On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr.”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

Expect the unexpected. The Heavyweight Division has once again taken a major twist.
Late replacement and substantial underdog, Andy Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22 Kos) shook the world last night at the Madison Square Garden in New York City to a sell out crowd of 20,201 fans, when he defeated the No. 1 Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 Kos) by TKO. Unbelievable!!

What started off slow quickly heated up in the third round when both fighters exchanged knock downs with AJ receiving the worst of it by hitting the mat twice to Ruiz’s heavy combination punches. Joshua landed the first knock down and immediately went in for the kill but ended up being careless and got caught paying the price.

Joshua’s approach was off from the jump. He did not impose his height and reach and fought too tentatively as the rounds wore on. To me AJ looked sluggish and slow while Ruiz showed patience with a sense of fearlessness while stalking AJ.

The underdog Ruiz had suddenly turned the odds around in his favour. Andy’s confidence was growing and his presence was being felt inside that squared circle. The pressure was working AJ and his energy was quickly dissipating, and in the seventh round, Anthony tasted the mat two more times in dramatic fashion, eventually leading to the referee calling to stop the fight. Just like that, Anthony Joshua got broken down.

I tip my “B” hat to Andy Ruiz Jr. He came in there with absolutely nothing to lose and walked away dethroning the No.1 Heavyweight in the game, Anthony Joshua, to now become History’s first Mexican descent Unified IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Champion of the world.

Congratulations Andy, your dreams have now become a reality. Enjoy the fruits of you labour, you deserve it!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Demetrius Andrade vs Maciej Sulecki”

WBO Middleweight challenge

WBO Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade (27-0, 17 Kos) will be looking to defend his title for the second time in his first ever hometown show at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island, Providence against Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 14 Kos) on Saturday June 29, 2019.

This bout should be an exciting one considering Sulecki is a gamer type fighter that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Maciej is a strong and skillful fighter who doesn’t back down when the going gets tough inside that squared circle. This being his first crack at a world title, I’m expecting Sulecki to come prepared with the gloves blazing for a war.

That being said, Andrade is the truth inside that squared circle. Tough, gifted, well-schooled with a very high boxing IQ. He is an undefeated two-time two-weight division World Champion who is presently holding the WBO Middleweight Title. Real Talk! Andrade has high aspirations of one day unifying the Middleweight Division. Before any of that can happen, he’s got to dispatch of his mandatory challenger Maciej Sulecki in a convincing fashion in order to possibly entice Canelo Alvarez the Unified “Kingpin“ Champion of the Middleweight Division to a fight for the last remaining piece of the puzzle, his WBO Middleweight Belt.

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and on Saturday July 29, 2019 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island, Providence, with home court advantage, I’m expecting Andrade to put on a skillful display inside that squared circle and walk away satisfying his fans and family with the win and the WBO Belt still in his possession.

Tune in live on DAZN and Sky Sports for a thrilling night of Boxing.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Daniel Jacobs”

Middleweight Unification Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas did not disappoint. Once again, Middleweight WBA, WBC, Ring Magazine, Lineal Champion Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 Kos) proved to his peers and the World why he is the “Kingpin” of the Middleweight Division, hands down, by defeating with a unanimous decision IBF Middleweight Champion, Daniel Jacobs (35-3, 29 Kos).

There was no controversy here last night. Both came out with their respective “game plan” and executed it as best as they could. It was a chess match from start to finish, a well thought out bout.

Canelo, the shorter fighter of the two, pressed the action and kept his hands busy with a very good jab to go along with steady body punches and a higher percentage of power shots, while Jacobs started off slow and was having a harder time asserting himself throughout the bout.

It took Jacobs a few more rounds to eventually get things going but by that time, Canelo was ahead on the cards and had already affirmed himself and knew exactly how to disrupt Jacobs’ offence.

The Kid Canelo is a serious problem inside that squared circle. If you’re going to start slow against him, you’re doomed from the jump. You have to stay on point at all times against this Kat, one slip up and he has you.

Although Jacobs was the bigger, taller fighter, Canelo’s in ring experience and boxing IQ made up for any possible disadvantage. This was a true test in every way. Two well-schooled Champions going at it on the biggest stage.

Unlike Canelo’s last bout with Gennady Golovkin, this was not a war but a skillful display of boxing at its best.

All three Judges had Canelo winning by the scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112. (No complaints from me.) Listen, had Jacobs connected more with his power shots and started early, this bout could have easily been a draw. Real Talk!

That being said, with this win Canelo now captured his third Middleweight Title. He now possesses the IBF, WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine Belts. In order to completely unify the Middleweight Division, Alvarez needs to collect the last remaining WBO Belt from Champion Demetrius Andrade. Not an easy task but definitely one well worth the challenge.

Until then, congratulations on your latest great achievement. You truly are the “Kingpin” of the Middleweight Division.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas”

Heavyweight Challenge “Last Man Standing”

It has just been officially announced that Dillian Whyte “The Body Snatcher” (25-1, 18 Kos) will be putting up his WBC No. 1 ranking on the line at the O2 Arena in London, UK on July 20, 2019, against our own undefeated Canadian-based Columbian Oscar Rivas (26-0 18 Kos).

I’m impressed with Whyte taking on this high-risk task by willingly accepting a bout against a tough undefeated Heavyweight on the come up like Rivas.

The name Oscar Rivas may not be familiar to the average boxing fan, but truth be told your “Boy” Rivas is a serious threat who has been avoided by many of the top Heavyweights in the game to date. Judging by his rankings in the WBO No. 5, WBA No. 6, IBF No. 7 and WBC No. 10, you would be foolish to take him on thinking its going to be an easy night. A win over a highly ranked opponent like Whyte would speak volumes in the Heavyweight Division and definitely make for an appealing bout between the two Heavyweight Champions Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.

That being said, Dillian is slated to be the favorite between the two since he’s the bigger name and the one who will be fighting at home. Whyte has improved in many areas since he last fought AJ and with his steady momentum of back to back wins, Whyte will be looking to continue the streak all the way to a Championship bout in the near future.

I’m intrigued by this bout and can’t wait to see how it will unfold. There is a real potential of an upset. This might be Rivas’ coming out party on the big stage under the bright lights or just another body snatched by Dillian.

Whatever the outcome I anticipate a great bout in the making. Tune in and witness the “Last Man Standing” Saturday night July 20, 2019 at the O2 Arena in London, live on Sky SPORTS Box Office.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Jarrell Miller”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

It has officially been announced today that undefeated Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 Kos) will be making his U.S. debut June 1, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City against undefeated challenger Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20 Kos).

Judging from the first press conference, there is definitely a really thick build-up of animosity between the two boxers. Real Talk!

“Big Baby” looked like he was ready to rip AJ’s head off from the jump. The trash talking coming from “Big Baby” was real heavy and personally a little disrespectful to my liking but I get it, the adrenalin is running on a high and the big stage can do that to you.

That being said, this will be AJ’s first bout on American soil and AJ is welcoming the “HEAT” from “Big Baby” and can’t wait to put them paws on him. This bout might be a block buster in the making. Two very big undefeated warriors ready to do some unapologetic harm to one another inside that squared circle.

There will be some serious pressure on both combatants to show up and perform to their best abilities come fight night. Trash talking aside this is supposed to be Miller’s time to shine since he’s the Kid from Brooklyn and can’t afford to drop the ball on his biggest test of his career.

AJ is out to prove he’s the “Top Dog” on any block around the world. That being said AJ needs to be impressive on his U.S. debut establishing his presence by silencing Miller by convincingly beating him on his own home court, Brooklyn, New York that is.

Both fighters are extremely confident and talking that sh*t, now let’s see if both can keep that same energy come fight night. Tune in on DAZN Saturday June 1, 2019 or better yet see it LIVE at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Dereck Chisora”

Heavyweight Challenge

Another good showing by Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 Kos) tonight at the O2 Arena, in London against a “WAR” ready challenger Dereck Chisora (29-9, 21 Kos).

This second go around between the two warriors was completely different from their last meeting inside that squared circle. While Dereck was clearly the more aggressive fighter of the two, Whyte surprisingly maintained a very controlled offensive approach in every round. Whyte stuck to his game plan and waited out the storm before administering the “End Game” knockout blow in the 11th round. Real Talk.

Dereck fought a good one and was also very calm throughout the bout. He fought smart and he was in control up until he got caught in the 11th round. Although the bout was close up until then, two of the Judges at the time of stoppage had Chisora up on the cards while the third Judge had it dead even.

It was an interesting fight with the two combatants working their respective game plans to a “T” and for that I tip my “B” hat to the both of them. It was a strategic bout from start to finish and the better executor prevailed.

With this win Dillian has reassured his position within the top of the Heavyweight Division. His options are clearer than ever, as a mandatory challenger to the WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, it’s only a matter of time before he gets a crack at him or he could inevitably rematch Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua. That is a viable option considering he could also be mandatory challenger to the Champs WBO Belt.

Some heavy options for the Heavyweight Challenger “The Body Snatcher”.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew”

Undisputed Cruiserweight Championship Challenge

Tonight, at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 Kos) still remained unbeaten and Undisputed Cruiserweight King after demolishing a very worthy opponent in Tony Bellew (30-3-1, 20Kos).

Tony came out of the gate aggressive and was looking to land heavy punches to the body every chance he got, but the crafty Champion Usyk kept it real cool and level headed round by round. In the early rounds Tony was establishing himself as the stronger fighter between the two but as the rounds wore on, Usyk started to raise his punch output and started landing some effective jabs that bothered Bellew’s offence.

Tony was doing a good job trying to box with the better boxer but by the eighth round Bellew was visibly looking tired on his feet and Usyk simply jumped on him and battered him with two heavy left-hand shots that connected perfectly to knock him out for the count.

Tonight, Tony stepped his game up and gave it a good run but as the saying goes there are levels to this boxing sh*t and Usyk proved it once again that he’s one notch above Bellew in that category and rightfully Undisputed Cruiserweight King because of it.

That being said, Usyk will now be eyeing the Heavyweight Division as his next big challenge. The year 2019 will be a new chapter for one of the fastest rising stars in the “Boxing Game” to date but until then, enjoy all your great achievements, you deserve it Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew”

Undisputed Cruiserweight Championship Challenge

Tony Bellew (30-2-1, 20 Kos) has officially accepted Oleksandr Usyk’s (15-0, 11Kos) challenge and is now set to meet the unbeaten Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion on Saturday November 10, 2018 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, for the right to claim the Ring Magazine, IBF/WBA Super/WBC/WBO Titles.

Bellew , who’s been enjoying himself as of late, is coming off of two consecutive knockout wins over former two-Division World Champion David Haye. These are two wins against a proven warrior and I personally did not expect Bellew to come out on top but to my surprise he convincingly battered and conquered David Haye, who by the way was the favorite to win.

If there is one thing I learned from Bellew’s last two outings is to never underestimate him again. He has a way of defying the odds stacked against him and always finds a way to steal the win right from under your eyes. Real Talk!

Once again, Bellew is seen here as the underdog who will be facing his stiffest challenge to date in Usyk the first Boxer in History to hold all 4 major World Championships in the Cruiserweight Division.

I personally think that Bellew might be reaching a little too far with this one. To me Usyk is the total package with exceptional boxing skills that has troubled all 15 previous challengers into submission one way or another. What he may lack in the power department he well makes up in ring generalship while taking you apart for as long as the rounds continue.

That being said, Bellew is not a walk in the park opponent. I would not underestimate this man come fight night. He may not be able to outbox Usyk but he certainly carries his own proven power and has a high Boxing IQ inside that squared circle. He moves fairly well and has a very good counter punch that does demand respect.

The Undisputed Cruiserweight King will be in a tough fight cause if there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Bellew is that he’s tough as hell and will not bow down easily.

Tune in Saturday November 10, 2018 on DAZN/Sky Sports Box Office and see who will walk away with all the Crown Jewels?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin”

World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

Tonight, on a drizzling night at Wembley Stadium in London, England, Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 Kos) successfully retained his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO Heavyweight Titles by systematically defeating Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 Kos).

It was by no means a walk in the park for AJ but seven rounds are all it took for him to figure out Povetkin and administer him his only stoppage to date. Povetkin was a tough, dangerous and a crafty opponent but AJ performed patiently and took his time and calmly waited for the perfect opening to administer a well-placed and timed combination to lay Povetkin down not once but twice which then prompted the referee to halt the bout at 1:59 in the seventh round.

This was a bout that AJ needed to show his dominance. It’s clear that being the No. 1 Heavyweight in the game comes with some added pressure from the fans and the competitors in the Division aiming to dethrone the “King”. Peeps need to realize and understand that AJ is that “Lion” in the Division but still working hard at perfecting his craft. Every battle is a learning experience and tonight, it was nothing short of another great performance.

The challenges to come will only get harder but it will be up to you AJ to perform to the best of your abilities and prevails while silencing all doubters out there refusing to accept the position you hold in the Heavyweight Division.

Congratulations Champ on reaffirming yourself in the Heavyweight Division in a devastating fashion.

Now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker”

Heavyweight Collision

Tonight, the fans at the O2 Arena in London were privileged to see two top Heavyweights in Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (24-1, 17 Kos) and Joseph Parker (24-2, 18 Kos) go at it in a very thrilling and dramatic bout. Real Talk!

I gotta tip my “B” hat to Dillian for taking it to Parker head on and beating him by unanimous decision. As it stands, Dillian is the only man to put Parker down, not once but twice in his entire boxing career. I was very impressed with the way Dillian was working over Parker, the more experienced of the two.

It took the whole 12 rounds, a late Parker rally and an emphatic finish to secure the win but “DAMN” it was a good show.

As the fight wore on I couldn’t help but notice how Parker may have underestimated Dilian’s abilities inside that squared circle. To me Parker looked disengaged, lethargic, tired and simply not himself inside that ring. Although he put up a decent fight this was definitely not his best work to date. Parker desperately needed to win this fight tonight to be put back in the Heavyweight contingency but failed with the game plan at hand. He did however manage to put Dillian down in a breathtaking 12th round but was unable to close out the show.

Stamina played a big role in tonight’s bout for both fighters but “The Body Snatcher” secured his victory with the two heavy headed knockdowns along with the better work rate. Dillian came to box; it wasn’t the prettiest fight but definitely engaging all the way to the end.

Tonight, Dillian’s stock has unquestionably risen in the Heavyweight Division and rightfully deserving of it.

Congratulations Dillian on an impressive win, now on to the next.

Blaze