On the Watch “It’s All About Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN + Rematch Main Event between WBO Welterweight Champion Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 Kos) and challenger Sandy Ryan (7-3-1, 3 Kos) was definitely entertaining with a more determined outcome than their previous clash at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Them two warriors definitely picked up the action from where they left off from their last encounter but this time around Mayer’s “game plan” was just as good as the first time out. Mayer pressed the action right from the bell with both combatants trying to establish their effective jabs but Mayer’s activity was once again key by the number of punches she was putting together compared to Ryan.

As hard as Ryan was fighting back, Mayer’s bullyish way and aggression was definitely throwing Sandy off her “game plan” as she was not always able to match the energy coming her way. Ryan is usually known to put the pressure on her opposition but last night, she looked defeated at times and unable to deter Mayer from having success against her.

Ryan managed to put some good work together in the later rounds of the bout but to me it looked like she may have missed her opportunity by not being able to adjust her “game plan” in the first haft of the bout.

After 10 full rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93, unanimously for Mikaela Mayer.

Absolutely no controversy this time around. Mayer showed skill for skill that she was the better combatant on the night hands down.

With this convincing win, Mikaela Mayer retained her WBO Welterweight Title and is now looking to challenge the Queen of the Welterweight Division Unified IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine Champion Lauren Price (9-0, 2 Kos).

Now that is a very interesting matchup, but until then, congratulations Mikaela on another great win.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Denys Berinchyk vs Keyshawn Davis”

WBO Lightweight Showdown

The Top Rank/ESPN + Main Event between WBO Lightweight Champion Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 Kos) and challenger Keyshawn “The Businessman” Davis (13-0, 9 Kos), who had himself a very business-like performance when he entered that squared circle, occurred last night at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York.

In his first world title opportunity, Keyshawn “The Businessman” proceeded to handle his opponent in a very professional manner inside that squared circle by completely dominating the Champion from start to finish.

Denys, the more experienced combatant of the two, had no answer or the right “game plan” to disrupt Keyshawn from having his way with him. It was a complete mismatch from the jump. Denys was outgunned, out skilled, outmuscled and simply too small to deal with the aggression and power punches coming his way.

The inevitable was nearby. With no significant offense coming his way Keyshawn managed to drop Denys with hard left to the liver for a standing 8 count in the third-round signalling what was to come. By the fourth round, Keyshawn went in for the kill and landed another vicious left body shot that sent Denys down for the count prompting the referee to wave the bout.

It was a very dominant performance by Keyshawn where he took this opportunity with open arms and delivered like a true “Businessman” on the biggest night of his career to date. With this convincing win now on his record Keyshawn became the New WBO Lightweight Champion of the World.

The 135-Pound Division has now been put on notice. The “Businessman” is in the building!

Congratulations Champ.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Showdown

Former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 Kos) will be looking for his “get back” when he will face the only man to have beaten him in the professional ranks: Undefeated, Undisputed IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 Kos), February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

With this rematch now locked in, Bivol’s only mission is to rectify and avenge the result of his previous encounter with “King Arthur” and reclaim his WBA Light Heavyweight Title along with the remaining hardware, to become the New Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion.

A well thought out plan by Bivol with only one problem; our own Russian/Canadian representative reigning Undefeated Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion of the World “King Artur” has absolutely no intention of relinquishing his hard-earned Championship Belts any time soon.

Beterbiev understands that their previous encounter inside that squared circle was a highly-contested chess match that showed their respective skill sets but this time around Beterbeiv will be looking to tweak a few things and end all possible controversy by once again beating Bivol more convincingly.

That being said, Bivol will need to make the necessary adjustments and be prepared for a highly motivated and aggressive “King Artur” looking to administer some serious damage inside that squared circle.

Past controversy aside, this upcoming rematch bout is a sure shot so tune in Live on DAZN February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and witness the outcome.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II”

Unified Heavyweight Championship

The highly anticipated Heavyweight Showdown rematch between Unified Heavyweight Champion IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 Kos) and former WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 Kos) lived up to the “HYPE” but not without some controversy at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Usyk came in this bout laser focused and clicking on all cylinders while Fury walked in much heavier and armed with a different “game plan” that had him stand his ground in a much more aggressive manner.

Tyson’s jab was on point and very active at keeping Usyk at bay but not enough to deter him from the task at hand. Usyk fought toe-to-toe with the Big Man and bobbed and weaved as best he could while Fury did his best at maintaining his distance while being more attentive round by round.

Both combatants had their moments round by round but as the fight progressed to the second half of the bout you could see Fury slowing his work rate down probably due the excess weight he was carrying.

Nevertheless, this bout was a highly contested showdown where both combatants had to work through their respective skill sets to cancel out one another in this chess like bout inside that squared circle. Both combatants threw enough leather at one another but the accuracy of the punch output favored Usyk.

This was a very close bout to call from start to finish but after 12 full rounds of action all three Judges at hand scored it unanimously 116-112 for Oleksandr Usyk.

Listen, I don’t have a problem with Usyk being declared the winner, but I personally think that Fury, in his second go around with Usyk did a lot better than being awarded only 4 rounds in this highly competitive bout.

Controversial scores aside, Usyk retained his IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Championship belts and is still King of the Heavyweight Division.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jaime Munguia vs Bruno Surace”

Super Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN + Main Event between Jaime Munguia (44-2, 35 Kos) and Bruno Surace, (26-0-2, 5 Kos) at his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico, turned out to be a cherry pick gone wrong for the homegrown fighter.

This bout was meant to be a stay busy fight with no real threat ahead but what transpired was quite different when the little-known Frenchman, Surace asserted himself quite well and surprised the opposition.

Although Munguia did score an early knock down in round two with a powerful left hook, he was unable to get the Frenchman out of there. Surace stood his ground and fought toe-to-toe and took some abuse but fended off the attack quite well.

Surace, who is not known for being a power puncher did have quickness and good punch selection making this bout quite interesting at times. Munguia was physically the bigger and stronger combatant but still had to work inside that squared circle with his opponent showing much resistance.

Judging by how the bout was unfolding, it was clear that Munguia did not respect Surace’s power and that cost him dearly in the sixth round when he got caught with his hands wide open to a counter one two combination straight to the chin that dropped Munguia to the floor struggling to get up to the referee’s count who inevitably stopped the bout before he could come to his senses.

No one anticipated this type of an outcome but Surace and his team who had never fought outside of France before seized the opportunity bestowed to them and accepted the challenge with open arms and silenced all naysayers who had counted them out. Surace, who is not a true Super Middleweight proved to be a formidable opponent on the night and for that I tip my “B” hat to him for handing us possibly the Upset Of The Year.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Emanuel Navarrete vs Oscar Valdez II”

WBO World Super Featherweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN Mexican Rematch Showdown Main Event between WBO World Super Featherweight Champion Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 Kos) and challenger former WBO Featherweight Champion, Oscar Valdez (32-3, 23 Kos) was a continuation of their last meeting where both combatants picked up where they left off at round 13 with only one difference: Navarrete’s power was on full display at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Navarrete wasted no time asserting himself from the jump and proved to be too strong for Valdez who got dropped in the opening round while being dominated from that point on. Navarrete’s unorthodox style continued to be a problem that Valdez and his corner had no clue how to deter this combatant from having his way. Although Valdez tried his best to stay competitive, it was painfully obvious that he stood no chance on the night.

Valdez’s power had utterly no effect and his aggressive attempts only opened him up to being dropped once again by a vicious right uppercut that indicated the inevitable was nearby. By the sixth round the onslaught coming towards Valdez was a tough one to watch but a well-placed body shot by Navarrete dropped Valdez for the third time who could not answer the count administered by the referee who called an end to the bout.

This was a very impressive and dominating performance by Navarrete proving that when he’s 100% inside that squared circle, he could well be unbeatable.

Well done, Champ!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II”

Unified Heavyweight Championship

The highly anticipated rematch has officially been announced! Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 Kos) will be attempting his “get back” when he will face the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion but now Unified IBO/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 Kos) on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

There wasn’t much trash talking done between the two at the press conference but it was clear that Tyson wasn’t looking like someone who wanted to play around. Tyson looked focused and determined to rectify the wrong that transpired on May 18, 2024.

As for Usyk, he walked in that press conference confident as ever looking like the Hitman from the character of the video game Hitman. Insinuating that he will be the hired Hitman to take the “Gypsy King” down once again.

Tyson learned very quickly from their last encounter that Usyk is a different breed, the most highly skilled assassin that he’s ever faced inside that squared circle. In order to beat this man, Tyson will have to be on point from round one and not slip up for one moment.

That being said, the Hitman Usyk will be expecting a highly motivated “Gypsy King” to bring the “HEAT” but Usyk will be fully prepared to defuse and halt the big giant from having his way with him inside that squared circle. That said, Usyk is sublimely making it be known, he’s coming for that knockout. Real Talk!

Speculations aside this second go around will be must see TV so tune in and witness the outcome, December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol”

Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion

Last night, we witnessed the crowning of the first Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion in the four-belt era when our own Russian/Canadian representative Undefeated IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 Kos) defeated highly skilled and Undefeated Super WBA/IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 Kos) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This bout to me definitely lived up to the “HYPE” surrounding it. It was a long time coming but this high-level chess match unfolded in a competitive way that showed us just how great and exceptional these two warriors are inside that squared circle.

Bivol came out the gate with a busy jab and clever foot movement keeping Beterbiev at bay but not discouraged as Beterbiev maintained his own pressure with a very calculated jab.

Surprisingly Bivol sat down on his punches and exchanged toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Beterbiev which made this bout that much more interesting but Beterbiev made his presence known despite Bivol’s “game plan”. Although Bivol was dishing out combinations after combinations, Beterbiev’s single shots resonated with thunderous power every time they landed.

Both combatants had their moments as the rounds progressed but it was very clear and visible that the pressure that Beterbiev was coming in with had some serious effect on the light footed Bivol.

Heavy leather was being thrown from both combatants but the stress of the pace of the bout seemed more taxing on Bivol who had to keep constant movement to offset Beterbiev who was building up steam round by round.

The more Bivol stood his ground the more punishment Beterbiev administered. Both combatants showed no fear as the rounds progressed but fatigue looked to be weighing on Bivol as his high punch output diminished in the later rounds. That being said Bivol and Beterbiev did continue to bring the “HEAT” in the championship rounds.

After 12 rounds of competitive action the Judges at hand scored it 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 in favor of Artur Beterbiev.

This was a highly contested bout from start to finish where both combatants brought their “A” game but when all was said and done there could only be one true winner and that is “King Artur” the first and new Undisputed IBO/IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Well done, Champ. You’ve collected all the hardware piece by piece from every champion out there to now being “The Last Man Standing” in the Light Heavyweight Division.

Congratulations, Artur on an achievement well deserved.

Blaze

On the Watch “It’s All About Sandy Ryan vs Mikaela Mayer”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN + Main Event between WBO Welterweight Champion Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 Kos) and challenger Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 Kos) definitely lived up to the hype at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The animosity towards one another was quite evident towards the build up to this bout and when the first bell went off both worriers went straight to work with no hesitation. Sandy came out the gate with a strong jab but was met with some very busy hands by Mikaela who was countering every shot with speed.

Sandy definitely brought the pressure but the activity and the punch output coming back from Mikaela made things quite interesting as the rounds progressed. The power punches coming in by Sandy were quite evident whenever she landed but Mikaela showed grit and toughness standing her ground at every corner.

Both combatants had their moments as the round progressed but it was Mikaela who might have benefited from the first half of the fight by being exceptionally more active with her hands while Sandy needed to raise the “HEAT” in the second half of the bout to keep things close.

Both girls brought it in the later rounds going toe-to-toe and dishing out some serious leather from both sides but Mikaela’s experience at this stage in her career may have been key to this bout.

After 10 rounds of nonstop action the Judges at hand called it 95-95, 96-94 and 97-93, giving the majority decision to Mikaela Mayer.

I personally thought this was a very competitive bout that could have easily gone either way but on this night, a new Champion was crowned giving Mikaela a world title in her second Weight Division and the New WBO Welterweight Champion.

Well done, Mikaela.

Blaze

On The Watch ”It’s All About Christian Mbilli vs Sergiy Derevyanchenko”

Super Middleweight Showdown

Last night’s Top Rank/ESPN Main Event between undefeated Super Middleweight Contender Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 Kos) and tough and durable Sergiy Derevyanchenko (15-6, 10 Kos) was a very entertaining bout for all who attended at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

It was announced at the conclusion of the bout that both combatants had sustained injuries throughout the night but the performance that both warriors gave was quite impressive.

As the rounds progressed it was quite evident that Derevyanchenko had suffered a left bicep injury as he was no longer using his left hand to deter the aggressive Mbilli from pouring on his offensive shots.

‘The Technician” that Derevyanchenko is, continued to fend of his attacker with just his right arm and still making the bout quite competitive with his footwork intact, still being able to land decent shots helping him stay competitive round by round.

Although Derevyanchenko was severely outgunned by being unable to use both his arms, the display of pure will, strength and determination this man possessed to fight through the pain inside that squared circle while fending off a hungry heavy fisted warrior like Mbilli was enough for me to appreciate the heart of a Lion that this man possessed.

As hurt as Derevyanchenko was Mbilli could not put the old Lion down. Mbilli banged hard on “The Technician” hitting him with every punch combination possible and still Derevyanchenko refused to bow down. He stood his ground and fought toe-to-toe and made it the final bell.

After 10 rounds of nonstop action the Judges at hand scored it 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92, all in favor of Christian Mbilli.

Mbilli, the younger warrior, clearly won this bout quite handily but it would have been interesting to see what a healthy looking Derevyanchenko would have looked like but nevertheless he did push Mbilli to the extreme with only one healthy arm.

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