Friday, February 28, 2014

Will Chavez “Avenge A Victory”?



When the topic of rematches is discussed, much of the opinions voiced are more often than not concerning the scoring of a fight or a controversial stoppage. In the case of the rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Bryan Vera, although their first meeting was marred in controversy with regard to the scoring of the fight, one might argue that a question leading up to the rematch just might be whether or not Chavez can “avenge a victory.”


It is not often that you hear of the concept of a fighter looking to avenge a victory over an opponent. Many however, believe that when Chavez and Vera met last September it was  Vera who deserved the decision in a fight where he was able to outwork Chavez, out landing him by fifty-one punches by the end of the ten round bout. The belief of many fans and experts alike that Vera being the victim of controversial scoring in that fight now puts Chavez in a position of having to leave no doubts in the rematch.


It is not however, a position that Chavez is unfamiliar. In fact, when it comes to rematches an argument could be made that Chavez has shown the ability to improve. Some might remember Chavez’ fights with Carlos Molina in 2005 and 2006 when Chavez was campaigning in the Welterweight division. In the first fight, Molina consistently forced the action and seemed to outwork Chavez. The fight however, was scored a draw.


 In the rematch in 2006 Chavez was more active than he had been in the first fight and was able to earn a six round majority decision. Although some scoffed at the decision in the rematch, Chavez fought a much better fight the second time around.


Perhaps most Boxing fans are more familiar with Chavez’ two battles with Matt Vanda in 2008. In the first encounter, Chavez struggled badly against Vanda who was the considerably more active of the two fighters and who battered Chavez around the ring in the final round. The ten round split decision in favor of Chavez resulted in an ugly scene as the crowd in attendance threw bottles in the ring following the announcement. A scene that reminded this observer of the aftermath that took place following the stoppage of the Tony Lopez-John John Molina rematch in October 1989. The primary difference was in the case of the near riot that took place in 1989, the crowd was angry because the fight had been stopped when it was deemed that the hometown fighter Lopez, who took significant punishment during the course of that fight could not continue.


In contrast, the first fight between Chavez and Vanda took place in Mexico where although Chavez was the clear crowd favorite, the result of the decision indicated that those who were in attendance felt that Vanda won the fight. Although one could say that those fans who were in attendance deserve credit for not allowing favoritism to influence who they believed won that fight. The commonality between what took place following that fight and the second Lopez-Molina fight in 1989 is both resulted in an ugly scene that frankly were both un-becoming of the sport and it’s fans.


Leading up to the rematch with Vanda Chavez contended that his performance in the first fight was attributed to an illness that he had been suffering from prior to the fight. In the rematch however, Chavez would leave no doubts as he out boxed and dominated the fight seemingly from start to finish, earning a convincing ten round unanimous decision.


Based on his performances against both Molina and Vanda in rematches, one could assume that Chavez could produce another improvement in his rematch with Bryan Vera. It is however, important to remember that much like Molina and Vanda, Bryan Vera likely feels that he got an unjust decision the first time around. It will be interesting to see whether or not Vera comes out even more aggressive than he was in the first fight, perhaps with the mindset that he cannot let this fight go to the scorecards.


Although the story of the first fight in my mind was Vera’s ability to consistently get his punches off first, throwing punches in combination, and applying almost constant pressure on Chavez throughout the fight, Chavez was able to be effective by landing thudding blows that would momentarily stop Vera in his tracks. It will be interesting to see whether Vera will implement a tactical approach, or be somewhat reckless in trying to catch Chavez off guard.


By the same token, it will equally be interesting to see whether or not Chavez takes the initiative to be the aggressor from the outset or if he will look to play the role of counter puncher and attempt to catch Vera on the way in. Chavez was able to catch Vera with left hooks and overhand rights frequently throughout the first fight, it is just a question of whether Chavez will be more active this time around. The opinion of many, this observer included was Vera’s greater activity, although not always damaging was enough to win rounds in the first fight.


An argument of some could be that the three judges who scored unanimously in favor of Chavez in the first fight, scored based on the effectiveness of Chavez when he was able to stop Vera in his tracks. This could well be the case, but in my opinion Chavez simply did not do enough to win that fight as I scored it 97-93 in favor of Vera. It will however, be interesting if Vera has found an answer to avoid those thudding blows to see whether or not that will have any effect on the scoring of this twelve round bout.


Another question that some may be wondering is whether or not weight problems have played any factor for Chavez as he prepares for the rematch. The first fight was originally scheduled to take place at a catch weight of 162lbs. and then bounced up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division, and then finally took place at a catch weight of 173lbs. two pounds under the Light-Heavyweight limit.


There were some who questioned Chavez’ commitment to the sport following the first fight. Questions of whether weight problems may play a factor may be valid. Questions also however, regarding what potential fights could be on the table for Chavez should he be victorious against Vera in the rematch with the likes of undefeated Super-Middleweight champion Andre Ward and fellow Super-Middleweight champion Carl Froch are also valid.


An obvious question with those potential fights possibly looming on the horizon for Chavez is whether or not he is looking ahead of this rematch with Bryan Vera. Based on what took place in the first fight between these two, it would be foolish in this observer’s eyes if Chavez were to look past Vera.


Although Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has established himself as a star in the sport of Boxing and is a former world champion, it is important to remember that he faced a fighter in Bryan Vera, who had won four straight fights prior to facing Chavez the first time around. Vera has earned the reputation of being a spoiler in his career having defeated both Sergio Mora twice and scoring a stoppage over top Middleweight contender Andy Lee in their first meeting.


Despite suffering seven losses in thirty professional fights Bryan Vera is certainly not a fighter to overlook and one could view Vera as perhaps the more confident fighter as the rematch approaches. A fighter who might feel as a victim of an unjust decision getting a second opportunity is certainly dangerous, especially when that fighter has nothing to lose and everything to gain.


What will happen in the rematch? We’ll find out Saturday night.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison  



Thursday, February 27, 2014

Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment to co-promote Professional Boxing: Friday Night Fights in Pueblo, Colorado



Press Release: February 27, 2014 By Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment - Cordova Productions, the top boxing promotional company in Pueblo, Colorado and Sundown Entertainment LLC, Colorado Springs’ top boxing promotional company will work together on their next show, March 21, at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo.

“Both companies are excited to be working together, we both have reputations of putting on tremendous events,” said Sundown Entertainment co-promoter Brandon Ortega. “This is undeniably the top two promotional companies in Southern Colorado and it will show in the attendance, matchups and overall atmosphere.”

Headlining the card will be Pueblo’s Chantel Cordova (12-4-1). Cordova, a former world title challenger, is coming off a win over Hollie Dunaway, which allowed Cordova to capture the GBU flyweight championship. Undercard bouts are to be announced soon and are expected to be filled with professional male boxers from Colorado and surrounding states.

The first bout is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. MST; the companies plan to present 6 professional boxing matches. Ticket sale locations will be announced next week.  

Sundown Entertainment is a limited liability company which was started in 2013. The company’s headquarters is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.



For more information about Sundown Entertainment please visit:


Material Courtesy of: Cordova Productions and Sundown Entertainment Used with permission.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

What’s Next For Hank Lundy?




Over the last couple of years one fighter who has certainly emerged as a seasoned veteran is present Jr. Welterweight contender Hank Lundy.  Lundy, who began his career as a Lightweight winning eighteen of his first nineteen professional fights seemed to be on a clear path to a world title shot before he was stopped in eleven rounds by John Molina in July 2010, the first loss for Lundy in his professional career.


The setback for Lundy did not seem as though it would derail his hopes for a potential title shot for too long as he was able to bounce back to win four straight fights following the loss to Molina.  This set the stage for Lundy to face Lightweight contender Ray Beltran in July 2012.  In an extremely close fight where both fighters had their moments, Beltran, who was viewed as an underdog heading into the bout was able to earn a hard fought ten round majority decision. This fight was one that honestly could have gone either way and one that this observer felt was a draw. 
 

Beltran would eventually go on to challenge WBO Lightweight world champion Ricky Burns earning a controversial draw.  Some may argue that it was Beltran’s victory over Lundy that first gave him the notoriety that led to his title shot against Burns.  Unfortunately for Lundy he would suffer two more disappointments following his close battle with Beltran. 
 

Lundy was scheduled to face top Jr. Welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse in January of last year, but the fight ultimately fell through due to managerial problems.  Lundy would then lose a twelve round unanimous decision to undefeated Ukrainian contender Viktor Postol in March of last year.  The silver lining for Lundy, despite those setbacks is he has shown the ability to bounce back and has established himself in both the Jr. Welterweight and Lightweight divisions. Currently, Lundy is rated number thirteen by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and number ten in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the Jr. Welterweight division.

After scoring an impressive ten round unanimous decision over top Jr. Welterweight contender Olusegun Ajose last July, Lundy would open his 2014 campaign February 21st in the Lightweight division against highly regarded prospect Angelo Santana in Cleveland, Ohio. This fight may have appeared in the eyes of some to be a bounce back fight for Santana who came into his fight off of a knockout loss at the hands of fellow prospect Bahodir Mamajonov in April of last year. This would however, be a considerable test for Santana against a fighter who was more experienced in Lundy.


The early rounds saw both fighters have their moments as both were willing to engage in periodic exchanges. As the rounds went on Lundy’s lateral movement and greater offensive output began to dictate the pace of the fight. The majority of the rounds seemed to be carried by Lundy simply being the more active of the two fighters. An argument could be made that some close rounds during the course of this fight went in favor of Lundy simply due to effective aggressiveness and ring generalship. 
 

Santana was effective when he did let his hands go particularly during periods when he was able to get Lundy against the ropes, but could not do it consistently enough to ensure that he got off first and win rounds in my opinion.  In contrast, Lundy established his jab from the outset, mixed in combinations, and was the fighter who initiated the action throughout much of the fight. 
 

The highlight of the fight came in closing seconds of round nine when Lundy dropped Santana with a right hand. Lundy would go on to score a convincing ten round unanimous decision in a fight that I unofficially scored for him 98-91.
 

It was a workman like performance for Lundy and off of not only this performance, but also his previous fight against Olusegun Ajose it is hard not to argue that Lundy could have some interesting options on the table for him in either the 135lb. Lightweight or 140lb. Jr. Welterweight divisions.  In terms of the Jr. Welterweight division the obvious option would be for Lundy to seek another opportunity against Lucas Matthysse. Other potential fights against contenders like former IBF Lightweight world champion Paul Spadafora, Gabriel Bracero, and Thomas Dulorme could be interesting possibilities for Lundy if a fight with Matthysse is not on the table at least in the immediate future. 
 

If Lundy however, decides to remain in the Lightweight division an obvious option that could be available for him in my mind would be a rematch with Ray Beltran or perhaps a rematch with current WBA Lightweight world champion Richar Abril, who Lundy defeated via split decision in 2010.   It would also not surprise this observer to potentially see Lundy face the winner of the upcoming WBO Lightweight world championship fight between Ricky Burns and Terence Crawford.

Whether or not Lundy will get a chance to fight for a world championship in the near future remains to be seen.  It is clear however, that after winning twenty-four of twenty-eight professional fights, after bouncing back from three losses and one draw along the way, Hank Lundy is a force to be reckoned with. In my opinion, Lundy is certainly deserving of an opportunity against a marquee opponent should one come along. 
 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 



Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Why Fury-Chisora Rematch Makes Sense




There have been times throughout Boxing history where fighters who have established themselves as stars of the sport have been placed on the same card, with the intention at least in theory of should those fighters be successful in separate bouts that it would lead to a potential lucrative fight between the two down the road. Such a scenario took place last Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in London, England as Heavyweight contenders and former opponents Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury co-headlined a much-anticipated doubleheader.


When such scenarios take place it is not uncommon to see a surprise emerge from time to time that may disrupt any potential plans for a big money fight between the two headliners. Unlike when Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins co-headlined a card under similar circumstances in June 2004, where Felix Sturm nearly disrupted the plans for a Hopkins-De La Hoya mega fight, by giving De La Hoya a much more difficult fight than many had expected, the card co-headlined by Fury and Chisora would produce no such drama.


Tyson Fury was first to enter the ring last Saturday and the primary question leading up to his fight with Joey Abell, was whether or not a cut that Fury suffered in sparring a week prior to the bout would play a factor. Fury was also entering the ring for the first time in nearly a year due to former two-division world champion David Haye pulling out of a scheduled fight with Fury twice over the last year. Some may have questioned whether or not ring rust would also play a factor.


It was apparent early on that there was no ring rust as Fury established a solid jab and dictated the fight keeping Abell at distance. Fury also however, showed his vulnerability as Abell was able to catch the 6’9  Fury with left hands periodically. Although Abell was able to land occasionally, an argument could be made that Fury gave one of his most impressive performances of his career in this fight. Fury not only showed the ability to keep his opponent at distance with a consistent jab, but in doing so he also showed his Boxing ability, which could be underrated.

Fury dropped Abell with a beautifully timed right hand in the final minute of round three and would score three more knockdowns before the fight was stopped in round four. An impressive and dominant performance by a fighter in Fury who might be in line for a title shot before the end of this year. In terms of a potential rematch with Dereck Chisora, Fury more than held up his end by turning in an impressive knockout victory. It was now time for Dereck Chisora to enter the ring against fellow former world title challenger Kevin Johnson.


In the prelude to this fight, this observer stated that Chisora would face a fighter in Johnson, who had good lateral movement and Boxing ability. An argument could well be made that this bout was an interesting fight stylistically. It could also be said however, that even if a fight looks interesting on paper, it does not always translate into a competitive or entertaining fight.


Chisora consistently forced the action using good head movement to deflect the consistent jab of Johnson. Chisora landed the harder punches of the two and was able to keep Johnson on the defensive. Chisora scored a knockdown of Johnson in the fifth round with an overhand right and continued to press the action throughout to earn a twelve round unanimous decision. With the exception of his jab, Johnson just did not offer much in the way of resistance for Chisora. Prior to this fight I stated that this fight could have represented Johnson’s last chance to reemerge as a contender in the division having dropped three of his last six fights prior to taking on Chisora.


Whether or not Johnson had a game plan in mind for Chisora is only a question that he can answer, for he clearly did seem a bit reluctant to engage in this fight. Johnson does have Boxing skills, but for whatever reason he just could not execute in this fight. Now that Johnson has lost to notable fighters Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury, and Vitali Klitschko in his career, one might argue that Johnson is at a point in his career where he might be labeled a journeyman.


Although it is hard ignore that stance, it is important to remember that no one has been able to stop Johnson inside the distance and Klitschko, Fury, and Chisora each had their fair share of trouble getting to Johnson, despite winning by wide margins on scorecards. It would not be hard to envision some fans and experts writing Johnson off after this latest setback. This observer would not necessarily agree with such an opinion, but one thing is clear my mind. Johnson does have the talent and skills to be a top-tier Heavyweight. It is just a matter of whether he makes full use of those skills in the future and if he can, it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could bounce back.


Following this card I commented on Twitter that sometimes a win is a win and that Chisora’s victory over Johnson should be viewed as a positive. Coming out of this card there were no surprises or obstacles that emerged that might have stood in the way of a potential Fury-Chisora rematch. The card did however, shine the spotlight on two top Heavyweight contenders who will likely remain key players in the division for years to come. Sometimes for fighters it is not always about entertainment value as much as it is maintaining their position in their division. Both Chisora and Fury did what they had to do at the end of the day. Both emerged victorious in their respective bouts and likely produced the desired results in terms of a potential rematch between the two.


Even though both fighters named other potential opposition following their fights, a rematch in my mind seems to make the most sense for both. A key difference between when these two fought in 2011 and a potential rematch is both have become players in the Heavyweight division. Both have significant followings and it would seem to make sense particularly in terms of economics for a rematch to take place. 


As was the case when these two fought in 2011, interest in a rematch has spread beyond the UK and should it happen would garner significant attention. Adding into the equation the potential that a rematch could be categorized as a world title eliminator to determine a mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko down the line, for those reasons a rematch certainly makes sense.


It is also certainly a possibility that both Fury and Chisora could be in line for Klitschko regardless if either has mandatory status among the sport’s governing bodies. Could Fury or Chisora be in line to challenge Klitschko later this year? Anything is possible, but it is more likely that Wladimir Klitschko will spend much of 2014 making mandatory title defenses. The first defense will come in April against WBO number one contender Alex Leapai, with the winner supposedly to face IBF top contender Kubrat Purlev.


Another thing to consider is the current vacancy of the WBC world title in the division left by the recently retired Vitali Klitschko. The vacancy will be filled at some point this year when top contenders Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola meet in a rematch for the vacant championship. This landscape would seem to leave limited options for both Fury and Chisora in terms of opponents that most would consider top level opposition although top contenders such as Deontay Wilder, Alexander Povetkin, and Tomasz Adamek could also be in the mix for either. The question that I feel may get in the way of those potential fights to be made for either Fury or Chisora, could be things involving the business of the sport and where those fights would take place. It therefore, seems all the more logical in this observer’s eyes to see the two top British Heavyweights turn their attention to each other once again.


No matter how this landscape plays out it should be an interesting year and maybe even an exciting one for the Heavyweight division.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Pope Promotions Presents "Night Of Champions" March 28TH In Galveston, Texas


Press Release: February 15, 2014 By Majestic Raven Entertainment and Pope Promotions - POPE PROMOTIONS is bringing Night of Champions, a sensational boxing card this March 28th in Galveston, Texas at the San Louis Resort. 

The Night of Champions feature undercard action from undefeated 2011 Olympic Trials Qualifier, Regis Prograis and undefeated 2011 Salvadorian National Champion Pablo Cruz action. Also on the undercard will be the highly anticipated professional debut of decorated amateur Artrimus Sartor and new-comer Jesus Gonzales.

Night of Champions also features the return of super middle weight contender Marcus "Too Much" Johnson as he returns to the ring in hopes to put his name in the hat for title contention. Johnson, who last fight was a unanimous decision loss against a very game Thomas Oosthuizen in 2012, looks to put a notch in the win column.

Co-headlining the card will be regional fan favorites the hard hitting Eugene "Mean Gene" Hill (28-1 19KO) in heavyweight action. Closing out the show in the main event will be Galveston's own former NABF and USBA Cruiserweight champion Felix "Bad News" Cora Jr. Cora who was participated on the reality show The Contender in 2008, steps into action in a WBF cruiserweight title bout. This will be Felix's first bout in his home town.

Chauncey Pope, CEO/Owner of Pope Promotions looks to have the first boxing event on the island for 2014 to be a memorable one; "We wanted to compliment the headlining events with some exciting and action packed bouts for the undercard. This is for Galveston and the south east Texas boxing fans."
* * * * *
The San Luis Resort is located at 5600 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas. Tickets start at $35 with packages available. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bell ringing at 7:15 PM. For more ticket information call 832-465-8812 or email: cpope.popepromotions@gmail.com.

Material Courtesy of: Majestic Raven Entertainment and Pope Promotions Used with Permission.

Follow Pope Promotions on Twitter: www.twitter.com/popepromotions

For more information about Majestic Raven Entertainment Please visit: www.majesticraven.com


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.