On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol”

WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Challenge

Last night’s Matchroom/DAZN PPV Main Event between Pound-for-Pound “Kingpin” Undisputed IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion Canelo (57-2-2, 39 Kos) and WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 Kos) at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, was a shocking and disappointing outcome to the pro-Canelo crowd in attendance. Real Talk!

Canelo may have been reaching a little too high when he attempted to recapture a title at his second run at Light Heavyweight by choosing to pry away the “Big Fundamental” Bivol’s WBA “Super” Title. Bivol wasn’t having it and defended his title like a champion should.

Canelo was met with a warrior in Bivol who did not play by his rules but instead proceeded to being quite the challenge Canelo was looking for. Hands Down!

A lot of boxing pundits discredited Bivol and had already counted him out but I personally thought all these people were dead wrong about him. Anyone who paid attention and actually watched how Bivol dismantled all of his previous opponents would know that Dmitry’s fundamental skills are flawless. He may not be the strongest or the fastest but his efficiency inside that squared circle remains unmatched.

Team Caleno severely miscalculated their “game plan” this time around as they were unable to deter Bivol’s steady nonstop pressure aided by a stiff pistol-like jab that stayed connecting all night. Bivol’s punch output and punch combinations were on point and definitely kept Canelo frustrated throughout the bout.

Bivol was impressive and showed absolutely no fear inside that squared circle, unlike some of Caleno’s past opponents who crumbled under the bright lights and the big stage.

Bivol silenced the pro-Caleno crowd who were privy enough to witness this masterclass performance unfolding right before their eyes. After 12 full rounds of action all three Judges scored it 115-113 in favor of Dmitry Bivol.

I’m a big fan of Caleno win or lose but this score card does not reflect what transpired inside that squared circle. This score card is way too close to my liking. Bivol owned this bout from start to finish in my eyes hands down! Let’s give the man the respect he is due. Bivol just took down the Pound-for-Pound “Kingpin” on the biggest night of his career and retained his WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Title in the process.

This outcome is nothing that Caleno can’t bounce back from. Maybe an immediate rematch to redeem himself will be in the works but until then congratulations Dmitry this was an incredible win that will last the test of time. Job well done.

Blaze

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

WBC Championship Heavyweight Throwdown

Last night’s PBC/Top Rank Main Event Heavyweight Championship bout between WBC/Ring Magazine Champion Tyson Furry (31-0-1, 22 Kos) and Deontay Wilder (42-2-1, 41 Kos) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a proper showdown that will definitely last the test of time in the Heavyweight Division. Real Talk!

This trilogy bout lived up to the hype from start to finish. Tyson walked in as a “Spartan” and clearly silenced “The Bronze Bomber” without any dispute. Although Deontay was able detonate two heavy bombs on Tyson that dropped him in the fourth round, Deontay was not able to empty the artillery needed to keep Fury from coming forward with controlled aggression.

Deontay came out the gate with the right “game plan” but neglected to utilize it to its fullest and stick with the task at hand as the tiredness and the rounds became harder to endure as Fury maintained constant pressure on him.

I gotta tip my “B” hat to Deontay cause Dude was getting manhandled inside that squared circle but his strong heart and sheer will wouldn’t let him bow down without a fight. Deontay was on shaky legs early in the bout and took some heavy punishment while handing some of his own as well,  but the “Spartan” warrior that Tyson is proved to be the better prepared combatant on the night. Hands down!

Once again, the strongest puncher in the Heavyweight Division Deontay Wilder got broken down and dropped three times by the so called “pillow-fisted” Tyson Fury who dramatically put a stop to the bout with a devastating knockout in the 11th round. Unbelievable!

I gotta tip my “B” hat to the “Gypsy King”. This man walks it like he talks it inside that squared circle. With another convincing win over the “Bronze Bomber” Tyson successfully defended his WBC Heavyweight Championship and Ring Magazine Belt.

With Boxing Trainer SugarHill Steward in the Gypsy’s corner, it’s going to be hard pressed to remove the WBC Heavyweight Championship and Ring Magazine Belt from this man’s possession. Good luck to the competition.

Until then, congratulations Tyson on another historical type performance. You are truly the man to beat in the Heavyweight Division.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Frank Sanchez vs Efe Ajagba”

Heavyweight Throwdown

In a battle of unbeaten Heavyweight Prospects at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 Kos) put on a boxing clinic when he dropped and dismantled hard hitting Efe Ajagba (15-1, 12 Kos) to a clear-cut unanimous decision win.

There are levels to this boxing sh*t and although both combatants are fairly new to the professional game, Sanchez showed he was levels above Ajagba inside that squared circle by boxing and moving beautifully with ease round after round administering nonestop action.

Ajagba, who is known for his power, was unable to let go of the hammer, and when he did let loose, he quickly got countered with a barrage of punches that eventually cost him in the seventh round when he got caught and dropped.

As the rounds were piling up, it was clear that Ajagba lacked the proper preparation to compete with a superior technical boxer of Sanchez’s caliber.

After 10 rounds of one-sided action all three Judges scored it 98-91, 98-91 and 97-92 all in favor of Frank Sanchez.

It was a very impressive showing by Sanchez who exhibited exceptional offensive and defensive skills inside that squared circle.

Can’t wait to see what comes after this imposing victory. Until then, congratulations Sanchez.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Manny Pacquiao vs Yordenis Ugas”

WBA “Super” welterweight Challenge

Last night’s PBC/FOX Sport Pay-Per-View Main Event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas between Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 Kos) and WBA “Super” Champion Yordenis Ugas (27-4, 12 Kos) was a shocking type of an event that saw the underdog Yordenis silence all the critics when he handily defeated the Legendary “Pacman” by unanimous decision.

It was a beautiful display of boxing by Ugas who stuck to the “game plan” from the jump and executed it perfectly. Ugas’ strong and steady jab was key all night in preventing Manny from rushing him with his flurry of punches. Ugas asserted himself and imposed and utilized his size and reach the right way.

Pacquiao looked surprisingly confused at times, not able to get into a proper offensive flow to offset Ugas, who kept it really simple but effective enough to trouble Pacquiao round by round.

I was very impressed by Ugas’ patience inside that squared circle, never letting the moment of fighting a legend deter him or distract him off his mission at hand.

Watching the way this bout unfolded it was evident to me that Pacquiao underestimated Ugas’ ability to box the way that he did. I tip my “B” hat to Ugas for showing us that he can still elevate his game as the competition steps up. Ugas came into this bout as the underdog but walked out earning Pacquiao’s respect the hard way, inside that squared circle.

After 12 full rounds of non-stop action, all three Judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 115-113 in favor of Yordenis Ugas. By far the best win of his career to date.

With this convincing win, Yordenis retained his WBA “Super” Welterweight Title and reinforced his position in 147-Pound Division. With the momentum on his side, Ugas is now looking forward to a unification bout with WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (37-0, 28 Kos) or an encounter with Unified IBF/WBC Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 Kos).

Regardless of the opponent, both combatants would have the making of an exciting bout.

Until then Yordenis congratulations on your latest triumph.

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 Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs”

Middleweight Unification Challenge

Another highly anticipated bout has officially been announced today between Middleweight “Kingpin” IBO, WBA, WBC, Lineal Champion Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 Kos) and IBF Middleweight Champion Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 Kos).

A unification bout has been set for May 4, 2019 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, airing live and exclusively on DAZN and Sky Box Office.

I’m impressed with how Canelo is stepping up and taking on another real challenger in Danny, cause your “Boy” Jacobs is no walk in the park for anyone in the Middleweight Division. Real Talk! Canelo has been on a roll and showing steady improvement, with levels upon levels every time he walked into that squared circle. Canelo is one of the best pound-for-pound in the “Game“ today and a win against Jacobs could possibly move him up closer to that No. 1 spot on the pound-for-pound list in my eyes.

That being said, Jacobs is cut from a different cloth. He’s a thoroughbred who’s been down before but fought his way back to the top and re-established himself as a very worthy opponent who’s ready to shock the world come fight night. There is a lot riding on this fight for both combatants but for Jacobs, this is his second chance and possibly his last at unifying the Division, so coming short of accomplishing his goal is not in the plans.

Styles makes fights and with this in mind I can’t wait to see how this one plays out. This is a real 50/50 fight where both warriors are strong, agile, ring savvy with a very high boxing IQ. Aside from the height and reach difference between the two, the real denominator will be which one will have the better “Game Plan” come fight night.

There are levels to this Boxing sh*t, so tune in Saturday night May 4, 2019, exclusively on DAZN and Sky Box Office or better yet be there live at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to witness two of the best Middleweights battling it out for “supremacy” of the Division.

The time has come, who will triumph?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Gennadiy Golovkin”

Middleweight World Champion

Last night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, in front of a sellout crowd of 21,965, a New “King” in the Middleweight Division was crowned. Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 Kos) has now dethroned the previous Pound-for-Pound “King” of the Middleweight Division Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 Kos).

With this win Canelo is once again the Lineal Champion with some new added hardware to his name, the IBO, WBA, and WBC Middleweight Titles are now in his possession.

This bout was simply a beautiful display of two highly skilled boxers fighting for the “supremacy” of the Middleweight Division. This second time around really felt like a continuation of their first encounter but with the added adjustment especially from Canelo.

There was absolutely no shortage of excitement last night, Canelo walked it like he talked it and backed it up as promised inside that squared circle. Canelo said he was going to be there inside the center of the Ring and he meant it. From the first round to the twelfth, Canelo stayed engaged and pressed it on Gennady round after round. That being said Gennadiy didn’t shy away from Canelo either, they both fought back and forth but to everybody’s surprise Canelo still stood his ground and in my eyes was definitely landing the more consistent power shots between the two which was very surprising considering Gennadiy is the known stalker with the heavier hands but on this night, Canelo handled himself exceptionally well. Real Talk!

Truth be told this bout, once again could have easily been called a draw because the rounds were so damn close to call but I have to tip my “B” hat to your Boy Canelo for sticking to the game plan at hand and administering “GGG” his first defeat of his professional career. This by no means, was not an easy fight for either combatant but definitely one to be proud of for the winner considering the level of difficulty each combatant presented inside that squared circle.

Congratulations Canelo on imposing your will and becoming the New Middleweight “King” of the Division. This is a win well deserved.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About David Lemieux vs Gary O’Sullivan”

WBA Middleweight Mandatory Challenge

David Lemieux (40-4, 34 Kos) showed up last night at the T-Mobile Arena and redeemed himself once again on the big stage in Las Vegas in a do or die bout against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-3, 20 Kos) and handed the Irishman a devastating first round knockout for the ages.

When focussed, healthy and fit, David is a real problem inside that squared circle. I’m not sure what game plan “Spike” had in mind on that night but he surely miscalculated his approach towards Lemieux. “Spike” talked a good game and I personally thought he would have at least made a fight out of it but to my surprise, Lemieux came ready to shut it down nice and early 2:44 in the first round is all he needed. Real Talk! It was the type of display Lemieux has been known for but with his last failed showing against WBO Middleweight “Kingpin” Billy Joe Saunders, the boxing community was suspect on what to expect. That being said, Lemieux silenced the masses in attendance with his fan friendly performance.

With this showing Lemieux has now secured a Middleweight mandatory position and may possibly get a bout with the newly crowned “King” of the Middleweight Division Canelo Alvarez.

This is a bout that Lemieux really wants but personally I think he might be reaching in asking for that bout. Although his performance was quite impressive, I think two more wins against any of the top-heavy hitters in the Middleweight Division might be in order. As much as I’m a fan of our own Canadian Lemieux, I still need to see some consistency and discipline along with a few more back-to-back wins to even think of challenging for another title let alone the top Dude in the Division.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin”

Middleweight World Supremacy Battle Take 2!

The Battle of the Middleweight World Supremacy between Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and Gennady Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs) is back on once again on May 5th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This highly anticipated sequel between these two badass Middleweights has taken a life of its own. Both fighters feel like they both did enough last September 16, 2017 to walk away with the win. The 12-round split draw has left them both with a sour taste in their mouth and the only way to get rid of it is to battle it out and take the Judges out of the equation one time!

As expected the trash talking has been quietly building up some steam as of late from both sides. Canelo is talking real greasy about guaranteeing a knockout while Golovkin is stating that he will put in some heavy bodywork to slow down the pit-bull from moving around all over the place. Golovkin will be aiming to breakdown Canelo systematically round by round.

They both have tasted each other’s best shots so hopefully the fear factor is out the window and these two combatants meet up in the center of the ring and go blow for blow. Both have very exceptional skills that will come into play. Canelo is very elusive with exceptional Boxing IQ.

Golovkin’s Boxing IQ is also exceptional but his style is that of a more aggressive fighter who doesn’t like to waste too much energy when he’s putting in that work inside that squared circle.

Neither fighter appeared badly hurt at any point during their initial clash but I’m thinking this go around someone is definitely going to feel some serious pain. What we the fans need and want from our fighters is the best to fight the best but that only comes second to what these two-determined combatants want to accomplish and that’s a clear-cut winner come Saturday night May 5th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

All the Middleweight Belts WBC, IBO, WBA, IBF are at stake and there can only be one clear Champion.

Who you got on Take 2 of this Battle of the Middleweight World Supremacy?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin”

“Middleweight World Supremacy”

With the “Money Fight” between Mayweather and McGregor now successfully completed it is now time to navigate our attention to the “Countdown” to possibly one of the biggest Middleweight Division battle in History to date. REAL TALK! Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 Kos) will attempt to dethrone WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO undefeated Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33Kos).

Some fights are left to “marinate” for too long and end up missing the mark. This fight has had 2 years of “hype” built up behind it and personally as a boxing fan I felt this challenge would never take place.

Expectation is running high for both fighters. Both clearly think and believe that this bout will most likely end by way of knock out. Now let’s keep in mind that Canelo is taking part in his first full Middleweight limit of 160-pounds while Golovkin has been vacationing there from the jump. The Middleweight Division belongs to him; he’s at top of the food chain. Now with that being said, the odd makers have Golovkin as a slight favorite against Canelo, who happens to be eight years younger than him.

To me I see this battle of the “Middleweight Supremacy” as being a tough 50/50 fight. Neither Golovkin nor Alvarez has been knocked down as a pro to date but come Saturday September 16, 2017 in Las Vegas this will most likely change. REAL TALK!

With so much at stake for both fighters, neither can afford to slip up or come in unprepared. Both fighters are strong and aggressive with very good boxing IQ. The experience is there but who will crumble when the going gets tough and there’s nowhere to hide in that squared circle but to duke it out?

There is no shortage of confidence on either side. Golovkin is claiming “Big Drama Show” while Canelo is looking to silence and shock all doubters’ on September 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view. So many questions to be answered but who will step up their “Game” and move on to a superior level at the end of the night? Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze