Stevenson Looks To Make Successful First Defense Of Lightweight Crown

 

With the departure of former Undisputed Lightweight world champion Devin Haney, the period of transition in the 135lb. Lightweight division continues with several world champions in the division looking to make their claim as being the best Lightweight in the world. In recent times both Vasyl Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis have made their respective arguments. Lomachenko emerged as a unified world champion in the division on May 12th with an eleventh round stoppage of IBO world champion George Kambosos in Kambosos’ home country of Australia. Along with the IBO world championship, Lomachenko also gained the vacant IBF crown, emerging as a unified world champion, and in many ways, by default, because he became a unified world champion, became the fighter that all top contenders, other world champions, and would be prospects look to target for a potential fight. The vacant WBO world championship would be decided on May 18th when undefeated top contender Denys Berinchyk scored what many felt was an upset in scoring a twelve round split decision over the heavily favored former three-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete in San Diego, CA.

This was followed by Gervonta Davis, who was recently elevated to world champion in the WBA Lightweight ratings, making a successful first defense of his piece of the World Lightweight championship with a brutal eighth round knockout of previously unbeaten top contender Frank Martin in Las Vegas, NV on June 15th. A fight and Davis appeared to be losing, only for the champion to graciously walk his opponent down and end matters with a brutal right uppercut, left him combination. As much of a statement as that knockout was by Davis, there is one more world champion in the Lightweight division that is awaiting his chance to make his claim as being the best Lightweight in the world. 

Yours truly is referring to undefeated three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson, who is the current holder of the WBC World Lightweight championship. Stevenson won the then vacant WBC crown with a twelve round unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos in November of last year. While Stevenson did what he had to do in that fight to win a world championship in his third weight class, it was not a crowd-pleasing performance by Stevenson who tends to be underappreciated by some for his overall skillset and his ability to box rather than engaging in a more toe to toe battle with his opponents.

Following the success of Lomachenko, Berinchyk, and Davis, Stevenson will now look to make the first defense of his WBC crown on July 6th as he will face current WBC number seven Lightweight contender Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Stevenson’s hometown of Newark, NJ. A world championship bout that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.

While this fight has all the appearance of a homecoming for the champion in a venue that he has fought three times previously in his career, what does the challenger bring with him into this fight? Artem Harutyunyan has had thirteen professional fights and has only one defeat. Some might argue that the setback for the Armenian-born, German-based Harutyunyan came in his only opportunity to date to step up in the caliber of opposition in terms of world level. The defeat came in losing a twelve round unanimous decision to Frank Martin in July of last year, which was coincidentally Harutyunyan’s last fight. 

The effort he showed in that fight however, in what was a close and competitive contest, along with his having won titles on the regional level of the sport including titles affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC), earned him the number seven ranking in their Lightweight ratings. While Harutyunyan does have a limited resume in terms of facing world-rated opposition, he has scored knockouts in seven of his twelve victories, albeit against largely unknown opposition.

Nevertheless, the challenger faces a significant uphill battle against Stevenson. The onus is on Harutyunyan to show what he can do and show that this is a more serious fight than some are anticipating. 

The old adage of styles make fights almost always applies to just about any fight, but the adage that this observer is often quoted as saying should also apply. “Boxing Is A Sport Of Opportunity." While just about every attribute one could measure seems to be in favor of the champion Stevenson, from overall experience on the world championship level to style in being elusive, to hand speed, sometimes all a fighter wants is an opportunity. There is always the possibility for a challenger, a significant underdog, to pull off a surprise, despite what logic and statistics might suggest. Whether Artem Harutyunyan can do that remains to be seen as does whether Stevenson can make a convincing argument for himself as the number one fighter amidst the latest refresh of the Lightweight division. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan takes place on Saturday, July 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The fight and its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6PM ET/3PM PT. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

(*Card and Start Time Subject To Change*)

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Lopez-Gonzalez Thoughts

 Mexican Independence Day weekend has traditionally been one of the marquee dates on the Boxing calendar ever year routinely featuring some of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. The 2023 Mexican Independence Day weekend featured a bout for the IBF Featherweight championship of the world between defending champion Luis Lopez and two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez, who was getting his third opportunity to win a world championship. A fight that took place at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX on September 15th. While many of the previous battles that have taken place during Mexican Independence Day weekend have featured fighters regarded as the marquee attractions in the sport facing off against each other, this fight may not have been regarded as being in that category by some, but it was a solid encounter between two world-class fighters and featured a world champion in Lopez, who’s star has been on the rise.

It was also a fight that featured a sub-plot of whether Joet Gonzalez, a solid top contender could finally get across the finish line to become a world champion after falling short in his previous two attempts. Although some may be critical of the structure in the sport that seemingly makes the path to a world championship easier in the eyes of some, it is still a task that can prove easier said than done, and for some fighters proves to be an ever elusive goal. One thing that Gonzalez did have going for him entering this fight was that he gave a good account of himself in fights against Shakur Stevenson and Emanuel Navvarrete. He had also never been stopped in his career. This would prove to be a test for a world champion in Lopez, who by all accounts seemed to be riding high after scoring a majority decision over Josh Warrington in December of last year to win the IBF world championship and then scoring an impressive knockout win of top contender Michael Conlan earlier this year. Two fights where Lopez fought both men in each’s backyard of the United Kingdom. 

In his second title defense it was interesting to see if Lopez could continue to build on his momentum. What occurred when the two fighters got into the ring could best be described as a tactical Boxing match between two fighters who could do a bit of everything with each fighter having their share of moments in many of the same rounds throughout the twelve round world championship fight. Such a scenario presents a difficult task for those scoring a fight to determine which fighter got the upper hand. 

What stood out to this observer early on was the pressure that Gonzalez put on Lopez in trying to force him back against the ropes. While a consistent pressure attack when executed right can often lead to success for the fighter applying said pressure as a fight progresses, this was a fight where even though Gonzalez was successful in applying the pressure, he had trouble maintaining the champion on the ropes due to Lopez’ ability to move, throw punches at odd angles, and be elusive. Despite having sixteen knockouts in his twenty-eight career wins prior to this fight, Lopez has never struck me as the type of fighter that can end a fight with one punch, but rather one that because of his ability to throw and land punches at varying angles, could stop opponents either by catching them with punches they do not see as they press forward or by gradually administering what would be defined as an accumulation of punishment that eventually breaks his opponents down. In some ways, Lopez’ unorthodox style reminds yours truly of another great Featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed, who had one of the most awkward styles I had ever seen, but one that proved to be extremely effective throughout his career. While I would argue that Hamed had more punching power than Lopez, the similarities between the two styles is hard to ignore and much like Hamed, Lopez’ style works well for him. So well that in this fight, there were periods where, despite being pressured constantly by Gonzalez, Lopez would find ways to evade, land combinations, and then try to tie Gonzalez up when he was able to get close.

As the fight progressed into the second half however, it seemed that it was Gonzalez landing the harder punches of the two, despite his face gradually becoming cut and busted up over the course of the bout as a result of punishment dished out by Lopez. Although the fight remained close in my eyes, it was the pressure as well as the hard shots Gonzalez was able to land, particularly with his right hand and also his left hook, that seemed to push him ahead slightly as the fight entered the championship rounds. Entering rounds eleven and twelve, I felt the fight could go either way and I also felt that a decision would be closely scored due again to both fighters having periods of success in the same rounds as well as nether fighter being able to score knockdowns throughout. 

Much as had been the case throughout the entire fight, the last two rounds were closely fought and it become a question of what does one prefer in how they score a fight to determine who would ultimately get the nod. Would it be the consistent pressure and hard punches of Gonzalez over the second half of the fight, or would it be the elusiveness and ability to catch Gonzalez as he came forward, as well as periodically being able to make him miss that Lopez was able to accomplish that would determine who would win the fight?

After a lifetime watching the sport and almost as long covering it, I can say in all truth and honesty that there is not much that surprises me anymore when it comes to scoring of a fight on any level of the sport because, a judge’s criteria in how they score is truly unique based on clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense. It is also worth noting that even though a decision may prove to be unanimous in favor of one fighter, each judge has their own viewpoint/criteria based on the aforementioned standard in which Boxing is scored. What I can say is that at the conclusion of twelve rounds, I felt that Joet Gonzalez had done enough to win the fight seven rounds to five or 115-113 in points. While I do stand by my scoring in feeling that Gonzalez’ pressure and harder punches were enough to eek out a decision over the second half of the fight, I also felt that, despite my view, Gonzalez probably would not get the nod from the three official judges, based on how effective Lopez was able to execute his fight plan over the first six rounds. Whether one would call it a “Gut Feeling” or the intuition of a seasoned Boxing scribe, the instinct that even though I felt Gonzalez had done enough to win the fight, but would not get the decision, proved to be accurate as all three judges scored the fight in favor of Lopez giving the champion a successful second defense of his IBF world championship. 

A point of contention that some will perhaps point to however, is that the three judges scored the fight by wide margins in favor of Lopez. 118-110, (Ten rounds to two) 117-111, (Nine rounds to three) and 116-112. (Eight rounds to four) While these scores do not reflect the close action that occurred in the ring between Lopez and Gonzalez, it does boil down to what a judge prefers in their own criteria as well as where they are positioned at ringside that can play a role in how a fight is scored. A;though I felt Gonzalez won this fight by a close margin, I do not feel that the outcome of this bout was controverisal because Lopez did have moments throughout the fight and a fighter’s ability to defend and evade punches is something that also should be taken into consideration in how a fight is ultimately scored. What I will say however, is the stock of Joet Gonzalez in the 126lb. Featherweight division has risen and even though Luis Lopez successfully retained his world championship, there will be some who might feel that it is Gonzaelz who comes out of this fight looking better than the champion. What the outcome of this fight and perhaps the perception of some fans leads to going forward for both fighters remains to be seen. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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Joshua And Navarrete Triumph On A Memorable Day In Boxing

Following a week where his bout required a substitution, former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua returned to the ring to face longtime Heavyweight contender Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena in London, England. The main story of this fight was that because Helenius took the bout on a little more than four days notice, what type of fight would occur inside the ring when he faced Joshua on August 12th. This was a question that proved to be warranted because Joshua after all did lose his first world championship in June 2019 to Andy Ruiz, a fighter who took that fight on limited notice. The commonality between the two bouts unfortunately was that each came as a result of Joshua’s original opponent testing positive for banned substances. 

Although it is hard to ignore that coincidence, that would prove to be the only similarity between the two bouts. While in his first encounter with Ruiz, Joshua was reckless when he was able to score a knockdown of Ruiz in a memorable third round, which resulted in him getting caught, knocked down, and ultimately losing his title via stoppage, this time around the primary takeaway was Joshua’s patience. In that he was able to implement a tactical strategy where the primary weapon was his jab. An approach that was nearly identical to the one Joshua used in his bout with Heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin in April of this year. 

A fighter implementing a tactical strategy is something that does not always lend itself to the appreciation of Boxing fans, especially when the fighter who is executing such a strategy is known for scoring quick knockouts as Joshua is. It is an approach however, that more often than not, proves to be successful. This fight would prove to be no different as Joshua frequently landed his jab and was able to control the tempo of the fight simply based on being able to land it frequently. While not always entertaining, it does a few things that some fans might overlook, one, it can limit an opponent’s ability to throw punches simply because it is a weapon that can make an opponent reluctant to throw punches because of the possibility of getting countered. The second thing a consistent jab can do beyond winning rounds and limiting an opponent’s offense is, it can gradually bust an opponent up and cause among other things swelling and bleeding. 

This set up a scenario where much like Joshua's performance against Jermaine Franklin earlier this year, it was a workmanlike performance where Joshua simply bided his time and took his time gradually mixing in hooks and right hands behind his jab. It would be a right hand in the seventh round that landed high on the head of Helenius that sent the longtime contender down hard and out on the canvas, the fight was over.

While some might be critical of Joshua's performance as was the case after his victory over Franklin, I felt that he was consistent and with this fight being his second under new trainer Derrick James, he is gradually showing improvement while also showing new wrinkles to his Boxing style. It is something that is not always appreciated, but it does show that a boxer's skillset never stops evolving as long as the fighter is committed to learning new things among the polishing and refinement process that takes place as a fighter prepares for competition. This fight should also prove that the biggest benefit to a fighter is being active regardless of what level you might be at in the sport.

With two wins in 2023, Joshua appears to be heading towards a showdown with former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. While this is a fight that has been a wish for many Boxing fans for years and would have been bigger than what it would be now if it had taken place while both Joshua and Wilder were world champions as it would have led to an undisputed champion being crowned in the division, it is still one of the bigger fights that could be made currently and the only question might be whether that fight would be next or if Joshua might be able to get one more fight in before facing Wilder.

The key for Joshua will be to stay active because being active will allow him the best opportunity for success when fights that are more lucrative come along. Despite the economics that be in the sport that do not always promote the idea of consistent activity for fighters at or near the top level of the sport, we have seen time and time again the flaws of inactivity when a fighter or more specifically their promoters and management teams only want marquee fights where either the fighter underperforms or outright loses to an opponent that prior to that fight was more active and in competition on a regular basis.

Anthony Joshua's comeback continuing was not, however, the only bout that took place on August 12th of significant interest to the Boxing public. Following Joshua's win over Helenius, the Boxing world focused its attention on the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ for a fight that many observers, including yours truly, felt that a Fight of the Year candidate would take place. The battle for the WBO Jr. Lightweight world championship between champion Emanuel Navarrete and former WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Oscar Valdez did not disappoint.

In previewing this fight, I started that both Navarrete and Valdez had similar styles and with each being a fighter that likes to come forward, it ultimately proved to be worth the anticipation that preceded it. From the opening bell, the two fighters engaged in a battle that was fought at a high pace with each having his share of moments throughout. 

What stood out to me however was the difference in size between the two fighters. Although both men made the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight limit, Navarrete looked like the much bigger fighter to the extent that he looked like perhaps a full 135lb. Lightweight or maybe even a 140lb. Jr. Welterweight compared to Valdez, who looked smaller in comparison. There were a few additional things that would ultimately prove to be crucial in this fight. First, despite the near non-stop pace in which this bout was fought, Navarrete was able to control a significant portion of the combat with his jab and this in addition to seeming to land the harder punches of the two in a toe to toe battle gave him the edge, despite Valdez having several moments throughout the fight where he appears to stun Navarrete. 

The courage both men displayed in this fight is something that can also not go unnoticed as by the late rounds of the scheduled twelve round world championship bout, Valdez was figuring with his right eye shown shut as a result of the jab and power punches of Navarrete. Despite fighting with an apparent injury to his right hand, Navarrete was able to kerp what was an ungodly pace in throwing 1,038 total punches and landing 216 according to CompuBox compared to Valdez' 436 total punches thrown and landing 140. While Valdez was ultimately the more accurate of the two, which made the fight competitive and close in landing nearly 33% of his total punches to Navarrete's near 21%, it was the greater activity of the champion that led to him retaining his title via twelve round unanimous decision. Unofficially, I had Navarrete winning this fight eight rounds to four or 116-112 in points.

While I felt Navarrete won this fight clearly, I also felt that it was highly competitive and have a strong feeling as someone who has covered several notable series of fights over the years including many trilogies that this might be the conclusion of chapter one in the story of Emanuel Navarrete versus Oscar Valdez. Boxing is a sport, but part of it is the constant desire of promoters and networks to want to put on the most competitive and most entertaining fights for their respective audience. Although this desire does not always happen on a consistent basis for several reasons related to the business of the sport, which more often than not does not serve in Boxing's best interest, this is a case where two fighters are willing to face each other and both said following the fight that if the fans wanted to see a rematch, they would be open to it. Style wise, the competition level and intensity will likely be the same no matter how many times Navarrete and Valdez fight. 

Ultimately, August 12, 2023 was a memorable day in the sport of Boxing. Not only did the Boxing fans get to see the next chapter in the comeback story of a former Heavyweight champion of the world that almost didn not happen, which resulted in what could be a candidate for Knockout of the Year, but what followed later in the day was a fight that lived up to every bit of hype as the potential Fight of the year for 2023. The real winners were the Boxing fans.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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Mini Preview: Joshua-Helenius / Navarrete-Valdez

 The day of August 12, 2023 will be an interesting one highlighted by two fights in Boxing’s Heavyweight and Jr. Lightweight divisions. While this observer was intending to provide readers of a thorough preview of the Heavyweight bout in the days leading up to August 12th, as most know those plans changed one week prior to the scheduled bout, which also necessitated a change in the plans of yours truly. The bout that yours truly is referring to is the scheduled rematch between former two-time World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte. A fight that seemingly had a lot on the table for both fighters, but more specifically for Joshua, who has a potential lucrative fight against former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder later this year or perhaps in January 2024. The rematch however, will not take places it was revealed that Whyte Had tested positive for what was described as a quote “Adverse Finding” in tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) resulting in the fight being canceled.

While Joshua would have been fully within his rights to not fight on and instead go straight to the potential fight with Wilder, he chose to fight on in wanting to stay as active as he can. On a little more than four days notice, A substitute opponent was found in the form of longtime Heavyweight contender and former European Heavyweight champion Robert Helenius. A fight that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

Quite frankly, the story of this fight is one that is simple. Will Joshua be able to adapt to a different opponent on such short notice after having trained to fight Dillian Whyte. Although due in part to the circumstances this fight cannot be analyzed too much given the time constraints, Joshua has been in this position before, and the last time it did not turn out successful for him. 

Many likely remember Joshua's first reign as a Heavyweight world champion coming to an end in June 2019 when Andy Ruiz stepped in on short notice under circumstances similar to this where he replaced Jarrell Miller, who had tested positive for performance-enhancing substances, and despite the limited time to prepare, he knocked Joshua out and became Heavyweight champion of the world in the process. This time around, Joshua is facing a light place dangerous opponent in Helenius, but one that was caught cold in October of last year when he suffered a one punch knockout loss in the first round to Deontay Wilder. Coincidentally, Helenius fought last week in his native Finland and scored a third round knockout of a inexperienced opponent, so while he is stepping in on short notice, one might argue he might have an edge simply because he fought seven days prior to this bout taking place and did not take any damage during that bout.

It should not have to be explained that when two big Heavyweights get into a ring, each with knockout power in either hand, anything can happen and this is a scenario where Helenius has nothing to lose, but everything to gain and Joshua has everything to lose including the possibility to take one step closer to fighting for a world title once again. While Joshua-Helenius will be taking place at the O2 Arena in London, England, the second bout that will be taking place on August 12th might have the potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate. A battle for the WBO Jr. Lightweight world championship between champion Emanuel Navarrete and former WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Oscar Valdez A fight that will take place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+. 

A battle between two boxer/punchers who have come forward pressure styles that can do a little of everything. This fight on the surface seems like it will be a better stylistic match up for Valdez who lost his WBC championship in April of last year in a unification bout with Shakur Stevenson. Valdez was outboxed that night by a superior boxer, but a boxer who did not engage with him and did not go toe to toe with him. While that fight, which was the first loss of Valdez’ career can be described as a bad style match up and one where he just could nullify Stevenson’s movement, this fight seems to be more in Valdez' wheelhouse simply because both he and Navarrete have similar styles. It is based on the styles of Navarrete and Valdez that some are calling this potentially the Fight of the Year in 2023.

This observer will not hype things too much because it is not needed when discussing two fighters that like to come forward and engage. Given what could be seen as an inevitable collision based on the styles of the two fighters and the fact that much like Joshua and Helenius, both have knockout power in either hand, it certainly would not surprise me to see this fight heat up very quickly and both fighters being more than willing to engage each other. Such a scenario may simply come down to who is able to land flush first, but with each fighter knowing what the other could do, may present an opportunity for one of them to take a more tactical approach at least in the early rounds. It will be interesting to see which fighter will take that approach, if either do, or if this could be what amounts to a shootout from the opening bell.

While the week that preceded these two fights began with one being made in the shadow of one of the negative flaws in the sport of the issue of performance enhancing substances, leading once more to a fight being canceled, one can only hope that the week will end on a bright note for the sport. Two competitive fights would certainly help to make that happen. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Joshua vs. Helenius takes place on Saturday, August 12th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it’s full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning with Before the Bell, which will feature preliminary bouts that will begin at 12:30 PM ET/9:30 AM PT. This will be followed by the main portion of the card that will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT. 

For more about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Navarrete vs. Valdez takes place on Saturday, August 12th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. The full card can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 7:55PM ET/4:55PM PT. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

(*Cards and Start times Subject to change.*)

(*Check your local listings internationally.*)

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Navarrete Gets Off The Canvas To Stop Wilson In 9 To Become Three-Division World Champion In A Classic

 

Former two-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete can call himself a three-division world champion after scoring a thrilling come from behind ninth round knockout of Liam Wilson on Friday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ to win the vacant WBO Jr. Lightweight world championship. A very competitive fight from the outset, Navarrete as is his custom tried to overwhelm Wilson with high volume punching. What appeared to be setting up to be a close tactical fight suddenly changed in the fourth round when Wilson connected with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent Navarrete down hard in a corner of the ring for the first time in his career. The fighter, who had held world titles in the Jr. Featherweight and Featherweight divisions prior to this fight, appeared to drop his mouthpiece following the knockdown, which bought him crucial extra seconds to try and compose himself. Despite this, Navarrete was clearly hurt and appeared to be out on his feet at this stage of the fight, but somehow managed to pull himself together and survived the round.

 

As the fight progressed the two fighters continued to exchange heavy punches with the relative unknown Wilson, who was challenging for a world championship in only his thirteenth professional fight more than held his own, even as Navarrete eventually regained his composure and resumed throwing punches at a high rate. What had become almost an instant classic had a sudden conclusion in the ninth round when Navarrete connected with a flush right hook in the opening seconds that dropped Wilson. Wilson was able to get up, but had no answer for what become an all-out assault as Navarrete continued to throw punches relentlessly until the Referee Chris Flores stepped in and stopped the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:57 of round nine. Emanuel Navarrete advances to 37-1, with 31 Knockouts. Liam Wilson falls to 11-2, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender Arnold Barboza scored a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. A highly competitive fight, Barboza’s quicker hands, ability to get off first, and forcing the combat proved to be the difference between the two fighters. Barboza was also able to withstand a late rally from the former world champion that saw several heated exchanges of offense between the two fighters. Official scores were: 97-93, and 96-94 (On two scorecards in favor of Barboza. Arnold Barboza advances to 28-0, with 10 Knockouts. Jose Pedraza falls to 29-5-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

2020 Olympic Silver medalist Heavyweight Richard Torrez moved to 5-0 in his career with a first round knockout of late replacement James Bryant. Torrez immediately put Bryant in survival mode with heavy punches from the opening bell. A flush left uppercut from the southpaw stance put Bryant down in the latter seconds of round one. Following the end of the round, Bryant informed his corner that he had injured his ankle and the bout was stopped. Richard Torrez advances to 5-0, with 5 Knockouts. James Bryant falls to 6-3, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Lightweight Andres Cortes remained unbeaten in his career by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Luis Melendez. An at times ugly fight to watch due to dirty tactics and grappling between the two fighters, Cortes outworked and out landed Melendez over the ten round bout. Cortes however, was badly cut in round six over his left eyelid as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Despite the gash over his left eye, Cortes’ corner managed to keep him in the fight and he was able to win the fight by sweeping all three official judges scorecards. Official scores were 100-90. Andres Cortes advances to 18-0, with 10 Knockouts. Luis Melendez falls to 17-3, with 13 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, remained unbeaten in his career by scoring a six round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Eduardo Ayala. Ayala put Ali Walsh to the test early in this fight as he found a home for his right hand. To Ali Walsh’s credit, he took the shots of Ayala well and responded in the second round by dropping him with a flush right hand to the chin that sent Ayala down and hurt. Ayala showed his mettle by continuing on and, despite taking significant punishment through the remainder of the fight at the hands of Ali Walsh, did make it to the final bell in his hometown. Official scores were: 60-53, and 59-54 (On two scorecards) in favor of Ali Walsh. Nico Ali Walsh advances to 8-0, with 5 Knockouts. Eduardo Ayala falls to 9-3-1, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Rising Jr. Welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado scored a lopsided eight round unanimous decision over veteran Clarence Booth. What had all the appearance of a workmanlike performance for Delgado, which was largely highlighted by his movement and timing of his offense, Delgado was able to nearly end the fight in the eighth and final round when he dropped Booth with a short right hand to the temple. Booth was able to get up and, despite being on unsteady legs, was able to make the final bell. Official scores were: 80-72, and 79-71 (On two scorecards) in favor of Delgado. Lindolfo Delgado advances to 17-0, with 13 Knockouts. Clarence Booth falls to 21-7, with 13 Knockouts.

 

Lightweight Emiliano Vargas, the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas began the evening by moving to 3-0 in his young career in scoring a four round unanimous decision over Francisco Duque. Both fighters had no issue engaging each other on the inside for the majority of the fight. This worked to Vargas’ advantage as he frequently ripped left hooks to Duque’s body and generally landed the harder shots in a fight, which was the first time Vargas had to go the distance in order to win. Official scores were: 40-36 (On all three official scorecards) in favor of Vargas. Emiliano Vargas advances to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. Francisco Duque falls to 1-2, with 0 Knockouts.   

 

While it was expected by some to see Emanuel Navarrete become a three-division world champion and etch his name along with many great world champions who are from Mexico that have won world titles in three weight divisions including Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera to name a few. What was not expected however, was to see an early candidate for Fight of the Year honors for 2023. Outside of the controversy of a potential long count in the fourth round, this fight between Navarrete and Liam Wilson, who was a replacement for former Jr. Lightweight world champion Oscar Valdez, who had to withdraw from this fight due to injury, turned out to be a classic. A great fight that simply because it turned out to be a great fight, should see a rematch.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Is It Time For Navarrete To Move Up In Weight Again?

 

In all of combat sports and in particular in the sport of Boxing, there is somewhat of an accepted practice that unless one competes in the Heavyweight division, fighters generally will move up through multiple weight classes during the course of their careers. While of course there are those who manage to stay in one weight division for the majority of their careers, there are usually two reasons why a fighter would move up in weight. One is for financial reasons in that there are likely more lucrative opportunities for a fighter at a heavier weight than where they are currently. Perhaps the most obvious reason however, is when a fighter physically outgrows their current weight class.

 

For two-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete, he has reached the top in both the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight and 126lb. Featherweight divisions. Standing at 5’7, Navarrete is blessed to be in a position where he has natural height and reach advantages over many of his opponents. Navarrete’s first defense of his WBO Featherweight world championship came on April 24^th in Kissimmee, FL where he faced WBO number six rated contender Christopher Diaz before a crowd of nearly 3,300 socially distanced spectators in accordance with COVID-19 protocols at the Silver Spurs Arena.

 

Although it was obvious to this observer that this would be a classic clash of a puncher in Navarrete and a fighter who is more known as a boxer in Diaz, what stood out to me from the outset was the difference in size between the champion and challenger. In this case, Navarrete had a near three inch height advantage and an eight inch reach advantage over Diaz. Taking the statistics of height and reach out of the equation, it appeared to my eyes as though I was watching a fighter in Diaz attempting to complete with an opponent that looked like a full-fledged Lightweight, two weight divisions above the 126lb. Featherweight division.

 

In terms of the combat that took place between the fighters inside the ring, Diaz was able to put forth a determined effort in an attempt to dethrone the champion. As the fight progressed however, the visible difference between the two fighters began to show itself in the fight, Navarrete would score the first knockdown of the bout in round four. Despite appearing to be at a physical disadvantage as well as one in terms of punching power, Diaz remained very “Game”, but he was unable to keep Navarrete from being able to have the advantage and could not land anything to discourage the champion from coming forward. Navarrete would score two additional knockdowns in round eight and a fourth knockdown in the twelfth and final round before Diaz’ corner stopped the fight in the closing seconds of the bout to prevent their fighter from further punishment.

 

While no one can take anything away from the effort that Christopher Diaz put forth in this bout, ultimately it was a fight that the champion dominated. Although this was Navarrete’s first defense of the world championship he won in October of last year, this observer believes it might be time for him to focus on challenging for a world championship in a third weight division. 

 

The next division that follows the 126lb. Featherweight division is the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division. While the Emanuel Navarrete that entered the ring against Christopher Diaz appeared in my eyes to look more like a natural 135lb. Lightweight, it will be interesting to see whether Navarrete will choose to test the waters at Jr. Lightweight first or if he will attempt to go right to the Lightweight division in the near future.

 

Even though it is not uncommon to see fighters gradually move up in weight over time, it will also be interesting to see if Navarrete, who has a career knockout percentage of 80% in thirty-four career wins will be able to carry the punching power that has made him devastating as a Jr. Featherweight and Featherweight as he moves up the weight scale. The answer to that question will likely as it has for many fighters through the years, be used to determine at what weight division will Navarrete find his ceiling. 

 

“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