Cameron Defeats McGee To Unify Women’s WBC/IBF Jr. Welterweight World Championship In London

 

Undefeated Women’s WBC Jr. Welterweight world champion Chantelle Cameron scored a hard fought ten round decision over IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Mary McGee to successfully unify the two crowns on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England. In what was a very entertaining bout from start to finish, Cameron used her greater hand speed, timing, and counter punching to dictate how the fight was fought. 

 

There were several furious exchanges of offense throughout as the two world champions had no issue trading blows in close where either fighter could have landed a fight ending blow.  It was during these exchanges however, where Cameron was generally the fighter coming forward and pressing McGee against the ropes. A highlight came in round three where an exchange of offense at the end of the round resulted in Cameron shoving McGee down. Although this was a clear foul, there was no point deduction against her. The two fighters continued to engage in a battle right until the final bell. Official scores were: 100-90, 99-91, and 99-92 all in favor of Cameron. Chantelle Cameron advances to 15-0, with 8 Knockouts. Mary McGee falls to 27-4, with 15 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Heavyweight “Knockout Artist” Alen Babic scored a second round stoppage in destroying former Heavyweight world title challenger Eric Molina. Babic dropped Molina in the opening seconds of the fight with a short right hand to the head. Although Molina was seemingly in trouble from the outset, for a time he was able to hold his own in exchanging wide hooks with the free swinging Babic for the remainder of the first round. In round two, Babic scored his second knockdown  of Molina with a right hand that Molina contended hit him behind the head. This would be followed by a third knockdown with a short left hand that sent Molina down. The final knockdown came with a right hand that even though Molina was able to beat the count for the fourth time, the fight was stopped as Molina seemingly resigned to the fact that it was not his night. Official time of the stoppage was 1:30 of round two. Alen Babic advances to 9-0, with 9 Knockouts. Eric Molina falls to 28-8, with 20 Knockouts.

 

Also in the Heavyweight division, unbeaten Johnny Fisher scored a second round stoppage of veteran Alvaro Terrero. Fisher dropped Terrero with a left hook in the second round and followed that up with two more knockdowns to get the stoppage. Official time of the stoppage was 2:06 of round two. Johnny Fisher advances to 4-0, with 4 Knockouts. Alvaro Terrero falls to 5-14-2, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Former Light-Heavyweight world title challenger Craig Richards scored a sixth round stoppage of Marek Matyja. Richards seemed to control this fight with his jab and by being able to keep Matyia at distance. Matyia was able to have sporadic success with his offense, but in round six, Richards unleashed a brutal left uppercut to the head that badly stunned Matyia. Matyia tried to hold on, but Richards was able to get enough distance between himself and his opponent and set off a barrage of unanswered punches that forced the stoppage of the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 2:34 of round six. Craig Richards advances to 17-2-1, with 10 Knockouts. Marek Matyja falls to 20-3-2, with 9 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Lightweight Jorge Castaneda scored a hard fought ten round majority decision over previously undefeated Youssef Khoumari. A very tactical fight that was fought at a high pace from the outset, both fighters traded the ebb and flow of momentum throughout and both had moments where they were able to stun the other in some fierce exchanges of hooks to the head throughout. What was a very close fight in the eyes of any objective observer was ultimately decided by Castaneda’s consistent jabbing, changing levels between the body and head, as well as seeming to get the better of the action in the later rounds. Official scores were 95-95 (Even), and 97-94, 96-94 in favor of Castaneda. Jorge Castaneda advances to 15-1, with 11 Knockouts. Youssef Khoumari falls to 13-1-1, with 5 Knockouts. With the win, Castaneda earned a ranking in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Lightweight ratings.

 

Women’s Jr. Featherweight Ellie Scotney moved to 3-0 in her career by scoring an eight round decision over Eva Cantos. Scotney dictated the pace of the combat from the opening bell and landed the hard, cleaner, and more consistent punches throughout. As all non-title bouts held in the United Kingdom that do not impact regional or world rankings are scored solely by the referee officiating a bout, Referee John Latham scored the bout, Referee John Latham scored the bout 79-73 in Scotney’s favor. Ellie Scotney advances to 3-0 with 0 Knockouts. Eva Cantos falls to 2-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson scored a first round knockout of Piotr Podlucki. A flush right hand behind a jab to the jaw of Podlucki sent him down and unable to beat the ten count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:52 of round one. Jordan Thompson advances to 11-0, with 9 Knockouts. Piotr Podlucki falls to 6-6, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Light-Heavyweight John Hedges improved to 4-0 in his career by pounding out a lopsided six round unanimous decision over late substitute Ben Thomas. Referee John Latham scored the bout 60-54 in Hedges’ favor. John Hedges advances to 4-0, with 0 Knockouts. Ben Thomas falls to 2-8-3, with 1 Knockout.

 

Heavyweight Thomas Carty moved to 2-0 in his career to start the evening by scoring a third round knockout over Igors Vasiljevs. The first two rounds saw a lot of wrestling on the inside between the two fighters. Carty changed things dramatically in round three when he connected with a straight left hand that badly staggered Vasiljevs. Vasiljevs tried everything he could to hold on, but ultimately Carty beat him down with a series of left hands that sent Vasiljevs down along the ropes. He did not get up and took the ten count. Official time was 2:49 of round three. Thomas Carty advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Igors Vasiljevs falls to 4-2, with 3 Knockouts.

 

We will have further coverage of this card including what is next for Chantelle Cameron and Mary McGee as part of a feature column looking at the final weekend in Boxing of October 2021 that will be released here on the website next week. 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

THE ROAD TO UNDISPUTED: WOMEN'S 140LBS CROWN UP FOR GRABS IN FOUR WAY SHOWDOWN

 

Press Release: September 3, 2021 By DAZN – Chantelle Cameron will fight Mary McGee for the IBF, WBC and Ring Magazine World Titles

Kali Reis will fight Jessica Camara for the WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles

 

Matchroom Boxing, in partnership with DiBella Entertainment, announce today that the Undisputed Super-Lightweight crown will be put on the line as Chantelle Cameron, Mary McGee, Kali Reis and Jessica Camara fight it out for 140lbs supremacy, live on DAZN around the world. 

Credit: DAZN

 

Cameron (14-0, 8 KOs) displayed an impressive performance last time out in her maiden WBC World Title defence, beating former champion Melissa Hernández by TKO in the fifth round to retain the green and gold strap and continue her flawless record since turning professional in 2017.

 

Mary ‘Merciless’ McGree (27-3, 15 KOs) comes into the fight with increased momentum, notching seven straight wins since her World Title loss in 2013 and picking up the IBF Super-Lightweight Title on the way. The American’s last win came via a ninth round TKO against Deanha Hobbs to retain her crown. 

 

American two-weight World Champion Kali Reis (18-7-1, 5 KOs) retained her WBA World Title and won the vacant IBO Super-Lightweight belt in August 2021 in a convincing unanimous decision against Australian challenger Diana Prazak at Sycuan Casino, California. 

 

‘The Cobra’ Jessica Camara (8-2) beat former World Champion Heather Hardy impressively last time out, scoring a unanimous decision to hand the Hardy her second career loss and dramatically boost the Canadian’s ranking in the 140lbs division.

 

"I'm delighted to have this opportunity to show that I’m the number one fighter in the world at 140lbs,” said Cameron. “All I've wanted since I started in boxing is to become Undisputed, and now I have a fantastic chance to achieve that.

 

"These tough fights against the other champions are what motivates me and pushes me in the gym, and you're going to see the very best Chantelle Cameron.

 

"They are all great champions, and first things first I have Mary McGee to take care of, and then once I come through that I'll be ready to make history against the winner of Kali Reiss and Jessica Camara." "This is an exciting time for women's boxing," said Camara. "I'm honoured to be a part of an event of this magnitude that will help to bring a lot of exposure to the ladies. Kali, Mary and Chantelle are all great fighters, and I know these fights will bring out the best in me. Thank you to Lou DiBella and Eddie Hearn for coming together to make this possible and for providing a platform for me to show the world what I am capable of."

 

“If we can work together to find one champion for every division then it would be a massive moment for the sport and we have a great opportunity to do that in the 140lbs division,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “Women’s boxing is red hot at the moment and huge credit to these 4 champions for putting it on the line in the road to Undisputed on DAZN. Lou and I have been heavily committed to women’s boxing for a number of years now and it’s great to see them finally getting the plaudits and the rewards they deserve.”

 

“What a way to crown the true 140lbs champion. We're thrilled to feature on DAZN these two hugely competitive match-ups with four fearless fighters ready to leave it all in the ring for the undisputed title,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP of DAZN. "We're committed to growing women’s sport around the world and this elite four-way showdown will undoubtedly showcase to fans worldwide that women's boxing is sensational as ever."

 

"Both DiBella Entertainment and Matchroom have been leaders in advancing women's boxing and elevating the great female fighters in our sport," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "I'm happy that Eddie and I were able to arrange these historic fights and I'm grateful to my friends at DAZN, who will be streaming it. Chantelle, Mary, Kali and Jessica are four elite 140-pound athletes, deserving of this incredible opportunity. After two terrific semi-finals, a queen will be crowned at Super-Lightweight."

 

Dates and venues for Cameron vs. McGee and Reis vs. Camara will be announced in due course.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

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

 

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

Initial Impressions Of Boxing At The 2020 Olympics

 

The time has come once more where the world focuses much of its attention over a span of two weeks for the Summer Olympic Games. Obviously, this time, the 2020 games is actually taking place in 2021 after a year’s delay due to the ongoing global COVID-19. As most know, even with a year delay from when the games were originally scheduled in the summer of last year, these Olympics have taken place under significant controversy due to the ongoing circumstances of the global COVID-19 crisis around the world, but more specifically in the games’ host country Japan.

 

While this observer will not give the reader a long thorough rehash of everything that has gone on, those who know me and those who follow yours truly across social media platforms including Twitter know that I have heavily criticized the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its decision to go on with the rescheduled games, despite mounting evidence that it was not in the best interest of the country of Japan nor in the interest of the athletes from around the world to hold the Olympics under the circumstances of a worsening epidemic. Despite this criticism of which I stand by, with the Olympics in full swing, the time has come for this observer to provide his take on the Olympic Boxing tournament that is currently ongoing in Tokyo.

 

While with the exception of the 2012 games that were held in London, England, I have covered every Olympic Boxing  tournament in some form since the 2000 Olympic Games that were held in Sydney, Australia, due to the amount of bouts that typically take place over the course of an Olympic tournament, I offer the reader some of my impressions over the course of the tournament in summary-form often broken into two feature columns that are released both during competition as well as shortly after the games have concluded. With well over one hundred bouts having taken place as of this writing, it is now time for me to share some of my thoughts on what I’ve seen thus far.

 

Ironically, with these Olympics taking place with no spectators beyond essential personnel and the respective Olympic teams in attendance at the various events including, but certainly not limited to the Boxing tournament, I did not feel a sense that the atmosphere would feel unusual. This is perhaps due to the fact that for well over a year now, numerous sporting events around the world have taken place in settings closed to the general public depending on the circumstances of COVID-19 in the given region where events are held. While there is certainly no disputing that there is an element of excitement that comes from the addition of crowds attending events, I found myself feeling as though this would likely not be an adjustment for the athletes competing as more than likely, they were given time to prepare for an atmosphere without spectators.

 

Nevertheless, the first Olympics in modern history to have taken place with no crowds in attendance does make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics unique even if it is for reasons that will be criticized for years to come. As for the Boxing tournament, the tournament taking place at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Arena has seen highly competitive bouts across both the Men’s and Women’s competitions. While many of the bouts have followed a pattern of very close bouts both in terms of the action inside the ring as well as how the bouts are scored, there has not been an element of “Controversy” thus far.

 

This is perhaps due to the move by the IOC during the 2016 games to remove the Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) from both overseeing and hosting the tournament after yet another tournament that was seen as controversial in some aspects, due to the way AIBA had handled matters. The IOC instead implanted the concept of what it called it’s Boxing Task Force, Over the first week of competition, while several of the bouts have been close and frankly could have been scored either way depending on one’s perspective, there has not been the sense of questionable scoring or the feeling of either incompetent scoring or outright corruption that has followed many Olympic tournaments due both to all five official judges scorecards being counted as well as the scores being presented in an open scoring format in an effort to both be transparent as well as hopefully eliminate any potential controversy as far as scoring is concerned. Although it is difficult for any sport to be regulated perfectly, so far, I feel that this has been a significant step in the right direction for Amateur Boxing at least as far as the Olympics are concerned and this should be something that if it is able to remain as it has been during the first week of competition for the remainder of the tournament, should be followed by other Amateur Boxing associations around the world including AIBA in the future.

 

It should also not be overlooked as the IOC Boxing Task Force in its commitment to  transparency, this is the first Olympic Boxing Tournament to feature as many as fifteen female officials between referees and judges, up from six in the previous Olympics as well as it being the first Olympics to see five weight classes represented in Women’s Boxing up from three weight divisions in the previous 2016 games.

 

As such, Women’s Boxing has taken a significant part of the spotlight of this Olympic tournament and in addition to adding more weight classes for female fighters, the women competing in Tokyo have also seen the addition of one element that many people involved in Boxing, including those of us who cover the sport like yours truly have been screaming to see added to Women’s professional Boxing for years. Three minute rounds.

 

For whatever reason, it has been a struggle for the women of the sport to be able to compete under the same round duration as their male counterparts. While this is something that is not seen in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where women are able to compete in bouts scheduled for rounds of five minutes in duration either scheduled for three rounds for non-title bouts or five rounds for championship bouts, the same duration of minutes per round and scheduled rounds as male MMA fighters in most MMA promotions, the women of Boxing have been fighting in two minute rounds for decades.

 

Although the idea of two minute rounds on the surface usually ensures a fast-paced fight, there is not, nor has there ever been evidence that female fighters could not fight at the same length of rounds as men, in my view. Furthermore, like many involved in the sport, I feel removing the third minute of a round for women boxers not only removes an element of strategy that a fighter can implement in terms of tactics, but also has resulted in many bouts being scored draws due to the shorter duration of rounds. Even though one should not generalize the idea that more fights would end by way of knockout/referee’s stoppage if the women of the sport had the benefit of an extra minute per round, I feel at minimum, we would see more conclusive results in terms of scoring if not more fighters being able to end fights within the distance on a more consistent basis.

 

 

With the addition of two more weight classes in this Tokyo Olympics, the 126lb. Featherweight and 147lb. Welterweight divisions, joining the 112lb. Flyweight division, the 135lb. Lightweight division, and the 160lb. Middleweight divisions that previously saw competition at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as Female fighters being able to box in three minute rounds, hopefully, this Olympics will be known as a major step forward towards equality in Boxing that ultimately the professional sport will adapt to for the women that compete in it.

 

While there is certainly more to come in the 2020 Olympic Boxing tournament that will be covered by yours truly in due time, my initial impression of this tournament though there is more to come and more to discuss regarding the fights and the fighters competing, is the IOC is on the right track and if they are able to see everything through to the finish line of this Olympics, Boxing should be elevated going forward. It would be a win both for the sport of Boxing as well as the Olympics.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Part 2 of Olympic coverage here on The Boxing Truth®️ will be released here on the website in the week following the conclusion of the 2020 Summer Olympics. An announcement on when it will be released will be announced on the website in the next week. Stay tuned.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camara Upsets Hardy In Murfreesboro, TN

 

Lightweight Jessica Camara scored the biggest win of her career by scoring an upset eight round unanimous decision over former WBO Featherweight world champion Heather Hardy on Friday night at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN. In what was the main event of a three bout all Women’s Boxing card, Hardy, who was coming off of an eighteen month layoff and fighting for the first time in the 135lb. Lightweight division, scored a flash knockdown of Camara in the first round in an exchange of hooks. Despite having an advantage because of scoring a knockdown, Hardy found it difficult to let her hands go consistently. This allowed Camara to gradually build momentum and by the midway point of the fight, the ebb and flow was in her favor. Camara’s effective aggression, timing, and combination punching became the story of the fight and was the ultimate determining factor in Camara scoring the unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 79-73, 78-73, and 77-74 in favor of Camara. Jessica Camara advances to 8-2, with 0 Knockouts. Heather Hardy falls to 22-2, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

A battle between Welterweights who were making their respective professional debuts saw Kelsey Wickstrum score a hard-fought six round majority decision over Stevie Jane Coleman. In what was a fight fought in close from the outset that saw several shifts in momentum, it was Wickstrum, who was able to get the upper hand by a narrow margin with some good body shots and hooks throughout. Official scores were: 57-57 (Even), and 58-56 (On two scorecards) in favor of Wickstrum. Kelsey Wickstrum advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stevie Jane Coleman falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

In the opening bout of the evening, Lightweight Melissa St Vil scored an eight round unanimous decision over former WBC Jr, Lightweight world champion Olivia Gerula. With both fighters coming off lengthy layoffs, St Vil used lateral movement and consistent combination punching to get the better of Gerula, who was competing in her first bout in over three years. The primary difference in this fight was the hand speed of St Vil, who seemed one step ahead of Gerula, who simply could not get on the inside and could not get her punches off first in exchanges. Official scores were: 80-72, and 78-74 (On two scorecards) in favor of Melissa St Vil. Melissa St Vil advances to 14-4-4, with 1 Knockout. Olivia Gerula falls to 18-19-2, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Although the story of this card was the fact that it was the second all women’s Boxing event to take place and be televised by a global platform in a span of two months following the Claressa Shields-Marie-Eve Dicarie Jr. Middleweight unification bout earlier this year that was streamed via digital pay-per-view on FITE TV, this card, which was promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella and broadcast globally via UFC Fight Pass, had what some might call an unexpected result in Jessica Camara scoring an upset victory over former world champion Heather Hardy.

 

Hardy, who lost her world championship in a unification bout against Amanda Serrano in September 2019, like many fighters throughout the entire sport has been impacted severely by the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, which was largely responsible for her lengthy inactivity going into this fight with Jessica Camara. Whether or not that inactivity was something that worked against her as this fight progressed is something that will probably be debated amongst Boxing fans. The idea of a rematch between the two is something that should be considered provided that the circumstances of the ongoing epidemic allow it and whether both fighters want a second encounter.

 

“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

 

 

SuperWomen: A Win For Boxing

 

The bout between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire to determine the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship was more than merely a unification bout to determine an undisputed champion between two great fighters. This fight was a symbol of progress for the women of Boxing as a whole. After all, there are some who will say that the first time they were exposed to Women’s Boxing on television was during the early-mid 1990’s when Christy Martin made a name for herself competing on undercards of major Boxing events, many of which were broadcast on pay-per-view. Although Martin’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the sport is more than secure after compiling a Hall of Fame career, the sport as a whole continued to struggle for consistent exposure on television particularly here in the United States. 

Credit: FITE 

 

When the decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to sanction Women’s Boxing for the first time in the 2012 Summer Olympics, it opened a new opportunity for Women in the sport. As many know, Claressa Shields not only seized the opportunity, but arguably took the spotlight in both the 2012 and 2016 games by becoming the only Olympic boxer in the history of the United States to win consecutive gold medals. She then was able to benefit from the increased exposure upon turning professional in 2016. Along with the exposure Shields was able to receive came increased exposure for the entire sport of Women’s Boxing.

 

Over her professional career, Shields has built a resume of her own in becoming a three-division world champion in only ten pro bouts and completely unifying the 160lb. Middleweight division in the process. When Shields faced Marie-Eve Dicaire, she was chasing further Boxing history in attempting to become the first fighter male or female in the history of the sport to fully unify two weight classes. While this in itself was historic, it would come on a night where Women’s Boxing took center stage, as the main event of a pay-per-view card of all women’s bouts. 

 

What took place when Shields and Dicaire squared off in the ring at the Dort Financial Center in Shields’ hometown in Flint, MI on March 5^th was essentially what one would expect to see from a great fighter in a high stakes situation. For ten rounds, Shields put on a full demonstration of her Boxing skills. Whether it was her defense, combination punching, or just her overall skillset, this fight as much as any of her previous bouts as a professional or an amateur showed not only why many consider Shields the top Women’s fighter in the world, but also that her skills continue to evolve.

 

In previewing this fight, I stated that stylistically things seemed to favor Shields because of her tendency to be aggressive and apply pressure on her opponents. While this indeed was a key component of her strategy in this fight, what was impressive was how she essentially switched her approach throughout. Switched her approach not because her initial approach of aggression and pressure was unsuccessful, but as an added element that kept Dicaire from being able to find a rhythm. In simple terms, Shields did not do too much of only one aspect, but mixed every aspect together in near perfect execution. When she felt like forcing the fight on Dicaire, she did, when she wanted to primarily use defense and her counter punching to dictate the combat, she did. This strategy was effective to such a degree that Dicaire, a fighter who is most effective when she is able to use angles, lateral movement, and distance to execute her offense, was unable to settle down and let her hands go with consistency. Whether it was nerves in fighting for an undisputed championship for the first time in her career, a healthy respect for Shields’ skillset, Dicaire was not able to implement a similar approach as she has done previously in her career and this ultimately resulted in Shields winning every round on all three judges scorecards, winning a ten round unanimous decision to secure her second undisputed world championship in a second weight class after previously unifying the Middleweight division in her career.

 

Although much of the focus of this card and subsequently of this post-column centers on Claressa Shields and will conclude on the subject of where she goes after completely unifying two weight classes, the all-women’s event SuperWomen also featured three other bouts in the Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions that also need discussion. The first of these bouts featured Bantamweight contender Marlen Esparza, who scored a six round unanimous decision over Shelly Barnett.

 

Esparza, who is a former world title challenger having suffered her lone career defeat in that challenge to undefeated WBA Flyweight champion Seneisa Estrada in November 2019, has worked her way back into world title contention as she is currently the WBC’s top contender in the Flyweight division. Esparza however, has shown she is a contender in both the 112lb. Flyweight division and the 118lb. Bantamweight division as she outworked veteran Shelly Barnett over the six round distance to win a unanimous decision. While it is not uncommon in Women’s Boxing to see fighters move between weight classes on a per fight basis depending on what opportunities may be available to them, Esparza is the current mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Ibeth Silva and it is logical barring things like potential injuries or anything related to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, that Esparza will likely look to challenge Silva in the near future if a potential world championship opportunity in the Bantamweight division is not an option at the present time.

 

The second Bantamweight bout that took place on the SuperWomen event featured undefeated rising contender Jamie Mitchell facing veteran Noemi Bosques. This fight was controlled by Mitchell, who’s harder punches and ring generalship gradually wore a “Game”, but ultimately over matched Bosques before the bout was stopped in the fifth round giving Mitchell her sixth career victory in eight professional bouts.

 

In Mitchell’s eight career bouts, she has fought to two draws. One of those draws came against perhaps her best known opponent thus far Britain Hart in August 2019. Hart as many know recently scored a five round unanimous decision over MMA star Paige VanZant, in a fight fought under Bareknuckle Boxing rules in the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Much like more opportunities are opening up for women in traditional Boxing, the idea of the women who competed on this card potentially competing in Bareknuckle Boxing should not be dismissed as Bareknuckle Boxing has re-emerged in the last decade in various forms and is seeing continuing growth around the world. Perhaps a potential bout for Mitchell off of her victory over Bosques could be a rematch with Hart fought under either traditional or Bareknuckle rules.

 

As Women’s Boxing has increased in exposure, among the the weight classes that have been able to take advantage of the exposure has been the Heavyweight division. The final preliminary bout that took place prior to Claressa Shields’ bout with Marie-Eve Dicaire was a Heavyweight rematch between undefeated Danielle Perkins and Monika Harrison. A rematch from last August that was fought in the Cruiserweight division, Perkins successfully made her professional debut on that evening by scoring a four round unanimous decision over Harrison. Now in her third bout this time fought at Heavyweight, Perkins saw similar results in her second encounter with Harrison as she experienced in her pro debut. Perkins out worked Harrison over six rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. If there was a slight difference between this fight and their first meeting last year, it appeared in the second half of this rematch that if Perkins opted to apply more pressure on Harrison, she may have been able to get a stoppage as Harrison appeared to struggle in the latter stages of the bout.

 

It is hard to necessarily say a fighter with only three professional bouts is ready for a potential world title shot. While in most cases this is true when discussing Men’s Boxing, it’s important to keep in mind that Women’s Boxing is still very much a sport that is growing in both the traditional and Bareknuckle forms. As such, it is not hard to envision Perkins possibly getting a shot at a world championship in the Heavyweight division in the near future depending on whether an opportunity for a championship bout exists. One should also consider that Perkins rematch against Harrison was for the Women’s WBC Silver championship in the Heavyweight division. While such championships are not held in high regard throughout the entire sport, in reality, the silver championship grants the holder of it a higher position in the WBC’s rankings in a given weight class. When one also factors into the equation that the WBC’s Women’s world championship in the Heavyweight division is currently vacant, the idea of Perkins fighting for a world championship sooner than later should be viewed as a very real possibility.

 

  While the future for the fighters who were able to shine on the SuperWomen undercard is unknown as of this writing as to potential future bouts, so too are questions regarding what Claressa Shields will do next. Shields, who in recent months made her intentions to venture into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) clear by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) MMA promotion revealed after her victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire that she intends to make her MMA debut as well as box again later this year. 

 

Although this may be viewed as a difficult task to accomplish particularly in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear that Shields wants to compete and do so often. It should also not be overlooked that for a fighter who has thus far been dominant in her sport, she is challenging herself by testing the waters in a different combat sport while maintaining her position as the focal point in the view of many for Women’s Boxing.

 

In terms of who she might fight in her next bout, a danger with a fighter being able to achieve as much as Shields has in now only eleven fights is the idea of having accomplished everything possible. It is certainly true that after fully unifying two weight divisions and becoming a three-division world champion overall that Shields’ legacy in what will be a Hall of Fame resume is secure. There are still possibilities for her in the sport and one should not view the possibility of her going back up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division where she also holds a world championship to attempt to unify a third weight division as unrealistic.

 

While we will have to see what the future holds for Claressa Shields outside of her venture into MMA, which may include facing world champions in lower weight classes, or maybe even venturing into the Bareknuckle realm of the sport, it’s clear that Women’s Boxing has definitely come a long way and the SuperWomen event was a win for Boxing as a whole, but more importantly, a testament to the progress that has been made for Women competing in the sport. Something that has been long overdue.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Promotional poster Courtesy of FITE TV Used with permission.

 

To watch the  SuperWomen Shields vs. Dicaire pay-per-view on demand for $29.99 download the FITE app on mobile, tablet, or connected streaming devices and Smart TVs or visit: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/ to order. For more information about FITE including schedules and list of compatible streaming devices/platforms, and Smart TVs, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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

 

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Amateur Standout Viviana Ruiz Signs With Tony Tolj

 Press Release: March 8, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australian marquee manager Tony Tolj has added one of Australia’s hottest women stars to his ever extensive stable.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

He is delighted to announce that Colombian born Sydney based Viviana Ruiz has signed a long-term managerial contract with the Perth based manager, who has been a key figure in the rise of fighters such as Chris John, Andrew & Jason Moloney, Bruno Tarimo, Andres Campos amongst others.

The charismatic Tolj is a big advocate of womens boxing currently managing the largest stable of women boxers in the pacific rim, World #6 Kylie Hutt, World Title Challenger Kylie Hutt, as well as prospects, Sarah Higginson, Natalie Jenkinson, Sylvia Cinque, Jeanine Brown  amongst others. 

Ruiz has represented Australia at the Womens World Championships in India. She was competing against the best in the country to qualify (which I did) and then against the best in the world. Ruiz has had over 60 fights, 5 x State Champion, 2xAustralian Champion, Gold medallist in Spain at the Boxam event (the best in the world), Silver medallist for the Commonwealth games trials  and Silver medal for the Olympic qualifiers. 

Ruiz discusses her boxing journey, I came from Colombia alone without speaking English so I was getting into drinking too much, smoking and not doing anything about the great opportunities that Australia has to offer. I decided to do something healthy and good for my life and started walking every nigh.  On one of my walks I saw "The fight gym". I went in there, did my first class and had an amazing feeling of happiness , control and anger realease. We Colombians are very passionate and have a lot of anger lol so it helped me lots to adress it another way. The coach said I was good and should have a fight !and 6 months later I was in the ring. I haven't stopped since there.

The Colombian born New South Wales native discussed his link up with manager Tolj.

Ruiz said, “I am delighted to link up with Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing. I loved boxing in the amateurs but my ambition was always to be a success in the professional ranks, and I felt that this was the right opportunity for me to make that leap into the pro game and I am really excited to get the ball rolling.

“I have seen the job Tony has done with the likes of the Moloney twins and I believe he will be able to do the same job with myself and take me all the way to world title fights. That is what I am in this game for.”

I was so excited to be part of Dragon Fire Boxing because they actually believe in the potential of the boxers, and I can tell from speaking to Tony that he has true belief in me and his own ability to make me a champion. They want give opportunities to those who really want it.

Ruiz continued, opening up about his style and what fight fans can expect from him, “I have an all action style and I can also box when I need too. I enjoy putting on a show for those in attendance and I feel my style is more suited to the pro game. I am learning all the time but I can guarantee excitement from my fights.”  

“I want to become a World Champion. I want to change all the odds of being too old for the sport. I believe because the world has evolved in many ways, you can now have a proper diet, correct strength and conditioning and be on the top of your game for much longer than they used to be able to”. 

The ever busy Tony Tolj gave his take on his latest acquisition, “Viviana Ruiz has been one of the shining lights in Australian amateur boxing for some years so I am delighted to be looking after her going forward. She trains with Ben Sava who is an excellent student of the game. Ruiz is an unbelievable talent and one that I believe will go all the way in the professional game.”

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

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

SuperWomen: Shields-Dicaire Weights From Flint, MI

 

 

The official weigh-in for Friday night’s SuperWomen: all-women’s Boxing pay-per-view card took place on Thursday in Flint, MI. The weights for the four bout card, which will be headlined by a ten round bout for the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world champion between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire and broadcast globally on digital pay-per-view by the FITE app as well as on www.FITE.TV are as follows. 

Credit: FITE 

 

*Main Event: Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Claressa Shields (WBC/WBO world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

vs.

 

Marie-Eve Dicaire (IBF world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

(* The vacant Women’s WBA Jr. Middleweight world championship will also be on the line making this bout for the Undisputed world championship.)

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Danielle Perkins 196 3/4lbs. vs. Monika Harrison 202 3/4lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Marlen Esparza 117 1/4lbs. vs. Shelly Barnett 119lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Jamie Mitchell 120lbs. vs. Noemi Bosques 119 1/2lbs.

 

Promotional Poster Courtesy of: FITE TV Used with permission.

 

 

SuperWomen: Shields vs. Dicaire takes place Tonight (Friday, March 5^th) at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The four bout card can be seen globally on digital pay-per-view on the FITE app across mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $29.99. (U.S. Time.) Prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, a one hour pre-show will air beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.For more information about including schedules and compatible streaming devices and Smart TVs please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Shields vs. Dicaire download the FITE app or click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SuperWomen: Shields-Dicaire Battle For Jr. Middleweight Supremacy

 Perhaps one segment of the sport of Boxing that has been able to take advantage of the unprecedented circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic has been Women’s Boxing. With many of the top stars of the sport sidelined for most of 2020 due to both risks associated with the COVID-19 virus as well as for economic reasons, several of the top female fighters in the sport seized the opportunity to take the spotlight as several notable stars including undefeated Undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor, Mikaela Mayer, Teri Harper, Natasha Jonas,, Cecilia Braekhus, and Jessica McCaskill all lead the way in putting Women’s Boxing center stage. 

Credit: FITE TV

 

One fighter who has remained sidelined as the epidemic has continued is arguably the woman who has been the focal point of Women’s Boxing here in the United States over the last several years. Undefeated three-division world champion Claressa Shields. As some may recall, Shields emerged on the Boxing scene in becoming the first fighter in history Male or Female to win back to back gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Since turning professional, Shields has used that notoriety to become a three-division world champion winning world titles in the Jr. Middleweight, Middleweight, and Super-Middleweight divisions.

 

Although Shields has accomplished what many fighters struggle to accomplish in their careers in just ten professional fights including becoming an undisputed world champion in the Middleweight division in 2019, she continues to attempt to make history as she will now attempt to become an undisputed world champion in a second weight class as she will defend her unified WBC/WBO Jr. Middleweight world championship against undefeated IBF world champion Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday, March 5^th at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The bout, which will headline an all-women’s Boxing card promoted by Salita Promotions and broadcast globally on digital pay-per-view on FITE TV, will also be for the vacant WBA Jr. Middleweight world championship marking the first time that the World Boxing Association (WBA) has sanctioned a world championship bout in the Women’s Jr. Middleweight division. In doing so, the addition of the WBA crown makes this bout one for the undisputed world championship in the division and could give Shields the distinction of holding two undisputed world championships in two weight classes simultaneously if she can defeat Dicaire. A feat that even male boxers have not accomplished.

 

In Marie-Eve Dicaire, Shields will face a world champion with slightly more professional experience than she has with seventeen professional bouts to her credit. Dicaire won her world championship in December 2018 with a ten round unanimous decision over Chris Namus and has successfully defended her IBF crown three times since.

 

Stylistically, this fight could favor Shields as she is normally an aggressive fighter that likes to apply pressure on her opponents. Although neither fighter is known for scoring knockouts as Dicaire has not scored a stoppage in her career and Shields has only scored two in her ten career wins, Shields may also have an edge in terms of punching power. The interesting dynamic in thinking of how this fight might be fought is Dicaire is a fighter that uses lateral movement, angles, and has shown the ability to out box opponents when she is able to keep them at distance.

 

The challenge for Dicaire in this fight will be whether or not she will be able to keep Shields at a distance where she will not be able to cut the ring off and make it difficult for the IBF champion to move. Dicaire must also show that if Shields is able to get on the inside that she will be able to keep her from being able to get her punches off as Shields often throws her punches in compact combination and being able to tie her up on the inside or keep her from being able to get on the inside is something no previous opponent has been able to accomplish thus far.

 

Both world champions have the element of hand speed in their respective arsenals and it may be a question of how each fighter uses their hand speed that may be a determining factor in who has the edge in this fight. If Marie-Eve Dicaire is able to find success in keeping Shields at distance, this could prove to be a difficult test for the likely favorite, who will be fighting in front of a hometown crowd.

 

Beyond this fight being for the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship, the fight between Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire also will have the distinction of being a main event of a pay-per-view card of all women’s bouts. Although Women’s Boxing has been part of Boxing as a whole for decades, it was only in recent years that the women of the sport began to receive long overdue exposure and recognition particularly here in the United States where women’s bouts had mainly be limited to pay-per-view undercards of major bout featuring their male counterparts and very limited television exposure for the women of Boxing beyond that.

 

While internationally Women’s Boxing has regularly headlined Boxing cards featuring men’s bouts, it wasn’t until 2017 where Boxing fans were able to see Women’s bouts headline cards that were broadcast across cable, satellite, and streaming networks including Claressa Shields and Cecilia Braekhus co-headlining the final Boxing card broadcast by HBO in 2018. Sadly, the only card headlined by two women’s bouts broadcast by HBO during its forty-five year run broadcasting the sport.

 

Now, with Women’s Boxing regularly featured on digital streaming networks like DAZN, ESPN+, and combat sports centric digital networks like FITE TV, it is only a natural step forward in the overdue progression of Women’s Boxing to see a card exclusively showcasing the women of the sport. Shields-Dicaire is a historic bout for Women’s Boxing not only for what is on the line in the first undisputed world championship in the history of the Women’s Jr. Middleweight division, not only for what Shields is attempting in trying to become the first undisputed world champion in two weight classes simultaneously, but more importantly, for what it represents for the women of the sport going forward. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Promotional Poster Courtesy of: FITE TV Used with permission.

SuperWomen: Shields vs. Dicaire takes place on Friday, March 5^th at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The five bout card can be seen globally on digital pay-per-view on the FITE app across mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $29.99. (U.S. Time.) Prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, a one hour pre-show will air beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.For more information about including schedules and compatible streaming devices and Smart TVs please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Shields vs. Dicaire download the FITE app or click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

 

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

 

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