throughout the entire fight. It was sad to see such a decorated British boxer succumb to this at this point in his career. No disrespect, but this loss will require DeGale to do some serious soul searching and re-evaluate his future in Boxing. James talked a good game to the build-up of it but failed miserably under the bright lights tonight.

That being said, this bout was by far Eubank’s most improved showing to date. It’s clear he’s still a work in progress under Coach Nate Vasquez but tonight’s convincing victory over DeGale is a good sign of better things to come.

Congratulations Chris on becoming once again IBO Super Middleweight Champion. Now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Keith Thurman vs Josesito Lopez”

WBA “Super” Welterweight Challenge

Fresh off his 22-month layoff, Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 Kos) successfully defended his WBA “Super” Welterweight Title against tough and rugged Josesito Lopez (36-8, 19 Kos) last night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Mr. “One Time” was surprisingly in a tough bout that took him all the way to the 12th round. Keith established himself early when he knocked down Josesito for an 8 count in the second round but was still unable to finish him off.

Lopez came to fight and didn’t let the second round deter him from the “game plan” at hand. He kept on coming forward and stalking the champ as much as he could and landed some heavy shots whenever he managed to connect.

Keith kept his jab, movement and his work rate on point. There were no real signs of ring rust but his stamina did look suspect at times. There was a significant scare in the 7th round when Lopez connected with a flurry of shots that had the champ hurt and retreating for the rest of the round.

This bout was closer then it looked and Josesito gave it a good run but Keith managed to compose himself and fought through the rough patches while still maintaining his early lead.

That being said, Keith outscored the game Josesito (113-113, 115-111 and 117-109) to retain his WBA “Super” Welterweight Belt by majority Decision.

It may not have been Thurman’s best performance to date but with a 22-Month layoff to speak of we’re happy to see him back in that squared circle with a win.

Now on to the next Champ.

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 Jose Uzcategui vs Caleb Plant”

IBF Super Middleweight Challenge

Tonight, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Caleb Plant (18-0, 10 Kos) joined the winner”s circle by defeating IBF Super Middleweight Champion Jose Uzcategui (28-3, 23 Kos) by unanimous decision.

Caleb came out the gate aggressive and established his power very early in the second round by dropping Jose for an 8 count. Caleb’s jab and constant movement made it difficult for Jose to adjust to Caleb’s boxing style.

As the rounds wore on, Caleb managed once again to sit Jose down for another 8 count in the fourth round. By that point Caleb was clearly ahead on points, which prompted Jose to start stalking Caleb around the ring, but to no avail.

I’m not sure what game plan Jose’s corner had in mind, but outside looking in, Caleb was visibly outboxing Jose as the rounds piled up.

It was clear that the pace of the fight was getting to Caleb but the lead he amassed within the early rounds pretty much secured the win for him. Jose had some moments inside that squared circle and looked the fresher of the two but still had no real answers to Caleb’s offence.

Overall it was a good fight, but I personally expected more from the Champion Jose. He came to life late in the second half of the bout but failed to retain his Title with his lackluster performance.

With this convincing win Caleb Plant becomes the latest Champion to don the IBF Super Middleweight Championship Title.

Congratulations Champ for a win well-deserved.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr.”

Super Middleweight Challenge

Rumors have been swirling around for quite some time and now it has officially been confirmed. The domestic British dust up between James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 Kos) and Chris Eubank Jr. (27-2, 21 Kos) is set to take place on February 23, 2019 at London’s O2 Arena.

The trash talking between the two combatants has been going on for years and it’s only fitting to end all talks inside that squared circle. There’s a lot on the table here. A loss for either combatant will have a serious gut check when it’s all said and done.

This bout is more about “Pride Fighting” then “Prize Fighting”. A lot has been said about where both warriors are at in their respective careers to date. Some in the boxing community see DeGale as a shot fighter on the decline while others in the boxing community see Eubank Jr. as an underachiever who chokes when tested by legitimate competitors.

I personally, see this bout as an opportunity for either combatant to show the naysayers that they still got what it takes to get bigger and better fights in the Super Middleweight Division. It’s “Show and Prove” time. Enough with the talking it’s time to step up and back it up.

Eubank Jr. is the younger of the two with less mileage. He’s at a peak point of his career and has serious skills inside that squared circle when focused. with a full-time trainer now by his side, it’s time for Eubank Jr. to perform and steal the show.

DeGale keeps talking about this bout being a “retirement fight” for the loser but truth be told he needs to step up his own game up to avoid that specific outcome on February 23, 2019. He could be the odd man out if he doesn’t come correct and focused come fight night.

There is absolutely no shortage of confidence when it comes to these two opponents, but truth be told the pressure is on 100 for them two to deliver and look convincing doing it.

The winner at the O2 Arena on Saturday night February 23, 2019 will get a positive boost within the Super Middleweight Division and possibly a Championship bout looming on the horizon?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jermall Charlo vs Matt Korobov”

WBC Interim-Middleweight challenge

Jermall Charlo (29-0, 21Kos) retained his WBC Interim-Middleweight Title against a very worthy opponent Matt Korobov (28-2, 14 Kos) as the Main Event at the Barclays Center Brooklyn, New York.

This bout was a very competitive one considering Matt Korobov was a late replacement. Jermall had himself a real Middleweight challenge inside that squared circle tonight but he definitely rose to the occasion and performed exceptionally well.

Korobov showed up and performed from start to finish and kept things quite competitive round after round. He showed no fear and fought a good fight that kept the back and forth action quite interesting. Korobov showed durability with a very good Boxing IQ inside that squared circle. His counter punching was on point and had some pop to it that kept Jermall on his toes all night.

In my eyes, this bout was a lot closer than the Judges had it but Jermall’s power and heavy-fisted combination was certainly the equalizer that separated the two in the championship rounds. Jermall asserted his will when it counted and secured the win.

Congratulations Champ, now on to the next.

Blaze