Jonas-Mayer: "Run It Back!"

One of the most consistent subjects in the sport of Boxing over the last several years  is Women's Boxing. The single word that comes to mind that can describe the last several years, which cannot necessarily be shared by their male counterparts? “Progress.” 

Perhaps one of the main reasons for that is the old adage of “The Best Fighting The Best.” Something that has been consistent for women in the sport has been the willingness to not only pit the best fighters against each other, not only unify weight divisions in the process, but also do so in such a way where the various political elements that be in Boxing, as well as egos of the fighters and their respective promoters do not stand in the way of such “Progress,” which has only accelerated the sport’s growth for women. The latest example of this took place on January 20th where IBF Welterweight world c'mon Natasha Jonas met former unified Jr. Lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

A fight that not only brought together two of the top fighters in Women's Boxing, but also two rival promoters in Ben Shalom of Boxxer and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, Inc. While there are times when such collaborations do not necessarily result in the most competitive fights, Jonas-Mayer would prove to be an exception.

For ten rounds, Jonas and Mayer engaged in a battle of wills where neither fighter backed down and gave the other much ground. Often when fights like this are fought in Women’s Boxing, a contributing factor to a fight that ends up being so closely fought is the two minute round length. Only recently, have women’s bouts begun to use the standard three minute round length and world championship distance of twelve rounds that men’s bouts are fought under. This would prove to be a fight that needed three minute rounds and likely would have also benefited from two extra rounds. 

An element that surrounded this fight was that the challenger Mikaela Mayer was fighting for the first time in the 147lb. Welterweight division after previously competing in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division where she was a unified world champion. What stood out to this observer from the start of this bout was Mayer looked like a natural Welterweight that could potentially move up to either Jr. Middleweight or Middleweight and compete effectively. One other aspect that stood out was in this fight, rather than using angles and lateral movement that had been a focal point of her style in previous fights, Mayer applied more of a come forward, pressure approach against Jonas. 

Although the pressure of Mayer clearly made a difference in that she was the one bringing the fight, she tended to walk straight forward and not approach Jonas from angles. This created a scenario where Mayer was throwing and generally was the fighter landing first, but it was the champion Jonas landing crisp counter punches on Mayer as she came forward. From the perspective of this observer, Mayer’s pressure approach and combination punching was dictating how the fight was being fought, but her inability to avoid being countered periodically, made many of the rounds tight and competitive. Nevertheless, the consistent pattern of Mayer not only coming forward, not only landing first most of the time, but tending to do so in combinations of punches gave her an edge in many of the rounds on my scorecard.

What made this fight challenging to score was, despite the pattern being established of Mayer coming forward and forcing the fight, Jonas landed the harder punches when she did land, and those punches were clear and easy to see. One aspect that can at times be overlooked when a fighter is moving up in weight beyond how said fighter will look physically at a higher weight, is how that fighter will respond to being hit by opponents that in theory are naturally stronger and at times bigger. For her part, Mayer was able to take the best of what Jonas was able to land and keep coming forward.

At the conclusion of the ten round world championship bout, I arrived with a score of seven rounds to three or 97-93 in points, in favor of Mayer. While that score might appear lopsided, many of the rounds were close and could have really been scored either way depending on one's perspective. The pattern of the fight of not only Mayer’s aggression, but more specifically, what seemed to be effective aggression throughout, is what I based my scoring on. As is the case in most fights in Women's Boxing however, because of the short two minute round length, it made things close where a round could be decided by moments in a round or who might be able to land solidly before a round ends, to give the last impression not only on fans, but more specifically and importantly, the three official judges scoring a fight.

It was not surprising to hear a split decision announced in this fight due to the way it was fought. Although I felt Mayer did enough to win several of the rounds, it will often boil down to not only as I have said countless times when it comes to close fights, what a judge prefers in their own criteria based on clean punching, effective aggression, ring generalship, and defense, but also moments that can sway opinion one way or the other in close rounds, particularly in fights where the rounds are only two minutes in duration. Ultimately, it would be Jonas, who would get the nod on two judges scorecards to retain her IBF world championship with the deciding scorecard being only a one point difference between a winner being determined and the fight being declared a draw. 

While I felt that Mayer did enough to win and there will be no doubt accusations of potential bias from some fans due to the fact that this fight was held in Jonas’ hometown as well as fans at times allowing favoritism to influence their opinions, it was a close and competitive fight. Perhaps subtle differences are the reason for the outcome.

What does yours truly mean by “Subtle Differences?” Natasha Jonas did seem to land the harder punches of the two fighters. Even though Mayer seemed to be the one forcing the fight and outworking the champion, which could have swayed opinion in Jonas’ favor. It may have also been “Subtle Differences” in terms of what Mayer was unable to do that resulted in Jonas getting the decision. For example, in addition to not approaching Jonas at angles as she came forward, Mayer did not faint with her upper body and did not move her head as she was coming forward and looking to cut the distance between herself and the champion. This not only allowed Jonas the opportunity to land counter punches, but because Mayer was also not throwing as she was coming forward or throwing from too far a distance, it gave the champion room to maneuver in order to land those shots, despite being outworked.

How could the outcome have been different? In most of her flights, Mikaela Mayer usually does everything in terms of offense behind a consistent jab and this in addition to using angles and lateral movement tends to give her the upper hand. It should not be overlooked or dismissed that in addition to moving up in weight, this was also the first time Mayer had faced a southpaw in her career. When an orthodox boxer faces a southpaw, the jab as a weapon tends to be taken out of the equation for the conventional fighter simply due to the difference in stances and the fact that it is at times easier for a southpaw if they know what they are doing from a tactical standpoint to counter over the jab of the conventional fighter Boxing out of the orthodox stance.

There is one weapon a conventional fighter has however, that can even things if they know how to use it tactically. The right hand. Mayer did land several right hands throughout this fight, most effectively when she was able to lend combinations, but in addition to the lack of head movement, faints, and angles, she did not lead with her right hand and that may have made a difference, particularly if she were able to bait Jonas into throwing a punch where she could have dodged using faints and/or head movement and come in behind her right hand as she came forward in trying to close the distance with pressure as opposed to coming straight in without throwing something to keep Jonas on the defensive or throwing punches from too far a distance and leaving herself open to being countered, which Jonas was able to take advantage of throughout the fight.

Nevertheless, Jonas and Mayer were able to provide not only a great flight, but also the latest in a growing list of examples as to the growth of the sport for women. A great fight deserves an encore. “Run It Back!”

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Jonas-Mayer Weights From Liverpool, England

The official weigh-in for Saturday's IBF Women's Welterweight world championship bout between defending champion Natasha Jonas and former WBO/IBF Jr. Lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer took place earlier today in Liverpool, England at the Echo Arena. The champion weighed in at 146lbs. for the bout, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+. Mayer, the current International Boxing Federation's number one Welterweight contender, who will be making her debut in the Welterweight division also weighed in at 146lbs. Jonas-Mayer will top a six bout card promoted by Ben Shalom’s Boxxer in association with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc.

Jonas vs. Mayer takes place on Saturday, January 20th at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 2PM ET/11AM PT.

(*Card and Start times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

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Jonas-Mayer Preview

The first major Women’s world championship bout of 2024 will take place on Saturday, January 20th as two-division world champion Natasha Jonas will make the first defense of her IBF World Welterweight championship against former Unified Jr. Lightweight world champion  Mikaela Mayer in Liverpool, England at the Echo Arena. A fight that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+. Jonas and Mayer are not only two of the best female boxers in the entire sport, but in a wider context, this bout follows what was a significant year of progress for Women’s Boxing and the bout between the two should continue that momentum.

Natasha Jonas has won world championships in the Jr. Middleweight and Welterweight divisions and will come into this fight off of winning the IBF Welterweight world championship in her last outing in July of last year with an eighth round stoppage of Kandi Wyatt in Manchester, England. Although Jonas has now moved down in weight from the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division to the 147lb. Welterweight division, she has punching power in both hands and has scored knockouts in nine of her fourteen career wins. Whether or not she will be able to use that punching power in what will be her first defense of the IBF crown remains to be seen. Jonas’ opponent on January 20th will likely prove to be a difficult task in the form of Mikaela Mayer.

Mayer will enter this fight on a two fight winning streak and is the current IBF number one Welterweight contender. Some will recall that Mayer had three successful defenses as a Jr. Lightweight world champion which saw her win the WBO world championship and unify it with the IBF world championship before she lost her crown in a very narrow ten round split decision loss to WBC/WBO world champion Alycia Baumgardner in what was a fight for the undisputed championship in the Jr. Lightweight division. While that fight could have gone either way, much like many bouts in Women’s Boxing fought with a two minute round length, the loss to Baumgardner, the only of Mayer’s career, did not lower Mayer’s standing as one of the top fighters in the sport. After brief stops in the Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight divisions in her last two bouts, Mayer now sets her sights on trying to become a two-division world champion. 

While both fighters can do a little bit of everything, some would likely say that Jonas has an advantage both in regard to her punching power as she has four more knockouts than Mayer has in scoring five in her nineteen career wins, but also in terms of the fact that she has fought at heavier weights than the challenger has thus far in their respective careers. Both due to the fact that Women’s Boxing is still very much growing and also opportunities being sprinkled throughout weight classes, which usually offers an opportunity for fighters to move up and down the weight scale depending on what opportunities might be available including to fight for world championships, the fact that Mayer will be facing someone naturally bigger and theoretically stronger than her, does not necessarily equate to a disadvantage at least on paper. What Mayer does bring to the table is she is a highly skilled boxer with good hand speed, lateral movement, and has the ability to approach her opponents and attack at varying angles. 

An element that could prove crucial in this fight is that like most world championship bouts, this will be scheduled for ten, two minute rounds as opposed to twelve, three minute rounds, which only recently made its way into Women’s Boxing. Both Jonas and Mayer have been in close fights that many feel should have gone their respective way and part of the reason why those fights were close was perhaps attributed to the two minute round length. Unless there is a change to both the scheduled distance and round length that might occur later than this writing prior to the bout taking place, the format the fight will be fought under, and skill level of both champion and challenger could result in a very closely fought contest and it will come down to which fighter will be able to control the tempo of the combat.

What this fight also represents is that Women’s Boxing remains committed not only to continuing to grow the sport for all who compete in it, but also a commitment to the adage of “The Best Fighting The Best.” Something that if their male counterparts could also do on as frequent a basis as female fighters have done and continue to do without the politics of the sport rearing its head. Boxing overall would truly be elevated to a higher level if that were the case.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

Jonas vs. Mayer takes place on Saturday, January 20th at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 2PM ET/11AM PT.

(*Card and Start times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

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Women’s Boxing Shines Once Again In Madison Square Garden And Continues To Elevate The Sport

After decades of fighting for acceptance and recognition in the sport of Boxing, Women’s Boxing reached the pinnacle in April of last year when an encounter for the Undisputed Lightweight championship of the world between undefeated champion Katie Taylor and multi-division world champion Amanda Serrano became the first women’s bout in the history of the sport to headline a Boxing card in the main arena in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. If that long overdue milestone for women in the sport were not enough, the fight between Taylor and Serrano turned out to be an all-time classic that was a Fight of the Year candidate not just in Women’s Boxing, but in the entire sport. 

Nearly one year later, one half of that epic encounter returned to Madison Square Garden, this time headlining a Women’s world championship twin bill. This observer is referring to Amanda Serrano, who on February 4th returned to The Garden in an attempt to fully unify the 126lb. Featherweight division to become an undisputed world champion. Serrano, who is the only woman in Boxing history to have won world championships in seven different weight divisions would return to The Garden, not in the main arena, but in the more intimate atmosphere of the Theater, which itself has just as rich a history in the sport to put her IBF, WBC, WBO Featherweight crowns on the line against WBA world champion Erika Cruz. 

While many considered Serrano the favorite going into this bout, both based on overall experience, career accomplishments, as well as some feeling that she deserved the decision against Katie Taylor last April, few expected the type of difficult fight that it turned out to be against a very “Game” and determined Cruz. From the opening bell as had been her custom throughout her career Cruz was willing to stand and trade punches with Serrano. Although this is an approach that few opponents had succeeded in implementing against the future Hall of Famer, the sheer volume of punches from Cruz, which was nearly non-stop, proved to be a difficult task for Serrano to combat. Incredibly just as it appeared as though the fight was heating up, Cruz suffered a severe cut in her hairline as a result of an accidental clash of heads in round three. After seeing the cut, this observer was frankly surprised that the fight was allowed to continue, not because of a lack of willingness by Cruz, but because of blood seemingly going into both of the WBA champion’s eyes, which obviously can be dangerous to the long-term health of one’s vision. 

Despite the view of yours truly having seen countless fights stopped because of cuts that seemed less severe, the fight continued and Cruz unaffected by the steady stream of blood going down her entire face, kept throwing punches and seemingly matching Serrano shot for shot. Although I regularly score bouts that I cover, this was one of those fights where I simply sat back and watched what was taking place. I was captivated by the non-stop action as both fighters traded shots as well as the ebb and flow throughout much of the fight. While I made the decision not to score this bout in an unofficial capacity, I did nevertheless feel for the three official judges as due to the two minute round length in which women’s bouts are fought, it is a difficult task to score under normal circumstances, when one factors in the level of action as well as the volume of punches between these two world champions, it made it even more of a trying task. 

 

After a lifetime watching the sport on every possible level and covering it almost as long, there are times when I will get what one would probably call a gut feeling when watching a fight as to which way the three official judges might be leaning towards. In this case, I felt that even though Serrano appeared to be landing the cleaner, more effective punches, particularly in the latter rounds, it could have been a draw due to Cruz seemingly bringing the fight to Serrano much of the way. After ten grueling rounds and with both fighters having suffered cuts along the way, I was certainly glad that I decided not to score this fight, but I was nevertheless a little surprised to see two of three official judges score the fight by an eight rounds to two margin or 98-92 in points in favor of Serrano, while the third judge had it slightly closer, seven rounds to three, or 97-93 giving Serrano the victory and the Undisputed Featherweight championship of the world. 

Although I was a bit surprised by the scoring, I do not believe that it was controversial in any way, but it does underscore the need for Women’s Boxing to move to three minute rounds, the same as Men’s bouts as among the benefits from a scoring standpoint would be allowing judges an extra minute to determine who wins a round, which would be more beneficial in fights like this where rounds appeared to be determined by moments resulting in relatively lopsided scores that do not serve as an accurate illustration of how competitive this fight was. 

What turned out to be a classic between Amanda Serrano and Erika Cruz was not the only historic event of the evening as there was a second undisputed world championship bout that served as the co-main event. The Undisputed Jr. Lightweight championship of the world was on the line between WBO/IBO/IBF/WBC world champion Alycia Baumgardner and top contender Elhem Mekhaled in a bout where the vacant WBA crown was also on the line making this clash for the undisputed championship in the division. Baumgardner entered this fight coming off of a split decision victory over previously undefeated Mikaela Mayer in a unification bout in October of last year. A fight that was very competitive that had some debate as to who won it. 

On this occasion, with Mayer sitting ringside, Baumgardner, who entered the fight with Mekhaled a significant favorite, dominated the action from start to finish. This included scoring two knockdowns of a very “Game” Mekhaled in the third round on her way to becoming undisputed world champion via ten round unanimous decision.  Although no one can take anything away from the heart Mekhaled showed throughout this fight as she took significant punishment and appeared on the verge of being stopped periodically, but kept coming forward, this fight appeared to be the laying of groundwork for what would be a lucrative rematch between Baumgardner and Mayer. 

As for the Undisputed Featherweight champion of the world Amanda Serrano, her next bout in May will be a rematch between her and Undisputed Lightweight champion of the world Katie Taylor, this time in the Lightweight champion’s home country of Ireland. Obviously, that fight, much like the potential Baumgardner-Mayer rematch, is much anticipated. 

What these two bouts that determined undisputed world champions in two divisions as well as what will follow should show is that not only is Women’s Boxing continuing to grow and take advantage of the long overdue recognition and exposure the sport has received over the last several years, but in doing so, fights that have sufficient public demand are being made in a more timely manner as compared to the male side of the sport and as a result of that, the public is responding favorably. While no sport is perfect and even Women’s Boxing is not immune from the problems that exist for male fighters in the sport, there is a lesson to be learned here that all involved in the sport should take note of. When fights are made in a timely fashion and those bouts have significant interest, the public will respond in kind, which will also have the ripple effect of drawing new eyes to Boxing as a whole and thus will help grow the sport. 

In short, not only did two fights to determine undisputed world champions create another memorable night in Madison Square Garden, but the common sense that was shown in terms of what will follow and what is likely to follow will keep interest in the sport high. It would serve Boxing as a whole much better if egos and other interests that prevent fights of significant interest from being made, let alone being made in a timely manner, were put aside in favor of what is in the best interest of the sport. Clearly, the stars of Women’s Boxing are doing something others in the sport are not, using common sense, which in the long-term no matter who wins or loses will benefit both the fighters individually as well as the sport overall. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

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October 15, 2022 Was A Memorable Day For Boxing

 

Saturday, October 15, 2022 turned out to be one of the most anticipated days on the Boxing calendar in the latter months of the year. What was largely to be highlighted by the return of former longtime WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, the day turned out to offer a little of everything for any Boxing fan. This was due to the postponement of the highly anticipated Women’s world championship unification doubleheader which featured undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Savanah Marshall meeting for the Undisputed Middleweight championship of the world and an intriguing Jr. Lightweight unification bout between Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner putting their respective world championships on the line in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division as the co-main event being moved to October 15^th due to the original date of the card September 10^th being moved one month following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8^th.

 

While some Boxing fans particularly on social media voiced we’ll call it displeasure at the postponement, likely both out of anticipation of the two world championship bouts, as well as not understanding the significance of the circumstances throughout the United Kingdom following the queen’s passing, and also for the fighters created a question of what impact would the postponement have on them as the card was postponed a mere day before it was to occur at London’s O2 Arena, both bouts lived up to every possible expectation and one might argue were quite similar in how each fight was fought in terms of how competitive they were. In the first of the two bouts, Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner engaged in a ten round give and take battle.

 

The general ebb and flow of the fight consisted of Baumgardner seeming to land the cleaner, more effective punches, particularly power punches in the early rounds. A weapon in her arsenal that turned out to be noteworthy throughout the fight that I felt gave her an edge was how she was able to land overhand rights. Mayer however, was able to change the way the combat was being fought in the middle rounds. She was able to do this largely by using her jab to control distance and create opportunities to throw and land hooks and combinations behind the jab.

 

While the two minute round length in which fights in Women's Boxing are fought often serve more as a detriment than an asset particularly in regard to the task of scoring, what this created was the ideal scenario of a close fight that could be scored either way and as I often have said through the years, will often come down to what a judge prefers in their own criteria based on clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense. This was a car where I felt that Baumgardner landed the harder punches and did just enough to fend off the rally that Mayer was able to put together in the middle and late rounds to get the decision. At the end of the ten round world championship bout, I had arrived with a scorecard of six rounds to four or 96-94 in points for Baumgardner. It was not surprising to see scorecards resulting in a split decision in favor of Baumgardner with two official judges scoring a 96-95 scorecard in favor of each fighter with the third judge scoring seven rounds to three or 97-93 in favor of Baumgardner making her the winner and new unified world champion in the 130lb. Jr Lightweight division.

 

Often times on a full card of Boxing, a fight like this which was exciting and highly competitive is enough to satisfy even the most jaded of Boxing fans. The fans in attendance at the O2 Arena would be treated to another great fight as Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall took to the ring to determine the Undisputed Middleweight championship of the world.

 

For ten rounds, the two world champions engaged in a toe to toe battle that frankly could have been fought in a phone booth as there was little to no separating between the fighters and that made it very difficult to tell who had the upper hand. This was due to the moon-stop pace that the combat was fought. As exhausting as it had to be for the fighters, it was also an exhausting fight to watch.

 

Although it was difficult to determine who had the upper hand, there was one subtle difference that proved to be the difference. Shields threw every punch in combination and, despite getting tagged with some heavy shots from Marshall throughout and seeming to allow Marshall to take control in sports where she chose to sit against the ropes, the sheer volume of offense by Shields proved to be too much for Marshall on this evening as Shields would earn a convincing ten round unanimous decision to become the Undisputed Middleweight champion of the world.

 

With the win, Shields put herself in a class by herself as being the only fighter in history male or female to successfully become Undisputed world champion in three separate weight divisions having previously fully unified the Super-Middleweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions prior to this fight. Although I would certainly like to see a rematch between Shields and Marshall, I wonder if Shields will attempt to go up to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division next. As is often the case for fighters that are able to move up and down the weight scale and compete at the highest levels of the sport, the question for Claressa Shields will likely be when and where she will find her ceiling in terms of how far she can move up or down in weight and at which weight she feels most comfortable. For someone who has also embarked on a career in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it’s clear that she is a generational fighter and no matter what she does going forward in either sport, we are seeing something that has not been done before and will likely see Shields become a first ballot Hall of Famer when her career is over.

 

Following the Women’s world championship unification doubleheader, the focus shifted to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY where two former world champions looked to bounce back from setbacks. First, it was former IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant in his first fight since losing to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a unification bout last November facing former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell.

 

What was an at times ugly fight to watch due to several instances of holding and clinching throughout the fight, Plant showcased his movement and hand speed in spots throughout and generally seemed to get the better of the action in this observer’s view. Plant however, would surprise everyone by producing what may be viewed as a candidate for Knockout of the Year at the end of 2022. Despite not being known for his punching power, Plant produced a devastating knockout of Dirrell with a left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the head combination that sent Dirrell down and out on the canvas. Although Plant was stopped by Alvarez last year, many would say that he accounted himself well in defeat and coming off of what was the first loss of his career, he needed a statement-making performance to show that he remains a player in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Something that he was able to accomplish in such a fashion that it could well lead to a rematch with Alvarez down the line.

 

While under most circumstances a knockout like the one Plant produced would be the center of discussion in the days following, the Plant-Dirrell bout served as the co-main event for the return of former longtime WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, who was returning to the ring following his second knockout loss to Tyson Fury in October of last year as he faced former European Heavyweight champion Robert Helenius.

 

Although the premise of this fight centered squarely on what version of Deontay Wilder would be entering the ring following two knockout losses to Fury and to be more specific, what effects those two fights had on him, frankly we did not get an answer to those questions, at least not in this fight. Helenius began the bout willing to engage with Wilder and trying to apply pressure on him. Wilder suddenly brought an end to the fight by throwing a perfectly timed counter right hand that caught Helenius on the button as he was coming forward sending the former European champion down on his back. The fight was immediately stopped.

 

Simply put, there is not much you can say about a fight that ends with one punch, but for the near completed round that Wilder and Helenius shared the ring together, there appeared to be no ill effects for Wilder. For his part, Helenius did appear to have a good fight plan and was holding his own before simply getting caught in the closing seconds of the first round.  

 

While there are still questions that should be asked in regard Deontay Wilder, the win of Helenius puts him in position to fight former unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz in what would be a final elimination bout to determine a new mandatory challenger for the world championship currently held by Tyson Fury. Ruiz put himself into position to fight for the mandatory spot by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Luis Ortiz in September. Although the unofficial four-man WBC tournament to determine a mandatory challenger was not made official, it seems like a bout between the former world champions Wilder and Ruiz makes the most sense for both seeing as both are aligned with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and on the surface that fact would give the appearance that it is an easy fight to make.

 

Fury meanwhile has spent the last several months following his successful fifth round knockout of Dillian Whyte in April, retiring, then un-retiring, then retiring again, and un-retiring again, all the while negotiating with fighters for potential fights. Fury has since signed to face former world title challenger Dereck Chisora in his next title defense on December 3^rd. Although Fury has defeated Chisora twice before, one may question whether Fury’s heart is truly on continuing his career or on other ventures. Chisora meanwhile, is enjoying a bit of a resurgence and will be getting his second opportunity at a world championship should the planned third bout between the two come off as planned.

 

For both Wilder and Ruiz, the focus should be on getting their own fight finalized for early 2023 and for the winner of that fight trying to force a bout with the winner of the planned Fury-Chisora III bout. For now, stay tuned for the continuation of the Heavyweight division.

 

Finally, the day of action on October 15^th concluded with the second encounter between undefeated Undisputed Lightweight world champion Devin Haney and former Undisputed Lightweight champion George Kambosos in Melbourne, Australia. A rematch that was contractually stipulated prior to Haney defeating Kambosos for the championship back in May of this year.

 

In that fight, Haney out boxed Kambosos over twelve rounds to earn a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to win the championship. The question going into this rematch was a simple one. Could Kambosos approach this fight differently in such a way that it might change the outcome this time around? For part of the second encounter, Kambosos did try to force the fight on Haney rather than trying to box him as he did in the first fight. This included the former champion periodically being able to catch Haney with flush hooks to the head throughout.

 

As the fight progressed however, Haney as he was able to do in the first fight, was able to find his rhythm and proved to be too slick and too quick for Kambosos, ultimately Boxing his way to a twelve round unanimous decision to retain his championship in his first title defense. While much of this fight seemed to be formulaic as it progressed, I feel that this was a case of the old adage of “Styles Make Fights” as opposed to the performance of George Kambosos.

 

From a stylistic standpoint, Devin Haney may simply have a style that for a fighter with George Kambosos’ style proves to be a difficult puzzle that he struggles to solve. Although Kambosos has now lost two fights to Devin Haney, he is still a player in the 135lb. Lightweight division and could well find himself challenging for a world championship five pounds up the scale in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division down the line.

 

As for Devin Haney, his future could also be in the Jr. Welterweight division in the near future, but it is likely that Haney may be looking for a potential title defense against former unified three-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko. Lomachenko will return to the ring on October 29^th when he faces unbeaten contender Jermaine Ortiz in Madison Square Garden. Even though Lomachenko is a significant favorite going into that fight, it is likely that Haney will wait until the outcome of that bout before entering potential negotiations with Lomachenko for a potential bout in 2023.

 

While such days such as October 15, 2022 prove to be of great value to Boxing fans due to the amount of bouts spread over multiple cards offered, some may say that it is both a blessing and a curse from the standpoint of the fan needing to decide what they will watch first, what they might watch on delay, or what they are not interested in watching. Although in the current age we live in where thanks to digital streaming, the option to watch any sporting event on one’s own schedule has never been easier and will likely only improve with time, a challenge for promoters and networks will continue to be trying to get as many eyes on whatever bouts they are presenting as possible in terms of live viewing. When you also factor in that two of these cards, the Wilder-Helenius and Haney-Kambosos II cards competed head to head against each other, with one on pay-per-view and the other on ESPN+ and the main ESPN network here in the United States, in addition to the plethora of other sporting events taking place including, but not limited to the MLB playoffs, the beginning of the National Hockey League (NHL) season, and finally College Football among others, you can see the dilemma such scheduling can present for some Boxing fans who are likely fans of other sports as well.

 

While yours truly personally loves marathon Boxing days like the one we saw on October 15^th, and even though it might be unrealistic to expect networks and promoters to try and schedule around other sports, the reality is, it will continue to be an issue for some fans and ultimately, make effect both viewership and buy numbers for the sport. It is therefore something that even as technology improves and provides the fan/consumer with more options that networks and promoters will have to combat if they want their events to be successful.

 

“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

 

 

 

October 15, 2022 To Be A Full Day For Boxing Fans

 

In addition to the Heavyweight bout between former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and former European Heavyweight champion Robert Helenius, a bout that was previously covered here in preview on The Boxing Truth®, Saturday, October 15, 2022 will feature much more for Boxing fans. Firstly, on the undercard of the Wilder-Helenius bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY that can be seen here in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View as well as on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE, will be a bout in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division between former world champions Caleb Plant and Anthony Dirrell.

 

Some may call this a “Crossroads Fight” for both men. As some may recall, Plant was last in the ring in  November of last year when he lost his unbeaten record and IBF Super-Middleweight world championship in a unification bout with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for the Undisputed world championship in the division. Although Plant would be stopped by Alvarez in eleven rounds, he did make a solid account of himself in defeat. Much like Deontay Wilder, Plant now looks to rebuild and the first step in that process will come in the form of former WBC world champion Anthony Dirrell. Dirrell, a veteran of thirty-eight professional fights, has also been looking to get back into position to fight for a world title and will come into this bout unbeaten in his last two fights having a draw and a win to his ledger in those bouts since suffering a knockout loss at the hands of David Benavidez in September 2019.

 

Although the story at least going into this fight will be one fighter looking to bounce back from the first loss of his career going against a fighter looking to continue building momentum, what this will come down to in the eyes of this observer could be who will be able to dictate the combat. What we have here is an encounter between two fighters who can do a little bit of everything. Two boxer/punchers that are capable of scoring a knockout should an opportunity arise and are also capable of Boxing to a decision victory.

 

While it may be logical to expect that Plant may want to make a statement in his first fight back, it may be wise to implement a tactical approach here as Dirrell has sixteen more bouts in his career compared to him and has scored knockouts in twenty-five of those bouts compared to Plant’s twelve knockouts in his twenty-one career wins. While this will likely be viewed as an advantage by some in Dirrell’s favor, one aspect that normally works in Plant’s favor is his lateral movement and ability to use angles.

 

 In his fight against Saul Alvarez, his movement and ability to attack Alvarez from various angles did for a time particularly early in the fight bring Plant success. As they bout went on however, Alvarez was able to put consistent pressure on Plant and gradually broke him down with body punches in addition to what he was able to land to his head.

 

Dirrell likely saw that fight and will likely be looking to implement a similar approach in his own way. What he needs to keep in mind is that Alvarez himself had trouble with Plant throughout that fight and it was largely his consistency in how he approached Plant that led to his success in the middle and late rounds and ultimately to his victory over him. Dirrell must also keep in mind that Plant does have quick hands and the ability to attack in spurts. If he is able to find success against him early, he must not get complacent and allow Plant any openings. Plant is the type of fighter that can take advantage of lulls throughout a fight and Dirrell needs to be aware of that.

 

As is the case for pretty much any fighter in the Super-Middleweight and 175lb. Light-Heavyweight divisions, the end goal for both fighters is likely an encounter with Saul Alvarez. With Alvarez maintaining his position as Undisputed world champion in the division, despite being shelved with an injury to his left hand following his third bout with Gennady Golovkin, this bout will likely amount to an audition among the potential opponents for Alvarez once he heals and is able to return to competition.

 

The Plant-Dirrell bout is not however, the only bout outside of Wilder-Helenius that will likely draw the interest of Boxing fans throughout the day on October 15^th. Two events will be taking place outside of the United States that also have intrigue. First, at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England the highly anticipated Women’s world championship unification doubleheader featuring Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall meeting for the Undisputed Women's Middleweight championship of the world and a Jr. Lightweight unification bout between undefeated WBO/IBF world champion Mikaela Mayer and WBC/IBO world champion  Alycia Baumgardner, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.

 

The card, which was scheduled to take place on September 10th, was delayed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8^th as the United Kingdom entered a period of mourning, which suspended many activities including sports.

 

While all four fighters were in Manchester and participating in fight week activities including the pre-fight press conference prior to the Queen’s passing, an obvious question as these bouts near taking place is what affect if any will the one month delay have on the fighters.

 

The Shields-Marshall unification bout is one of the most anticipated fights throughout the entire sport. Two undefeated world champions putting their respective portions of a world championship on the line to unify and determine one champion alone is enough to draw interest even amongst casual fans, but this fight also has bad blood between the champions attached to it.

 

This stems from the meeting the two had as amateurs in May 2012 where Marshall scored a four round decision over Shields, in what was the only defeat Shields has suffered in a Boxing ring in a career that has seen her win two Olympic Gold medals as an amateur and win world titles in three weight divisions as a professional including briefly becoming the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion.

 

Obviously, the bad feelings between the two has simmered in the decade since that bout including a heated exchange between the two in a post-fight interview following Shields victory in February of this year over Ema Kozin. While some may view such an exchange “Pull Apart” as a means of promotion, this observer was vocal in saying that it was a negative for the women of the sport to see such an incident particularly when the sport is taking advantage of unprecedented exposure and long overdue recognition for the female fighters in the sport.

 

The view of yours truly notwithstanding, the fight between the two, this time as professionals appears to be an even fight. Shields has been splitting time between Boxing and competing in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where she has a 1-1 record currently.

 

 Although one should not compare Boxing with the sport of MMA as it is two different sports and require different attributes, it is nevertheless interesting that someone of Shields’ caliber would be willing to venture into a different sport while still at the top of her game as a boxer. Given the demands and tone each sport requires to compete at a high level, a question done might ask is how will this impact her preparation for this fight particularly because it comes against not only the only boxer to defeat her as an amateur or professorial, but also someone that has proven to be very dangerous as a professional. Marshall has scored knockouts in ten of her twelve pro fights and will enter into this fight having scored eight consecutive knockouts.

 

At her best, Claressa Shields is a compact combination puncher that often overwhelms and out works her opponents with activity. While Shields only has two knockouts in her twelve career wins as a professional, she has on occasion shown punching power in her own right. Wisdom would suggest that she look to out box Marshall over the course of the scheduled ten round bout. Even though you can never dismiss the possibility of a knockout for either fighter and keeping in mind that Claressa Shields has yet to really be in danger in a fight to this point, sure must be wary of Marshall’s power because she has shown the ability to end a fight with one punch before. Despite the bad blood between the two, Shields must be tactical and not allow her emotion to dictate how she approaches this fight.

 

For Marshall, her fight plan should be looking for a way to limit Shields’ offense over the course of the fight. While one could make an argument based on statistics that she might have the edge in terms of power, Marshall must not head hunt and should be tactical as well, but try not to leave Shields openings. Marshall must dictate how the fight is to be fought in other to be successful.

 

Although the winner of Shields-Marshall will have status as Undisputed world champion in the Middleweight division, the co-main event could lead to an undisputed championship fight for the winner in 2023 in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division.

 

The fight between world champions Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner presents an interesting clash of styles. Mayer is a solid boxer/puncher that uses lateral movement and hand speed to get the upper hand on her opponents. Unbeaten in seventeen pro bouts with five knockouts, Mayer has gradually been working her way towards unifying the division by successfully adding the IBF crown to the WBO championship she won in October 2020 with a ten round unanimous decision over Ewa Brodnicka. In the fight where she added the IBF championship, Mayer scored a ten round unanimous decision over Maiva Hamadouche in November of last year. While Mayer has not faced much resistance on her path towards an undisputed championship bout, her opponent Alycia Baumgardner could prove to be a dangerous obstacle in that path. Baumgardner won her portions of the World Jr. Lightweight championship by scoring a one punch knockout over previously undefeated world champion Terri Harper in November of last year a knockout where Harper appeared to be out cold on her feet. Since that victory, which some called an upset, Baumgardner successfully defended her crown in April by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Edith Mattysee.

 

Despite her rise to the top of the division coming quickly and as a surprise to some, Baumgardner has shown obviously that she does have the punching power and credentials that should be taken seriously by fans and more importantly her opponents. This could potentially be a close fight depending on who is able to dictate how the fight is fought. Mayer must rely on what has gotten her in this position and box Baumgardner by being a tactician. Baumgardner meanwhile needs to find a way to cut the ring off and limit Mayer’s ability to move.

 

Although Mayer likely has an edge in regard to hand speed, she has not been put in a position thus far in her career where her ability to take a punch from a fighter with significant punching power has been tested. If Baumgardner is able to dictate the tempo of the combat, Mayer may well be tested in what has the appearance of a close and competitive bout at least on paper.

 

Following the Women’s world championship unification doubleheader, ESPN+ continues their Boxing programming of the day by presenting the rematch for the Undisputed Lightweight championship of the world between undefeated world champion Devin Haney and the former champion George Kambosos. A contractually mandated rematch that will take place in the country  as their first encounter Melbourne, Australia.

 

In their first bout in June of this year, Haney thoroughly out boxed the previously unbeaten Kambosos over twelve rounds to win the Undisputed championship in what was a pro-Kambosos environment before the champion’s home country.

 

Although this rematch was pre-ordained per contractual terms for the original bout and there remains a possibility that there could be a third bout between the two per the same contractual terms should Kambosos regain the championship, done questioned the wisdom of the former champion for exercising his rematch clause.

 

This is due to how the first fight was fought where Haney was simply too quick and too elusive for Kambosos. While some may say that it was a matter of the adage of “Styles Make Fights,”  the onus is on the former champion to show that he had a bad night at the office and this fight will be different.

 

How can Kambosos accomplish this? It is certainly easier said than done, but he needs to bring the fight to Haney from the outset and apply pressure on him. The difference in hand speed in the first fight was clear and some might be wondering how Kambosos can combat that speed this time around.

 

This observer is a firm believer that one of the best ways to try to negate a fighter’s hand speed is through timing. Although keeping in mind that it is easier said than done, Kambosos has to find a way as he is applying pressure on Haney to make the champion miss and counter his offense. This was accomplished by former world champion Jorge Linares, who was able to badly stun Haney in the closing seconds of the tenth round of their fight in May 2021. To date, this was the only time Haney has been hurt in his career. While he was able to recover and go on to win a convincing unanimous decision, it did show how an opponent needs to approach Haney.

 

Kambosos must find the balance of applying pressure, being more aggressive, but doing so tactically and trying to bait Haney into creating openings for him to exploit if he wants to be successful in this fight. Simply put, he cannot try to box with someone who might prove to be a master boxer by the time his career is over. He must force Haney into his role of fight.

 

The task for the champion going into his first title defense is to try and repeat a near-perfect performance that he was able to produce in the first fight. Haney must however, not be complacent and must be prepared for any adjustments that Kambosos might make this time around. While both fighters are likely going to be moving up to the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division in the not too distant future, there remains unfinished business and we will see if Kambosos can find a way to force a chapter three in this rivalry.

 

As tends to be the case especially as the sport of Boxing moves more in the direction of digital streaming on terms of how it is broadcast to the public, this day of Boxing truly offers a little something for every type of Boxing fan. How October 15, 2022 will be remembered in the history book of Boxing however, remains to be seen.

 

“And That's The Boxing Truth. “

 

Wilder vs. Helenius (Featuring Plant vs. Dirrell) takes place on Saturday, October 15th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The fight can be seen in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $74.99. In addition to being streamed on the Fox Sports app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs, the event will also be streamed in the United States and globally on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE in addition to also being available via traditional cable/satellite pay-per-view throughout the United States and Canada.

 

To order and stream on the Fox Sports app download the Fox Sports app on your preferred device and follow the ordering instructions or visit www.FoxSports.com/PPV for ordering information.

 

To order and stream on the FITE app, download the FITE app on mobile, tablet or connected streaming devices/Smart TVs, or Click the following link to order and for instructions on how and where to download the FITE app: https://www.fite.tv/watch/wilder-vs-helenius/2pbyb/

 

Shields vs. Marshall /Mayer vs. Baumgardner takes place Saturday, October 15^th at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The full card can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 2:30PM ET/11:30AM PT. ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices, platforms, and Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, to subscribe, and where and how to access the ESPN app please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com.

 

Haney vs. Kambosos 2 takes places Saturday, October 15^th at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The card can also be seen in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. The main event will also be simulcast on the main ESPN cable network across cable and satellite providers with a scheduled start time of 10:30PM ET/7:30PM PT.

 

*Fights and Cards Subject To Change 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BREAKING: Women's World Championship Unification Doubleheader Back On For October 15th In London, England Boxing Set To Resume In The United Kingdom

It has been announced that the highly anticipated Women’s Boxing world championship unification doubleheader featuring a bout for the Undisputed Women’s Middleweight world championship between world champions Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall and a Jr. Lightweight world title unification bout between world champions Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner has been officially rescheduled for October 15th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The card, which can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ was originally scheduled for September 10th at the same venue was postponed the day before it was supposed to take place due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th.

Following an official ten day period of mourning throughout the United Kingdom and funeral services for the Queen on Monday, September 19th, sports including Boxing are set to resume throughout the United Kingdom. The first Boxing card scheduled to take place will be on Saturday, September 24th headlined by a Heavyweight bout between former WBO Heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker and understood top contender Joe Joyce at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. As will be the case with the women’s world championship unification doubleheader on October 15th, the Parker-Joyce bout can also be seen on ESPN+. Also in action on September 24th in Nottingham, England at the Nottingham Arena, IBO Lightweight world champion Maxi Hughes will defend his world title against former IBF Featherweight world champion Kid Galahad. On the Hughes-Galahad undercard, unified Women’s IBO/WBA Jr. Middleweight world champion Hannah Rankin will defend her title against former IBO/WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Terri Harper. Both bouts as well as it’s full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

We will have coverage of both cards over the next week and will keep readers updated on any developments as they become available. 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

September 8-10, 2022 Weekend Thoughts

 

Originally, this column was to discuss what was one of the biggest weekends on the Boxing calendar in the year 2022 to date that planted the spotlight of the sport firmly on three world championship unification bouts in Women’s Boxing. Unfortunately, as many know, two of those bouts that were scheduled to take place on September 10^th at the O2 Arena in London, England as the co-main events of an all women’s card, the encounter between undefeated Middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall for the Undisputed Middleweight championship of the world, and a Jr. Lightweight unification bout between world champions Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner was postponed the day before the event due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8^th.

 

While the United Kingdom has entered a period of mourning as well as transition, there was one Women’s world championship fight that did take place as scheduled on September 8^th in San Jose, Costa Rica, that like the two other postponed bouts, was a world championship unification bout. This observer is referring to the IBF/WBO Minimumweight world championship fight between world champions Yokasta Valle and Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen.

 

Historically, the 105lb. Minimumweight division, also known as the Strawweight division does not receive much attention here in the United States regardless of whether it is on the men’s or women’s side of the sport. While this in part can perhaps be attributed to the lack of American representation and exposure in the weight class, Boxing’s lightest division and the divisions that immediately follow usually produce fights normally fought at a very high pace, where there is often plenty of action. This fight was no exception, but should serve as an example of one fighter’s overall experience and skill as well as an example of one fighter’s heart.

 

Before a sizable hometown crowd at the Cuidad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde Yokasta Valle put on what was simply a masterful Boxing performance. Often when it comes to Women’s Boxing, the quick pace in which the fights are fought in addition to the two minute round length, does tend to produce very close fights most of the time when fights do not end via knockout or stoppage. Much like the numerous bouts I could mention, this fight was fought at a very high pace from the opening bell.

 

What made Valle’s performance in this fight masterful was how she used her experience and timing to not only dictate the tempo of the combat, but also showed discipline in doing so as her opponent Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen was more than willing to engage and to her credit did try her best to force Valle into a toe to toe battle. The difference, despite the high pace in which the fight was fought was both Valle’s hand speed as well as her discipline in maintaining distance and only letting her punches go when it was to her advantage. The sequence of the fight was a simple one to describe, Valle either stepping in with two to four punch combinations and then backing back out where Nguyen could only try to lunge forward in trying to reach her with a punch or Valle waiting for Nguyen to take the initiative and counter punching with combinations before re-establishing distance. While competitive this proved to be a lopsided fight in Valle’s favor as she would go on to sweep all ten rounds of the world championship bout on all three scorecards, it still was an entertaining bout to watch.

 

Now as the unified IBF/WBO world champion at 105lbs. I feel that Yokasta Valle is likely to move up in weight where perhaps she could be a future opponent for undefeated WBC world champion Kim Clavel in the 108lb. Light-Flyweight division. If Valle decides to try to completely unify the 105lb division about with current WBA champion Seniesa Estrada would be very interesting if Valle wants to continue trying to unify the division in her next fight. As for Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen, it is important to keep in mind that even though she was the WBO champion going into her fight with Valle, she was at a significant disadvantage in terms of experience entering the bout unbeaten in five fights as a professional going against a fighter in Valle who had twenty-seven professional bouts going into the unification bout.

 

While that is both a reflection of a sport that is very much still growing for the women who compete in it as well as a reflection for the moment of a weight class that is not too deep in terms of depth, Nguyen showed a lot of heart in this fight even as it became apparent that Valle had pulled ahead on the scorecards. Simply put, she never stopped trying and it was as much the disadvantage in experience as it was Valle’s overall skillset that was the difference in this fight. One loss does not define a career and it will be how Nguyen comes back from this defeat, the first of her career that will be the story for her going forward.

 

The circumstances that led to the postponement of the two remaining women’s world championship unification bouts that were scheduled to take place in London, England, did not mean that the Boxing action over the three-day stretch ended with Valle’s victory over Nguyen. On Friday, September 9^th, The Canadian-based United Boxing Promotions the first of two Boxing cards as part of their recently signed deal with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN from the CAA Centre in Brampton, Ontario.

 

The main event of the six bout card was a bout for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Intercontinental Welterweight championship between undefeated prospect Josh Wagner and veteran Jorge Perez.

 

While this was a regional championship that was at stake in this bout, it is often the step young fighters try to make as a prelude to entering the world rankings in a given division. What always interests me whenever I see a prospect for the first time as was the case on this occasion with regard to Wagner is how they will respond to fighting on what in most cases is the first significant stage in their professional careers.

 

Regional championships also offer an opportunity for fighters who have suffered some setbacks to try to bounce back as was the case with Perez who entered the bout against the 12-0 Wagner having dropped his previous two bouts. While on the surface this would appear to be an ideal scenario for the young prospect by facing a fighter that had been experiencing a slump, it turned out to be a very competitive bout.

 

In many ways, this was a scenario of two types of fights being fought within one fight. When the combat was fought primarily in the center of the ring, it seemed that Perez would get the better of the action whereas when the fight was being fought in close, Wagner was the fighter who was dictating the action.

 

Part of what made this a close fight that was not necessarily the easiest one to score is Wagner was exceptional with his lateral movement throughout and while he was not always throwing and landing punches, which gave Perez a slight edge, it made it difficult for Perez to consistently land his punches cleanly, despite finding success in landing his left hook throughout the fight.

 

As the fight entered the middle rounds of the scheduled ten round bout, Wagner gradually began to change the ebb and flow of the combat. He did this largely by varying his jab in both the body and head of Perez as well as variations in how he threw the jab. This along with combination punching appeared to turn things in his favor.

 

Although the fight remained close going into the late rounds, the subject of scoring would not be an issue. In round nine, seemingly without warning, Wagner found the answer that would bring the fight to its conclusion. After stunning Perez with a hook to the head, a follow up barrage of punches would send Perez down. Perez was able to get up on unsteady legs and Wagner sensing he had his opponent in trouble pressed forward and dropped Perez for a second time with a short flurry.

 

Perez showed his mettle by getting up for a second time, but he had no answer to keep Wagner off of him at this point in the fight and after being hit with a few more solid punches, the bout was stopped. For Wagner it was his thirteenth win of his career and his seventh knockout. What impressed this observer about his performance beyond displaying well-rounded Boxing skills was the poise he showed once he knew he had Perez in trouble and the tactical approach in which he finished the fight by not giving his opponent the chance to recover. Wagner made as good a first impression as one could of expected of a young prospect in his first title fight as a professional. What may come next as he attempts to add his name amongst a very talent-deeo 147lb. Welterweight division remains to be seen.

 

After a very competitive main event on September 9^th, United Boxing Promotions returned on September 10^th at the same CAA Centre with another six bout card. In the main event of night two, undefeated current Canadian Middleweight champion Suhkdeep Singh moved down six pounds from the 160lb. Middleweight division to face Xhuljo Vrenozi in a bout for the IBA’s International Jr. Middleweight championship. As was the case with Josh Wagner the previous evening, this was the first time that yours truly had the opportunity to see Singh in action and the similarities between the two did not end with the fact that it was the first time I’d seen both compete, but they also entered their respective bouts unbeaten in twelve professional fights and were matched up similarly against two veterans. The slight difference for Singh was his opponent Xhuljo Vrenozi had split his previous four bouts going 2-2.

 

In terms of style, what stood out to me was the almost sniper like approach that Singh implemented his offense. It was a style with an emphasis on using his legs to both establish himself as an elusive target as well as manage distance. This along with periodically switching between an orthodox and southpaw stance kept Vrenozi from being able to land offense consistently, much less be able to get into a consistent rhythm. While not always the most exciting fight to watch, Singh’s discipline and ability to maintain control from start to finish is what stood out in the bout in winning a convincing ten round unanimous decision.

 

Although this was my first time to see Singh in action, I was impressed by what I saw and it will be interesting to see if he will remain at Jr. Middleweight or if he will move back up to the Middleweight division. Much like for veterans later in their careers, it will likely come down to what opportunities are available to Singh as a young unbeaten prospect and whether those opportunities make sense for him both physically in terms of weigh as well as financially and trying to progress his career forward.

 

Despite the marquee event scheduled for the weekend being postponed due to a tragedy, Boxing fans should not feel disappointed in the sense that they still got one Women’s world championship unification bout as well as what turned out to be a showcase for two rising prospects on the Canadian Boxing scene. As the Boxing works now turns it's attention to the highly anticipated third encounter between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on September 17^th, one can only hope that the exciting action continues.

 

“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

Women's World Championship Unification Doubleheader Postponed Following The Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II

 

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8, 2022, it has been announced that Saturday’s scheduled all Women’s Boxing card, which was to be headlined by two world championship unification bouts featuring Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall for the Undisputed Middleweight championship of the world and Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner in a Jr. Lightweight unification bout, that was to take place at the O2 Arena in London, England has been postponed as the United Kingdom begins a period of mourning. The announcement follows postponements of several events that were to have taken place throughout the United Kingdom including several Football (Soccer) league matches, the postponement of a PGA Golf tournament, among other events.  

 

Prior to the announcement on Friday, it had been announced by Boxxer, the promotional company behind the card had intended to hold a private weigh-in for the event. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) however, released a statement early on Friday saying that it as a mark of respect following the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that competition that had been scheduled for Friday, September 9th had been suspended, but said that decisions regarding competition scheduled for the remainder of the weekend would be made following a review of official mourning guidance and consultation with relevant parties and other sports.  

It has also been announced that the entire card that was scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena will be tentatively rescheduled for October 15th at the same venue. We will keep readers updated on any developments as they become available. 

 

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

 

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