The Rebuilding Process Begins For Deontay Wilder

There is little doubt that over the last decade and a half few fighters have had the type of success as Deontay Wilder. An Olympic Bronze medalist in the 2008 Summer Olympics, Wilder took that accomplishment and made it part of his identity “The Bronze Bomber." An appropriate moniker given his reputation as a true " Knockout Artist” and having a five year reign atop the Heavyweight division as the WBC’s World Heavyweight champion from 2015-2020 where he successfully defended his crown ten times. The end of that run of dominance in being stopped in his second encounter with Tyson Fury in February 2020, however, began a slow, but consistent decline for Wilder including being on the receiving end of a second stoppage at the hands of Fury in their thrilling third enclosure in October 2021. Since that fight, Wilder has only won one of his last three fights. 

In his last outing in June of last year, Wilder was the victim of a one sided fifth round knockout at the hands of top contender Zhilei Zhang. It was after that fight that many, including this observer, questioned whether that fight would be the end of Wilder’s career. The reason for that is not only due to the losses he has suffered and the toll the trilogy with Tyson Fury took on him, but also the stretches of inactivity in recent years, which also had to have impacted him in those defeats. Now one year removed from the loss to Zhang, Wilder prepares to re-enter competition as he will face veteran Tyrell Herndon on Friday, June 27th at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS in a fight that can be seen on digital subscription general entertainment network BLK Prime and as a pay-per-view offering across cable/satellite providers and PPV.com. 

If one were objective as this observer fortunately is, they would be honest as I will be with the reader in saying that this has all the appearance of a “Comeback Fight" designed to serve as a confidence builder for Wilder and more specifically as a way to both work off ring rust and to evaluate where Wilder is at this stage in his career. While this is not a fight that will put Wilder back in the discussion of top Heavyweight contenders, these types of fights are vital not only as a means of staying active, but also as a way to get a fighter like a former world champion as Wilder is, in the best possible form before trying to get back to the top. 

Frankly, it is a method of gaining and maintaining a fighter’s activity and sharpness that is rarely seen in present times particularly as notable fighters with name recognition, like Wilder, opt to compete sporadically, in part because of the lucrative paydays attached to it, which removes the necessity to remain consistently active at least from a financial standpoint. The obvious flaw, however, despite the fact that those fighters at or near the top of the sport are in a position to make significant money by waiting for the most lucrative opportunities, is that over time inactivity will have a negative impact on those fighters inside the ring. In Wilder’s case, his inactivity has been due both a bitter split with his former manager Al Haymon and the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters as well as needing to recover from losses, including the knockouts at the hands of Fury and Zhang. At his best, however, Wilder is a devastating puncher that is capable of ending a fight at any time with either hand as illustrated by his forty-two knockouts in forty-three career wins and near 90% career knockout percentage.

How likely are we to see glimpses of that version of Wilder? In Tyrell Herndon, the former world champion will face a veteran of twenty-nine professional fights with a respectable 24-5, with 14 Knockouts record coming into this fight. Although most of Herndon’s victories have come against relatively unknown opposition, he will enter this fight riding a three fight win streak. A red flag as to Herndon’s potential chances, however, and a likely reason he was selected as the opponent for Wilder on this occasion is he has been stopped in four of his five losses, most notably at the hands of unbeaten rising Heavyweight contender and former Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez, who stopped him in the second round in October 2023.

What Herndon can point to as something in his favor going into this fight is he has been considerably more active than Wilder, albeit against a lower level of competition since his loss to Torrez. Whether that will be enough to compete effectively with a fighter with the type of power that Wilder has remains to be seen. Herndon is not known for his punching power and some might suggest that his best chance for success here in this fight will be to try and implement a boxer’s approach similar to the one that former WBO Heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker was able to implement when he faced and defeated Wilder in December 2023 in scoring a wide twelve round unanimous decision victory.

As Wilder now tries to bounce back from his third knockout loss, there may be some who believe that he might be damaged after what was a brutal knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang. Although that possibility should not be dismissed, it would be ill advised for Herndon to go in with the mentality of trying to get Wilder out of there as Wilder has done to many of his opponents throughout his career. 

While this indeed has all the appearance of a “Comeback Fight" and keeping in mind that there are indeed levels to combat sports and seemingly every metric tips in Wilder’s favor, we won't know what Wilder has until he and Herndon are in the ring and whether this is the start of a rebuilding process of one of the most devastating fighters in the history of the Heavyweight division.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Wilder vs. Herndon takes place on Friday, June 27th at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS. The fight can be seen globally on digital subscription entertainment streaming network and platform BLK Prime beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. The card will also be available on a pay-per-view basis across cable/satellite providers throughout the United States and Canada as well as PPV.com and it's streaming apps on mobile, tablet and connected streaming devices, platforms, and Smart TVs for $24.99. (As of this writing, it appears the event will be available to subscribers of BLK Prime at no additional cost, but is unconfirmed at the time of publishing of this column.)

To subscribe to BLK Prime and for information about where you can download the BLK Prime app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs please visit: www.BLKPrime.com  

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

 

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

 

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

 

Also on this card:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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Ramirez Scores Unanimous Decision Over Pedraza In Fresno

 

In a compelling bout between former Jr. Welterweight world champions, former WBC/WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez scored a workmanlike twelve round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza on Friday night at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, CA. An extremely tactical fight from the outset, Ramirez consistently pressed the action throughout, though at times, did have trouble with the defensively elusive Pedraza, who had success landing counter punches as Ramirez came forward. Ultimately, Ramirez’ effective aggression, consistent offense, and ability to control the rhythm of the fight were enough to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 116-112 (On all three scorecards) for Jose Ramirez. Jose Ramirez advances to 27-1, with 17 Knockouts. Jose Pedraza falls to 29-4, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

2020 United States Heavyweight Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez successfully made his professional debut by scoring a second round knockout of Allen Melson. Torrez scored a knockdown with a left uppercut in the first round, but suffered a deep gash on his forehead as a result of an accidental clash of heads. In round two, Torrez scored two more knockdowns of Melson with left hooks to force a stoppage of the bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:23 of round two. Richard Torrez advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Allen Melson falls to 6-4, with 3 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of former Featherweight world title challengers, Joet Gonzalez outlasted Jeo Santisima to earn a ninth round stoppage. In what was a grueling inside fight, Gonzalez ultimately got the better of the combat and in the ninth round the bout was stopped as Santisima was taking significant punishment over the previous rounds. Official time of the stoppage was 2:05 of round nine. Joet Gonzalez  advances to 25-2, with 15 Knockouts. Jeo Santisima falls to 21-4, with 18 Knockouts.

 

 

Jr. Lightweight contender Gabriel Flores pounded out a ten round majority decision over Abraham Montoya. Flores seemed to have the advantage over the first six rounds of this bout in out Boxing Montoya and keeping him at distance. As the fight moved to round seven however, Montoya seemed to have a surge on a fatigued Flores. Despite the rally in the latter rounds, Montoya was unable to earn the nod as Flores won the fight earning a decision on two of three official cards. Official scores were 95-95,  (Even) and 96-94 (On two scorecards) in favor of Flores. Gabriel Flores advances to 21-1, with 7 Knockouts. Abraham Montoya falls to 20-3-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

In an entertaining Lightweight bout that was fought toe to toe from the opening bell, Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras fought to an eight round split draw. Tanajara had some success keeping distance from the shorter Contreras early, but it was not long before Contreras bulled his way and forced the fight on the inside where the two fighters engaged nearly non-stop, but with nether being able to stand out clear from the other resulting in the draw. Official scores were: 78-74 (Tanajara), 77-75 (Contreras), and 76-76 (Even). Hector Tanajara advances to 19-1-1, with 5 Knockouts.  Miguel Contreras advances to 11-1-1, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Also in the Lightweight division, Carlos Balderas scored a brutal second round knockout of Aelio Mesquita. Balderas dropped Mesquita in the opening seconds of the fight with a perfectly timed straight right hand. This was followed by a second knockdown in the closing seconds of the round that sent Mesquita down on his back. In round two, a short right hand sent Mesquita down for a third time and the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :38 of round two. Carlos Balderas advances to 12-1, with 11 Knockouts. Aelio Mesquita falls to 20-7-1, with 18 Knockouts.

 

Rising Middleweight prospect Javier Martinez scored a six round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs. Martinez generally got the better of the action in a fight that was fought in close for the majority of the bout, but was dropped in the third round with a short right hand. After suffering the first knockdown of his career, Martinez was able to regroup to earn the unanimous decision. Official scores were: 59-56, and 58-55 (On two scorecards in favor of Martinez. Javier Martinez advances to 6-0, with 2 Knockouts. Donte Stubbs falls to 6-4, with 2 Knockouts.

 

In a clash of undefeated Lightweights, Charlie Sheehy scored a first round stoppage of previously unbeaten Johnny Bernal. Sheehy dropped Bernal with a right hand midway through the first round with a right hand and finished the fight with a follow-up barrage. Official time of the stoppage was 2:33 of round one. Charlie Sheehy advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts. Johnny Bernal falls to 2-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

A battle of unbeaten Heavyweights with identical records began the evening as Antonio Mireles scored a second round knockout of previously unbeaten Brandon Hughes. Mireles scored two knockdowns of Hughes in the first round each as a reach of left hands to the head. Although Hughes tried to hang in there, he was unable to avoid the left hand and following a third knockdown in round two from a series of left hands the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:04 of round two. Antonio Mireles advances to 3-0 with 3 Knockouts. Brandon Hughes falls to 2-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

For Jose Ramirez, his victory over former Jr. Lightweight and Lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza, his first since suffering his only career loss in a unification bout last year against now Undisputed Jr. Welterweight world champion Josh Taylor last year, would seem to move him right back into title contention. This is both due to the fact that he returned to the win column as well as the likelihood of Taylor, who is coming off of a controversial split decision victory over previously unbeaten Jack Catterall, one week ago, is eying a move up from the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division to the 147lb. Welterweight division to chase a possible showdown with undefeated WBO Welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, ironically, the last man to fully unify the Jr. Welterweight division before Taylor was able to against Ramirez.

 

What this means for Jose Ramirez and even Jose Pedraza is if Taylor does move up in weight, four vacated world championships that currently make up the Undisputed Jr. Welterweight world championship will become available to be filled amongst former world champions and top contenders, with obviously more room to maneuver for those closer to the front of the line in terms of rankings than those who are not. Seeing as Ramirez’ fight with Pedraza was billed as an elimination bout in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Welterweight ratings, it is not hard to envision Ramirez fighting for a vacant WBC world championship in his next fight should Taylor vacate his crown. Whom that fight for Ramirez could possibly be against obviously remains to be seen and depends on what Josh Taylor decides he wants to do.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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