A Heavyweight Doubleheader Takes Centerstage In Verona, NY January 14th

With all signs seemingly pointing towards a showdown between the two undefeated world champions in Boxing’s Heavyweight division Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for what would be the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world appearing to be nearly finalized for a date in the spring, there are questions surrounding the rest of the division. Normally when a fight such as one for an undisputed world championship, the question that inevitably is asked is who might the first potential challenger be when the smoke clears for the new undisputed champion. Over the many years that this observer has covered the sport of Boxing including countries unification and undisputed world championship bouts throughout the entire sport, I have also learned to ask another question. Out of numerous contenders and prospects, who might be able to step into position to face either champion in a proposed unification bout, should the opportunity suddenly become available. 

With this in mind, there is potential for some Heavyweights to maneuver. An interesting doubleheader will take place on Saturday, January 14th at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY that might feature potential challengers for either Fury or Usyk either as possibly a first challenger for whomever the Undisputed Heavyweight champion might be after the title is fully unified, or as a potential challengers to step in against either should negotiations between the two champions for whatever reason fall through. These bouts, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ features Heavyweights that range from prospect to fringe contender. 

In the first of these two headline bouts, undefeated prospect Guido Vianello will face Johnnie Rice in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Undefeated in eleven professional fights, Vianello has established himself as a rising “Knockout Artist.”  In his last bout however, Vianello was forced to go the distance for the first time in his  career in scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Jay MacFarlane in October of last year.

Although that fight did go the full eight rounds, Vianello was able to dictate the combat from start to finish in what was a workmanlike performance. While that fight can also be described as a step up in his overall development, now the native of Rome, Italy prepares for what could be a test in the form of Johnnie Rice. 

Rice, a veteran of twenty-two professional fights will come into the bout having built some momentum in scoring back to back victories over previously undefeated Michael Coffee in 2021 and 2022 respectively. One potential issue for Rice is his second victory over Coffie came in January of last year and he has not been in the ring since.

With a record of 15-6-1, with 10 Knockouts, Rice has shown the ability to be a spoiler for prospects on the rise having stopped Coffie in their first fight and scoring a ten round unanimous decision in their rematch. The somewhat coincidental thing that looms over this fight is prior to facing Rice for the first time, Michael Coffie was at a similar stage as Vianello is going into this fight.

Much like the task that was in front of him in those bouts, Rice will need to use his veteran instincts and experience to be successful in this fight. Vianello’s Last opponent Jay MacFarlane was able to extend him to an eight round distance largely by looking to survive. Vianello does have nine knockouts in his ten career wins having fought to a draw eighty pro fight. MacFarlane was very “Game” and able to hang in against Vianello, but at no time in that fight did it appear that he was able to make the unhealthy prospect uncomfortable. Logic would suggest that Vianello will attempt to put pressure on Rice from the outset with the intention of stopping the fight early. The task that faces Jonathan Rice will be whether or not he will be able to weather the storm early and try to take Vianello into the middle and late rounds, otherwise known as the deep waters of a fight to try and pull off another upset.

The second Heavyweight encounter on January 14 will feature prospect Efe Ajagba facing undefeated Stephan Shaw in a bout scheduled for ten rounds. Ajagba will come in this fight looking to continue to build momentum in his second bout since suffering the first loss of his career in October 2021 when he lost a ten round unanimous decision to Frank Sanchez. Much like Guido Vianello, Ajagba is known for his ability to end fights quickly having scored knockouts in thirteen of his sixteen career wins registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 77%. In his first bout since the loss to Sanchez, Ajagba bounced back and scored a second round stoppage of Jozsef Darmos in August of last year.

In Stephan Shaw, Ajagba will face a fighter that is unbeaten in eighteen professional fights having scored knockouts in thirteen of those bouts. Some may look at this fight as a bit of a step up for Shaw even though he has experience comparable to Efe Ajagba and has a victory over Jonathan Rice in his career as well. In addition to Rice, Shaw has also defeated veterans Rydell Booker and Joey Dawejko in his career. The view of those who may be viewing this as a step up for Shaw likely base that on Ajagba having more television exposure here in the United States in his previous fights, but in reality, this seems to be a fight that at least on paper might be evenly matched as both fighters have shown punching power in the past, both have scored early knockouts in their careers, and in terms of their respective standing in the division are looking to take the next step towards at a shot at a world championship.

What these two bouts come down to in the long-term is ultimately which of these four Heavyweights will be able to provide a strong argument for themselves as a potential challenger down the line. With there being no shortage of potential options for either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, we will see, which of these four Vianello, Rice, Ajagba, or Shaw will be able to enter the mix.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Ajagba vs. Shaw/Vianello vs. Rice takes place on Saturday, January 14th at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. This Heavyweight doubleheader as well as it’s full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 5PM ET/2PM PT.

*Card and start time subject to change.*

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

*Check your local listings internationally.*

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

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Vianello, Natalizi, And Silva Victorious In Rome, Italy

2016 Italian Olympian and current undefeated Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Jay McFarlane on Friday night at at the Pala Atlantico in Rome, Italy. McFarlane’s best moment of the bout came in the opening seconds of the fight when he caught Vianello off guard with a solid overhand right to the head. From that point in the fight on however, Vianello showcased his Boxing ability keeping McFarlane at distance with his longer reach, landing combinations and using movement as well as tying McFarlane up on the inside whenever McFarlane was able to get close. Official scores were 79-73, and 80-72 (On two scorecards) for Guido Vianello. Guido Vianello advances to 10-0-1, with 9 Knockouts. Jay McFarlane falls to 13-7, with 5 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight contender Mirko Natalizi scored a sixth round stoppage of veteran Tony Dixon. Natalizi was the physically stronger fighter from the outset. In the closing seconds of round two, Natalizi dropped Dixon with a combination of punches to the head, which in part appeared to land after the bell. At the conclusion of the fifth round, Natalizi hurt Dixion with a body shot that again landed after the bell. Dixon’s corner stopped the fight shortly before the beginning of round six. Mirko Natalizi advances to 13-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tony Dixon falls to 13-4, with 4 Knockouts.

Undefeated European Women’s Jr. Bantamweight champion Stephanie Silva scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former European Flyweight champion Ewelina Pekalska. A very competitive bout throughout, the difference proved to be Silva’s compact combination and counter punching as she was able to outwork Pekalska to earn the victory in her first defense of her European championship. Official scores were 98-92, and 97-93 (On two scorecards) in favor of Silva. Stephanie Silva advances to 7-0, with 0 Knockouts. Ewelina Pekalska falls to 6-1, with 0 Knockouts.

Francesco Russos gradually broke down Francesco Sarchioto to score an eighth round stoppage to win the vacant Italian Jr. Middleweight championship. Russo put pressure on Sarchioto from the get go and even though he had trouble early with Sarchioto’s movement and combination punching, his power punches, body shots, and overhand rights took their toll. It was an overhand right that put Sarchioto down in the eighth round. Sarchioto’s corner got up on the apron of the ring following the knockdown and appeared to want the fight stopped, but the stoppage was delayed for thirty seconds while Russo continued to dish out punishment. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round eight. Francesco Russo advances to 12-2, with 10 Knockouts. Francesco Sarchioto falls to 15-2, with 5 Knockouts.

In a three round amateur bout between Italian YouTube stars, Street Gorilla scored a third round stoppage of Sim1 Workout. Sim1 appeared to control the action early, but Street Gorilla kept up the pressure even after suffering severe swelling in the second round as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Street Gorilla unleashed a barrage of punches in the third round resulting in Sim1 getting a standing eight count and being counted out on his feet when he did not respond to the referee’s instructions to raise his hands and indicate he wanted to continue.

In a rematch from November of last year in which he scored a majority decision victory, unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Armando Casamonica scored his second victory over a very “Game” Mauro Loli, this time by six round unanimous decision. Although Loli was aggressive and brought the fight to Casamonica from the opening bell, it was Casamonica that landed the cleaner, more effective punches throughout to earn the decision victory. Official scores were 58-55, 58-56, and 58-57 in favor of Casamonica. Armando Casamonica advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. Mauro LoliMauro Loli falls to 7-5, with 3 Knockouts.

In a Middleweight bout, Francesco Faraoni scored a four round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Petrovic to begin his professional career. Francesco Faraoni advances to 1-0,! With 0 Knockouts. Aleksandar Petrovic falls to 5-28-4, with 4 Knockouts

Middleweight Mario Manfredi began the evening by successfully making his professional debut by scoring a four round unanimous over previously undefeated Stefan Vlku. Mario Manfredi advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stefan Vlku falls to 2-1, with 1 Knockout.

This card, which was promoted by OPI Since 82, was the first between the long established Italian promotional company and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. In recent years, OPI Since 82 has also established a successful collaboration with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in staging several cards in association with Matchroom’s Italian promotional branch. With OPI now also working with Top Rank, the winners will be not only be the fighters in OPI’s stable, but will continue to be Boxing fans here in the United States who thanks to the collaboration with Matchroom and now also Top Rank, have increased access to the Italian Boxing scene through each promoter’s respective broadcast deals with digital subscription sports streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+. As fighters like Vianello and Mirko Natalizi to name a few continue to move up the ladder, the depth of talent coming out of Italy will continue to enjoy exposure at a level that prior to the advent of streaming has not been seen before. Something that should be seen as a benefit for the sport.

“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