Jesse Rodriguez Delivers Star-Making Performance

 One could make an argument that there has been a portion of Boxing’s seventeen weight classes that for one reason or another struggles for mainstream recognition here in the United States, despite consistently producing memorable battles and dominant world champions through various eras that were as deserving of mainstream recognition as other fighters who compete in other weight classes. This observer is referring to the sport’s lower weight divisions. To be specific, the weight classes ranging from the 105lb. Minimumweight (Formally known as Strawweight) division to the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division. 

 

While yours truly can spend hours upon hours discussing the great fighters that have competed in these weight classes through the years and keeping in mind that the Jr. Featherweights usually receive more attention as compared to  the weight classes below 122lbs., usually exposure comes for those weight classes when a fighter or group of fighters come along and provide the type of fights and performances that turn heads and force not only Boxing fans here in America, but more importantly television networks to take notice. While for the purposes of this column and more specifically it's length, I will not dive too deep into the history of these divisions, most knowledgeable Boxing fans are likely familiar with the careers of Michael Carbajai, Ricardo Lopez, Jorge Arce, and Humberto Gonzalez, to name a few that all served as focal points of the lower weight divisions during their careers and in the process, were able to bring their divisions much needed exposure here in America thanks to their crowd pleasing styles. 

 

Although an argument can be made that the advent of streaming has largely improved the issue of exposure for the lower weight classes, like all divisions, exposure will always be driven by fighters with crowd pleasing styles. One such fighter in the present era of Boxing’s lighter weights that has served as a focal point has been Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who has taken part in several memorable battles in recent years with the likes of Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada among others.  

 

After fifty-six professional fights over the course of a thirteen year career, the former WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Sor Rungvisai found himself in position to challenge once again for a world championship as he faced undefeated current WBC interim champion Jesse Rodriguez on June 25th in Rodriguez’ hometown of San Antonio, TX at the Tech Port Arena. 

 

Although this fight had an obvious storyline of youth versus experience in the twenty-two year old Rodriguez facing the thirty -five year old Sor Rungvisai, the styles of the two fighters, which are come forward all-action, had the makings on paper of what might have been a Fight of the Year candidate in the eyes of some going into the bout. What occurred instead might ultimately be regarded as the beginning of a new era in Boxing’s lower weight classes.  

 

From the opening bell the fight followed a pattern. Rodriguez using angles, throwing punches, and often landing in combination. Sor Rungvisai would occasionally land some punches, but generally, it was a fight that saw him on the receiving end more so than he was the one dishing out punishment. As I watched this fight, I had flashbacks of a fight I saw back in 1997 that I was not fortunate enough to cover. The Jr. Featherweight world title bout between a young Erik Morales and an aging champion at the time Daniel Zaragoza. What was similar between the two bouts was much like Rodriguez, Morales at that time was the young fighter coming into his own going against a more experienced world champion in Zaragoza. 

 

Beyond that similarity, the other main similarity that was almost like seeing that fight all over again in some respects was despite Zaragoza’s will and mettle, on that night in what turned out to be the final fight in a seventeen year career and sixty-six professional fights, he was outgunned and ultimately stopped by Morales in eleven rounds. Much like what Morales had done to Zaragoza, Jesse Rodriguez gradually administered a beating to Sor Rungvisai. Anything that Sor Rungvisai was able to land, Rodriguez immediately had an answer for. Rodriguez would score a knockdown of Sor Rungvisai in the seventh round and would finish the fight with an unanswered flurry of punches in the eighth round.  

 

A truly dominant performance that may indeed as it was back in 1997 in regard to the Zaragoza-Morales bout, serve as an unofficial passing of the torch between a fighter that served as a central figure for the lower weight classes for several years to a fighter that may be Boxing’s next big star. While it is easy to get on the hype bandwagon after a performance as the one Jesse Rodriguez produced in this fight, the commonality between this performance and all the fighters from the past that have been mentioned in this column is that it turned heads and should make people take notice. 

 

Now the obvious question is what is next for Rodriguez? It is important to point out that he currently holds an interim championship designation in the WBC’s Jr. Bantamweight ratings, which could result in him facing current unified WBC/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada. Estrada however, has been deemed a “Franchise” champion by the WBC per his being a unified champion and appears to be heading towards a bout with WBA number one contender Joshua Franco. The WBC has said that it will strip Estrada if he does indeed opt to face Franco next, which would mean that Rodriguez would then be made full WBC champion.  

 

The political aspects of the sport aside, it seems obvious that Rodriguez will likely wait to see what happens with regard to the WBC world championship at 115lbs. before deciding what his next move will be. After a star-making performance in stopping Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the momentum is in his favor and whomever he fights next will likely carry with it a significant financial incentive for him. 

 

“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  

PETER MCGRAIL TARGETING TITLE FIGHT AFTER SUNDERLAND CONTEST

 Press Release: By Probellum –  LONDON, JUNE 27 – Peter McGrail aims to pick up an army of new fans as he fights in Sunderland next month before a potential homecoming title shot. 

Credit: Probellum

The brilliant Liverpool puncher has a fifth professional fight at the Stadium of Light, on Sunday July 17 as part of a Phil Jeffries promotion. 

McGrail has been in dazzling form since progressing from the amateur ranks and says after he comes through his Sunderland assignment, he will be ready for the first title fight of his pro career, which he hopes will be in front of his home fans in Liverpool. 

'NOBODY IN BRITAIN FIGHTS LIKE ME' - MCGRAIL

The buzz around the super bantamweight is growing with each fight and McGrail wants to have more fans on board by the time he has left the North East.

“It’s great to be fighting in a new city and I’m going to use the opportunity to win a few more fans,” McGrail said. 

“I’ll be using this fight in Sunderland as a warm-up for a return to Liverpool later in the year and I am pushing for that to be a title fight. 

“I’m 26 and there is no point in waiting around.  I did pretty much all I could do in the amateur game and so far in the pros, I am beating my opponents comfortably.  So, it is time to push on and hopefully I can set up that title fight landing another KO, at the Stadium of Light.” 

 

About Probellum   
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).     

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

 

THOMAS PATRICK WARD HAS FIGHT CONFIRMED AND TALKS 'OUTRAGEOUS' TITLE ISSUE

 

Press Release: By Probellum - LONDON, JUNE 23 – Thomas Patrick Ward wants to finally shake off his contender status and fight for a world title this year. 

Credit: Probellum

 

The featherweight returns to action on July 17, at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, headlining a Phil Jeffries promotion, looking to preserve his status at the WBA’s No1 ranked fighter.

 

Ward says he was in “cruise control” when defeating Alexis Kabore over 10 rounds at Probellum Throwdown in March and has repeated that he is ready for world title opportunities.

 

The 28-year-old, unbeaten in 33 fights, believes he will be world champion for a “long time” and says it is “outrageous” that there is a logjam at the top of the WBA featherweight division, delaying his chance.

 

Ward said: “I am ranked No1 by the WBA and hopefully the right thing happens, and that’s me being made mandatory and then getting the title shot.

 

“I was No1 contender with the WBO at super bantamweight for a period but the fight with Emanuel Navarette never happened.  I always seem to be there of there abouts and never get the opportunity.

 

“But hopefully that changes soon and I believe when I become world champion, I will reign for a long time.  I look at other fighters who have had that opportunity and they have not been good enough.”

 

England’s Leigh Wood – a target for another Probellum featherweight, Jazza Dickens – is the WBA ‘regular’ champion, while Leo Santa Cruz holds the ‘Super’ world title.

 

Ward, the leading contender in the division, can’t understand why he’s still waiting for this shot.

 

“Leo Santa Cruz hasn’t defended his title since 2018 and he’s still champion,” he said.

 

“It’s outrageous and you’ve got people like me waiting for an opportunity, it doesn’t make any sense.  But whether it be Santa Cruz or Leigh Wood, both good fighters, I just believe that my chance will come.

 

“I’ve been in cruise control in my last few fights but when I’m facing these top fighters, then you will see the very best of me.”

About Probellum   

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

 

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

 

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

 

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

 

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

 

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).    

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

 

 

Beterbiev Makes His Intention To Be Undisputed World Light-Heavyweight Champion Clear

 

The World Light-Heavyweight championship unification bout between undefeated WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev and WBO world champion Joe Smith, which took place on June 18th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY was one that lacked the type of buzz normally afforded to such unification bouts. This could be because much of the attention in recent times has centered on undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol‘s recent dominant win in successfully retaining his title over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May. Although it is also a reflection of the politics that be in the sport that some high level fights receive more attention than others, the bout between Beterbiev and Smith was one that had action written all over it. 

 

In previewing this fight in discussing the similarities between the two fighters in terms of style, this observer said perhaps too simply that this fight could come down to whoever was able to land the first significant punch. Despite both fighters displaying a healthy respect for each other, the question of who would take the initiative to force the fight between the two pressure fighters was answered almost immediately as Smith initiated the combat. While this seemed like an interesting approach, it proved not to be a tactical one as Beterbiev patiently waited for his opening and then connected with a counter right hand that seemed to land on Smith’s temple sending the WBO champion down for the first time in his career.  

 

Smith was able to get up and survive the round, but it seemed as though whatever strategy he may have been trying to implement prior to the knockdown went out the window. It was in the second round where Beterbiev continued to find a home for his right hand and would ultimately score three more knockdowns of Smith before the fight was stopped. Beterbiev had made an emphatic statement in scoring a one-sided second round knockout over a normally durable Joe Smith to add the WBO Light-Heavyweight crown to his unified Light-Heavyweight world championship. 

 

Sometimes there is simply not much one could say or analysis that one could offer beyond the simple description of a one-sided fight that ended in dominant fashion. Although this observer was not expecting the fight to end as quickly as it did, despite the styles of the two fighters and knowing that anything can happen when two fighters get into a ring to do battle, it was as convincing a performance by Artur Beterbiev as I have seen thus far in his career. 

 

While in a perfect scenario, this would naturally lead to a bout with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, it would appear that Beterbiev’s next bout as now the WBC/IBF/WBO world champion will come against former world title challenger and current WBO number one contender Anothony Yarde, which could take place in the fall. Despite Beterbiev’s next bout appearing to be set in stone per mandatory defense obligations, which usually follow a unification bout such as this, that has not stopped speculation of a potential undisputed world championship fight between Beterbiev and Bivol, to the point that when asked outright what he wanted to do after his knockout of Joe Smith, Beterbiev stated outright that he wants to be undisputed champion when asked by ESPN as to what he wanted to do next. This then promoted a discussion amongst ESPN’s broadcast team as to the need of their network and digital subscription-based sports streaming network DAZN, which has broadcast several of Bivol’s recent fights including the recent victory over Saul Alvarez, to find common ground to make the fight happen.  

 

Although longtime readers know that I am a long and vocal critic of the idea of networks whether they be traditional television or streaming becoming the ultimate decider as to when and how fights take place, Beterbiev’s promoter Hall of Famer Bob Arum, said in a recent interview with Boxing news outlet Boxing Scene, that he wants to see Beterbiev continue to remain on ESPN, referring to DAZN as “Dead Zone” in citing what he believes as DAZN’s low viewership. It is important for me to state before I go any further that I have been a vocal supporter of both DAZN and ESPN as both have focused heavily in recent years on moving Boxing more towards a reasonably priced subscription-based streaming model as compared to pay-per-view. While both have dipped their toes into the pay-per-view model by force in recent times, it cannot be ignored the progress both networks have made. 

 

Now that I have made my position clear, it is important to remember that both networks have exclusive deals with promoters with Arum having an exclusive deal with ESPN here in the United States to provide Boxing content to the network across both its traditional network and it’s streaming network ESPN+. While no one can take away from Arum’s accomplishments in the sport and while he is entitled to his point of view as we all are, perhaps he should be spending more time worrying about his own business as opposed to throwing shots at a network that he does not have an agreement with and one that has shown a willingness to work with ESPN in the past. 

 

Even though Arum’s comments can be explained as a promoter doing what a promoter does, it is such rhetoric that serves more as a determent to the sport more than an asset and Arum and ESPN would be better served by looking to provide the best cards possible for their audience as well as trying as best as possible to avoid using the pay-per-view model, which has seen underwhelming returns whenever they have gone in that direction. 

 

Whether or not Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are officially on a collision course for the Undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship of the world remains to be seen. The 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division does however, have two unbeaten dominant world champions sitting atop the division and if that continues to be the case, interest in a fight between the two will grow organically and it will not matter much as to the various interests of promoters or networks. When interests in a fight builds naturally, the public will support it. 

 

“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