In Boxing part of the anticipation leading up to a fight
for both fan and expert alike is thinking of how a contest between two fighters
will play out. Often prior to a fight both fans and experts will attempt to
analyze and break down an upcoming fight. Sometimes however, no matter how one
may view how a fight might go prior to it taking place, it can ultimately come
down to which fighter can land a power punch first.
Such a scenario took place when former world title
challenger and longtime Heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin took on fellow
top contender Mike Perez on Friday night at the Luzhniki Arena in
Moscow, Russia. Prior to this fight, this observer stated that I expected this
fight to be very competitive. In reality, the fight ended before it could really
get started.
Povetkin staggered Perez with a right hand and knocked Perez
down with right hook seconds later. Although Perez was able to beat the count, it
appeared that he may not have known where he was and looked to be how on his
feet. Povetkin would bring the fight to an end moments later knocking Perez
down for the second time forcing Referee Massimo Barrovecchio to stop the fight
at 1:31 of the first round.
Although I expected this fight to be competitive, readers
over the years have become accustomed to me stating on many occasions “Anything
can happen at any given time in the sport of Boxing and that is what makes the
sport so great.” In this fight Alexander Povetkin simply saw his opening, took
advantage of it, and closed the show. It was as impressive a performance as
Povetkin has had in his career thus far.
Even though there is not much that one can say about a fight
that lasts only ninety-one seconds, I believe this fight should have been
stopped following the first knockdown of Mike Perez. Although Perez deserves
all the credit he receives for managing to get up from the knockdown, he appeared
to be out on his feet. Furthermore, it also appeared that Referee Massimo
Barrovecchio did not ask Perez if he was okay and did not ask him to raise his
hands to indicate that he was ready to resume fighting.
Instead, it appeared
that Barrovecchio simply motioned for the fight to continue upon Perez making
it to his feet. Perez with his arms down at his sides was clearly in no
condition to continue and although the fight would end moments later, I believe
Barrovecchio made a slight error in judgment by allowing the fight to continue
albeit briefly. Barrovecchio however, should be commended for immediately
stopping the fight upon the second knockdown.
My slight criticism of Referee Massimo Barrovecchio
notwithstanding, it does not in any way take away from Povetkin’s performance. With
the victory, Povetkin now moves into the mandatory challenger position in the
WBC’s Heavyweight ratings. Povetkin is slated to face the winner of the
upcoming WBC World Heavyweight championship fight between undefeated champion
Deontay Wilder and WBC number nine rated contender Eric Molina, which will take
place on June 13th in Birmingham, Alabama.
Although it would appear that Povetkin will fight the winner
of Wilder-Molina in his next fight for the WBC world championship, one should
remember that Povetkin, who previously held interim/regular champion status in
the WBA’s Heavyweight ratings waited over two years to challenge unified IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO
world champion Wladimir Klitschko for his title.
It is my hope after what was a devastating knockout of Mike
Perez that Povetkin will not have to wait long for his second opportunity at a
world championship. It should not be overlooked that Povetkin not only won this
fight, but made a statement by winning it in decisive fashion. He deserves to fight
for the WBC world championship as soon as possible.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison
All Rights Reserved.
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