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

On The Watch “It’s All About Jermell Charlo vs Tony Harrison”

WBC Super Welterweight Challenge

In a controversial outcome at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo (31-1, 15 Kos) suffered his first professional loss of his career to a unanimous decision to challenger Tony Harrison (28-2, 21 Kos).

All three Judges, scored it 116-112 115-113, 115-113 for Tony. Now no disrespect to any of the Judges working that bout tonight but real talk, what fight were they all watching? Don’t get it twisted, Tony fought a good technical fight that went back and forth at times but to say he was dominating Jermell throughout the rounds is an understatement.

It was definitely a good chess match between the two that certainly made it harder for Jermell then expected. That being said Jermell was the more aggressive fighter of the two constantly looking for that one punch knockout.

Controversy aside Tony stood his ground and fought a good one that certainly made it interesting inside that squared circle but to say it was a unanimous decision for Tony is very debatable. A rematch is unquestionably needed to clear the air on this one.

Until then, congratulations Tony on becoming the New WBC Super Welterweight Champion.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury”

WBC Heavyweight Title Challenge

Last night, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the two Biggest Heavyweight Boxers in the game-WBC Champion Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 39 Kos) and Linear Champion Tyson Fury (27-0-1, 19Kos) dazzled us fans to a surprising and controversial split draw. Real Talk!

I gotta tip my “B” hat to “The Gypsy King” for such an impressive performance. He really outdid himself in that squared circle against Deontay. I didn’t think he still had it in him but “DAMN” was I wrong. The man withstood two knockdowns from the “Bronze Bomber” but completed the 12 rounds like a warrior. Aside from the two knockdowns, Fury executed their game plan to a “T”. He did a great job at neutralizing Deontay’s power with good movement and a stiff jab and constantly kept it awkward. Tyson was fearless and definitely motivated to outbox the heavy- fisted puncher. His boxing IQ was on full display last night.

Deontay retained his WBC Heavyweight Title but not without being pushed to the limit. Wilder was in a war last night but stepped up like a true Champion. I personally think Wilder was met with a tougher challenge then we all expected. Wilder’s equalizing power couldn’t finish Fury but he did manage to lay “The Gypsy King” down twice on the canvas but couldn’t sleep the giant out permanently as he had previously predicted.

Judges scores aside, the respect from both competitors was unquestionably earned last night, this was a great bout. Debatable outcome but definitely entertaining from start to finish.

I congratulate both combatants for a performance well worth it.

Now the question remains, will they do it again?

Your thoughts on this one?

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 Errol Spence Jr. vs Mikey Garcia”

IBF Welterweight Challenge

Ask and you shall receive. It’s now officially been announced; the highly questionable match up between IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. (24-0, 21 Kos) and WBC Lightweight Champion Mikey Garcia (39-0, 30 Kos) is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Mikey is a proven and established warrior who’s held World Titles at Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight and Super Lightweight. With this challenge ahead, he is now looking to claim a Title in his fifth weight class Division by attempting to dethrone IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr.

Mikey has been calling for this fight for a minute now and the call has finally been answered. To me this is a tough task considering Mikey will be going up two weight Divisions to take on Errol. Real Talk! I personally rate Mikey as pound-for-pound one of the best within his primary weight class in this era hands down but taking on the “Boogie Man” of the Welterweight Division is a challenge beyond belief.

The weight difference between the two combatants is a major factor. Mikey won’t just be dealing with a heavier Dude but also one that carries crack with every punch he throws. I know that styles make fights and that Mikey is technically sound and strong within his own right but the size and power that Errol walks with might just be too much for Mikey inside that squared circle.

That being said, if Mikey were to pull off the unthinkable and give Spence his first loss, he would be joining a prestigious circle of the likes of Sugar Ray Lenard, Tommy Hearns, Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. who’ve all won World Titles in five different weight classes. Not bad company if you ask me.

On paper and amongst the boxing community, Spence looks like a clear winner. It will be up to Garcia to prove all the naysayers and doubters wrong come fight night. Will the little man beat the bigger guy?

Tune in Saturday night March 16, 2019 on FOX pay-per-view and witness possibly the most intriguing bout of the New Year.

Blaze