Paul-Tyson: A Reality Check?

The event between social media influencer turned aspiring boxer Jake Paul and International Boxing Hall of Famer and two-time World Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was one that stirred much opinion, criticism, and worry for Tyson’s health given that he would be getting back into the ring at fifty-eight years of age, more than twenty years removed from his last competitive fight in 2005 and four years removed from a charity exhibition, which had been the only time he had entered a Boxing ring since retirement. It was also a circumstance that as most events featuring those labeled as “Influencers” going against an athlete or a celebrity in a Boxing ring drew significant interest, particularly among those who are casual sports observers. For better or worse, that was the target demographic of the promotion and not those for whom Boxing is a regular passion.

Part of the draw was of course the appeal of Mike Tyson, a fighter whom in his prime was the primary drawing card of his time in the sport where no matter who he fought, drew significant interest. The interest, which was rooted in the fact that he would often destroy his opponents with a mix of hand speed and punching power that had not been seen before. It was and is this appeal where even many years removed from that athletic prime, there are those who still have the images implanted in their minds of the great fighter Tyson was as well as what he meant to the sport. Perhaps this is the reason why so many people were willing to overlook the logical aspects of what was going to take place when Tyson climbed back into the ring against Paul. Logical aspects such as advanced age and the things that naturally occur in all of us as we get older. In the context of combat sports athletes, this means eroded skills and slowed reflexes as well as more often than not, not being able to have as much flexibility or reaction time as they had in their younger days.

In Tyson’s case, his appeal was and will likely remain strong simply because of what he meant to the sport and the fact that thanks to the advent of streaming, access to his fights where he was in his prime and scoring devastating knockouts is more accessible than ever, which makes it easier for those who were not around during that time to see what he was all about. As one who grew up recording fights and still watches as much Boxing from decades prior to when I came along, and as someone who was around during Tyson’s prime and one who got to cover him from the mid-1990s when I began my career covering combat sports, through his retirement, I concede that technology has certainly evolved and access to fight films both from many years gone by as well as current bouts, has come a long way since the days when I recorded all I could on VHS tapes. Having said that, what access to those classic bouts can do for those who are casual fans is at times provide a false sense of belief that what they might be watching, which can be decades old, would be similar to what they would see if a fighter from that time got back into the ring in the present day, neglecting the passage of time and what happens to someone as they age.

Fighters too often fall into this belief as there is always the mentality among fighters that even years after retirement, they always have one more fight in them. While there will always be debates among Boxing lifers such as this observer as to what might have happened if a great fighter from one era faced a fighter from a more recent time where both were in their prime form, the belief that fighters tend to have about always having one more in them regardless of those logical factors is something that worries yours truly.

In this case, there was evidence that had me voicing concern as many others had for Tyson’s health. As some will recall in previewing this event, I brought up a similar circumstance that occurred three years ago when former Tyson opponent and fellow Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield got back into the ring at the same age Tyson did against Paul fifty-eight, to compete in a bout against former MMA world champion Vitor Belfort. Out of respect for the reader and the fact that discussing what occurred that night in September 2021 still stirs feelings of disgust for what was allowed to go occur that evening and keeping in mind that I already discussed it prior to this event, I will surmise it by saying though Holyfield visually looked to be in immaculate condition for someone approaching sixty years old prior to getting into the ring, the effects of age as well as the punishment he had suffered throughout his long career were impossible to ignore as Holyfield could not maintain his balance or protect himself in what ended up being one of the many black eyes in the Boxing history.

In the lead-up to this fight, frankly, I had feelings similar to those I had in the days before Holyfield-Belfort. A sincere concern and worry for Tyson’s well-being given his age, despite the visual evidence that he looked to be in great condition for a former fighter at an advanced age. Unlike the circumstances with Holyfield, however, I did not get any information prior to this event that suggested to me that Tyson would be compromised as Holyfield was. Nevertheless, as one who has seen an endless number of fighters getting back into the ring at advanced ages with that belief of having at least one more fight in them, often leading to scenes that are difficult to watch, my concern remained. It is, however, important to keep in mind that Tyson was getting into a ring with someone, who was thirty-one years younger, but one who does not have the level of experience of a seasoned boxer, having built his career on facing MMA fighters, with little to no Boxing experience, a former NBA basketball player, fellow influencers, and having a 2-1, with 2 Knockouts record against those with strictly Boxing backgrounds. Based on this, there was at least some question as to what might happen if Tyson were able to land punches effectively, despite the age difference and facing someone who is a good athlete though limited in terms of Boxing experience.

Although the encounter, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on November 15th had slight modifications in the rules including two minute rounds and the use of sixteen ounce gloves and not the standard ten ounce gloves, which are used in standard Heavyweight fights, which seemed to at least on the surface benefit Tyson, it did not take long for reality to set in. Tyson appeared to show some flashes of what he once was early, applying pressure on Paul and landing a few hooks to the head. The obvious effects of advanced age appeared almost simultaneously as Tyson quickly found it difficult to use his legs to execute his lateral movement and had some trouble using his head movement to evade Paul’s longer reach and get on the inside where he could do damage. Paul was also able to clip Tyson with a few good punches throughout the scheduled eight round bout that seemed to stagger his legs. 

As the bout progressed, Tyson showed less and less movement, less and less ability to land punches, and the only question I had in my mind was whether he would be allowed to finish the contest. Although Jake Paul has been the subject of much criticism including from this observer for seemingly thinking that one can build a legitimate Boxing career and get into position to fight for world championships by facing the types of opposition he has, none of which has come against a serious contender in any division, he did show some class and humility in this encounter by clearly not pressing the issue where he likely would have stopped Tyson and allowing the legend to go the distance in what was an uneventful contest, which though classified as an official fight, which Paul won by margins of eight rounds to zero on one scorecard and seven rounds to one on the other two, should have been designated as an exhibition.

Despite the criticisms of many, including yours truly of Paul for the aforementioned reasons, there is no disputing he has established himself as one of the sport’s rising promoters and he has done good for the sport in giving a platform for young fighters through his Most Valuable Promotions promotional company as well as being a strong advocate for Women’s Boxing, which I do respect. It was his promotional savvy that likely inspired digital streaming subscription entertainment network Netflix to get involved in the sport as the Tyson-Paul event was the first Boxing event ever to be shown by the network. While that also led to significant issues throughout the live broadcast due to the network having issues with their servers, which caused significant outages and buffering issues throughout the world for many trying to access the event, the accomplishment of bringing Boxing to such a massive platform is something that cannot be denied even though it should prepare the network for future live programming in wanting to ensure that their subscribers have as seamless an experience streaming live content as possible. Although by all accounts the event also succeeded in terms of a live gate attraction in reportedly drawing 70,000 spectators to AT&T Stadium, something that also deserves credit where it is due, the question that needs to be asked coming out of this event is should Paul-Tyson be a reality check?

A reality check in the sense that even though it clearly drew a lot of interest, it was still a scenario where an aspiring boxer shared the ring with someone who was many years removed from active competition and one who probably should not have been in the ring at fifty-eight years old. Though such events for better or worse do draw interest, for one who insists he wants to be taken seriously as a professional boxer, who says he wants to be a world champion as Paul does, taking part in events like this does not help his argument. As far as the interest this particular event drew, while nothing can be taken away from it in terms of a successful promotion, the reality is, events like this will only succeed so far as it becomes more and more clear that it is not a competitive situation and while the aim of such events is strictly to draw the interest of the casual observer, such interest will only last so long where it will succeed and if Paul as well as others who have come into Boxing from outside realms, who all want to be taken seriously, do not start facing serious boxers, who are working towards fighting for a world championship, the “Curiosity” factor, which seems to be the aim to draw casual observers, will not be there. 

For now, this observer will congratulate Paul on another successful promotion. More importantly, yours truly is thankful that Mike Tyson did not get seriously hurt and that those of us who cover the sport are not talking about a tragedy or near tragedy occurring as was the case with Holyfield-Belfort. However, I believe that state athletic commissions need to implement common sense where such bouts are not green-lit and allowed to go on. Not only due to the significant age differences, but more importantly due to the obvious dangers that exist as well as what was, and will likely continue to be a significant difference in competition. At some point, those who regulate and sanction the sport need to step up to ensure the integrity of the sport is a priority. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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Three-Part Docuseries: Countdown To Paul-Tyson Debuts On Netflix November 7th

Netflix has announced a three-part docuseries “Countdown To Paul-Tyson* providing an inside look at social media influencer turned boxer Jake Paul and former two-time World Heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson as they prepare for their fight at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX. The fight, which will air live on Netflix on Friday, November 15th will be available worldwide to Netflix subscribers as part of a Netflix subscription. 

" Countdown To Paul-Tyson “ will air in three episodes with episodes 1 and 2 debuting on Netflix on Thursday, November 7th with episode 3 to follow on Tuesday, November 12.

For a preview of “Countdown To Paul-Tyson" see the video below:

Trailer Courtesy of: Netflix Used with permission.

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Spence-Ugas: Welterweight Unification

 

In an era where there are interim/regular championship designations in Boxing’s respective sanctioning organizations and sometimes those fighters who hold such designations get an opportunity to fight for a different world championship than the one shot they have earned due to the politics that be in the sport, it can at times be confusing to determine who the actual world champions are. Particularly when such scenarios occur, it is not uncommon to see such fights between a top contender/interim/regular “Champion” and a world champion from a different organization actually promoted as a unification bout.

 

While such scenarios are not in fact world title unification fights and are more or less used as a sales hook to draw in those who may not be as familiar with the structure of rankings in Boxing, it can unfortunately take away from those occasions when there is a legitimate unification bout taking place in the sport. Longtime readers know this observer’s stance on interim/regular championship designations throughout the sport as doing more harm than good in creating more problems than it was intended to solve.

 

Such a structure does however, serve a purpose in at least trying to ensure fighters that earn opportunities to fight for world championships do get that opportunity most of the time. In the case of Yordenis Ugas, he had held the World Boxing Association’s Interim/Regular championship designation in the 147lb. Welterweight division and was named champion prior to then WBA world champion Manny Pacquiao’s scheduled unification bout with undefeated IBF/WBC world champion Errol Spence last August. While this for a time created confusion due to the WBA’s ruling and was a circumstance of it’s own creation, as fate would have it, Ugas would get an opportunity to legitimize his claim on the title due to an eye injury to Spence forcing him to withdraw from the scheduled bout against Pacquiao.

 

Although the circumstances for Ugas were far from ideal in first being named world champion before getting an opportunity to fight the champion in a controversial ruling, then ironically getting the opportunity to step in to face that champion on short notice, Ugas put on an impressive performance in out Boxing the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao over twelve rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory and in the process successfully defend his crown for the first time. The significance of Ugas’ victory took a crucial turn in the days following the fight as Pacquiao chose to retire from the sport to focus on his political career as a current senator in his native Philippines and a run for the presidency of the country.

 

For Yordenis Ugas however, he was able to take a negative and turn it into a positive by legitimizing his claim on the World Welterweight championship and his victory over Pacquiao has now led to an even bigger opportunity as he will get the opportunity to face Errol Spence in a Welterweight unification bout on Saturday, April 16^th at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX. The fight, which will headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View card brings together two of the best fighters not only in the 147lb. Welterweight division, but in the entire sport.

 

In some ways it is ironic, yet simplistic that this fight has come about. For one, it should not be overlooked that Ugas stepped in for Spence who suffered a retinal detachment in his left eye. Understandably, despite successful surgery, some might have questioned if Spence’s career was in jeopardy after suffering an injury like that. Ugas’ victory over Pacquiao however, did create the obvious next step, which is for Ugas to get the opportunity to face Spence.

 

The bout between Spence and Ugas brings together two boxer/punchers who can each do a little bit of everything inside the ring. In thinking of how this fight might be fought, I immediately thought of Ugas’ fight with Manny Pacquiao in the sense that he had pretty much everything against him going into that fight. Taking a fight on short notice, doing so against one of the all-time great fighters, and having to do so in front of a mostly pro-Pacquiao crowd. While not the most ideal circumstances for a fighter in Ugas’ position, he succeeded by sticking to a fight plan with an emphasis on Boxing and gradually outworking Pacquiao as the fight progressed. A fight plan that also proved to be effective in taking the crowd out of the fight.

 

This time, Ugas will be in a similar circumstance as he will be fighting Spence before what is likely to be a pro-Spence crowd at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where the longtime Texas resident has fought two of his last three bouts. Given the similarities between the two in terms of style, this observer feels it crucial that Ugas find a way to establish the tempo of the combat early. Much like in his fight against Pacquiao, he needs to get into a rhythm early and keep his opponent, in this case Spence from being able to get into a rhythm himself.

 

While this is easier said than done, Ugas must find a way to accomplish this and, in the process, take what will likely be an enthusiastic crowd out of the equation as he was able to do against Pacquiao. In his most recent fight in December 2020, Spence out boxed former two-division world champion Danny Garcia over twelve rounds to retain his IBF/WBC world championship. The obvious question regarding Spence going into this fight is whether the eye injury will have an effect on him during the bout. Although it is not uncommon to hear of fighters suffering eye injuries over the course of their careers including the type that Spence suffered, it goes without saying that each fighter is different and at least for a period of time, that will be a question that Spence will have to deal with, not unlike when Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard went through a similar injury in the 1980’s. Though Leonard would retire twice during the decade, the question of the health of his eyes and the risk of permanent injury did go away as he eventually returned in 1987 off of his second retirement as a professional in 1984 and subsequently went on to take part in some of the marquee fights of the 1980’s.

 

Obviously, medical treatment and technology has advanced quite significantly since the 1980’s when it was thought that Leonard had suffered a career ending injury. For a fighter in his prime such as Spence, this fight presents an opportunity to not only further unify the 147lb. Welterweight division, but to answer any questions that might be regarding his eyes with one significant performance. Yordenis Ugas is not the easiest fighter to combat based on style, but Spence has been in the ring with fighters who were thought to pose a difficult challenge for him before and has resulted in him scoring convincing victories.

 

While it is logical to expect at least in the early rounds a tactical chess match between the two fighters, Spence needs to establish himself early and not allow Ugas to get into a rhythm and in a position to dictate the fight. When you have two highly skilled world champions sharing the same ring, it is a task that is often easier said than done. Although both fighters have also shown an ability to score knockouts in the undefeated Spence having stopped twenty-one of his twenty-seven professional opponents compared to Ugas’ twelve knockouts in twenty-seven career wins, it is hard to envision this fight being anything, but a tactical fight that will end in a decision. Does it mean that the fight will not end in a knockout? Of course not, but based on the styles of both fighters and the fight that both are comfortable going twelve rounds, this may come down to who is able to outwork the other.

 

As seems to be the case with most unification bouts, there is also the possibility of what might be ahead for the winner of this fight in a possible showdown with undefeated WBO world champion Terrence Crawford for what would be the Undisputed Welterweight championship of the world. Obviously, there are other things in play involving the politics of the sport that will likely play a part in how quickly such a fight can take place for the winner of this fight.

 

For the moment, Errol Spence and Yordenis Ugas only have to focus on the fight that is at hand, against each other. Although some might say this is simply another step for Spence on his road towards an undisputed world championship, this is the biggest fight in Yordenis Ugas’ career and like it was against Pacquiao, he is likely only focused on this fight and this fight alone. Whether we see the tactical fight this appears as though it will be, or an action fight that will be talked about in the weeks, months, and years to come remains to be seen. We will find out what happens on Saturday night April 16^th.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

 

 

Spence vs. Ugas takes place on Saturday, April 16^th at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX. The fight as well as a three fight undercard can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on Showtime Pay-Per-View in the United States and Canada for $74.95. Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information. The pay-per-view will also be available on the Showtime streaming app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For more information on how to order from Showtime please visit: www.sho.com/ppv.

 

Check your local listings internationally.

 

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

 

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Alvarez Sets Stage For An Undisputed Coronation?

 

The recent history of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has been as eventful outside the ring as his accomplishments inside the ring. While these recent times have been well-chronicled by virtually everyone in Boxing media including this observer, what began last year as a highly publicized dispute between Alvarez and his former promoter Oscar De La Hoya, and for a time also with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, resulting in his release from not only his promotional agreement with De La Hoya, but also his initial landmark $365 Million eleven fight agreement with his broadcaster, quickly evolved into one of the more active schedules of a fighter regarded as the top boxer in the entire sport in recent memory.

 

After aligning himself with promoter Eddie Hearn and returning to DAZN’s platform almost as quickly as he left, Alvarez has competed in three bouts in under six months. This began in December of last year when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Callum Smith to win Smith’s WBA Super-Middleweight world championship as well as the vacant WBC world championship in the same weight class. What followed in his first defense of his unified crown was what amounted to both a bout to stay busy as well as fulfill his mandatory obligation by scoring a third round stoppage of WBC mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim in February of this year,

 

The two wins in a short time frame for a fighter on the elite level of the sport by today’s standards provided the ideal preparation for Alvarez’ bout on May 8^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. A bout where he attempted to further unify the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division by facing undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders, holder of the WBO world championship in the division. 

 

With the world still dealing with the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, this fight also provided something we have not seen in what is unfortunately the COVID-19 era. A full stadium of rabid fans where there were no visible restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus. A crowd of over 73,000 spectators, setting an indoor record for the largest crowd to ever see a Boxing event in the United States were on hand for this showdown.

 

While such a mass gathering is a subject that will likely be debated due to the ongoing global crisis in terms of safety under the circumstances, the atmosphere did bring back fond memories of what Boxing can be at its best. An event as well as an exciting and competitive fight. In previewing this bout, this observer stated that one could argue from a stylistic standpoint that Saunders presented the most difficult challenge for Alvarez since his September 2013 bout against Floyd Mayweather, a fight that remains the only official loss of Alvarez’ career.

 

This was based on Saunders having an awkward Boxing style that in addition to fighting out of a southpaw stance, also incorporates consistent lateral movement, angles,  and combination punching. No opponent in Saunders’ thirty previous professional fights had been able to solve his puzzle, much less win rounds against him on a consistent basis. While there was no dispute as to where the crowd support would be in an event that headlined Cico De Mayo weekend, the stylistic challenge Saunders posed to Alvarez alone made this fight intriguing.

 

While this fight was one that was simple to describe in a pure boxer in Saunders trying to offset the boxer/puncher who can do a little of everything in Alvarez, it was an encounter where subtle things ended up being the difference. Saunders true to form attempted to establish himself as an elusive target from the outset by utilizing movement, trying to approach Alvarez with angles, while also trying to limit Alvarez’ opportunities to get his punches off.

 

This was the approach that this observer felt would be to Saunders’ advantage if he could execute it. Although he had periods of success throughout the fight, he could not keep Alvarez at a distance where he could have the advantage. What was also a tactical mistake in my eyes was Saunders’ willingness to stay in the pocket in spots where he could exchange offense with Alvarez. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term “In the pocket,”  it means that rather than using his legs to evade Alvarez, there were times where Saunders would stand in one spot and engage in exchanges of offense. While some fighters including Floyd Mayweather were able to use such tactics to their advantage throughout their careers, in this case, it worked against Saunders.

 

It worked against Saunders not only from the standpoint of allowing Alvarez opportunities to get his punches off, which more often than not were the harder punches being thrown, but also it created a scenario where Alvarez might have been able to sway opinion as to who was getting the upper hand, despite Saunders appearing to be the more active of the two fighters. What also worked against Saunders throughout this fight was his inability to avoid being backed up periodically by Alvarez against the ropes, which allowed Alvarez opportunities to land body punches. 

 

Although there was a period of time throughout this bout that I felt Saunders may have been ahead on the scorecards not only in my view, but on the three official judges scorecards based on his overall activity as well as his ability to somewhat limit Alvarez’ output in addition to making him miss with a portion of his offense, the subtlety of Alvarez being able to make the most out of the opportunities his did have to land offense made this a close fight in my view.

 

As the fight entered the eighth round, I felt Saunders was ahead based on the success he gradually was able to build in limiting Alvarez’ offense and being able to make him miss. While Saunders at no point was able to land a punch that visibly seemed to hurt Alvarez and, despite his combination punching throughout being sporadic, perhaps out of respect for Alvarez’ counter punching ability, it appeared as though Saunders was finding a rhythm that while not necessarily crowd pleasing, did make the fight competitive. 

 

Just as it seemed as though Saunders was building momentum, Alvarez responded in round eight with what was his best round of the fight as he was able to stun Saunders with an uppercut to the head. This set off a sequence where Alvarez was able to land several power shots. While Saunders did not get knocked down, he was in trouble for the first time in his career. To his credit, he was able to survive the round. Unfortunately, for Saunders, this is where his night would end in terms of competition as the bout was stopped after the eighth round by his trainer Mark Tibbs. 

 

Although the ending of this bout initially confused yours truly and it gave an initial impression that perhaps, Saunders having felt Alvarez’ power and being put in danger for the first time in his career simply did not want to continue, which subsequently led to both criticism and ridicule by Boxing fans throughout social media, it did not take long for the reason why the fight was stopped to become clear. During the course of the eighth round, the uppercut that Alvarez was able to land to Saunders’ head that stunned him landed in the area around Saunders’ right eye, which resulted in rapid swelling around the area and the eye appeared to be nearly swollen shut by the time Saunders was able to get back to his corner at the conclusion of the eighth round.

 

Mark Tibbs would later explain in post-fight interviews including on Boxing media outlet’s Seconds Out YouTube channel that Saunders has told him that he could not see and it was his call and not Saunders to stop the fight. It was later revealed that Saunders, who left the ring under his own power, but was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital soon afterward, had suffered what was believed to be a broken eye socket. Promoter Eddie Hearn via Twitter would confirm the day following the fight that Saunders had suffered multiple fractures to the orbital area around his right eye, which required surgery that Hearn said would occur later in the day.

 

While obviously in the era of social media there is never a shortage of opinions amongst Boxing fans that range from the well thought perspective to the frankly ill-advised in the way one might express their view, the reality here is while Saunders wanted to continue, an injury such as one to the eye socket and orbital area around the eye is extremely serious and potentially career threatening. Although some fans may not want to hear this and all too often allow their fandom to not view things objectively, the decision of trainer Mark Tibbs to stop the fight, putting his fighter’s long-term health as the priority over the opportunity to emerge from this fight as a unified world champion in what was to date the biggest fight in Saunders’ career both from a financial standpoint as well as from a marquee event perspective, was the right call to make.

 

Even though the Boxing fan no matter their view is entitled to just that, their view, Boxing is still a combat sport and much like how a fight can end at any given time, so too can a fighter’s career or life. Fortunately, once it became apparent that Saunders had suffered a serious injury, his trainer made the correct decision to not send his fighter out for what possibly might have resulted in permanent damage. Obviously, it remains to be seen what the future will be for Billy Joe Saunders, but in this observer’s view, he has nothing to be ashamed of and made a good account of himself in defeat.

 

As for Saul Alvarez, for a fighter who had more battles and disputes outside the ring last year than unfortunately he did in the ring, he now is on the brink of doing something no other fighter has been able to do in the history of the sport, fully unify the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. The lone obstacle is undefeated IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant.

 

Although from a business perspective there is also an obstacle that could be present as Plant is aligned with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, who’s current broadcast agreements with networks Fox Sports and Showtime in the United States, put them as rivals to DAZN, who have been able to retain their relationship with Alvarez and Eddie Hearn, who Alvarez has also formed a partnership with, the reality is Alvarez is in the driver’s seat. In the driver’s seat both in terms of being able to command lucrative paydays as well as the ability even as the world continues to deal with COVID-19, to draw massive crowds and attention whenever he fights.

 

With DAZN continuing to expand their global reach and maintaining their relationship with Alvarez, it is up to Caleb Plant to decide whether he will want to fight Alvarez on DAZN’s network or if he will insist on the bout taking place under the PBC banner. Although the PBC has also done good for the sport since it launched in 2015, it has also seen its share of struggles particularly due to its reluctance to embrace digital subscription based streaming as an option for its marquee cards, choosing instead to rely on the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view, something that has not proved to be successful and which differs significantly from it’s initial concept of bringing “Big Time Boxing” back to free over the air (OTA) television here in the United States.

 

While DAZN in recent months has used the pay-per-view medium, one that they market as an alternative to, as a way to reach non-subscribers on a selective basis, their position is growing stronger. What this means for a fighter in Caleb Plant’s position is not only the possibility to face Alvarez for all the gold in the Super-Middleweight division, but to also do so on a platform that could offer him the opportunity to make more money for one fight than he has had before in his career. Even though Saul Alvarez is chasing history in wanting to secure his legacy as an all-time great fighter and Plant much like Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders would walk into an encounter with Alvarez unbeaten, in terms of the business of the sport, Plant is in the position where he needs a fight with Alvarez more than Alvarez needs a fight with him. Something he should consider when the time comes negotiate.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

 

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Alvarez-Saunders: The Road To Super-Middleweight Supremacy Continues

 

On Saturday, May 8^th the Boxing world will focus on AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX for one of the most anticipated fights of 2021. The Super-Middleweight unification clash between WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders, the current WBO Super-Middleweight world champion. A unification bout, which will be broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, that frankly represents a dangerous style match up for Alvarez, the fighter regarded as the top star in the entire sport in the eyes of many.

 

For the fighter known to fans simply as “Canelo”, this fight will be his third bout in six months after defeating previously undefeated WBA world champion Callum Smith last December in a bout where the vacant WBC world championship in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Although it is rare to see a fighter of Alvarez’ level compete as often as this recent stretch in the present day of the sport of Boxing, from an old-school standpoint, the more active a fighter is regardless of their standing in the sport, theoretically the better they are conditioned and prepared for marquee fights such as this.

 

In his last bout in what was his first title defense of his unified portion of the Super-Middleweight world championship, Alvarez scored a third round stoppage of WBC number one mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. A bout where frankly Alvarez did not face much resistance and one where he knocked Yildirim down before Yildirim quit on his stool at the conclusion of the third round. Although many Boxing fans criticized Alvarez for taking the bout against Yildirim based on an obvious skill difference between the two, fights such as that one served the purpose as both one that allows a star of the sport to stay busy in between marquee bouts as well as fulfill mandatory defense obligations of the sanctioning organizations, whose world championships Alvarez holds, which have to be fulfilled on an annual basis.

 

While Alvarez’ victory over Yildirim did not amount to much more than the aforementioned criteria, it also served as an unofficial “Tune-up” for the next marquee fight to come in the form of undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders. Saunders, who will enter the fight unbeaten with a record of 30-0, with 14 Knockouts compared to Alvarez’ record of 55-1-2, with 37 Knockouts, has won world championships in the 160lb. Middleweight division as well as the WBO Super-Middleweight crown he currently holds.

 

A southpaw with an awkward and elusive style that has an emphasis on both lateral movement and hand speed, several of the marquee fighters in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions have opted against fighting against Saunders. The reason for this has seemed to be that from a business perspective, Saunders has been a high risk/low reward option based on his having a style that is not always crowd-pleasing, but more specifically having a style that has presented a puzzle that opponents have yet to solve. 

 

Although Saunders has victories over notable opponents including Willie Monroe Jr, his last bout against longtime contender Martin Murray in December of last year, and former two-time IBO Super-Middleweight world champion Chris Eubank Jr., perhaps the most notable of his thirty career wins came against former WBO Middleweight world champion David Lemieux in December 2017. A bout that took place in Lemieux’ home country of Canada. Despite being at a disadvantage in terms of crowd support and in a scenario where one might have assumed that he might not have gotten a fair shake in terms of scoring, Saunders dominated a fighter in Lemieux, who is a “Knockout Artist” that was also a potential opponent for Saul Alvarez for a time, in earning a wide twelve round unanimous decision over him.

 

In some ways, the scenario the British-born and based Saunders found himself in for that bout against Lemieux may turn out to be the ideal preparation as he now prepares for the biggest fight of his career against the Mexican-born Alvarez, who will have sizable crowd support in AT&T Stadium from his rabid fanbase. The style match up between the two also provides some intrigue.

 

One could argue that stylistically this bout could be the most difficult bout for Alvarez since his September 2013 bout against Floyd Mayweather, a bout that to date remains the lone career defeat in Alvarez’ career. This is based on both Mayweather and Saunders being fighters with elusive styles that mixes defense with deceptive hand speed and power that many opponents have not been able to have consistent success in landing offense. While one could also argue that Alvarez has used that loss to Mayweather as not only motivation, but also as a way to improve on what Mayweather was able to take advantage of as well as his overall skillset, Saunders though having a different type of elusive style than Mayweather, appears to be the type of fighter that could give Alvarez similar problems.

 

The key to this fight in this observer’s eyes is whether Saunders can keep Alvarez from being able to get into a consistent rhythm. Even though both Alvarez and Saunders are boxer/punchers, Alvarez could have an advantage in terms of punching power. An asset that Saunders has here at least going into this fight has been his ability to hit and not be hit. Another aspect of Saunders’ style that has been frustrating for opponents is he can also switch between his base southpaw stance and an orthodox stance, which can make it even more challenging for an opponent to find their rhythm.

 

Saunders must be elusive from the outset and tactical. In simple terms, he needs to set the tempo of the combat, look to set traps, and take advantage of what openings Alvarez might leave him. While this is an approach that Saunders has shown that he can execute well throughout his career, a danger that might be present in this fight is the potential for Saunders to become complacent. In that if he is able to have success in this fight and find himself in a position where he is ahead by a reasonable margin or though it might seem on the scorecards, it will be interesting to see what might happen if after seeing success, if Saunders will choose to stand and trade punches with Alvarez. A decision some previous opponents have made that have proven to be a big mistake.

 

While Saunders, who stands 5’11 and has a seventy-one inch reach will have a three inch height advantage and a one inch reach advantage over Alvarez, Alvarez has shown particularly in his bouts against Rocky Fielding and Callum Smith the ability to neutralize an opponent’s height and reach. Although it is a task that can be easier said than done, Alvarez must find a way to neutralize Saunders’ ability to use lateral movement, must cut the ring off, and get on the inside of Saunders. When Alvarez has been able to get on the inside of his opponents, he has shown that he can execute a consistent body attack that has at times been devastating.

 

In terms of what the odds for this fight are, it is also interesting. According to the latest odds analysis from SportsBettingDime.com, Alvarez is favored by a wide margin. That said, there is some variation in the betting market. Canelo is as short as -800 and as long as -675. Saunders ranges from +425 to +550. His most optimistic odds (i.e. +425) give him a 19% chance to win, while his longest odds only allow the Briton a 15.4% chance.

 

The odds are both an indication of Alvarez’ overall popularity as well as standing in the sport. Whether or not the odds will match up with the style matchup between the two and indeed favors Alvarez remains to be seen.

 

Cinco De Mayo weekend in the sport of Boxing has traditionally produced some of the sport’s most memorable battles. If the intriguing battle Alvarez-Saunders appears to be on paper manifests into a great fight inside the ring, it will be the latest among memorable Boxing events to take place on Cinco De Mayo weekend. We will see who emerges victorious on Saturday night.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

 

Alvarez vs. Saunders takes place on Saturday, May 8^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The entire card can be seen globally (Excluding Mexico) on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U.S. Time). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

In Mexico, the bout can be seen on TV Azteca. Please visit www.TVAzteca.com for channel and start time in your area,

 

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

 

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Alvarez-Saunders Lands At AT&T Stadium In Dallas

 

Press Release: By DAZN – Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will clash in front of over 60,000 fans in a World Super-Middleweight title unification blockbuster at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN. Pre-sales for the blockbuster fight will start on Tuesday March 23 with general sale beginning on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com.  

Credit: DAZN 

 

Mexican superstar Canelo puts his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine titles on the line at the Home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco de Mayo weekend, as British favorite Saunders brings his WBO strap across the pond and looks to extend his unbeaten pro record against the pound-for-pound king in front of the biggest sporting crowd for over a year in the US.

 

“We are proud to host a boxing match of this magnitude as we welcome back Canelo Alvarez to AT&T Stadium to take on Billy Joe Saunders,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to house the greatest sporting events on the planet, and we feel we have another incredible boxing event on the horizon with this matchup taking place in Arlington on May 8th.”

 

Saunders is the fourth Briton to face the Mexican star and the second to do so at AT&T Stadium, after Canelo defeated Liam Smith there in September 2016. May 8 will also be the fifth stadium show for Canelo in the Lone Star state having fought twice at the Alamodome in San Antonio and at Minute Maid Park, Home of the Houston Astros.

 

“It’s an absolute honor to bring this huge event to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Last year Canelo missed out on his historic Cinco De Mayo fight, and to bring over 60,000 fans together at this iconic stadium this year is a dream come true.

 

“This fight is the biggest of 2021 so far with Canelo looking to unify the division once more against undefeated two-weight World champion Billy Joe Saunders. We want to thank Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium for their efforts to bring this global event to their stunning facility and we look forward to giving the fans a momentous occasion and a Cinco de Mayo celebration they will never forget.”

 

“For 2021’s biggest boxing event to date, it’s hard to imagine a better place than AT&T Stadium,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “We look forward to delivering a world-class event from this world-class venue to DAZN subscribers across the globe.”

 

Tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday March 23 from 10am CT, with tickets starting from just $40 (plus fees. Pre-sale ends at 10pm CT on Thursday March 25, and tickets then go on general sale at 10am CT on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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