Thursday, March 29, 2018

Joshua-Parker: The Unification Of The Heavyweight Division Continues


When a Boxing enthusiast comes across someone who may not be a fan of the sport known as “The Sweet Science”, who might even be critical in their dislike one reason that the non-fan might use is that it can be confusing at times to distinguish which fighters are world champions from those who are contenders among other reasons as to why they don’t share an interest in Boxing. While the subject of those who criticize the sport for its flaws certainly can cover a wide spectrum of topics, the subject of distinguishing champions from contenders is one that does indeed cause confusion for those who consider themselves casual fans of Boxing.

It is after all understandable how one could become confused in an era where there are five major sanctioning organizations that regulate and sanction world championship fights throughout Professional Boxing’s seventeen weight divisions. The process can become even more complicated when one considers the various political elements that surround the sport, which in regard to champions and contenders can at times blur the lines with world champions, contenders, those fighters who are designated as “Interim/Regular” champion in an organization’s ratings in a weight class, and those entities that choose to recognize some world champions, but not others either due to a vested interest that is unknown to the general public or other unknown reasons and so on.

There are the exceptions in the sport however, where an effort is made to not only clear up confusion, but one could argue as this observer often has over the years, that will serve the long-term best interest of the sport. The instance where a “Unification Bout” takes place. A fight where two world champions put their respective crowns on the line to further establish themselves as a fighter who should be considered as the world champion of a division. An even rarer instance is when such “Unification Bouts” ultimately lead to one “Undisputed World Champion” eventually being crowned.

The process of establishing an “Undisputed World Champion” is certainly one that can take a significant amount of time to accomplish for a variety of reasons. When significant progress is made toward determining an “Undisputed Champion” in a weight class there is cause for cautious optimism. One such weight class where such a process has been gradually taking place is in the Heavyweight division. The next step in that process will come on Saturday night at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales as undefeated world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker put their respective portions of the World Heavyweight championship on the line to take one step further toward Heavyweight supremacy.

Joshua, the current unified IBF/WBA/IBO Heavyweight world champion has established himself as one of the division’s feared “Knockout Artists” having scored knockouts in all twenty of his professional fights. Since becoming a world champion in April 2016 by knocking out previously undefeated IBF Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin. After a successful title defense over previously unbeaten top contender Dominic Breazeale, Joshua took part in arguably one of the more entertaining Heavyweight bouts in recent memory when he successfully unified his IBF crown with the vacant WBA and IBO world championship by scoring a thrilling eleventh round stoppage of former longtime Heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in April of last year.

In his last fight, Joshua dealt with a stern test in the form of top contender Carlos Takam in a fight where Joshua fought fatigue as well as a “Game” opponent to stop Takam in ten rounds in a bout where the champion also suffered a broken nose. After twenty straight victories, the twenty-eight year old native of Watford, England now prepares for yet another career-defining fight in the form of fellow undefeated world champion Joseph Parker.

Parker, a native of Auckland, New Zealand won the vacant WBO Heavyweight world championship in December 2016 with a close twelve round majority decision over previously unbeaten top contender Andy Ruiz in Parker’s native Auckland, New Zealand to become the first New Zealander to win a World Heavyweight championship in Boxing history. The unbeaten Parker will enter this fight with a record of 24-0, with 17 Knockouts and has successfully defended his title twice scoring twelve round decisions over Razvan Cojanu and previously undefeated WBO number one Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury in his last fight in September of last year.

This appears to be a classic scenario of a boxer in Parker going against a puncher in Joshua. While Joshua proven in his fight against Wladmir Klitschko that he is more than capable of Boxing if required, it is logical to assume that he will look to apply pressure on the twenty-six year old Parker early on and attempt to walk the WBO champion down. In contrast to the unified IBF/WBA/IBO world champion, Parker has deceptive power, but is more noted for his ability to gradually outwork his opponents, accumulate points and win fights by decision.

Although the crowd support is likely to favor Joshua, who has fought his recent bouts in front of massive crowds in stadiums including the venue where this unification clash will take place, it is worth noting that Parker proved in his last title defense that he can enter hostile territory and successfully defend his crown.  As for how Joseph Parker can do that in this fight, this observer believes he must figure out a way to weather what will likely be an aggressive Joshua early and if he can get passed the storm of his opponent’s early attack without sustaining too much damage, he must figure out how to neutralize Joshua’s power and look to gradually take over the tempo of the fight as it progresses.

While there will likely be an even bigger and more lucrative opportunity that will await the winner of this fight, what is note worthy about this unification bout as compared to some others throughout the history of Boxing is two undefeated Heavyweight world champions will meet each other to unify their portions of the crown, but unlike when Mike Tyson met Tony Tucker to unify what was then the Undisputed World Heavyweight championship in Las Vegas, NV in 1987, this encounter will take place outside of the United States in one of the biggest markets for the sport in the world, the United Kingdom. A testament to not only the global popularity of the sport of Boxing, but also the evolving economics of the sport.

Even though some may choose to discuss what will be in store for the winner of this fight at great length before it takes place. Given the variables that will be in play after this highly anticipated Heavyweight unification bout, this observer will instead take the wait and see approach before sharing his thoughts on what will come next in what the Boxing world can only hope will lead to one “Undisputed Heavyweight world champion.”

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Joshua vs. Parker takes place on Saturday, March 31st at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The fight can be seen in the United States on Showtime across cable and satellite as well as the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps beginning at 5PM ET/2PM PT. For more information about Showtime, Showtime Sports, the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps as well as a list of available devices please visit: www.sho.com.

The fight will be televised as a pay-per-view event in the United Kingdom on Sky Box Office for £19.95 beginning at 6PM (Local UK Time) for more information about Sky Box Office and to order the fight please visit: www.sky.com/SkyBoxOffice. Check your listings internationally.

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

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





Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Grand Homecoming Due For Gaballo


Reymart Gaballo Photo Credit: Alex Nunes
Press Release: March 27, 2018 by Sanman Promotions – The red carpet will be rolled out when the newly crowned WBA Bantamweight interim world champion Reymart Gaballo returns home on March 30 in General Santos City. A grand homecoming awaits the hard-hitting Gaballo, who wrested the championship belt via a unanimous decision win over American Stephon Young at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida last March 23rd.

"This is one of the biggest victories for our team and I am very happy for Reymart. We will have a big welcome party for him when he arrives in GenSan," said Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Mananquil. Mananquil and his older brother John Ray, the COO of the Sanman Promotions, was at ringside when Gaballo snatched the stirring victory with scores of 117-110, 117-110 and 118-109.

"I am very proud of Reymart. I believed in him since day one. He was still 15 years old when he started boxing and now he is already a world champion," said John Ray.

Not only did he pocket the title at the expense of a highly touted, erstwhile unbeaten opponent, Gaballo likewise preserved his unblemished record as he now has 19 wins with 16 of those victories coming via knockouts. "I am very excited to come home with the WBA world title belt and share it with my family and Sanman team in GenSan," said Gaballo.

Gaballo said it has been his dream to become a world champion but vowed there will be no slowing down as he guns for more success in the future. "I have dreamed for this for a long time and I am glad that all my hard work paid off. It really feels good but I will continue to work hard and improve," said Gaballo.

Material Courtesy of: Sanman Promotions/ Photo Courtesy of Alex Nunez Used with permission.

For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

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





Sunday, March 25, 2018

Reymart Gaballo wins Interim WBA World Jr. Bantamweight title



Reymart Gaballo Celebrating Victory Credit: LSBoxing
Press Release: March 25, 2018 (Originally released March 24, 2018) by Sanman Promotions – Miami, FL Reymart Gaballo came up victorious in his biggest fight to date, defeating Stephon Young by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBA interim Junior Bantamweight title on Friday night (March 23rd) at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Two judges scored the fight 117-110 while the third had it 118-109.

The General Santos City, Philippines native scored the only knockdown of the fight in the third round with a right hand which dropped the erstwhile unbeaten American Young. Gaballo improves to 19-0 with 16 knockouts and becomes the second champion from Sanman Promotions, following Randy Petalcorin. Another Sanman fighter Mike Plania nearly made it 2-for-2 when he knocked down former WBA/IBO World champion Juan Carlos Payano with a right hand but lost a decision in the 10 round WBO Intercontinental Bantamweight title fight.


Material Courtesy of: Sanman Promotions, Photo Courtesy of LSBoxing Used with permission. For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

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






Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Thoughts On O'Connor-Claggett


The Jr. Welterweight bout between veterans Danny O’Connor and Steve Claggett was the latest for the active 140lb. division that is in the process of transition following former undisputed world champion Terence Crawford choosing to relinquish his crown and seek opportunities in the 147lb. Welterweight division. While a good portion of the recent bouts that have taken place in the division have been focused on the upper echelon in top contenders fighting to secure an opportunity to fight for a world championship, to former world champions fighting for world championships in the Jr. Welterweight division for the first time, to finally top contenders meeting each other for vacated world titles, O’Connor-Claggett was not among them.

Instead, the fight between Danny O’Connor and Steve Claggett shined a light on a portion of the division and by extension the entire sport of Boxing that does not always get the attention as bouts at or around the top of the division. A battle between two world-class fighters, each of whom had suffered some setbacks throughput their careers, and both looking to elevate their standing to get an opportunity to add their name among the top contenders in the talent deep Jr. Welterweight division.

When there is an encounter between two fighters that are evenly matched as this fight was it is interesting to see which fighter will be able to stand out from the other. This was as this observer said in previewing this bout what one could call a “Crossroads Fight.”

As I also stated in previewing this fight, it was logical to assume based on each other’s style in addition to the fact that neither was known for their punching power that this would be a tactical bout where it could come down to who was simply able to be the more effective fighter. Although there are times where what may appear to be logical on paper in terms of how a fight might be fought does not turn out to be anywhere near what takes place when two fighters get inside the ring, this was an instance where what appeared on paper prior to the fight materialized once O’Connor and Claggett stepped into the ring on March 17th at the House of Blues in Boston, MA.



It was an encounter where both fighters had their share of moments in many of the rounds. It was O’Connor however, who was able to be more effective due to his ability to be able to punch in volume and gradually outwork Claggett over the course of the fight.

In fights where two fighters are able to have periods of effectiveness in the same rounds, the challenge for those who are watching the fight as fans as well as the three official judges who are scoring a fight as I have often said over the years is to distinguish which fighter is able to have more success in their spots as compared to their opponent. Steve Claggett was very effective in putting pressure on Danny O’Connor from the outset, but a noticeable difference between the two fighters was that despite Claggett’s consistent pressure, O’Connor was able to not only outwork his opponent, but also counter punch effectively by taking small steps and catching Claggett as he was coming forward.

Even though the tempo of the fight was to a big extent controlled by O’Connor for the majority of the bout, Claggett nearly brought an end to the evening when he was able to catch O’Connor with a flush right hand to the jaw that sent O’Connor down in round seven. One thing that I noticed as I watched this fight that Claggett did not do much of, despite being effective in putting pressure on O’Connor was he was not really committed to throwing punches to O’Connor’s body. This allowed O’Connor to utilize his lateral movement in a way where he was making small movements throughout the fight, but was able to control distance, vary his attack, and get his punches off first in addition to making Claggett miss with some of his punches. Sometimes in Boxing it can indeed be the small differences that will determine who will get the upper hand and come out on top in a fight.

Despite being put in a position in the seventh round that likely caused some to remember O’Connor’s knockout loss in his second fight against Gabriel Bracero in October 2015, O’Connor to his credit was able to regroup and finished the fight strong in winning a ten round unanimous decision. With the victory, O’Connor also retained his WBC International Silver Jr. Welterweight championship.

As for where exactly O’Connor’s standing as an International Silver titleholder will elevate his position in the new World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Welterweight ratings remains to be seen. Although this was what most people think of when the term “Crossroads Fight” is used, the reality is a loss for Steve Claggett does not necessarily mean the end of his career, nor does it mean that he could not be considered a viable option for anyone in the Jr. Welterweight division. Even though Claggett did not leave the ring in this fight victorious, he did have an impressive showing and one might argue produced the highlight of what was an entertaining fight by scoring the knockdown of O’Connor in round seven. It will be interesting to see what Steve Claggett’s next move will be coming out of this fight.

Although a feature is in the works that will discuss the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division on a wider scale that will be released here on the website in the coming months, fights like this only demonstrate why the division throughout its history has been known as one of the most competitive and deep in the entire sport. It may indeed be true that the upper echelon in Boxing’s seventeen weight divisions receive the majority of attention from Boxing fans as well as the bulk of television exposure, but the fight between Danny O’Connor and Steve Claggett is as good of an example as any Yours truly could use as to why one should take time to see what an entire weight class has to offer. It is also true that fighters who may not yet be in the upper echelon of contenders and world champions deserve exposure as well.

“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


Monday, March 19, 2018

Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material will be released on Wednesday, March 21st. Stay tuned. "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, March 17, 2018

O’Connor-Claggett Preview and Weights



O'Connor-Claggett Promotional Poster Credit: FiteTV
An intriguing battle between two world-class Jr. Welterweights on Saturday night at the House of Blues in Boston, MA that one could call a “Crossroads” fight for both fighters.  A fight between two veterans who are each looking to catapult themselves into title contention as Danny O’Connor will make the first defense of his WBC International Silver Jr. Welterweight championship against former Canadian Welterweight champion Steve Claggett in a bout that will headline a pay-per-view card here in the United States.

O’Connor, a native of Framingham, MA will enter this fight with a record of 29-3, with 11 Knockouts and has won his previous three bouts since suffering a knockout loss in his second meeting with longtime contender Gabriel Bracero in October 2015. O’Connor’s second loss to Bracero was a brutal first round knockout where Bracero brought the fight to its conclusion before it could really start, knocking O’Connor out with a single overhand right that sent O’Connor down and out before he hit the canvas just forty-one seconds into the bout. The severity of the knockout resulted in O’Connor being taken to a nearby hospital after the fight for observation.

Although it can be tempting for Boxing fans to write a fighter off after a knockout loss that came in the first round and to be more specific after a devastating knockout like O’Connor suffered, it is important to remember that as this observer has said frequently over the years that Boxing much like all combat sports is a sport where anything can happen at any time. Rather than include quotes that are familiar to longtime readers when similar circumstances and situations are discussed by yours truly, I believe despite the sudden and brutal way Bracero’s knockout of O’Connor came, that it was a case where a fighter simply got caught more so than a reflection on O’Connor’s ability as a fighter or his standing as a contender going forward. It is also noteworthy that it was the only time in O’Connor’s thirty-two professional fights that he had been stopped inside the distance.

After taking nearly a year off to recover and regroup from the knockout loss to Bracero, O’Connor returned to the ring in August 2016 scoring an eight round split decision over previously undefeated Jerry Thomas. O’Connor followed that victory with two more subsequent wins including in his last fight scoring a third round stoppage over previously undefeated Daniel Gonzalez to win the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) International Silver championship.

O’Connor will now look to build on his momentum by facing veteran contender Steve Claggett. Claggett, a native of Calgary, Alberta, CN one might argue is at a similar stage in his career as O’Connor. Much like his opponent, Claggett has won his previous three fights after suffering a setback. In April 2016 Claggett lost a ten round majority decision to Chris Van Heerden in the 147lb. Welterweight division. Following that loss Claggett, who will enter this fight with O’Connor with a record of 26-4-1, with 17 Knockouts, moved down in weight to the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division and has gone 3-0, with 1 Knockout in his previous three fights. In addition to holding the Canadian Welterweight championship, Claggett has also held the North American Boxing Association (NABA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American Jr. Welterweight championships in his career. In his last fight, Claggett scored a ten round split decision over Yves Ulysse in October of last year.

This figures to be a bout between two boxer/punchers as neither fighter is known for their punching power, but both O’Connor and Claggett have shown the ability to go the distance throughout their careers. It is logical to assume based on this that a tactical battle may take place between the two where it could come down to who is simply able to be more effective in a fight that appears on paper to be evenly matched.

While some Boxing fans may choose to criticize the sport’s respective sanctioning organizations with regard to multiple championships per weight class, fights that are for regional or international championships do play a considerable role in allowing fighters to elevate themselves into potential world title contention. In what has been an active month for the WBC’s Jr. Welterweight division, a victory for either fighter in this fight could very well lead to an opportunity at the WBC Jr. Welterweight world championship in the future. We will simply have to wait and see who will be able to take the next step forward in their career on Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Official Weights:

The official weigh-in for the Danny O’Connor-Steve Claggett bout took place on Friday in Boston, MA. The official weights for the entire card are as follows.

Main Event: WBC International Silver Jr. Welterweight championship – 10Rds.

Danny O’Connor (Champion) 139lbs. vs. Steve Claggett (Challenger) 139lbs.

Jr. Featherweight – 8Rds.

Mike Oliver 121lbs. vs. TJ Doheny 122lbs.

Jr. Lightweight – 6Rds.

Nick Otieno 127 1/2lbs. vs. William Foster 129lbs.

*Other Bouts taking place on this card (Official Weights unavailable as of this writing.)

Jr. Middleweight – 10Rds.

Greg Vendetti vs. Engelberto Valenzuela

Welterweight – 6Rds.

Daniel Sostre vs. Yurik Mamedov

*Women’s Featherweight – 4Rds.

Sarah Click vs. Amanda Pavone

(Click will be making her pro debut on this card)

Lightweight – 6Rds.

Israel Rojas vs. Romain Tomas

St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3: O’Connor vs. Claggett takes place Tonight (Saturday, March 17th) at the House of Blues in Boston, MA. The card can be seen on pay-per-view on select cable and satellite providers in the United States as well as globally on Fite.TV and the Fite TV app beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $24.95. Preliminary bouts will air on Fite TV as well as the FightNightLive Facebook page beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT. Contact your cable/satellite provider or visit www.fite.tv/watch/danny-oconnor-vs-steve-claggett/2nd5d  for ordering information. For more information about Fite TV, the Fite TV app, available devices and how to cast content to your television please visit: www.fite.tv. For more information about FightNightLive please visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE  

In Canada, the card can also be seen on Super Channel beginning at 10PM ET/PT. For more information about Super Channel please visit: www.superchannel.ca.

St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3: O’Connor vs. Claggett promotional poster courtesy of: Fite TV. Used with permission.

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

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




Friday, March 16, 2018

Hard Hitters Gaballo, Planilla Take Over The Hard Rock In Florida


Reymart Gaballo L/Mike Planilla R Credit: Sanman Promotions
Press Release: March 16, 2018 (Originally released March 14, 2018 By Sanman Promotions – Filipino prospects Reymart "Assassin” Gaballo and “Magic” Mike Planilla, both undefeated fighters from Sanman Boxing Club in General Santos City are seeing action in one big boxing card in the United States on March 23rd. Gaballo, who has a clean record of 18 straight wins with 16 knockouts, is facing the dangerous American Stephon  “Showstopper” Young for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) world bantamweight title at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

Young, 29, is also still unbeaten with 17 wins, seven by knockouts and three draws. He won the vacant WBA-NABA bantamweight title by a majority decision against Juan Antonio Lopez in 2016.
Gaballo is making his third fight in abroad after making his impressive debut by stopping Mexican Ernesto Guerrero via a second round technical knockout win last November 15 at the Hawaii Events Center in Honolulu.

The 21-year old Gaballo then went to Mexico to pummel to submission another Mexican Ulises Rivero by a 6th round TKO at the Domo Deportivo, Tulum. " I have trained hard for this fight and I will be world champion on March 23" Said Gaballo. The 12-round Gaballo-Young WBA world interim Bantamweight title fight is the main event of the boxing promotion of Kris Lawrence of The Heavyweight Factory.

Plania (15W-0L,7 KOs) will be fighting in the undercard against former WBA-IBO bantamweight world champion Juan Carlos Payano (19W-1L) of Dominican Republic for 10 rounds. Payano lost both his IBO world bantamweight and WBA super world bantamweight titles to Rau’shee Warren by a majority decision during their rematch in 2016 in Chicago.

 “Plania is facing his toughest test in his career against former world champion Payano, but we are very confident of a victory” said Sanman Chief Executive Officer Jim Claude Manangquil. Plania previously scored a 6rd decision win last December 22 in Quintana Roo, Medico against Mexican Roel Lazaro Perez.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Sanman Promotions Used with permission.

For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Sanmanpromotions.

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




Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Brief Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material will be released on Fridayy, March 16tth. Stay tuned. "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

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Silva Dominates Casarez To Win NBA World Championship In Clearwater



Lightweight contender William Silva scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Rogelio Casarez on Saturday night at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL. The Brazilian-born, Plant City, FL based Silva was in command of the bout from the opening bell using his 6’1 frame and lateral movement to control the tempo of the fight. Silva was able to keep Casarez at distance where the 5’4 native of Batesville, AR simply could not be effective.

In short, Silva was able to keep Casarez off-balance by using angles and his lateral movement to keep Casarez from being able to land punches consistently. The pattern of the fight was Casarez would frequently lunge forward throwing wide looping punches and would frequently get caught as he came forward by Silva’s offense. The offense Casarez was able to land did not have much effect on Silva as Casarez appeared to hit Silva on the end of his punches meaning that whatever he could land simply did not have any power on them where he may have been able to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor. Silva was able to consistently mix his attack with jabs, right hands, uppercuts, and hooks with both hands to the body and head of Casarez and periodically stunned his opponent throughout the fight.

 The effects of the punishment administered by Silva opened a cut on the bridge of Casarez’ nose midway through the fight and by the end of ten round world championship bout, it appeared that Casarez had suffered a broken nose. At the conclusion of the fight, William Silva had earned a convincing unanimous decision to win the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Lightweight world championship. All three official judges scored every round in Silva’s favor turning in the same score of 100-90. My unofficial scorecard was the same as the three official judges as I scored every round for Silva.

What impressed this observer about Silva’s performance in this fight was the measured and composed way he approached his opposition and how varied his attack throughout was. Although one might argue from a stylistic standpoint that he had the right type of an opponent in front of him that was known for having a brawling type style and, despite showing his mettle, did not appear to have much technique, Silva did execute his fight plan to precision and for a fighter in his first world championship fight that appears to be on the way up in his career, there is not much more one could ask of a fighter. In addition to the NBA Lightweight world championship, Silva also earned the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) Continental Lightweight championship.

William Silva advances to 25-1, with 14 Knockouts. Rogelio Casarez falls to 13-7, with 5 Knockouts.

Also on this card, in the Middleweight division rising undefeated prospect Antonio Tarver Jr. scored a second round TKO of Carlos Dixon. Tarver, the son of the former two-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Antonio Tarver Sr. began the fight behind a consistent jab reminiscent of his father and mixed in combinations. Almost as soon as the fight began Tarver had Dixon on the defensive and often trapped in his own corner or on the ropes. Dixon was not able to offer much resistance in the fight and after taking sustained punishment, the bout was stopped by Referee Chris Young. Official time of the stoppage was: 1:30 of round two.

Antonio Tarver Jr. advances to 5-0, with 4 Knockouts. Carlos Dixon falls to 1-13-1, with one Knockout.

Also in the Middleweight division, unbeaten Ozodbek Aripov scored the second victory of his young career by scoring a four round unanimous decision over Chaklit Redwood. Aripov, a Russian-born fighter now fighting out of Fort Myers, FL outworked Redwood over the course of the fight to earn a convincing victory. Aripov was aggressive from the outside and applied pressure on Redwood while coming forward and throwing combinations. I was particularly impressed with Aripov’s head movement as he came forward that made it difficult to for Redwood, who attempted to counter Aripov as he pressed forward to land something that would discourage Aripov from pressing the action.

Official scores were: 39-37, and 40-36 (On two scorecards) all in favor of Aripov. Unofficially, I scored this bout 40-36 in favor of Aripov.  Ozodbek Aripov advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Chaklit Redwood falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts.

In the Heavyweight division, Rodriguez Cade scored the first victory of his career by scoring a fourth round TKO over Joseph White. The heavy-handed Cade, who weighed in at nearly 275lbs. for the fight came out throwing each punch with knockout intent. White however, was able to connect with a flush one, two combination to the head of Cade in the opening round. Despite that combination landing solidly, it did not appear to have much effect on Cade, who continued to press forward. White would briefly stagger Cade with a straight right hand early in round two, but was unable to sustain what appeared to be an opportunity to land his offense.

Cade would respond by landing several flush right hands of his own on White throughout the round in what became an entertaining Heavyweight bout. A flush right hook to the head of White brought the combat to its conclusion in the latter stages of the final round of the scheduled four round bout as a spent White went down to the canvas and the fight was immediately stopped by Referee Andy Glenn with thirteen seconds remaining in the fight. Official time of the stoppage was: 2:47 of round four.

Rodriguez Cade advances to 1-1, with 1 Knockout. Joseph White falls to 0-2-2, with 0 Knockouts.

In the Featherweight division, Ricky Tomlinson scored a four round unanimous decision over previous undefeated Ernest Hall. This was a difficult fight to score because it was being fought in short spurts of flurries on the inside where neither fighter was able to clearly stand out from the other. It was in these short exchanges however, that Tomlinson appeared to land the cleaner punches of the two fighters over Hall who was generally awkward and wide with his offense. Official scores were: 40-36, and 39-37 (On two scorecards) in favor of Tomlinson. Unofficially, I scored this bout the same as two of the official judges 39-37 in favor of Tomlinson. Sometimes when it comes to fights that are fought like this and to be more specific, fights fought in short spurts where the length of the bout in terms of the scheduled distance is relatively short, it will boil down to which fighter is able to land the cleaner punches even if said fighter is not necessarily able to stand out as being more effective. In this fight the boxer who was able to land the visually cleaner blows in the exchanges was Tomlinson.

Ricky Tomlinson advances to 6-3-2, with 2 Knockouts. Earnest Hall falls to 3-1, with 1 Knockout.

In the Cruiserweight division, Nicholas Iannuzzi of Tampa, FL scored a third round TKO over Lemarcus Tucker. Iannuzzi dropped Tucker with a flush overhand right at the end of round one and scored two more knockdowns of Tucker in round three, both from flush right hands to force Referee Andy Glenn to stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was: 2:16 of round three.

Nicholas Iannuzzi advances to 19-4, with 11 Knockouts. Lemarcus Tucker falls to 5-4-1, with 3 Knockouts.

A scheduled six round Welterweight bout between Clifford Gray (1-3, with 0 Knockouts.) and Joseph Fernandez (7-3-3, with 1 Knockout.) was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. Both fighters did weigh-in for the bout on Friday however, Gray weighed in at 155 1/2lbs. nearly nine pounds over the Welterweight limit of 147lbs., while Fernandez came in a half a pound under the official weight limit. There is no word as to whether Gray’s failure to make the Welterweight limit was the reason for the cancellation or if the bout will be rescheduled for a future date.

This card presented by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions presented a look at fighters ranging from the early stages of their careers, to fighters looking to rebuild, to fighters fighting for a world championship for the first time in their careers. It will be interesting to see where William Silva will go after winning the National Boxing Association Lightweight world championship. Silva has the height that could make him a long-term player in the 135lb. Lightweight division if he can maintain at that weight going into the future. After all, there are not many Lightweights who can enjoy the benefits of being 6’1 and have a reach advantage over a majority of their opponents. One fighter most Boxing fans will remember who was a world champion in the Lightweight division for a period of time in his career, who had such natural benefits of significant height and reach was the late Diego Corrales. Although this observer is by no means comparing Silva and Corrales, it is an illustration of how rare it is to see a fighter in the Lightweight or Jr. Welterweight divisions who are blessed to have those natural benefits.

Silva however, was very impressive in his performance in winning the NBA Lightweight world championship and if he can continue to win as other fighters who have held world championships recognized by the National Boxing Association have over the years, it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility to think of Silva eventually challenging other world champions in the division or potentially to see him move up in weight either to the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division or the 147lb. Welterweight division.

As for fighters like Antonio Tarver Jr. and Rodriguez Cade, both of them appear to be on the way up after their performances on this card. It is my hope that both fighters continue to get the exposure all young fighters need as they progress in their careers along with those who are beginning their careers and those who are in the rebuilding process who competed on this card.

“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, March 3, 2018

Official Weights From Clearwater, FL And New York


The first weekend of March 2018 will be highlighted by three world championship fights taking place in three separate locations including a battle for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Lightweight world championship in Clearwater, FL between William Silva and Rogelio Casarez as well as two world championship fights taking place in New York at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn featuring undefeated WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder defending his crown against undefeated WBC number three Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz, as well as The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City as two-time WBO Light-Heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev makes the first defense of his second reign as world champion against WBO number five Light-Heavyweight contender Igor Mikhalkin. Below are the official weights and broadcast information for all three cards.
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Silva vs. Casarez – Banquet Masters – Clearwater, FL.

Main Event: Vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Lightweight world championship – 10Rds.*

William Silva 134lbs. vs. Rogelio Casarez 135 1/4lbs.

(*The vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) Continental Lightweight championship will also be on the line in this bout.)

Cruiserweight – 6Rds.

Lamarcus Tucker 201 1/2lbs. vs. Nicholas Iannuzzi 195 3/4lbs.

Featherweight – 4Rds.

Ernest Hall 125lbs. vs, Ricky Tomlinson 124 3/4lbs.

Middleweight – 4Rds.

Antonio Tarver Jr. 161lbs. vs. Carlos Dixon 159 3/4lbs.

Middleweight – 4Rds.

Ozodbek Aripov 151 3/4lbs. vs. Chaklit Redwood 152 3/4lbs.

 Welterweight – 6Rds.

Clifford Gray 155 1/2lbs. vs. Joseph Fernandez 146 1/2lbs.

Heavyweight – 4Rds.

Joseph White 241 1/2lbs. vs. Rodriguez Cade 274 3/4lbs.

Silva vs. Casarez takes place Tonight (Saturday, March 3rd) at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL. The entire card can be seen globally on Fite TV PPV for $9.99 beginning at 7PM. For more information about Fite TV including the Fite TV app on iOS and Android, a list of streaming devices including Roku and Apple TV, as well as instructions on how to cast content to your television please visit: www.fite.TV.
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Wilder vs. Ortiz – Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY

Main Event: WBC Heavyweight world championship – 12Rds.

Deontay Wilder (Champion) 214 3/4lbs. vs. Luis Ortiz (Challenger) 241 1/4lbs.

Super-Middleweight – 12Rds.*

Andre Dirrell 167 3/4lbs. vs. Jose Uzcategui 166lbs.

(Bout will determine interim/regular champion status in the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) Super-Middleweight ratings currently held by Dirrell. Winner will become the IBF mandatory challenger for current IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Truax.)

Jr. Middleweight – 10Rds.

Patrick Day 153 1/4lbs. vs. Kyrone Davis 153 3/4lbs.

Vacant WBA Women’s Super-Middleweight world championship – 10Rds.

Femke Hermans 159 1/4lbs. vs. Alicia Nopoleon 158 1/4lbs.

Super-Middleweight – 8Rds.

Willie Monroe Jr. 163 1/4lbs. vs. Carlos Galvin 163 1/4lbs.

Super-Middleweight – 8Rds.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko 164 1/4lbs. vs. Dashon Johnson 164 3/4lbs.

Welterweight – 6Rds.

Richardson Hitchins 141 3/4lbs. Charles Stanford 141 1/2 lbs.

Jr. Welterweight – 6Rds.

Javier Martinez 139 1/4lbs. vs. Kenny Robles 139 3/4lbs.

Middleweight – 6Rds.

Emmanuel Sanchez 161 1/4lbs. vs. Chordale Booker 157 3/4lbs.

Jr. Welterweight – 6Rds.

Gary Russell 138lbs. vs. Keasen Freeman 139lbs.

Wilder vs. Ortiz takes place Tonight (Saturday, March 3rd) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY. The fight can be seen in the United States on Showtime beginning at 9PM ET/PT on cable/satellite providers and will also be streamed live on the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps. For more information about Showtime, Showtime Sports, the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps please visit: www.sho.com.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the fight can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event (formerly Sky Sports 1) beginning at 2AM (Sunday, March 4th Local UK Time.) For more Information about Sky Sports as well as channel listings in your area please visit: www.skysports.com. Check your listings internationally.

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Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin – Madison Square Garden Theater – New York City, NY
Main Event: WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship – 12Rds.

Sergey Kovalev (Champion) 174 1/2lbs. vs. Igor Milkhalkin (Challenger) 172 1/2lbs.

WBA Light-Heavyweight world championship – 12Rds.

Dmitry Bivol (Champion) 174 1/2lbs. vs. Sullivan Barrera (Challenger) 173 1/2lbs.

Super-Middleweight – 10Rds.

Vaughn Alexander 167lbs. vs. Devaun Lee 172 3/4lbs.

Also taking place on this card: (Weights unavailable as of this writing)

Jr. Middleweight – 10Rds.

Kenneth McNeil vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev

Jr. Middleweight – 8Rds.

Frank Galarza vs. Norberto Gonzalez

Welterweight – 8Rds.

Alexey Evchenko vs. Khiary Gray

Middleweight – 6Rds.

LeShawn Rodriguez vs. Martez Jackson

Middleweight – 6Rds.

Meiirim Nursultanov vs. Alejandro Torres

Heavyweight – 4Rds.

Tim Washington vs. Cassius Chaney
Jr. Middleweight – 4Rds.

Anthony Woods vs. Ismael Villarreal

Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin takes place Tonight (Saturday, March 3rd) at The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The fight can be seen in the United States on HBO beginning at 10:05PM ET/7:05PM PT. check your cable/satellite provider for time and channel in your area/ For more information about HBO, HBO Boxing, and HBO Sports as well as schedules and availability please visit: www.hbo.com.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the fight can be seen on BoxNation beginning at 2AM (Sunday, March 4th Local UK Time.) for more information about BoxNation and availability please visit: www.boxnation.com. Check your listings internationally.

We will have coverage regarding bouts on all three of these cards during the upcoming week. Stay tuned.

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


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

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Wilder-Ortiz Preview



If one were to take a survey of Boxing fans that ranged from the casual fan to the true enthusiast and ask the question of what they look forward to prior to a World Heavyweight championship fight and more specifically what draws their interest and anticipation, a likely answer will be when two fighters who are known as “Knockout Artists “square off against each other. Although the same could easily be said about two fighters of similar reputation in any weight class throughout the sport, there is something unique that for whatever reason draws considerable interest regarding the Heavyweight division. When two “Knockout Artists” are pitted against each other such anticipation/interests are only enhanced when talking about two undefeated fighters.

Such a scenario will take place on March 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY as undefeated WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder will defend his crown against undefeated WBC number three rated Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz. Wilder, who is currently the longest reigning world champion in the division has been dominant in successfully defending his championship six times since winning the title in January 2014 with a twelve round unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne, the only time the Wilder has gone the distance in thirty-nine professional fights stopping thirty-eight of his opponents registering a career knockout percentage of an incredible 97%.

The thirty-two year old native of Tuscaloosa, AL, Wilder has also had to deal with the frustrations of scheduled fights falling through not because of injuries sustained by himself or his would be opponent, but because of an element that has frankly become an epidemic throughout all of sport. The element of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED) use and to be more specific banned substances, which for Wilder has unfortunately resulted in scheduled fights being cancelled.

This first became an issue for Wilder when his scheduled bout with then WBC number one contender Alexander Povetkin, which was supposed to take place in Russia in May 2016 was cancelled after it was revealed that Povetkin had tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium. The second instance of the champion having a scheduled title defense go array was prior to his last fight where he was scheduled to face Ortiz, the challenger however, was revealed to have tested positive for a banned substance last September forcing the cancellation of the planned bout that was set for November of last year.

Wilder however, defended his title on the scheduled date against the man he took the WBC world championship from, Bermane Stiverne on November 4th destroying the former world champion by scoring three knockdowns to earn his sixth title defense by scoring a statement making first round knockout. The champion’s second victory over Stiverne began the anticipation of an eventual showdown with undefeated unified IBF/WBA/IBO Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Before that fight can materialize, both champions will defend their portions of the World Heavyweight championship in separate bouts. For Wilder his challenger is again scheduled to be the man he was supposed to face in his last fight Luis Ortiz.

Ortiz, who compiled an impressive record of 343-19 as an amateur has been a long time contender in the Heavyweight division since turning pro in 2010. The thirty-eight year old native of Camaguey, Cuba has defeated all twenty-eight of his opponents as a professional, scoring knockouts in twenty-four of those wins registering a career knockout percentage of 80%.

Despite what has been a stellar career both on the amateur and professional level, the subject of failed tests is something that has placed a cloud of uncertainty with regard to Ortiz. It is important to note that the failed drug test last September was not Ortiz’ first infraction with regard to the subject of banned substances.

Some might recall a fight that Ortiz had back in September 2014 when Ortiz scored a first round knockout over previously unbeaten Lateef Kayode. The fight, which was to determine interim/regular champion status in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Heavyweight ratings was changed from a knockout win for Ortiz to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) when it was revealed that Ortiz had tested positive for a banned substance.

In regard to his failed test prior to the first attempt at getting a world title shot against Deontay Wilder, the World Boxing Council (WBC) chose not to suspend Ortiz, but did take steps to ensure that the challenger was fit to fight. The WBA however, did suspend Ortiz from its Heavyweight ratings for one year. After his second failed test and questions regarding whether or not he would be able to maintain his rankings, Ortiz climbed back into the ring in December of last year where he scored a second round knockout over a very “Game”, but outclassed Daniel Martz.

This now leads us to Wilder and Ortiz again being scheduled to face each other for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight world championship. Although some have and will take issue with the fact that Ortiz is being given what amounts to a second opportunity to face Wilder for his portion of the World Heavyweight championship after failing in his pre-fight testing, it is important to remember that the subject of Performance Enhancing Drugs is one that is effecting all of sport in one facet or another and it is logical to assume with two previously failed tests against him that if Ortiz were to fail a third test either before this fight, after the fight during post-fight testing, or at some point in the future that the consequences would be more severe than merely a banishment for a period of time in an organization’s respective rankings and/or financial penalties.

As this observer has said in the past when discussing the subject of testing both before and after fights in the sport of Boxing, it is something that frankly needs to be discussed as the subject of its own column as there are many factors that one must consider before forming an opinion such as an athlete’s medical history and other elements that could factor into the testing process and what is deemed a clean test or a failed test. There is no doubt however, that the subject of Ortiz’ previous failed tests has been a topic of discussion and contention as this fight approaches.

The unfortunate thing about this is it does overshadow what appears on paper to be a very intriguing fight between two fighters, both unbeaten, both known for their punching power, who can both get an opponent out of there with either hand. What one should also consider is what might be in store for the winner of this fight.

After all, the month for March will end with another bout for portions of the World Heavyweight championship as Anthony Joshua will defend his unified IBF/WBA/IBO crown against undefeated WBO world champion Joseph Parker in Cardiff, Wales in a fight that will further unify the division. Although the sport is no stranger to criticism and at times mocking laughter when it comes to the subject of multiple world champions and fighters who hold interim/regular champion designations in sanctioning organizations respective ratings, what should not be overshadowed is in an era of multiple world champions per weight class, four undefeated fighters will enter the ring to do battle for portions of the World Heavyweight championship.

It can indeed be an overused clichĂ© of this observer at times to say as Yours truly often has over the years in saying “Anything can happen at any given time in the sport of Boxing, and that is what makes the sport so great.”, but one can only hope with every portion of the Heavyweight championship of the world being put on the line over the coming weeks starting with Wilder-Ortiz that whomever emerges victorious in these two fights will then turn their respective sights toward each other in what would be a fight to determine an “Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.” If indeed that does happen those of us who cover the sport as well as the fans who tirelessly support Boxing in good times and bad will be able to say true progress for the long-term benefit of the sport has been made.

It would be a refreshing change after all to see efforts toward determining one Undisputed world champion be followed through and it would be even more beneficial to the sport and everyone involved if steps in that process were made without circumstances that can only be described as what would be another “Black Eye” for Boxing. With Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker awaiting their showdown, the spotlight will focus on Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz. We will see who emerges as a potential opponent for the winner of Joshua-Parker on Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Wilder vs. Ortiz takes place on Saturday, March 3rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The fight can be seen in the United States on Showtime beginning at 9PM ET/PT on cable/satellite providers and will also be streamed live on the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps. For more information about Showtime, Showtime Sports, the Showtime and Showtime Anytime apps please visit: www.sho.com.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the fight can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event (formerly Sky Sports 1) beginning at 2AM (Sunday, March 4th Local UK Time.) For more Information about Sky Sports as well as channel listings in your area please visit: www.skysports.com. Check your listings internationally.


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

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