On The Watch “It’s All About Billy Joe Saunders vs Shefat Isufi”

Vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title

In his first meaningful fight since David Lemieux, Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13 Kos) moved up to the Super-Middleweight Division and challenge No. 1 rated WBO challenger Shefat Isufi (27-4-2, 20 Kos) for the vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

On paper this bout looked like an even match considering BJS was coming up in weight from the Middleweight Division. However, as the bout progressed, it quickly became clear that we were witnessing another BJS vs David Lemieux type performance inside that squared circle.

For someone who didn’t have an active outing in 2018, BJS was sharp as a whistle-bobbing and weaving, slipping and dipping and popshots at will. BJS controlled every round. There are levels to this Boxing sh*t and it was evident last night that Isufi did not belong in that squared circle with BJS.

No disrespect to Isufi, Dude showed up to fight and gave it a good try even had a good round six in his favour but not enough to sway the Judges. All three Judges scored the fight 120-108, 117-111 and 118-110 in favour of Billy joe Saunders. Nuff said!

With this dominant performance by Billy Joe Saunders, the former WBO Middleweight Champion now becomes a two-weight Champion by capturing the vacant WBO Super-Middleweight Title.

Billy Joe is a problem in either weight Division. I can’t wait to see what becomes of his latest acquisition.

Congratulations on your latest achievement Billy.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale”

WBC Heavyweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York was another highlight reel for the WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder (41-0-1, 40 Kos). Real Talk!

The “Bronze Bomber” handled his mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-2, 18 Kos) in a demoralizing fashion with a ruthless one-punch knockout at 2:17 of the very first round. The sh*t was straight out of a video game. Night Night!

This sh*t had way more hype in the build-up of the fight then the actual bout. Breazeale talked a good game and spoke of strategies and all that but, real talk, when that bell rung, Breazeale’s “Game Plan” went out the ring once Deontay connected with that straight right hand. Lights out!

I was hoping to see some rounds out of Breazeale and see what Deontay had been working on but clearly, Wilder had a different agenda and called it an early night. (Dude had an after party he needed to attend and he had to make sure he was clean ).

With a destructive performance like this, Deontay reaffirms his stance as the hardest hitting Heavyweight in the game today. He may not be the most polished Heavyweight, but one thing is for sure, his power in both hands, is real.

Until then, congratulations on your win Champ. I can’t wait to see who signs up for that contract next.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2019 NBA CONFERENCE FINALS”

2019 NBA CONFENCE FINALS

It’s about that time: the NBA’s version of the Final 4 is set to start tonight in Oakland in the Western Conference, when the Defending Champions, the No. 1 seeded Golden State Warriors will be looking to reach the finals by going ball for ball against the 3rd seeded Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams are coming in wounded but driven to reach the Finals by any means necessary. I’m anticipating a serious shootout between them two teams and for the guard play to be a major factor considering both team’s backcourt is their most noticeable strength. The Warriors have been looking vulnerable during this year’s Playoff run but are still considered the favourite to come out of the West. That being said, you can’t count the Blazers out, them boys have been on a mission to silence all the doubters. The Blazers have been balling out of their minds and their swag is on 100 right now. The Blazers have been battle tested during this Playoff run. Now it’s time for them to keep that momentum going long enough to reach the NBA Finals. Tune in this Tuesday night May 14, 2019 and witness the Western Conference shootout under the bright lights!

The No. 1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks have been dominating all year and haven’t lost a step during their Playoff run to date. Them Boys only lost one game during the first two series of the Playoffs. The Bucks have arrived and are determined to complete their “Cinderella” year by reaching the NBA Finals and seizing that Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy. That being said, our very own No. 2 seeded Canadian team The Toronto Raptors, have their own dreams and aspirations of them also reaching the NBA Finals and seizing that Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy for themselves. This Eastern Conference Finals will be must watch TV at its best. Real Talk! While Milwaukee cruised their way to the Conference Finals, the Raptors needed a heroic game 7 in their second round to secure their seat at the table. Although both teams match up pretty well, I think the deciding factors will fall on the respective play of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard. Them two have been playing on some next level. We’ve seen Kawhi’s clutch play at this level. He’s been here before now its for the rest of the team to follow his lead. As for Giannis “The Greek Freak”, this is his first time going deep into the Playoffs, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the way he’s been “Ballin”. Giannis has looked unstoppable as of late making this match up that much more intriguing. So, tune in Wednesday night May 15, 2019 and see who will be repping the East come Finals time.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Jarrett Hurd vs Julian Williams”

IBF/IBO/WBA Junior Middleweight Challenge

The Junior Middleweight Division is “Blazing Hot” right now. Last night’s Main Event at the EagleBank Arena, in Fairfax, Virginia, between IBF/IBO/WBA Super Junior Middleweight Champion Jarrett Hurd (23-1, 16 Kos) and Julian Williams (27-1-1, 16 Kos) was a thing of beauty. Real Talk!

J-Rock who was a 5-1 underdog from the jump, walked into the Champion’s own turf (game 7 style) and claimed all the gold by defeating Hurd by unanimous decision with the scores off 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112. Unbelievable!

J-Rock’s performance was on point from the jump. He executed their “game plan” to a “T”. Julian was calm, focused and definitely well prepared physically and mentally. Being visibly smaller than Jarrett, Julian still had enough power nice and early to drop Hurd down for an 8 count in the second round.

To me, that was the game changing moment right there. From that point on, them two warriors entered the phone booth and exchanged some serious leather back and forth. The up close and personal style usually favours Hurd but, on this night, J-Rock had his number.

Round by round Williams stayed busy with his hands at all times. His defence was tight and making Hurd miss while still staying composed whenever Hurd did land something of significance.

Williams went toe to toe with the heavy fisted Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and out boxed him at his own game. Hurd took a lot of punishment last night and it cost him dearly as the rounds wore on.

Personally, I’m thinking Jarrett underestimated J-Rock’s ring generalship and in doing so succumbed to his first professional loss.

That being said, with this win, Julian is now the New IBF/IBO/WBA Super Unified Junior Middleweight Champion. A feat well deserved.

Congratulations Julian, you defied the odds and fulfilled your dreams of becoming a Champion.

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 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 Danny Garcia vs Adrian Grenados”


Welterweight Challenge

Last night’s Main Event at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California was well worth it.
Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 Kos) showed up and reaffirmed his position in the Welterweight Division by being the only fighter to date to administer Adrian Grenados (20-7-2, 14 Kos) his first defeat by knockout. Real Talk!

Danny got busy from the jump and laid some heavy gloves on Grenados and dropped him twice in the second round. The first knockdown came off a heavy precise left hand, while the second knockdown came from a well-timed right hand. Your Boy Danny was on point and had that hunger back in his eyes.

It looked like Granados miscalculated his approach last night and in doing so got dismantled by Garcia who was determined to put the hurting on him. It was a statement bout that Garcia desperately needed and in stopping a tough and rugged Grenados the way that he did was very impressive.

By round 7, the referee had seen enough and jumped in and pulled the plug. Grenados was looking like a punching bag getting hit with some real heavy shots from left to right. There was no coming back at this point. Danny had convincingly proved his point. Garcia is back and looking for that smoke!

With this win Danny may have secured himself a rematch with Sean Porter for the WBC Welterweight Title. However, Danny has made it clear that he’s calling out all Champions in the Welterweight Division.

Until then, congratulations on your win Danny, now keep the momentum going.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS 2019”

2019 NBA PLAYOFFS

Once again, this NBA Season came down to the wire with teams aiming to position themselves for some tough matchups ahead of the Playoffs.
New faces have squeezed in this year to make the NBA’s version of the “sweet 16”. The struggle for “Supremacy” will be tested on both coasts.

This year Eastern Conference No. 1 Seed overall is the surging Milwaukee Bucks (60-22). Their record speaks for itself. They are the only team to finish with 60 wins this Season. Real Talk! The Bucks accomplished that feat in style dominating teams with superior offence and defence. With Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo leading the way with his MVP type play, we might just see a new team representing the East come the NBA Final.

That being said, our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors are not quite ready to succumb to the Bucks just yet. The Raptors once again finished with an impressive record of (58-24). The second-best record overall. They too are battle tested and now have their own equalizer in Kawhi Lenord to help them get to the promised land of the NBA Finals.

The Eastern Conference teams are getting better and stronger year by year so the 3rd seeded 76ers (51-31), the 4th seeded Celtics (49-33) and the 5th seeded Pacers (48-34) are all determined to disrupt the outcome of the Eastern Conference Playoffs one way or another.

Representing the Western Conference with the No. 1 Seed is the Defending Champions Golden State Warriors (57-25). The Warriors had to battle a little harder this year but still managed to secure the No. 1 Seed over the rising play of the Denver Nuggets (54-28). As usual the Western Conference is competitive from 1 to 8. Real talk! The Blazers (53-29) have the 3rd seed while the Houston Rockets (53-29) have regained their mojo with their MVP candidate James Harden balling out of his mind. James definitely has a chip on his shoulders and the only way to release the stress is to have a good Playoff run all the way to the Finals. The Jazz, the Thunder, the Spurs and the Clippers are all in it to win it. The Warriors are looking to “three-peat” and cement their names in the record books but first must get through this Western shoot out.

Tune in Saturday April 13, 2019 and witness the outcome unfold right before our eyes. Game Time!!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Shawn Porter vs Yordenis Ugas”

WBC Welterweight Title Defence

Last night at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 Kos) defended his newly acquired WBC Welterweight Title against a formidable opponent in Yordenis Ugas (23-4, 11 Kos).

It was a tight bout from start to finish that saw Porter successfully retain his WBC Belt with a split decision with the score of 116-112 for Porter, 117-111 for Ugas and 115-113 for Porter.

The score card doesn’t tell the whole story cause this bout was very interesting and could have easily gone either way or to a draw if you ask me.

Ugas, the underdog, came out and executed his “game plan” and asserted himself quite well. His body shots were there all night, he fought smart and was under control. To me he was the stalker moving in on Porter with efficiency and accuracy.

To my surprise Porter was doing a lot more movement and fighting on the back foot while loading up way more on his punches. He fought under control but seemed to me a little more hesitant than usual. His typical aggressive style seemed to pop up in sporadic stretches unlike his customary approach. That being said he still fought under control but with less urgency from round to round.

Ugas may have come up short last night but he definitely showed the rest of the Welterweights that he belonged amongst the top in the 147-pound Division. Real Talk! He should keep his head up high and welcome all challengers ahead.

As for Porter, whether he believes it or not, he dodged a real close call last night. Holding on to that WBC Title might prove to be a tougher task than expected in the near future.

That being said, congratulations are still in order Shawn on securing your first tile defence.

Your thoughts on this one?

Blaze