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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Miller vs. Browne To Be Streamed On ProBox TV In The United States And Australia Saturday, March 18th

Press Release: March 16, 2023 By ProBox TV - DUBAI –  Already catching re with boxing fans around the world, 

Florida-based PROBOXTV.COM has secured the American and Australian broadcast rights to this weekend’s potentially explosive Saturday, March 18, heavyweight crossroads battle between undefeated New Yorker, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and dangerous former WBA (Regular)+Heavyweight Champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne of Australia.

Fans can catch all the action and a lot more for a very special deal: Subscribe to PROBOXTV.COM for a year for the regular one-time price of just USD $18 (no automatic yearly renewal) and watch the potential heavyweight ght of the year, starting at 1 pm (ET) this Saturday (March 18). 

Then with your 2023 yearly subscription, catch all the action on boxing’s hottest new series, the always thrilling back-and-forth of Wednesday Night Boxing twice a month on 

PROBOXTV.COM. Plus, you’ll get exclusive events and shows featuring boxing’s best commentary team of Paulie Malignaggi, Mike Goldberg, Chris Algieri, and Juan Manuel Marquez, plus up-to-the-minute news updates from their crack team of top boxing journalists whenever boxing news breaks.

Held at the famous Agenda arena in Dubai,+United Arab Emirates, WBA #10 Miller (25-0-1, 21 KOs) and WBA #9 Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) will meet in the 10-round main event of a stacked night of world-class boxing that also features a 10-round super featherweight co-main event between Dublin Ireland’s WBA #5- and IBF #11-rated former world title challenger Jono “King Kong” Carroll+(23-2-1, 7 KOs) and three-time world title challenger

Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (30-6, 26 KOs). Also broadcast that night will be a 10-round cruiserweight battle between fast-tracking former amateur star Soslan “Cobra” Asbarov (3-0, 1 KO) of Chapaevo and once-beaten American Brandon Glanton (17-1, 14 KOs).

A former top-rated contender already two ghts into his comeback from nearly four years of inactivity, the charismatic “Big Baby” Miller is a former WBO-NABO and WBA-NABA 

Champion with impressive wins over top-rated former title challengers and top contenders including Mariusz Wach, Gerald Washington, Johann Duhaupas, Bogdan Dinu and former world champion Tomas Adamek. Miller was last seen taking out Mexican veteran Derek “Vikingo” Cardenas in four rounds in July of last year.

Currently residing in Perth, Western Australia, Lucas Browne is a former WBA and WBF world champion, as well as the reigning WBA Oceania and IBF Australasian champion. During his long and distinguished career, Browne has defeated quality opponents such as James 

“Lights Out” Toney, Ruslan Chagaev and Andrey Rudenko. The hard-punching Aussie fan favorite was last seen taking out fellow contender Junior Fa via impressive rst-round TKO in 

June of last year. The anvil sts of Browne had Fa down twice within two minutes before the stoppage at 1:58. Lucas Browne’s Promoter, hall of famer Lou DiBella, gave this take on the hard-hitting clash in the Middle East.+ “Lucas Browne, even at forty, poses the danger of a true puncher. He’s proven that in his last two knockouts as an underdog,” said DiBella. “He represents the rst real threat that Miller has faced since his return. Lucas is a pro’s pro and Jarrell is going to nd that out this weekend. Thanks to ProBox TV for making this strong card available to its subscribers.”

Dublin’s Jono Carroll won the IBF European Super Featherweight Championship in 2017 with a stoppage of then undefeated Englishman John Quigley and defended it twice before unsuccessfully challenging then IBF Super Featherweight Champion Tevin Farmer in 2019. 

The energetic southpaw has since rebounded with a stoppage win over former world champion+Scott Quigg and an impressive decision over then WBA #7-ranked super featherweight Andy Vences in September 2021. Carroll is currently on a ve-ght winning streak. 

Arjona, Colombia’s Miguel Marriaga has challenged for world titles three times, but each time come up short. The hard-punching slugger has stopped all but four of his 30 victims and will be looking to return to top contender status with an upset victory against Carroll. 

Marriaga was last seen dropping a highly competitive decision to former Olympian and interim world champion Michael Conlan.

Calling all the action will be top-notch commentator/ring announcer Ray Flores, along with popular former UFC star Tyron Woodley. Current $1.99 monthly subscribers will not be able to watch Miller vs. Browne without upgrading their subscription to the $18 per year plan. 

Material Courtesy of ProBox TV Used with permission.

For more information about ProBox TV including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, local start times in your area, full library of previous events and additional Boxing content, and to subscribe please visit: www.ProBoxTV.com. 

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

Bryan-Dubois Preview

With the apparent retirement of undefeated two-time Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, the current holder of the WBC Heavyweight world championship, as well as undefeated unified WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk heading towards a rematch with former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua later this year,  the Heavyweight division could be heading towards a period of transition or at least a period of time that may allow some of the top contenders an opportunity to maneuver up towards a potential world title shot.  In the case of undefeated Heavyweight contender Trevor Bryan,  he for the moment is in a position of being on the outside, looking in. Despite his status as a mandatory challenger per his holding an interim/regular championship designation in the WBA’s Heavyweight ratings, Bryan is unfortunately in a position where he has to wait for either a winner to emerge from the Usyk-Joshua rematch or perhaps wait for an opportunity to open to fight for the WBC championship if one were to become available to him.

 

Under such circumstances,  a fighter in his position faces a dilemma that can be viewed as both simple and complex depending on one’s perspective. The dilemma of whether to sit and wait for his shot,  which he has earned and the lucrative payday that is likely to come with it or to try and remain as active as possible by fighting other’s top contenders,  but risk his mandatory challenger status by doing so. What also should be taken into consideration are the circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, which as we have seen continues and varies depending on the circumstances of the virus depending on a given location.

 

Fortunately for Bryan, he has been able to make his decision and not as of now had that decision affected by the circumstances of the epidemic. The decision to fight on and take on all comers.

 

In his last two fights, Bryan scored a stoppage of former WBC Heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverine and most recently scored a twelve round split decision over previously unbeaten Jonathan Guidry in January. Although Bryan had difficulty in that bout with Guidry, he did what he had to do to maintain his number one ranking and was able to continue building momentum.

 

Now, Bryan looks to continue the momentum building process when he faces top contender Daniel Dubois on Saturday, June 11^th at the Miami Jai Alai Casino in Miami, FL in a fight that can be seen in the United States on FITE Pay-Per-View. This figures to be an interesting fight that one could perhaps argue is a crossroads battle.

 

Daniel Dubois is a power puncher who has scored knockouts in sixteen of his seventeen career wins. The one blemish kn Dubois’ record came when he was knocked out in  ten rounds by undefeated contender Joe Joyce in a fight where Dubois suffered a broken eye socket.

 

Although Dubois has scored two knockout wins since suffering the lone defeat in his career in November 2020, some may question whether Dubois is ready to step up again. The story of this fight is a relatively  easy one to describe. While Trevor Bryan is the fighter with the most of the momentum going into this fight, one might argue he also has the most to lose in this fight per his current position in the division

 

Dubois ' biggest asset is his punching power and more specifically, when he is able to jump on opponents early in fights. Bryan meanwhile seems to perform best when he is able to make fights be fought at a methodical pace.

 

With this in mind, this observer feels it is crucial that Dubois force the fight on Bryan early, but je must not be reckless in doing so. It is important to remember in his loss to Joe Joyce, Dubois was extended into the tenth round in that fight amd as it progressed, his offense gradually decreased. Dubois must pace himself in anticipation of being extended into the middle and late rounds of this fight.

 

Although the two fighters are similar with regard to height and reach at 6’4 and 6’5 and 78” and 79” respectively, Bryan’s last fight against Jonathan Guidry was one where the shorter Guidry was able to keep the fight competitive and was able to do so by periodically having success in getting on the inside of Bryan’s reach.

 

While a similar situation may not exist in this fight due to the similar height and reach between the two fighters, Bryan must try to control the tempo of the fight, but must he wary of both Dubois’ power and must avoid falling into lulls over the course of the fight, which allowed Guidry to make up some ground during the fight. Even though the possibility of this fight ending suddenly in favor of either fighter is very real, conventional wisdom would suggest that Bryan will likely try to extend Dubois into the middle and late rounds as Joe Joyce was able to accomplish.

 

 

 

Regardless of the label that the WBA has on this fight, what is really at stake for both men is the chance to move up the list of potential challengers either for the winner of the Usyk-Joshua rematch or if the WBC championship does indeed become vacant,  a way to possibly maneuver themselves into a fight for a vacated world championship. This observer should not have to explain the obvious. Tgere could be significant opportunities for the winner of this fight and along with them plenty of money to be made.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Bryan vs. Dubois takes place on Saturday, June 11^th at Miami Jai Alai Casino in Miami, FL. The bout can be seen on a pay-per-view basis in the United States on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE beginning at 4PM ET/1PM PT. For more information about FITE including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, local start times in your area, event availability, to order,  and for instructions on how to download the FITE app, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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Joyce Stops Takam In 6, Was The Fight Stopped Prematurely?

 

Originally July 24^th was to be a day highlighted by the anticipated third encounter between undefeated two-time Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, the current holder of the WBC crown in the Heavyweight division, and former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder. As most know, the fight was postponed due to Fury and several members of his team testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. The latest twist in what has been a turbulent time not just in the division, but in the entire sport due largely to the ongoing global epidemic.

 

In the absence of the third chapter in the Fury-Wilder saga, an intriguing fight took place at the Wembley Arena in London, England that had serious implications as to the near future of the Heavyweight division. This observer is referring to the Heavyweight elimination bout between undefeated WBO mandatory challenger Joe Joyce and longtime contender and former world title challenger Carlos Takam. An encounter that for all intents and purposes amounted to an elimination bout to determine the next mandatory challenger in the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Heavyweight ratings to face the winner of the upcoming world championship bout between unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO world champion Anthony Joshua and current WBO number one contender and former Undisputed World Cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, which is scheduled to take place in September.

 

In many ways, this fight though compelling because of what was at stake can be summed up simply as a battle of youth versus experience. The youth end of the equation was in favor of the younger and seemingly stronger unbeaten Joyce. Despite stopping over 90% of his opponents in his twelve previous professional bouts, the 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist had not been tested significantly in his professional career, and naturally the question of how he would respond to a test had been asked.Joyce’s opponent in Carlos Takam appeared to be the type of opposition capable of answering just how good Joyce might be in being a fighter with a level of experience that could provide him with a test. Some may remember Takam for his valiant effort in his challenge of the then undefeated unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in October 2017.

 

Although Takam was stopped in that fight, he was able to give a good account of himself in defeat and has remained one of the division’s top contenders in the years since.  At forty years old after a career of forty-five professional fights that began in 2005, it was logical to question just how much Takam had left at this stage of his career. In addition to Joyce’s youth in being five years younger than him, Takam also had to deal with a disadvantage in height of nearly five inches to the 6’6 Joyce.

 

It appeared for a time that Takam would not have as much difficulty as someone might have assumed going into this fight regarding whether he had the ability to navigate Joyce’s reach as he spent much of the early rounds trying to use head movement to slip underneath Joyce’s punches. A strategy that proved to be reasonably successful and created opportunities for him to land his right hand to the head of Joyce. While he was not always the more active of the two fighters, the success Takam had in frequently finding the target with his right hand, I felt carried the tempo of the fight through most of the early rounds. 

 

In round five, Joyce, who had gradually found success of his own in landing hooks to Takam’s body, appeared to have what was to that point his best round of the fight as with the success in landing to Takam’s body, Joyce, the current Commonwealth Heavyweight champion was able to get some space between himself and his opponent. As it appeared as Joyce’s strategy was to gradually step up his offense from this point in the fight on, he surprised Takam by opening round six with a barrage of punches that did have him stunned, on the defensive, and struggling to return offense 

 

Although Takam was stunned, he did not get knocked down. The volume of offense from Joyce however, was enough to convince Referee Howard Foster to step in and stop the fight. A stoppage that appeared as though it might have been a little quick as Takam was still attempting to find a way to return offense, was met with disgust by Takam and his handlers.

 

There is no disputing that Carlos Takam was under heavy fire from Joyce and did appear visibly stunned. Even though the stoppage did appear to be quick in this observer’s eyes, Referee Howard Foster was the closest person to the combat inside the ring and thus had a better view than anyone as to whether Takam was in eminent danger or was capable of continuing. Though I stand by my initial reaction that the stoppage was a bit quick, I do not believe it was a case of a referee recklessly jumping in before it would have been appropriate to do so. This is more of a circumstance where it may have been a matter of seconds before the window of a stoppage would have been the right call if one is objective and views things fully.  As such and having seen the consequences of what can happen when fights are allowed to go on longer than they should, I will always give the benefit of the doubt to the referee under these circumstances.

 

Although for Carlos Takam, this setback is the definition of a tough break, much like his loss to Anthony Joshua, he gave a good account of himself in defeat and will likely get another opportunity against a top contender off of what was a good performance. For Joe Joyce meanwhile, he now has placed himself firmly in position to challenge for a world championship at some point in the future. Just how quickly he will get that chance will likely be determined by what occurs at the top of the division as the wish for unification of the World Heavyweight championship, a goal that appeared so close at the beginning of 2021, remains so far from becoming reality. For top contenders like Joe Joyce however, such stalls in progress could well lead to opportunity.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Heavyweight Saturday Thoughts

 

The month of May­ has traditionally been one of the most active in the sport of Boxing in a calendar year. Of course, last year Boxing much like the rest of the world saw many norms brought to a halt due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. This year however, there is at least a sense that things may get back to normal in due time as vaccines to combat the COVID-19 virus continue to be rolled out. As progress continues to hopefully move forward, the Boxing world much like the rest of sports have begun the process of trying to stage events in front of a limited number of spectators due to COVID-19 protocols.

 

May 2021 began with two Heavyweight bouts that each had a similar storyline of a former world champion going against a former world title challenger whose better days were thought to be behind them. The first of these two bouts took place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England where former WBO Heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker took on longtime contender and former world title challenger Dereck Chisora.

 

In previewing Natalie this fight, but also the second of the two Heavyweight bouts, which will be discussed later in this column, I stated that it would be a bout that in this observer’s view would come down to whether or not Chisora would be able to use his pressure style to walk down the boxer/puncher in Parker. As it would turn out, Chisora would make a statement almost immediately after the opening bell as he would quickly score a knockdown of the former world champion with an overhand right in the first ten seconds of the round. Although this was the definition of a “Flash Knockdown,” it did send an immediate signal that Chisora had come to fight and that this would not be as easy of a bout for Parker at some may have anticipated.

 

Following the quick knockdown in round one, I felt that Chisora executed an effective fight plan where he frequently pushed Parker back to the ropes and landed offense to the body and head. It was this approach with an emphasis on focusing a majority of his attack to Parker’s body that seemed to carry most of the first six rounds of the scheduled twelve round bout. It did not seem as it was a close fight throughout the first half based largely on not only the success Chisora was able to have, but also basic ring generalship and effective aggression in bringing the fight to Parker.

 

While Chisora was able to maintain a high pace throughout the entire fight, he did seem to fatigue as it progressed in this opened the door for Parker to make up some crucial ground on the scorecards in the middle and late rounds. Even though Parker did not seem to hurt Chisora throughout, his greater activity in the second half of the fight was such that it could sway opinion as to who had the upper hand. It should also not be overlooked that during the latter stages of the fight Parker was able to establish some distance between himself and Dereck Chisora. This differed significantly from how the fight was fought in the first half where Chisora consistently pressed forward and was able to walk Parker backward.

 

Although in the eyes of this observer I felt that Chisora had done enough to win the fight by a margin of nine rounds to three or 117-110 in points with an extra point for the knockdown in round one and feeling that Chisora won five of the first six rounds, it did not surprise me to see a close decision announced in this fight in it being a split decision. As I have often said over the years and unfortunately have frequent practice in saying whenever it is appropriate when talking about close fights, it will often come down to what a judge prefers in their own individual criteria based on clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense.

 

Even though I felt that this was a relatively simple fight to score in favor Chisora based on what I saw as effective aggression and seeming to land the harder punches, if one does not score the knockdown in the first round by a 10-8 margin in favor Chisora, there is an argument for this fight being closer as well as for Parker as having won it based on what he was able to do over the second half the fight. From my perspective in addition to Chisora’s effective aggression and ring generalship throughout the bout, I felt that he was very effective in using head movement to deflect a good portion of Parker’s offense and this is what I based my score on.

 

The official decision of a split decision in favor of Joseph Parker was not one that I felt was inadequate or as some fans often say was “A Conspiracy,” but I do feel especially given that many felt going into the fight that Chisora may be in the twilight of his career, a rematch may not be a bad idea based on how the fight was fought.

 

A fight that was quite similar to Parker-Chisora in terms of the storyline of a former world champion going against a longtime contender and former world title challenger that was thought to have seen better days is coincidentally the second Heavyweight bout that took place on what yours truly unofficially dubbed “Heavyweight Saturday.” I am referring of course to the encounter between former unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz and former multi-time world title challenger Chris Arreola that occurred at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA in a bout that was the main event of a card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and was broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View.

 

This venue in Carson, CA has seen many incarnations over the years in the form of name changes, so much so that this observer has referred to it on more than one occasion as “The Venue In Carson, CA.” The subject of naming rights for a stadium aside, the outdoor venue has become known for producing many memorable battles. Ruiz-Arreola proved to be the latest memorable battle.

 

Much like the circumstances Dereck Chisora found himself in going into his bout against Joseph Parker, Chris Arreola had been through a long career that has seen many wars and has the distinction of having challenged for a World Heavyweight championship on three separate occasions. Although Arreola has two more world title fights than does Chisora, the similarity between the two at this stage was that some felt he was a significant underdog compared to Ruiz, who was fighting for the first time since losing his unified portion of the Heavyweight crown in December 2019 in his rematch with the man he had taken the title from earlier that year, Anthony Joshua.

 

While I touched upon what could be viewed as a questionable business decision in putting this fight on pay-per-view given both the continued decline of the pay-per-view medium as well as the current state of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, in reality this was not a bad style match up as both Ruiz and Arreola are offensive-minded fighters that do come to fight and the decision to stage the fight in Carson, CA was a smart decision given both fighters respective California roots as well as their respective fan bases.

 

Unlike the Parker-Chisora bout, which took place with no non-essential personnel in attendance, the Ruiz-Arreola event was able to have a limited number of fans in attendance under social distancing guidelines in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. A crowd of over 3, 900 were treated to a memorable and some might say surprising Heavyweight encounter.

 

Although much of the story going into the fight centered on Ruiz, his dropping nearly thirty pounds from his last bout where he lost his title back to Anthony Joshua, and the addition of trainer Eddy Reynoso in his corner, what did not get nearly as much focus including by yours truly was the adjustment Chris Arreola made in hiring trainer Joe Goossen to work in his corner as well as his coming in at the lightest weight of his career at the weigh-in prior to the fight of 228lbs. Despite having the reputation of a brawler, Arreola would also show new elements of technique and strategy that was unexpected.

 

What was a noticeable difference about Arreola’s approach was how disciplined he was in that he remained committed to a fight plan that had an emphasis on defense as well as lateral movement. Although he was at a disadvantage in terms of hand speed, which seemed to increase with Ruiz’ drop in weight, Arreola’s strategy gave him opportunities to land counter punches in the midst of exchanges of offense. It was during one such exchange in the second round that Arreola landed a short right hand on the top of Ruiz’ head that sent him down for only the second time in his career. 

 

Ruiz was clearly hurt by this blow. In some ways, it brought back memories of a similar exchange that resulted in the first time Ruiz was knocked down in the third round of his first fight against Anthony Joshua where he was caught by a short hook to the head in an exchange of punches. As most know, Joshua, who is a devastating finisher when he has an opponent hurt, approached Ruiz recklessly and ended up being knocked down himself moments later in what was one of the best rounds in Heavyweight Boxing in recent memory.

 

Knowing Arreola’s offense-first style, it was logical to expect him having hurt and knocked the former champion down to approach Ruiz in a similar fashion as Joshua had. Surprisingly, Arreola showed restraint and perhaps knowing what Ruiz was capable of in this type of situation, stuck with a tactical approach and this proved well for him as he continued to have sporadic success in landing hard shots particularly with the right hand that did get Ruiz’ attention.

 

 

An aspect that I feel ultimately worked against Arreola however, was, despite that success and the knockdown he was able to score, he was not able to limit Ruiz’ offensive output and as Ruiz found his rhythm, he gradually took control of the fight. What was an entertaining, yet tactical battle can be summed up as one fighter using his quicker reflexes to outwork an opponent that when he was able to land seemed to land the harder blows. Although Chris Arreola deserves all the credit in the world for fighting a completely different fight than one could expect and as a result looked like a new fighter than he had been throughout his entire career, his inability to nullify Ruiz from being able to get his punches off first and allowing himself to be outworked is what cost him the fight in a bout that I unofficially scored eight rounds to four or 116-111 in points for Ruiz.

 

The official decision of the twelve round bout was more lopsided in Ruiz’ favor in his winning a unanimous decision. While he did not take anything away from his opponent’s performance, the scoring of the three official judges infuriated Arreola, who lashed out in an explicit-filled tirade toward the official judges in a post-fight interview with Fox Sports’ Heidi Androl. 

 

It is understandable how Arreola, who, despite the loss, fought one of the best fights of his career could be angry at a decision that he felt he should have won. He likely did not do himself any good by venting his frustration in the explicit way he did and it will be interesting to see what response the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) might have given that they and other regulatory commissions around the world have taken disciplinary action against fighters who have responded in similar ways as Arreola did towards judges and other commission officials. 

 

Whether or not this could lead to a fine against Arreola or even a suspension remains to be seen. Prior to these two Heavyweight bouts there seemed to be a feeling that the two former world champions Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz, who fought in December 2016 for the then vacant WBO Heavyweight world championship that Parker emerged victorious in what was a razor thin bout in terms of scoring, could have been headed towards a rematch as both fighters look to secure another opportunity at a world championship if they were able to get past Dereck Chisora and Chris Arreola respectively.

 

Coming out of these fights however, that were extremely competitive, an argument should be made that both Chisora and Arreola deserve rematches because many felt neither fighter had much chance and much like the similarities each man found himself in going into these f, they are similar going out in each man having put forth what should be considered as the best performances of their respective careers.  Something that should serve as another example for Boxing fans that you never know what to expect in the sport and especially in the Heavyweight division.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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