Showing posts with label Jorge Linares. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jorge Linares. Show all posts

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Jabs And Observations: February 2022

 A new feature here on The Boxing Truth® Jabs And Observations that was introduced in the month of January that will hopefully become a regular fixture of the rotation of content offered to readers as well as in an effort to cover more ground by this observer in regard to the events and happenings in the world of Boxing. Following the feature’s first installment last month, the time has come for the February 2022 edition. While there has been plenty that has gone on outside of the Boxing ring over the last several weeks that will be touched upon later in this month's Jabs And Observations, the February installment should begin with what has happened inside the ring. To be more specific, some of the events that took place over February 18th and 19th around the Boxing world.

 

Obviously, one that is knowledgeable in regard to the sport of Boxing knows that it is a sport that truly operates twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred sixty-five days a year both in and out of the ring. As such, it can be a difficult task to keep track of and watch everything that goes on even as advances in technology in the streaming realm have greatly improved access to the sport. In honesty with the reader, it is one reason why features such as this have become necessary for yours truly to pen as even though my commitment to covering the sport is a true 24/7 passion for me, I am after all only one person and, despite my dedication, even I will not be able to cover all the fights and events that take place throughout the sport as they occur. Such was the case over this two day period as while I was covering a six bout Boxing card that was promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions that took place on February 18th in Ontario, CA, other events were occurring throughout the sport.

 

First among those Boxing cards that will be covered as part of this month's edition of Jabs And Observations took place in Orlando, FL on February 18th where premium cable network Showtime presented its latest installment of its popular ShoBox: The New Generation series. A series that has long been a platform for rising prospects to take steps towards world title contention, the most recent edition of the series was no exception.

 

The main event saw undefeated rising Lightweight prospect Jamaine Ortiz score a dominant ten round unanimous decision over Nahir Albright. In what was Ortiz’ sixteenth bout as a professional, he displayed hand speed, timing, elusiveness, and solid counter punching to out work Albright over ten rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory and along with it, the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Lightweight championship.

 

The 135lb. Lightweight division has historically been one of the most competitive in the entire sport due simply to the depth of talent that consistently occupies the division. As most Boxing fans know, the division recently saw a shake up in undefeated George Kambosos upsetting previously undefeated Undisputed Lightweight world champion Tiofimo Lopez late last year to win the title. Since then, there has certainly been no shortage of potential opponents for the champion's first title defense that is expected to occur sometime in 2022. Although Jamaine Ortiz may not be quite at the point where buzz begins to stir of him being a potential opponent for Kambosos or whomever the champion might be down the road, he has certainly put himself out there as a fighter to watch and his having won an NABF title will likely help him progress forward towards a potential world title shot down the line given its affiliation with the World Boxing Council (WBC), who have similar affiliations with other regional sanctioning organizations both here in the United States as well as around the world.

 

The co-main event of this edition of ShoBox saw what was in my estimation an equally dominant performance, but a bout that ended up being overshadowed by controversial scoring. Yours truly is referring to the encounter between Welterweight prospects Marquis Taylor and Paul Kroll. An eight round bout that was the first time in my recollection that I had seen either fighter compete. A fight that can beat be described as one fighter showcasing what turned out to be a superior skillset mixing hand speed and punching power simply besting the other who seemed a step behind, Taylor effectively out boxed a very “Game” Kroll over the course of the eight round bout in what had all the appearance of a clear decision victory in Taylor’s favor.

 

In Boxing however, sometimes things are not always as they appear. Despite the appearance of Taylor earning a victory that should have put him on the radar, only one official judge scored the bout widely in his favor, while a second judge scored the bout by two points in favor of Kroll, which led to the third and deciding judge to render an even scorecard resulting in the bout being declared a majority draw.

 

One does not have to dive too deep into history to know that controversial scoring is unfortunately something that at times comes with the territory not just in Boxing, but all of combat sports. While over the many years I have covered Boxing as well as other combat sports on occasion, I have become used to providing readers with an analysis of how fights are scored and the criteria that is used as part of that process, more recently as was the case with the recent Super-Middleweight encounter between Daniel Jacobs and John Ryder, such analysis is not necessarily warranted beyond sharing my point of view that I simply disagreed with the official decision. The silver lining is that both Taylor and Kroll are relatively young in their respective careers and it is probably beneficial for both that this decision did not occur on a bigger stage and/or one where there was more at stake in terms of financially as well as in the Welterweight division's rankings. As such, it is also not hard to envision that these two fighters could meet again down the line.

 

February 19th was a day in the sport where there was one premise that could arguably apply to three notable bouts that took place across the globe. Former world champions looking to provide a strong argument for themselves towards another world title shot. First to enter the ring that day was former three-division world champion Jorge Linares, who faced rising Lightweight contender Zaur Abdullaev in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

 

Despite having a significant experience advantage over Abdullaev both in terms of world championship experience as well as overall experience inside the ring, the thirty-six year old Linares was coming into this fight off of a loss to undefeated top Lightweight contender Devin Haney in May of last year. Although Linares became the first fighter to legitimately hurt Haney in the tenth round of a competitive fight, he appeared to be on the decline of a fine career going into this fight against a fighter in Abdullaev, who appears to be on the rise. While the story of an aging former champion stepping in against a rising contender is one that is as old as the sport itself, the key going into this fight in my eyes was what Linares would have left at this stage of his career as he no doubt looked to this encounter as a way to springboard himself back into the world championship picture in the extremely talent deep 135lb. Lightweight division.

 

In contrast to Linares, twenty-seven year old Abdullaev was competing in his sixteenth professional bout compared to Linares’ fifty-fourth. As such, it was logical to ask what effect, if any would the difference in experience have on Abdullaev, even though he had the advantage in terms of youth and as well as fighting in his hometown were in his favor.

 

A significant portion of this fight was controlled by Linares’ ability to keep Abdullaev at distance with his jab. While the two fighters were in relatively close proximity to engage with each other on a consistent basis, Linares being able to keep Abdullaev on the end of his jab as well as regularly throwing left hooks to the body as part of combinations he threw off of his jab was the story of the fight for a lengthy period of time. Although Abdullaev had success attacking in spurts, he was not successful in being able to apply pressure on Linares and back him up against the ropes consistently. When Abdullaev connected with punches however, the difference in power was to his advantage.

 

Over the course of the second half of the scheduled twelve round bout, Abdullaev’s punching power began to gradually close the gap between himself and Linares. This was particularly evident in rounds eight and nine when combinations to the head as well as some effective work to Linares’ body appeared to hurt the former three-division world champion. While this could have also been attributed in part to fatigue as the fight was fought at a relatively quick pace, the momentum started to shift to Abdullaev at this stage in the fight.

 

As Abdullaev was able to increase his pressure of Linares in the latter stages of the bout and what worked well for Linares throughout most of the fight began to decrease, I started to wonder whether or not what appeared to be a significant lead that Linares was able to build would be enough to get him over the finish line if the fight were to go its full twelve round distance. After all, it was only two weeks ago that John Ryder was able to pull off what many would consider an upset over former IBF Middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a fight that was not unlike this one in terms of how it was fought. Any questions that I might have had developing in my mind about what the potential scoring of the bout might have been at the conclusion of the bout, did not need to be asked. For it was in the twelfth and final round that Abdullaev would catch up with Linares, dropping the former world champion with a left hook to the jaw that sent him down to the canvas. Abdullaev would follow that knockdown by scoring a second knockdown moments later with another left hook to the jaw. A clearly hurt Linares got up for a second time showing his mettle, but he had no answer to keep Abdullaev off of him and after a follow-up barrage with Linares up against the ropes, the fight was promptly stopped.

 

Although the way Zaur Abdullaev was able to break Jorge Linares down to score a stoppage late in the fight was impressive and will likely move him into the discussion of potential world title challengers for current Undisputed Lightweight world champion George Kambosos, the obvious question coming out of this fight is what does the future look like for Jorge Linares? It should not be overlooked or dismissed that by all accounts Jorge Linares was in this fight right until the moment where Abdullaev was able to catch him and put him away.

 

While it was a highly competitive fight fought at a quick pace and the aspect of fatigue should also not be dismissed, what should also not be overlooked is Jorge Linares has been through several grueling fights over the course of his eighteen year professional career. With six of his seven losses in fifty-four career fights having come via stoppage, some may say that at this point Linares should consider retirement. Ultimately, that is a decision that he and he alone will have to make, but for now perhaps a rest and some time to reflect is what Linares needs before deciding what he wants to do next.

 

Two fighters who were idle for lengthy periods of time due in part to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic that have circled each other for years for a potential showdown in the Boxing hotbed of the United Kingdom are former world champions Kell Brook and Amir Khan. A potential showdown between the two often discussed, much anticipated, but ultimately one that many people felt was past it’s due date by the time the two fighters met at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England to finally settle what had turned into a bitter rivalry between the two former world champions.

 

Much as was the case with Jorge Linares, both Brook and Khan had the ultimate goal of getting back into position to challenge for a world championship. Quite frankly, even as seasoned as yours truly is in regard to covering the sport and having seen just about everything one can see take place inside of a Boxing ring, at least until the next unforeseen occurrence, I did not know what to expect from this fight as I like a lot of people within the sport questioned if it was too little, too late to make this fight a reality.

 

Of course, the concept of letting a fight sit on a backburner for lengthy periods of time is one that promoters throughout Boxing history have used to their advantage, which unfortunately leads to underwhelming returns when a fight like this happens and almost always is not a fight that benefits the sport. As such, I decided to take a “Wait And See” approach to this fight as both Brook and Khan have suffered severe knockouts in their careers and, despite the credentials each man brought into the ring, I wondered what we were likely to see between two fighters, whose best years may indeed be behind them.

 

To my surprise, the bout turned out to be more exciting than I had anticipated with both fighters seemingly being willing to stand and go toe to toe from the opening bell. While this was competitive for a brief time, it did not take long before the harder punches of Brook began to take effect as the bout quickly evolved from a toe to toe battle to frankly a one-sided beating as the taller and stronger Brook stalked Khan and administered significant punishment that as the fight progressed. This resulted in Khan gradually throwing less and less punches and being in what is often referred to throughout all combat sports as “Survival Mode.” As the punishment continued with little to nothing coming back from Khan, the fight was stopped in the sixth round. Although Khan was not knocked off his feet, the stoppage of this fight was the appropriate call to make as it could have developed into a serious situation from one fighter being allowed to take punishment that they should not be allowed to take. While some of the tragedies that have occurred throughout the sport’s history are accidental, more often than not, tragedies occur when fights are allowed to continue past when they should be stopped.

 

Fortunately for Amir Khan, good judgment was implemented by Referee Victor Loughlin and Khan was able to leave the ring before possibly suffering a serious injury. Even though some may be tempted to say that Kell Brook is right back in the mix off of this victory, I feel it is appropriate to say that he simply did what he needed to do and will wait to see what he decides to do coming out of this fight before I offer a further comment because frankly, there is not much one can say about a fight that evolved within a round into a one-sided beating. There is not much analysis one can offer nor is there much that can be said to speculate about the victor’s future plans. The one thing that can be said however, is perhaps Amir Khan should consider retirement with all of his faculties intact before he gets seriously hurt.

 

 

This leads us to the final fight that will be covered in this month’s edition of Jabs and Observations that featured a former world champion that is perhaps most likely to fight for a world championship than the aforementioned previous three former world champions. I am speaking of undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia, who returned to the ring also on February 19th to face fellow undefeated contender D'Mitrius Ballard in a Middleweight bout in Munguia’s hometown of Tijuana, MX. This was a fight that was actually scheduled to take place twice over the last year, but was changed due to Ballard suffering injuries while training for the bout. This resulted in Munguia scoring victories over Kamil Szeremeta and Gabriel Rosado respectively even though Ballard did return to action in scoring a ten round decision over Paul Valenzuela on the undercard of Munguia’s fight with Rosado last November.

 

In what was Munguia’s fifth bout as a 160lb. Middleweight, the third time proved to be the charm as Ballard finally got his chance against one of Boxing’s hottest rising stars. Unfortunately for Ballard, a native of Temple Hills, MD, his first chance on a marquee stage in the sport did not go well. Although Ballard started off well in the first two rounds of the fight and was able to hold his own as well as have moments of success occasionally, Munguia, a fighter known for his punching power made that power known beginning in the second round when he was able to land a left hook that appeared to land on the temple of Ballard and momentarily stunned him. In round three, the two fighters engaged in some heated exchanges of offense with Munguia getting the better of the action. It would be midway through the round when Munguia would catch Ballard with a lunging, but flush left hook to the chin that set off a barrage of punches and sent Ballard down on his stomach on the canvas.

 

Ballard was very “Game” in being able to beat the count, but appeared as though he was disoriented and seemed to look to his corner. As Ballard was able to beat the count and allowed to continue, Munguia pressed forward with a barrage of unanswered punches that forced the fight to be stopped. After what ended up being a tougher fight than some had expected against Gabriel Rosado last November, Munguia showed in this fight that he does still have the punching power at 160lbs. to end fights quickly if the opportunity arises as he had done as a 154lb. Jr. Middleweight.

 

As for what is next for Jaime Munguia, it should be noted that he looked as if he struggled to make the 160lb. Middleweight limit for this fight against D'Mitrius Ballard. Munguia is currently rated number one in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the Middleweight division. The current WBO champion, Demetrius Andrade, appears to be eying a move up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division to hopefully entice a potential showdown against current Undisputed world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. In perhaps an unintentional segue on this observer’s part, much of the big story that has occurred outside of the ring in recent weeks has centered squarely on Alvarez and a possible two-bout agreement with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Andrade’s current promoter, which would see Alvarez return to digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN for two fights against undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol in a temporary return to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division where he held the WBO world champion in 2019, and if he were successful, a long awaited third encounter between Alvarez and two-time Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin, who would subsequently move up eight pounds to challenge Alvarez for his Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship.

 

While nothing has been announced as of this writing, it does not come as a surprise to yours truly that Alvarez would return to a broadcast platform in DAZN that has broadcast most of his bouts dating back to an initial $365 million agreement between the network, himself, and his then promoter Oscar De La Hoya. Although the business relationship between Alvarez and De La Hoya eventually soured and led to a lawsuit between Alvarez, the promoter, and the network, which resulted in the dissolving of that agreement, Alvarez remained with the network on a fight by fight basis for three more bouts before venturing to the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner for his completion of the unification process for his bout with then IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant last year.  While that bout, which was broadcast on Showtime Pay-Per-View here in the United States did better compared to what several other pay-per-view events before or since have done in terms of buys, and that can be attributed directly to Alvarez’ status as the top marquee draw in the sport, it is not surprising to see that he would return to a platform in DAZN where he is likely to make more money on a guaranteed basis compared to the pay-per-view model, as well as renewing a relationship with Hearn, who he developed a solid working relationship with in the aftermath of his split from De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. It is also worth noting that the well-publicized lawsuit between Alvarez, De La Hoya, and DAZN, likely had it’s roots between tensions between Alvarez and De La Hoya rather than with Alvarez and the network.

 

What this could all mean for a fighter in Munguia’s position being promoted by De La Hoya, who also recently extended his broadcast agreement with DAZN could be two potential opportunities. The first would be the possibility of fighting for the vacated WBO Middleweight world championship should Demetrius Andrade vacate and move up to 168lbs. to chase a fight with Alvarez. Option two, would be if he cannot make the 160lb. Middleweight limit any longer, that Munguia himself would move up to 168lbs. where a potential fight with Alvarez or perhaps Gennady Golovkin if he chooses to stay at Super-Middleweight, assuming the third fight against Alvarez comes to fruition, would be a significant draw and would each probably sell out a soccer stadium in Mexico. In short, there are no shortage of opportunities for Alvarez against fighters currently aligned with either Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, and DAZN and if Alvarez were to remain with the network beyond the rumored two-fight deal, there would also be no shortage of opportunity for those fighters who are looking to secure a fight with Alvarez and might lead to a mass exodus of top contenders and world champions in the 160lb. Middleweight division as there are always fighters who regardless of promotional ties, or network affiliation, are always looking for greener pastures.

 

It may simply or perhaps not so simply depending on one’s perspective, come down to whether or not Alvarez and De La Hoya are willing to put their differences aside if a potential fight is available for Munguia and whether fighters who are competing under the PBC promotional banner and on different networks will seek bouts with Alvarez. Even if it means doing so outside of their promotional banner, which unfortunately, rival promoters have shown in the past to put their interests ahead of the fighters they represent. The bottom line folks is the circumstances of what Saul Alvarez does next will continue to dominate the Boxing landscape and news cycle at least until something is formally announced and fighters in three weight divisions from Middleweight to Light-Heavyweight are all waiting to see what he will do. Although it is a cliché, the only advice this observer can offer to his readers is “Stay Tuned.”

 

“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

 

 

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Haney-Linares Preview

 

The month of May 2021 will conclude with an intriguing battle between two fighters who are at differing stages in their respective careers. A crossroads fight where the winner could well be in line to challenge the winner of the upcoming Undisputed World Lightweight championship fight between undefeated world champion Teofimo Lopez and undefeated IBF number one contender George Kambosos. This observer is referring to the Lightweight encounter between undefeated top contender Devin Haney and former three-division world champion Jorge Linares.

 

 A bout that will take place on May 29th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV that will headline a card broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN is the definition of youth versus experience. For Devin Haney, who holds one of two interim championship designations in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Lightweight ratings, this fight represents the second such scenario where he has been pitted against a vastly more experienced opponent that some might argue is in the twilight of a great career. Haney’s last bout took place in November of last year when he scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over former unified Featherweight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. Gamboa, once one of the top fighters in the sport has seen his career hit a bit of a decline due to both injuries as well as the grueling effects of a long career between the amateur and professional ranks. 

 

Haney was able to use his youth, quicker reflexes, and combination punching to out box Gamboa over twelve rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory. While that fight can be described as an emerging star simply doing what he had to do against a great fighter who’s best days may be behind him, Haney also took criticism from some, who felt despite his convincing victory, did not do enough to drum up the type of demand some feel necessary to secure a title shot against Teofimo Lopez or what would also be a lucrative fight against fellow undefeated top contender Ryan Garcia, who also holds a similar interim designation as Haney in the WBC’s Lightweight ratings. To be more specific, some felt Haney needed the type of statement making performance that some may argue can come only by way of a knockout to fuel the demand for those fights to be made.

 

From this observer’s perspective, I don’t necessarily feel the same way. It is true that Devin Haney did not score a stoppage win over Yuriorkis Gamboa, but he was still dominant against a fighter who is not the easiest fighter to look impressive against. Although my view may not be the popular view amongst some, Haney should be given credit for what was a near perfect performance even if he did not stop Gamboa. The situation Devin Haney finds himself in one might argue is such where as a boxer/puncher who has his fair share of knockout wins having scored knockouts in fifteen of his twenty-five wins, but has also scored the type of lopsided decision victories that some might not view as the most entertaining to watch, that some fighters in and around the 135lb. Lightweight division currently may view fighting Haney as a high risk/low reward scenario due simply to his style and evolving skillset.

 

It is somewhat ironic that Haney’s last bout against Gamboa and the fight he is going into against Jorge Linares were and are against two opponents that the same thing was said about them in their careers. In Jorge Linares, Haney will face a veteran of fifty-two professional bouts who has won world championships from the 126lb. Featherweight division to the 135lb. Lightweight division. Much like Gamboa, Linares has the type of style that could pose a difficult challenge for Haney, but is a fighter that at thirty-five years old may be in the twilight of his career.

 

Linares will come into this fight having won three of his last five fights including a knockout over Carlos Morales in February of last year shortly before the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic shut down sports and many aspects of everyday life for a period of time in 2020. What some may point to as a red flag that could work against Linares, despite having twenty-nine knockouts in forty-five career wins is, in his five career losses, Linares has been stopped in every one of those bouts including a first round knockout loss in his most recent defeat against Pablo Cesar Cano in January 2019.

 

Although such statistics could give an impression that Linares might have a question mark over him regarding his ability to take a punch, it is important to keep in mind that these losses occurred at the highest level of competition available in the sport including against fighters like Antonio DeMarco and Vasyl Lomachenko in world championship bouts. Boxing is after all a combat sport and as such anything can happen.

 

It is nevertheless understandable how some might view Linares as an underdog going into this fight, despite his edge in experience both in terms of overall bouts fought in his career compared to Haney as well as experience against top level competition. What Linares does have in addition to that is a career knockout percentage of over 55 percent, which is just short of Haney’s 60%. At his best, Jorge Linares has shown he can be much like Haney, an elusive boxer/punchers who is capable of both out Boxing an opponent as well as ending a fight quickly if the opportunity presents itself.

 

The question here as this fight approaches is whether or not Linares will be able to find a way to nullify Haney’s movement and deal with his hand speed and power. It will also be interesting to see if Linares knowing that he has been caught and stopped early in bouts before, is a little hesitant to be aggressive from the outset and whether he will implement a more tactical approach in this fight in the hopes of trying to take advantage of any openings that Haney might leave him.

 

An element that also should not be overlooked going into this fight is Linares is coming into it having suffered a bout with the COVID-19 virus last year, which caused the cancellation of a scheduled bout last August against Javier Fortuna, and as much remains unknown about the virus, so too does the long-term effects of the virus on those who have been infected with COVID-19, which more than likely will vary from individual to individual. It may be logical to expect that Haney might look to pressure Linares early to see how his conditioning might be.

 

In terms of what might be in store for the winner of this fight, it is also logical to think that at least some thoughts will be on the Lopez-Kambosos bout, which is scheduled for June 19th in Miami, FL. While some may consider Devin Haney a significant favorite going into this fight, Jorge Linares is likely only focused on the opportunity that is in front of him as he has been in the position of having a potential lucrative fight ahead of him if he succeeds in his upcoming bout. Something that if Devin Haney is looking ahead to what might be, instead of what is in front of him, could work to Linares’ advantage as the fighter who has more experience.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Haney vs. Linares takes place on Saturday, May 29th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it’s full undercard can be seen exclusively globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (U.S. Times) For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

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

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Haney-Linares Undercard Announced

 

Press Release: April 24, 2021 By DAZN – Chantelle Cameron will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez on the undercard of Devin Haney’s WBC World Lightweight title defense against Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – with more tickets to go on sale at 10am PT tomorrow (April 25).

  TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) makes the first defense of the title she won with a shut-out points win over Adriana dos Santos Araujo in Milton Keynes, UK in October, and the talented 29 year old fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks against Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs).

 

The Puerto Rican veteran is fighting for a World title at a third weight class after been the WBC Featherweight ruler and having also challenged for the WBC Lightweight strap.

 

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title. Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) is back on the winning path with back-to-back wins after his setback against Tureano Johnson in July 2019, and a third win on the spin for the decorated Irish amateur would catapult him into the mix for more big fights and titles at 160lbs.

 

That’s exactly what Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) is hunting too, and the son of the former three-weight king Shane Mosley is in fine form himself and has boxed more recently than Quigley, forcing the retirement of Cristian Olivas after five rounds in Indio, California in February. That was a fourth win on the bounce for the 30 year old, and he’ll be out for a statement win over Quigley to emerge into the mix at Middleweight.

 

It’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward as he faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) is edging closer to his World title dreams and the #4 ranked Briton enters the biggest fight of his career to date on his American debut and a welcome return to action for the 29 year old whose last fight was a shutout win over Jesus Amparan in Sheffield, UK in February 2020.

 

Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) also fights in America for the first time in his career, and the South African ranked one spot lower than Ward at #5 is taking a second bite at the cherry having faced Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in an eliminator in September 2019 in East London, South Africa, with Fuzile ahead on the cards before the Russian recorded an eight round stoppage. ‘Golden Boy’ has not boxed since that night but can get back on course for a world title shot in what promises to be an exciting clash.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe. The 24 year old Jersey talent will kick life off in the paid ranks at Light-Heavyweight before eyeing a move down to 168lbs, and his journey will begin in Las Vegas.

 

Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, with the New Yorker looking to extend his KO run to six fights, having added two KOs in quick succession in November and December, both in Hollywood, Fl.

 

Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Darren Cunningham (13-0 7 KOs) continuing his pro rise.

 

“This is a stacked card in support of a brilliant main event – and our first promotion in Las Vegas,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for Chantelle Cameron to showcase her skills in the States and stake her claim for the unification fights she craves, against a tough competitor in Melissa Hernandez.

 

“Quigley vs. Mosley Jr has the feel of a must-win crossroads fight for the pair, while Ward vs. Fuzile has plenty at stake and is sure to catch fire.

 

“What a night for Khalil Coe to make his debut, this young man can become a star, and the pro journeys of Reshat Mati, Ramla Ali and Darren Cunningham continue on the bill. This is an unmissable night of boxing in Las Vegas.”

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

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

 

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

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Haney-Linares Set For May 29TH In Las Vegas On DAZN

 Press Release: April 1, 2021 By DAZN – “The Dream” meets former three-weight World ruler in Las Vegas on May 29 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney will defend his WBC World Lightweight title against Jorge Linares at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Saturday, May 29. The event will air live worldwide on DAZN in association with Devin Haney Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

 

Information on tickets will be released soon.

 

The spotlight will be on Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) over Memorial Day Weekend as he puts his belt on the line for the third time, this time taking on Linares who will provide the sternest test of the champion’s rich talents. The 22-year-old star will box in his Las Vegas backyard for just the third time in his career and first time since his sixth pro outing in May 2016. 

 

‘The Dream’ was elevated to World champion after a destructive KO win over Zaur Abdullaev in New York in September 2019. He went on to defend his belt twice with comfortable distance wins over Alfredo Santiago in November 2019 and Yuriorkis Gamboa the following November.

 

“I’m very excited to be making my third World title defense against a great fighter like Jorge Linares, who will be the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career,” said Haney. “He’s a three-division World champion who has fought at the championship level for the past thirteen years. 

 

“I grew up watching Linares and the fact that this fight is happening in Las Vegas is incredible. Boxing fans around the world are eager to see me step up in competition which is great, and I know Linares is coming to fight. I’m ready to give the fans a spectacular performance. The better the competition brings the best out of me. Against Linares, I’m going to show the world why I’m the king of the Lightweight division.”

 

Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) is looking to become a two-time holder of the WBC strap that he won in December 2014 against Francisco Javier Prieto, the catalyst to a run that saw the Venezuelan ace beat Kevin Mitchell, Ivan Cano, Anthony Crolla twice, Luke Campbell and Mercito Gesta over a four-year run as Lightweight king before his to-and-fro clash with Vasiliy Lomachenko in New York in May 2018.

 

The 35-year-old takes on Haney in his 15th World title battle and in his 53rd contest in over 18 years as a pro, and Linares believes that there are plenty more chapters to be written in his storied career.

 

“This is my moment to show the world that I still have a lot more to give at 135 pounds,” said  Linares. “Devin Haney is a talented and quick-handed young man, but when I was his age, I had already become a world champion by snatching the title away from a real World champion like Oscar Larios. And now you can imagine how much more experience I have now at an age where I feel stronger and better than ever.”

 

“Without a doubt it will be a tremendous fight, but I will demonstrate that Haney made a big mistake by accepting a challenge that he is still not ready to overcome.”

 

“This is the breakout fight that shows the world that Devin Haney is the best lightweight on the planet,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Jorge Linares is a tremendous fighter, a three-weight king that has speed, power and plenty of experience. 

 

“I’ve represented four fighters who have attempted to beat Jorge and failed, but this time I believe we have the future king of the division in Devin, and this is his moment. May 29, the bright lights of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, this is the moment.”

 

“We have worked with Jorge Linares for a long time and anytime the so-called experts count him out, he comes back with a vengeance,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Haney has never confronted anyone even close to Jorge’s skill level, and at 135lbs he is still a force to be reckoned with for anyone in the division.”

 

George Kliavkoff, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International, said, "Mandalay Bay has been synonymous with boxing for more than two decades and we look forward to continuing the tradition with our partners at Matchroom.  The opportunity to host a fight of this caliber, and doing so safely, is another step in the return of championship events to the Sports Capital of the World."

 

Information ticket on-sale dates and prices and the undercard will be released soon.

 

MGM Resorts will implement its comprehensive Seven Point Safety Plan and its Entertainment & Sports “Convene with Confidence” program, which outline the company’s approach to protecting the health and safety of guests and employees. The multi-layered plans include everything from sanitation stations, masking and physical distancing to digital solutions that minimize touch points as well as enhanced cleaning protocol. Details can be found at MGM Resorts Entertainment Convene with Confidence.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

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