On The Watch “It’s All About Eleider Alvarez vs Joe Smith Jr.”

WBO Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator

Last night’s Top Rank main event between Eleider Alvarez (25-2, 13 Kos) and Joe Smith Jr. (26-3, 21 Kos) at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, was well worth the wait. Real Talk!

This bout was non-stop action straight from the jump. Joe Smith who’s well known for having heavy hands held no punches throughout the night and displayed some great boxing improvement to go along with a flawless “game plan” that highlighted his strengths round by round.

Alvarez who was the more polished boxer of the two, played right into Joe Smith’s “game plan” and fell victim to his traps. The last thing you want to do when facing Jo Smith is to sit there and go toe to toe “phone booth” style with him. That is just what Alvarez did and he paid the price for it.

Personally, I was confused by Alvarez’s approach from the jump. Alvarez being the superior boxer of the two looked to bang it out with the wrong Dude on that night when he should have been boxing in and out, disrupting Smith’s come forward aggressive style.

Alvarez, not being able to do the proper adjustments inside that squared circle, caused him to get caught up in Joe’s physical roughness tactics. It was evident that Smith’s power was just too much for Alvarez to handle.

Joe’s pressure eventually overwhelmed Alvarez in the ninth round when Eleider succumbed to a hard right-left combination that dropped him down through the ropes for the count that prompted the referee to wave off the bout.

It was a very competitive bout and an impressive performance by Smith, who clearly showed vast improvement in his skill. With this strong win Joe advances to fight the winner of another WBO Light Heavyweight Elimination bout between contenders Umar Salamov (25-1, 19 Kos) and Maksim Vlasov (45-3, 26 Kos) for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight Title.

Until then, congratulations on your amazing win Joe- job well done.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Eleider Alvarez vs Michael Seals”

Light Heavyweight Challenge

Eleider Alvarez (25-1, 13 Kos) got himself back into the winners circle last night at the Turning Stone Resort Casino when he slept hard hitting Michael Seals (24-3, 18 Kos) in the 7th round.

For someone who hasn’t fought since February 2019, Alvarez showed absolutely no rust inside that squared circle. Alvarez asserted himself early and moved and jabbed inside out with no real resistance from Michael, which was very surprising. Considering all the trash talking Seals was doing, I expected fireworks.

That being said, Alvarez wasn’t inside that squared circle to play. When the opportunity presented itself in the 7th round, Alvarez caught Seals with a straight powerful right hand that dropped him for the count and just like that, the night was over.

With this win, Eleider picked up the Vacant WBC Continental Americas Light Heavyweight Title and the Vacant WBO Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Title. If Alvarez can keep these wins coming, he will definitely be right back in line for a possible opportunity at a full title shot with the WBC/WBO, whichever one comes first.

Until then, congratulations Eleider, now on to the next one.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford vs Egidijus Kavaliauskas”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night, WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (36-0, 26 Kos) successfully retained his WBO Welterweight Championship Belt by defeating Egidijus Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17 Kos) at Madison Square Garden In New York City.

The “Mean Machine” came out of the gate with some heavy hands that connected early on Crawford. The “game plan” that Kavaliauskas’ corner came up with looked really good up until the second half of the bout.

Round 7 is where Crawford started to show why there are levels to this boxing sh*t. Terence started pressuring Kavaliauskas with some heavy combinations that eventually put him down for an 8 count. The overwhelming pressure that Crawford was administering continued all the way to the 9th round. Without any resistance from Kavaliauskas, Crawford proceeded to drop him two more times in round 9. The overpowering assault coming at Kavaliauskas prompted the referee to stop the bout. He had seen enough.

I gotta tip my “B” hat to the “Mean Machine”. Dude came out to fight and did the best he could against one of the best Pound-for Pound fighters in the game today. He fought Crawford blow for blow but eventually crumbled when he couldn’t keep up with the pace. That being said Crawford is the real deal inside that squared circle, one that is definitely not to be taken lightly by anyone signing up for the task.

Good luck to the competition.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Richard Commey vs Teofimo Lopez”

IBF Lightweight Championship Challenge

Last night at Madison Square Garden In New York City, Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 Kos) fulfilled his Dad’s premonition of becoming Champion by his 15th professional fight. Real Talk!

What was supposed to be Teofimo’s biggest challenge ended up being one of his easiest fight to date. No disrespect to IBF Lightweight Champion Richard Commey (29-3, 26 Kos) who is a tough Champion on his own right but from the moment the first round started it was clear that Teofimo’s power was going to be a problem the minute he connected on Commey.

The left hand was landing at will with some vicious strength behind it in the first round that visibly rattled Commey. Teofimo’s speed and accuracy were too much for Commey and by the second round Lopez connected with a clear-cut right hand that dropped Commey for an 8 count that visibly shook him hard. Once Commey got up, Teofimo pounced on him with a flurry of punches that went unanswered forcing the referee to stop the fight 1:13 in the second round.

This display by Teofimo is exactly what he needed to put the Lightweight Division on notice. The Kid Lopez is a problem. He’s got the goods and the charisma to do something real big here but the question remains: is he ready for what awaits him in his next bout?

With this convincing win, Teofimo becomes the New IBF Lightweight Champion of the World. The “takeover” is in effect. In the New Year 2020 a date will be set to face Unified WBA/WBO WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1-1, 10 Kos).

I’m intrigued by the potential outcome of this bout but only time will tell if Teofimo will be ready for what the “matrix” will have in store for him come fight night.

Until then Teofimo, congratulations on your astonishing victory.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk”

IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight Unification

Last night’s Light Heavyweight Unification bout between undefeated IBF Champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 Kos) and previously undefeated WBC Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-1, 14 Kos) at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, did not disappoint us.

It was clear from the “jump” that Gvozdyk’s “game plan” was to jab stick and move at all times and not get caught in a standstill unless he saw an opening to do so but, as the rounds wore on, I noticed some early fatigue coming from Gvozdyk due to Artur’s relentless pressure. Gvozdyk boxed well and made it harder for Beterbiev to work his “game plan” but truth be told, whenever Beterbiev connected with any leather he damn made sure it counted. Real Talk!

Beterbiev’s power was on full display last night. Artur looked focussed and fresher throughout the rounds and determined to administer pain to his opponent. Artur’s inside fighting was visibly breaking Gvozdyk down. Although Oleksandr tried his hardest to hang on in the later rounds, it was noticeably clear that fatigue had settled in by the 10th round when Artur started walking Gvozdyk down to eventually dropping him down three times in the round prompting the referee to stop the unanswered onslaught.

With this convincing win Artur is now the Unified IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight Champion of the world and still maintains his status as the only current Champion with a 100% Ko percentage.

Beterbiev has once again put the Light Heavyweight Division on notice. It’s going to be hard to beat this man inside that squared circle but until your next challenge, congratulations are in order Artur and thank you for bringing home the WBC Championship Belt back to Canada.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell”

WBC/WBA/WBO Lightweight Challenge

Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 Kos) handled his business once again inside that squared circle tonight at the O2 Arena in London, with a hard and tough twelve round undisputed decision over UK’s very own and worthy opponent Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 Kos).

This bout was surprisingly competitive from start to finish but as expected, there are levels to this boxing sh*t and our usual suspect Lomachenko showed us fans and the boxing critics why he’s so dominant inside that squared circle.

Luke made it tougher than the previous suspects but as the rounds wore on, Lomachenko asserted himself effectively going high and low with an assortment of well-placed power punches that eventually caught Campbell late in the 11th round for a quick 8 count.

Luke fought a good fight tonight but was simply met with an exceptional superior warrior who was simply two steps ahead of him throughout the entire bout. All three Judges scored it 119-108, 119-108, 118-109 for Lomachenko.

With this win, Lomachenko successfully defended his WBA/WBO Lightweight Titles and now added the vacant WBC Lightweight Belt. With three of the Lightweight Belts safely in his possession, Vasiliy is now just one Title away from achieving Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the Division.

As I said before, Loma is a serious problem to the Lightweight Division and none of his competitors have yet to solve his puzzle.

Until your next bout is announced, congratulations on your latest achievement.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Sergey Kovalev vs Anthony Yarde”

WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge

Today at the Tracktor Sports Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 Kos) withstood a tough challenge from undefeated contender Anthony Yarde (18-1, 17 Kos) to retain his WBO Light Heavyweight Championship by knockout in the 11th round.

It was a tough and exciting bout from start to finish. Yarde, the much younger, stronger and determined fighter came into Kovalev’s house (game 7 style) attempting to dethrone the Champion but was met with resistance from the much older but savvy veteran, Kovalev.

Kovalev’s ring generalship came into play today. His experience and accurate jab carried him throughout the rounds. Stamina played a big factor for both combatants but surprisingly Kovalev proved to be the smarter conditioned one whom withstood the early onslaught of heavy body punches from Yarde.

Things got a little scary for Kovalev in the eight rounds but Sergey digged deep within and survived his most challenging round of the bout to later stop the young hungry “Lion” with a precise left-hand punch to the dome. Yarde, who was completely exhausted, was unable to answer the count.

This was a good test and an important win for Kovalev. Yarde’s inexperience with “A” level fighters may have cost him but the experience he gained today will definitely help him in his future fights and unquestionably proved himself worthy in the 175-Pound Division.

Many had thought that Sergey was ripe for the picking but he proved the naysayers and doubters wrong with another great performance.

Congratulations Kovalev on another great win. You’ve outdone yourself once again.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Artur Beterbiev vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk”

IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight Unification

Top Rank is raising up the stakes in the Light Heavyweight Division by setting up a possible fight of the year 2019 by pitting undefeated IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev (14-0, 14 Kos) against undefeated WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0 14 Kos) for a Unification bout on Friday night October 18, 2019 on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

I’m personally looking forward to this bout and anticipating it to be very competitive. These are two well-schooled Undefeated Champions who are both looking at one day, being crowned the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion of the Division.

Styles make fights, with Beterbiev being the heavier fisted come forward type boxer and Gvozdyk being the taller rangier specialist also with power, predicting the outcome of this bout is no easy task. Both combatants will need to perform their respected “game plan” and assert themselves early come fight night.

Both warriors have heart and a determination to succeed with a very strong will to win. That being said, whichever’s “ring generalship” gets established first in my eyes may have the upper hand at dictating the pace inside that squared circle.

Beterbiev’s strong and aggressive inside fighting along with his heavy hands have proven to be a key factor for his 100% knockout ratio. It will be quite intriguing to see if and how Gvozdyk will be able to neutralize Beterbiev’s strong assets.

Skill for skill both combatants match up pretty evenly, but there can only be one crowned Unified Champion on that night, so tune in Friday night October 18, 2019 on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia and witness two of the top Light Heavyweight in the Division go blow for blow.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Terence Crawford vs Amir Khan”

WBO Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden in New York City was a disappointing one: and not because of Terence Crawford (35-0, 26 Kos), but because of his opponent for the night Amir Khan (33-5, 20 Kos).

Khan talked that talk but definitely didn’t back it up inside that squared circle. Khan came out the gate aggressive and fast but got caught nice and early in the first round and went down for an 8 count. From this point on it was clear that Khan was no match for Crawford.

As the bout wore on Khan was getting touched and broken down round by round. Khan looked weak and uncertain about how to proceed with the “Game Plan”. Crawford was having his way inside that squared circle and was boxing circles around Khan making him look out of place at times.

The “End Game” was bound to come but due to an accidental low blow to Khan, his corner informed the referee that he wouldn’t be able to continue. Just like that, the fight was over and Crawford retained his WBO Welterweight Belt by TKO in round six.

I personally expected a better effort from Khan but regardless of last night’s outcome, the end result would have been the same with Terence getting his hand raised when it’s all said and done.

Congratulations Champ now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Anthony Crolla”

WBA Lightweight Mandatory Challenge

Last night’s Friday Night Boxing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the 10,101 fans in attendance had themselves another great performance courtesy of WBA/WBO Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 Kos).

It was another quick night at the office for Lomachenko when he successfully defended his WBA mandatory challenger Anthony Crolla (34-7-3, 13 Kos).

Last night, Loma looked sharp and focussed and showed some serious pop in his punch combinations when he sat down Anthony for the count in the fourth round. Easy work!

It was clear from the jump that Crolla had no idea what he was in for and by the second round when Loma had figured Crolla out it was a wrap from that point on. Loma started to let his gloves loose with shots from every angle with power and precision that left Crolla helpless and shell-shock as the thrashing kept on creeping.

The “End Game” knock out in the fourth round spared Crolla from further unnecessary punishment. Crolla was simply outclassed and outmatched by a superior gifted opponent in Vasiliy Lomachenko. Real Talk!

This version of Loma is a problem for all competitors and Champions in the Lightweight Division. But that being said I can’t wait to see who signs up next for the challenge and the opportunity. Loma has made it clear fight after fight, he wants all the belts!!

Until your next foe is announced, congratulations on your victory Champ.

Blaze