ANDREW MOLONEY TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

 Press Release: November 23, 2021 By Team Moloney – Former World Champion Andrew Moloney 21-2 battles Philippines Froilan Saludar 32-4 live on FoxSports Australia, Thursday December 9^th from the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales Australia. 

Credit: Team Moloney

 

Here is what Moloney had to say about his December 9^th Matchup and more from training camp in Australia;

 

On his recent training camp in Australia: 

 

My preparation for this fight has been excellent! I started training as soon as I landed back in Australia after my loss to Joshua Franco. 

I believe I have learnt a lot from that trilogy and I am extremely hungry to get back to the top and become World Champion again. 

 

There has been a big buzz in the gym with Bruno Tarimo and my brother Jason both preparing for World Title Eliminators and myself getting ready for December 9. We have all been pushing each other really hard and have had great sparring with each other as well as Sydney based Argentinian Emiliano Tissera. 

 

 

On the WBO/IBF title situation (Kazuto Ioka v Jerwin Ancajas rumoured for New Years in Japan):

 

This will be a great fight. It’s a fight I believe could go either way and certainly one I’ll be watching very closely. 

 

I’m really hope that I can get the opportunity to fight the winner of this fight sometime in 2022. 

 

 

On his opponent, Froilan Saludar:

 

Saludar is a dangerous opponent. He is very experienced and his losses have only come against very high-level fighters. 

 

He is explosive and has a long reach but I believe I will be adding another KO loss to his record. 

 

On fighting in his first back in Australia in over 2 years:

 

I am really excited to be fighting in Australia again for the first time in over 2 years. The fight will be shown live on Fox Sports in Australia and ESPN in America so I plan on making a statement, showing what I have learnt from my recent fights and putting on a devastating performance. 

 

 Material and Photo Courtesy of: Team Moloney Used with permission.

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

 

 

 

 

Andrade KO’s Quigley In 2 To Retain WBO Middleweight World Championship

 

Undefeated WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade scored a statement-making second round knockout of WBO number ten rated Middleweight contender Jason Quigley on Friday night at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. Andrade, who is a two-division world champion having previously held the WBO Jr. Middleweight crown, was making the fifth defense of his WBO Middleweight world championship. An extremely talented boxer with an impressive skillset, Andrade has faced struggles in securing lucrative fights in and around the 160lb. Middleweight division due to his Boxing style that while dominant does not always result in entertaining knockouts the generate interest to secure some of those lucrative fights. Andrade was not interested in going twelve rounds in this title defense as he patiently waited for his opening and then landed a short left hook to the head that sent Quigley down. In round two, Andrade did not allow Quigley time to recover dropping him a second time with a left hook to the head. The end came when a combination landed and sent Quigley down for a third time forcing a stoppage of the bout. Official time of the stoppage was 2:24 of round two. Demetrius Andrade advances to 31-0, with 19 Knockouts. Jason Quigley falls to 19-2, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a disappointing clash for the WBC Flyweight world championship, champion Julio Cesar Martinez and veteran McWilliams Arroyo fought to a three round no contest. It did not take long for the action to heat up as the challenger Arroyo dropped Martinez midway through the first round with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent the champion down into the ropes. Although Martinez did not go down fully, the ropes did prevent him from going down, but also his glove did touch the canvas. Late in round one, the champion answered back by dropping Arroyo with a left hook of his own to the head. Round two saw Martinez score a second knockdown of the challenger with a left hook followed by a push. Although the push was clear, it was ruled a knockdown. Later in round two, Arroyo was cut over the right eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads. At the beginning of round three, Arroyo informed the ringside physician that he could not see resulting in the no contest being rendered. Julio Cesar Martinez maintains his record of 18-1-0 1NC, with 14 Knockouts. McWilliams Arroyo maintains his record of 21-4-0-1NC, with 16 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated unified IBF/WBA Jr. Featherweight world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Jose Velasquez. The challenger consistently pressed the action from start to finish and was the aggressor throughout, but it was Akhmadaliev’s cleaner punches, angles, and ring generalship that resulted in him retaining his unified world championship via unanimous decision. Official scores were: 119-109 (On all three scorecards) for Akhmadaliev. Murodjon Akhmadaliev advances to 10-0, with 7 Knockouts. Jose Velasquez falls to 29-7-2, with 19 Knockouts.

 

In a bout for the WBA/IBO/WBO Jr. Welterweight world championship, WBA/IBO world champion Kali Reis scored a hard fought ten round split decision over top contender Jessica Camara. Reis started the fight at a quick pace, but as the fight progressed the challenger pressed the action and landed several right hands and left hooks to the head that appeared to be the cleaner punches through the middle rounds. With the championship seemingly slipping away, Reis was able to get a second wind in the closing rounds to earn the nod on two of three judges scorecards to retain her championship and add the vacant WBO championship to her unified crown. Reis now advances to face undefeated WBC/IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Chantelle Cameron in 2022 to determine an undisputed world champion in the Women’s 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division. Official scores were 97-93 (Reis), 95-94 (Camara), and 97-93 in favor of Reis. Kali Reis advances to 19-7-1, with 7 Knockouts. Jessica Camara falls to 8-3, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Demsey McKean battered an over matched Don Haynesworth over six one-sided rounds to earn a stoppage win early in the sixth round. Official time was :27 of round six. Demsey McKean advances to 20-0, with 13 Knockouts. Don Haynesworth falls to 16-8-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Nelson Perez scored a four round unanimous decision over Raymundo Cardiel. Perez dropped Cardiel in an exchange of left hooks in the first round where his simply landed first. This was followed by a second knockdown in round two with another left hook to the head of Cardiel. Although Perez simply could not miss with his left hand and it seemed Cardiel was outgunned, to his credit, Cardiel hung in there and made it to the final bell. All three official judges scored the bout 40-34 in favor of Perez. Nelson Perez advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Raymundo Cardiel falls to 3-8-2 with 3 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of unbeaten Cruiserweights Thomas O'Toole scored a first round knockout of previously undefeated Mark Malone. The southpaw O'Toole rocked Malone with a left hand that staggered him and while against the ropes O’Toole unleashed a vicious left hook to the head that sent Malone down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was 1:31 of round one. Malone was down for a few minutes following the knockout, but was able to leave the ring under his own power. Thomas O’Toole advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts. Mark Malone falls to 1-1, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

Light-Heavyweights Khalil Coe and Aaron Casper began the evening by fighting to a four round majority draw. Coe had a solid first round mixing his attack to the body and head of Casper. From round two on however, Casper seemed to get more aggressive and brought the fight to Coe and forcing the combat on the inside. While neither fighter never stood out clearly from the other, it appeared Casper dictated the fight down the stretch. Official scores were 39-37 (Coe), and 38-38 (On two scorecards. Khalil Coe advances to 1-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Aaron Casper advances to 6-4-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

This latest victory for Demetrius Andrade was the type that in a perfect Boxing universe would drum up demand for him to face the other champions in the division including WBC world champion Jermall Charlo and the winner of the upcoming unification bout between unified IBF/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin and WBA champion Ryota Murata, which will take place on December 29^th in Tokyo, Japan, in scoring a quick conclusive knockout where he did not leave much room for critics to criticize his performance if they were to do so objectively..  Boxing unfortunately is far from a perfect universe, but Andrade has done everything he can do as a defending champion to make the argument for the lucrative fights that have thus far eluded him. While there is certainly more that goes into the equation on the business end of the sport, this observer asks this simple question. After thirty-one consecutive wins and being a world champion in two different divisions, what more does Demetrius Andrade have to do to get one lucrative fight let alone the slew of lucrative opportunities normally available to the top stars in the sport?

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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PROBELLUM JOINS FORCES WITH COSTA RICA'S 3MG BOXING

 Press Release: By Probellum –

Los Angeles, CA – November 18, 2021 - Probellum can today announce yet another multi-fight, multi-year co-promotional agreement - teaming up with Costa Rica's 3MG Boxing. The promotion have become a huge force in Costa Rica over the past decade, with promoter Mario Vega helping to take 3MG Boxing from strength to strength. They have held a number of impressive events throughout the country in locations such as Santa Ana, Heredia, San Jose and Santo Domingo, with some of the very best talent on display. Highly-rated fighters such as David Jimenez, Jordan Reyes and Cristian Coronado are currently flying the flag for Costa Rica, with even more superstars set to be unearthed after Probellum partnered with 3MG Boxing. The deal with 3MG Boxing is Probellum's latest co-promotional agreement, having also secured deals with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, BXSTRS Promotions in Mexico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Pro Boxing Team in Finland, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana. Probellum has also acquired an elite roster, including fighters such as Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O'Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia and and Francisco Rodriguez. "Today's boxing is a global sport. Many young kids' dreams can be made possible because of this important alliance," said Mario Vega of 3MG Boxing. "It means a lot that a big enterprise like Probellum are looking for talent in such a small country, and making dreams come true. We're going to surprise the world together!" "Mario Vega has done wonderful things with 3MG Boxing and we're pleased that we can now come on board and help to take things to even greater heights," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "We have already made big moves throughout Central America, and by adding another fantastic promotion to our portfolio, it's even more positive fans for boxing fans around the world." For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

Material Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

Andrade-Quigley Weights

 

The official weigh-in for Friday’s WBO Middleweight world championship fight between undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade and WBO number ten rated contender Jason Quigley took place earlier today in Manchester, NH. Weights for the entire card, which will be broadcast globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN are below.

 

Main Event: WBO Middleweight World championship – 12Rds.

 

Demetrius Andrade (Champion) 160lbs. vs. Jason Quigley (Challenger) 159 3/4lbs.

 

*Women’s WBA/IBO/WBO Jr. Welterweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Kali Reis (WBA/IBO world champion) 138lbs. vs. Jessica Camara (Challenger) 139lbs.

 

(*The vacant WBO world championship in the Women’s Jr. Welterweight division will also be at stake in this bout. Winner of this bout to face WBC/IBF world champion Chantelle Cameron on a date to be determined in 2022 for the Undisputed Jr. Welterweight world championship.)

 

WBC Flyweight World championship – 12Rds.

 

Julio Cesar Martinez (Champion) 111 1/4lbs. vs. McWilliams Arroyo (Challenger) 111 1/2lbs.

 

IBF/WBA Jr. Featherweight world championship – 12Rds.

 

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (Champion) 121 3/4lbs. vs. Jose Velasquez (Challenger) 121 1/2lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Demsey McKean 243lbs. vs.  Don Haynesworth 293 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Welterweight – 6Rds.

 

Nelson Perez 140lbs. vs. Raymundo Cardiel 139 1/2lbs.

 

Light-Heavyweight – 4 Rds.

 

Khalil Coe 175 3/4lbs. vs. Aaron Casper 174 3/4lbs.

 

Cruiserweight – 4Rds.

 

Thomas O’Toole 186 3/4lbs. vs. Mark Malone 198 1/2lbs.  

 

Andrade vs. Quigley takes place tomorrow night (Friday, November 19^th) at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning with Before The Bell, which will air preliminary bouts beginning at 5:15PM ET/2:15PM PT. This will be followed by the main card, which will begin at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT (U.S. Times). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

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

PROBELLUM SIGNS TEENAGE SENSATION FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ

 Press Release: By Probellum –

Los Angeles, CA – November 17, 2021 - Probellum is delighted to announce the promotional signing of undefeated teenage star Francisco 'Panchito' Rodriguez. Credit: Probellum Rodriguez (4-0, 4 knockouts) has looked tremendous since making his professional debut earlier this year, with the 19-year-old featherweight winning all four of his fights by stoppage. The latest of those wins came in October when he stopped Edgar Daniel Ahumada in the fifth round, while he has also picked up knockout wins over Pedro Raul Avila, Jesus Jovanni Ruiz Gutierrez and Adan Caro Gutierrez. Rodriguez has ties in both America and Mexico, meaning the possibilities are endless for the talented youngster, with Probellum now on hand to guide his career and help him reach the very top. He is the latest fighter to sign with Probellum, with their elite roster including fighters such as Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O'Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen and Jason Mallia. They have also secured co-promotional agreements with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, BXSTRS Promotions in Mexico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana. "I’m excited to be part of the Probellum Family," said Rodriguez. "I’m young but I’m more than ready to show the world what I’m capable of." "We're extremely pleased to sign such a promising young fighter in Francisco Rodriguez," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "At just 19-years-old, his whole career is ahead of him, and we're looking forward to putting him on the path to huge success." For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

Crawford-Porter Preview

 As 2021 begins to wind down, one of the bigger fights remaining on the Boxing schedule is on the horizon as undefeated three-division world champion Terence Crawford, current holder of the WBO Welterweight world championship will defend his crown against former two-time Welterweight world champion Shawn Porter on Saturday, November 20th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The fight, which will headline a pay-per-view card that can be seen exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States brings together two of the top fighters in the division and is frankly one of the better fights that could be made currently in the sport.

 

For Terence Crawford, a fighter who has won world titles from the 135lb. Lightweight division to the 147lb. Welterweight division, this fight represents something that he has been wanting for some time. An opportunity to face one of the elite fighters in the Welterweight division. Why would an undefeated three-division world champion be struggling as Crawford has to secure marquee fights? The short answer is due to the business elements of the sport in that rival promoters choose more often than not to not work together to bring fights like this to fruition. While some might argue that the only reason this fight is taking place is due to the fact that Shawn Porter, a fighter long aligned with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and to be more specific his manager Al Haymon is the current WBO number one contender in the Welterweight division and thus it was a necessity for him to negotiate with Crawford’s promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. in order to secure his mandated title shot.

 

Although the PBC and Top Rank have done business periodically, most notably in two of the three encounters between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, this will not be a co-production of competing networks and will take place exclusively on a Top Rank promoted card and broadcast platform through ESPN. It should be no secret to longtime readers or those who have read my work recently that I am no fan of potential fights not being made due to rival promoters refusing to work together for reasons including but not limited to the exclusivity of their broadcast agreements with different networks that are involved the sport among other reasons. Even though yours truly stands by his criticism of both the PBC model as well as fights being delayed because of business interests rather than what is good for the sport and the fighters involved, this is one fight that I am happy to see taking place at an appropriate time with both fighters in their primes.

 

As for the fight itself, this will be a clash between two boxer/punchers who can box as well as score knockouts should an opportunity arise. In thinking of how this fight might be fought, I decided to do something that I have done for practically my entire life, study fight films. While there are similarities between the two fighters, I believe that the challenger Porter will likely be the more aggressive out of the gate. Although this strategy has proven successful in many of his fights and even had success in bouts where he came out on the losing end such as his bout with Errol Spence in September 2019, one aspect of Porter’s offense that I feel might work against him against a fighter like Crawford is he tends to lunge forward when he throws punches. This can indeed prove effective against fighters who may not be prepared for such tactics, but against a fighter like Terence Crawford, who is a very skilled counter puncher this could turn out to be a flaw for Porter that Crawford can take advantage of.

 

While both fighters have a mix of hand speed and punching power, Crawford is a fighter that can box quite effectively from the outside using his jab to keep an opponent at distance and set up combinations where an opponent will find it difficult to get offense off consistently, particularly opponents that Crawford will have a height and reach advantage over. In this case, Crawford will have a one inch height advantage over Porter and nearly five inches in reach. It is logical to think that the champion will try to establish distance between himself and Porter early on and attempt to keep the combat at a distance that will favor him likely through the use of his jab as well as periodically switching between an orthodox and southpaw stance, something that has proven to be quite effective for him throughout his career. The key for Porter in my eyes will be whether he will be able to force Crawford into a fight, in short, whether he can turn this into more of a toe to toe battle as opposed to a tactical Boxing match.

 

Despite the similarities between the two in both hand speed and punching power, the subtle differences between the two such as height and reach may prove to be the difference in this fight should Porter be unable to get on the inside of Crawford’s reach and force a physical and grueling fight on him as he was able to do for periods against Errol Spence. Even though Porter lost that fight, which was a unification bout for the IBF and WBC world championships in the division and subsequently ended his second reign as a world champion, it was a very close and competitive fight due largely to the success he was able to have by forcing the fight on the inside. While this is not necessarily a similar fight in terms of styles, Porter must be able to get on the inside and find a way to make Crawford uncomfortable. At the same time, he needs to be weary of lunging in recklessly where Crawford may be able to counter him with a punch or punches that he may not see coming.

 

Although the similarities between two fighters give an appearance that this may be an even fight, as 2022 nears, this could be the start of an era where fights are made based on what is good for the sport and not on the various business interests that often serve as a detriment to Boxing’s growth and overall progress. No matter who wins on Saturday night between Crawford and Porter, this observer hopes that the era where what is good for the sport and the fans that support it in good times and bad is on the horizon. If Crawford-Porter turns out to be the competitive fight an interesting clash of styles that it appears it might be on paper, it will be a win for Boxing.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Crawford vs. Porter takes place on Saturday, November 20^th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The fight can be seen exclusively in the United States on  ESPN+ Pay-Per-View for $69.99  beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT with Preliminary bouts with the main card beginning at 10PM ET/7PM PT. ESPN+ the digital subscription sports streaming network of ESPN is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs. To subscribe to ESPN+ and order the card please visit: https://plus.espn.com/crawford-porter. Existing ESPN+ subscribers can order either by clicking the link and logging in or through the ESPN app.

 

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 2AM (Sunday, November 21^st Local UK Time). For more information about Sky Sports including availability and channel number in your area please visit: www.skysports.com. Check your local listings internationally.

 

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

 

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

Is Munguia Ready For Middleweight World Title Shot?

 

The Middleweight fight between undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia, current top rated Middleweight contender and former Middleweight world title challenger Gabriel Rosado was eagerly anticipated from the moment the scheduled November 13^th clash was announced. The obvious reason for this is you had two fighters that are known as offensive-minded boxers with one, Munguia, being a noted as a feared “Knockout Artist.”

 

While it is indeed true that Munguia entered the bout against Rosado having scored knockouts in thirty of his thirty-seven career wins including three straight knockouts since moving up from the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division to the 160lb. Middleweight division, like most fighters who are able to garner a reputation for scoring quick knockouts, he had not been tested in his career and with potential title shots looming, it was logical to wonder if the veteran Rosado would be able to provide that tesy for him.

 

In Gabriel Rosado, Munguia faced what amounted to the very definition of a seasoned professional fighter. Rosado a veteran of forty-one bouts going into this fight and had earned a reputation for his willingness to fight anyone regardless if the circumstances were such that he stepped into fights on short notice and/or viewed as a significant underdog depending on his opposition. Rosado however, had developed a bit of a career resurgence after aligning with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach in dropping a disputed split decision to former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs in November of last year and then scoring what many feel is a candidate for Knockout of the Year when he knocked out previously undefeated highly touted prospect Bektemir  Melikuziev in June of this year. A fight where Rosado got up from a knockdown in the first round before knocking Melikuziev out cold with a single counter punch in the third round.

 

Despite the thrilling nature in which that knockout occurred, Rosado still had a hard luck reputation as well having lost thirteen bouts in his career. While it was understandable that he would again be put in position as an underdog going into this fight, Rosado had shown significant improvement under Roach's guidance and thanks to his performance against Melikuziev, had also shown an ability to end a fight suddenly if given the opportunity.

 

It was certainly not surprising to see Munguia attempt to establish a quick pace from the outset when the two fighters met at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The question this observer had however, was one that can be split into two parts. Would Rosado be able to handle fighting at such a high pace and if so, could he potentially find a way to use Munguia’s aggression against him?

 

One aspect of Rosado's approach that I noticed early on that I felt worked well for him was the periodic use of his jab and what appeared to be a strategy based on trying to land offense to Munguia’s body. While at not point at least in the first half of the fight did Rosado come close to matching Munguia's output, I did feel the strategic approach as well as setting up counter punch opportunities would show more success as the fight progressed.

 

Furthermore, I felt that if Rosado could land offense to Munguia’s body more than occasionally, Munguia’s pace would decline in the middle and later rounds. Rosado was able to execute some effective counter shots particularly in being able to snap Munguia’s head back with his right hand periodically throughout the twelve round bout, but as the fight progressed, he gradually got away from both using his jab and did not attempt to go to the body with consistency throughout. This allowed Munguia to maintain control of the combat in what was an exciting fight albeit lopsided victory for Munguia on the scorecards in earning a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to move his record to 38-0, with 30 Knockouts.

 

While at the end of the day, Munguia simply did what he needed to do in scoring a victory, he was also put to the test by Rosado who gave him a hard fight for all twelve rounds. Although Rosado simply did not throw often enough and was not able to score knockdowns throughout the fight, which could have made a difference in the scoring of the fight, he did succeed in testing Munguia’s chin and Munguia did pass this test. The question now becomes is Munguia ready to challenge for a world championship in 2022?

 

This observer believes that Munguia is ready and could be a likely opponent for the winner of upcoming world championship bouts including undefeated WBO world champion Demetrius Andrade, who will defend his title on November 19^th against top contender Jason Quigley seeing as he is currently the WBO number one contender, or a potential opponent for the winner of the December 29^th unification bout between IBF/IBO world champion Gennady Golovkin and WBA world champion Ryota Murata. Obviously, there is at least speculation at this point that if Golovkin is successful in that bout against Murata that a possible third bout between he and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is on the table, which would see Golovkin move up eight pounds to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division to challenge the recently crowned undisputed world champion Alvarez for the crown. Based on this, I believe the more logical scenario for Munguia at this point would be to wait for the Andrade-Quigley winner to emerge and seek an opportunity against that winner.  From a business perspective, a fight between the Andrade-Quigley winner and Munguia seems like it would be straightforward to make seeing as both Andrade’s promoter Eddie Hearn, and Munguia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya have not only regularly worked together to co-promote fights as they will be with Andrade-Quigley, but also both are aligned with global digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, which would likely welcome what would be another marquee attraction for their network. One must also keep in mind that Andrade has been clamoring for a marquee opponent and if he should retain his championship over Quigley, would likely welcome the opportunity to fight someone of Munguia’s caliber and growing popularity in the sport.

 

For now, it is simply a process of waiting for Jaime Munguia. Boxing fans can only hope that as the world continues to deal with the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic that more marquee fights that will have significant interest will be in the works for 2022. One such bout would be Munguia challenging the Andrade-Quigley winner.

 

“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

Martinez KO’s Galahad In 6 To Win IBF Featherweight World Championship

 

Former IBF Jr. Featherweight world champion Kiko Martinez is a world champion again after scoring a devastating sixth round stoppage of IBF Featherweight world champion Kid Galahad on Saturday night at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. Martinez had trouble early in the fight due to Galahad’s hand speed and angles. The challenger was cut in the second round over the right eye from a punch. As it appeared Galahad was building a lead on the scorecards, Martinez dropped the champion hard with an overhand right in the closing seconds of round five. Galahad was able to get up, but was clearly hurt at the end of the round. At the beginning of round six, Martinez immediately threw another overhand right that sent Galahad down for a second time and out on the canvas. The fight was immediately stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :06 of round six. Kiko Martinez advances to 43-10-2, with 30 Knockouts. Kid Galahad falls to 28-2, with 17 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Alycia Baumgardner scored a fourth round stoppage of previously undefeated Women’s WBC/IBO Jr. Lightweight world champion Terri Harper to win the world championship. In what was Harper’s first fight in over a year due to a broken hand, Baumgardner showed her power in this fight. In round two the challenger stunned Harper with a right hand that momentarily buckled her legs. Harper seemed to get her footing in round three, but in round four a sudden end to the fight came when Baumgardner connected with an overhand right that knocked Harper out on her feet. Referee Mark Lyson immediately stepped in and prevented Harper from further punishment even though Harper did not go down to the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was :23 of round two. Alycia Baumgardner advances to 11-1, with 7 Knockouts. Terri Harper falls to 11-1-1, with 6 Knockouts.

 

European Cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith successfully made the first defense of his European crown by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Dylan Bregeon. A fight that was at times fought at a methodical pace, Smith was able to pick up his pace and outwork Bregeon over the second half of the fight to earn the unanimous decision victory. Official score were: 120-109, and 119-109 (On two scorecards) for Smith. Chris Billam-Smith advances to 14-1, with 10 Knockouts. Dylan Bregeon falls to 11-1-1, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Jr. Lightweight Donte Dixon scored an eight round decision over Jordan McCorry. At times a slugfest where both fighters were willing to stand and trade power shots, Dixon’s greater activity controlled the combat. In round six, Dixon dropped McCorry with a sweeping right hook to the body. McCorry was able to get up from the knockdown, but would then be penalized a point due to obsessive holding and not breaking on command from the referee.   As all non-title bouts that are held in the United Kingdom and Ireland that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings are scored solely by the referee officiating about, Referee Howard Foster scored this bout 77-73 for Dixon. Donte Dixon advances to 6-0, with 3 Knockouts. Jordan McCorry falls to 19-8-1, with 4 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of unbeaten Welterweight prospects, Dom Hunt scored a ten round decision over previously undefeated James Flint. A highly competitive fight throughout, Hunt’s cleaner punches and generally being able to get his punches off first ultimately proved to be the difference in the fight. As all non-title bouts that are held in the United Kingdom and Ireland that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings are scored solely by the referee officiating about, Referee Steve Gray scored the bout 98-93 for Hunt.  Dom Hunt advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. James Flint falls to 9-1-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Bantamweight William Cawley successfully made his professional debut by scoring a one-sided four round decision over veteran Stephen Jackson. Referee Howard Foster scored the bout 40-36 for Cawley. William Cawley advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stephen Jackson falls to 1-7, with 1 Knockout.

 

Women’s Featherweight Stevi Levy remained undefeated by scoring a four round decision over Polina Golubeva. Levy was in control from the outset and saw it through to the end of the bout. Referee Steve Gray scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Levy. Stevi Levy advances to 5-0, with 0 Knockouts. Polina Golubeva falls to 1-4, with 1 Knockout.

 

Unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Khalid Ayub scored a four round decision over Stanko Jermelic. The highlight came late in the third round when Ayub dropped Jermelic with a counter left hook. Jermelic was able to survive the round and go the distance. Referee Howard Foster scored the fight 40-35 in favor of Ayub. Khalid Ayub advances to 2-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stanko Jermelic falls to 0-12, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Women’s Jr. Lightweight Raven Chapman began the evening as she moved to 2-0 in her young career by pounding out a six round decision over very “Game” veteran Karina Kopinska. From the opening bell, Chapman applied pressure and tried to break Kopinska down with a body/ head attack, but to her credit, Kopinska made it to the final bell. Referee Steve Gray scored the bout 60-54 for Chapman. Raven Chapman advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Karina Kopinska falls to 14-45-4, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Boxing is truly a sport as this observer has said over the many years that I have covered the sport where often the best approach one can take as an observer is to expect the unexpected. Both Kid Galahad and Terri Harper entered their respective world championship defenses on this card as significant favorites over their opponents. Those opponents Kiko Martinez and Alycia Baumgardner were each able to upset the apple cards in their challenges and as 2022 approaches, what were in the plans for Galahad and Harper in potential unification bouts in their respective weight classes has now obviously been changed.

 

While obviously, the question that will be asked is whether or not both will seek rematches in the new year. Although one cannot dismiss the possibility of both Galahad and Harper invoking their rematch clauses, it is important to keep in mind, both of these fighters suffered brutal knockouts and as much damage as knockouts like what occurred in these two fights can damage a fighter physically, so too can it damage a fighter mentally and both will likely need time to recover from their losses. As for which fighter scored the bigger upset here, yours truly believes both of these results were unexpected, but for the thirty-five year old Martinez, a fighter who was eight years removed from winning his first world championship, to become a two-division world champion under circumstances where some treated his challenge of Kid Galahad as a mere afterthought is likely a frontrunner for Upset of the Year for 2021. Not only because he emerged victorious, but more importantly the manner in which he achieved victory.

 

“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

 

 

DAZN and JOE Present From The Corner

 

Press Release: By DAZN – Partnership Brings New Weekly Boxing Show To JOE

 

Link to episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-a7VtADEjI

 

London, 12th November: Sports fans everywhere get a fix of exclusive, original boxing content thanks to a new boxing entertainment show created by JOE, together with DAZN - the home of boxing in the UK & Ireland. 

Credit: DAZN

 

From The Corner is a weekly boxing entertainment show, which offers expert opinion, analysis and debate on the biggest events in the boxing calendar and the most exciting names in the sport. 

 

The show is presented by David Alorka, an exciting young talent who has interviewed the likes of Diego Maradona, the late Kobe Bryant and former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Alorka’s co-host is Swarzy Macaly, a TV and breakfast radio presenter who founded Too Much Source, regularly fronts coverage of British basketball and was last year nominated as a Black History Month Next Generation Trailblazer.

 

The show is filmed exclusively at the JOE Studios in London with a bespoke set and curation. Each episode sees David and Swarzy play host to a variety of in-studio and remote guests from boxers and members of the DAZN on-air talent team, through to celebrities from outside the world of boxing who share an insight into their love of the sport.

 

From the Corner is initially scheduled to run for 16 weeks and will coincide with a stacked autumn-winter schedule of boxing on DAZN. The first episode, which is out now, sees Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, join the hosts in-studio ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated event headlined by Kid Galahad and Kiko Martinez in Sheffield. 

 

The show’s launch comes just a few months after DAZN, the world’s biggest sports streaming platform, announced a ground-breaking partnership with Matchroom Boxing, establishing DAZN as the new home of boxing in the UK and Ireland. 

 

Alfie Sharman, Head of Subscriptions at DAZN said: “Since launching in the UK and Ireland, JOE have been an excellent partner and it’s great to see such a unique collaboration come together to highlight the sport of boxing. Hosts David Alorka and Swarzy Macaly bring a genuine energy and enthusiasm to the show, we can’t wait to push on and deliver a fresh and unique series showcasing the many inspiring stories in the sport.”

 

Tom Slater, Brand Partnerships Director at JOE said: “This is JOE’s biggest foray into boxing to date and what a way to enter the ring. DAZN is the undisputed home of boxing and, as such, is the perfect partner for this show, while together we will bring credibility to the show’s content for which JOE is renowned.

 

“The show is a brilliant combination of entertainment, humour and unfiltered opinions on everything from the sport’s biggest stars, personalities and high-profile fights to the latest controversies and breaking news.”

 

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, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

GENNADIY "GGG" GOLOVKIN VS. RYOTA MURATA - DEC. 29 ON DAZN

 Press Release: By DAZN – NEW YORK (November 11, 2021) -- Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, boxing's most dominant middleweight of his era, is bringing the Big Drama Show and his IBF and IBO world title belts to his opponent's backyard, Japan, where he will rumble with two-time WBA middleweight kingpin Ryōta Murata (16-2, 13 KOs), in a long-awaited title unification fight.  Promoted by Teiken Promotions Inc., in association with GGG Promotions, Golovkin vs. Murata takes place Wednesday, December 29, and will be streamed live from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, which border's Murata's hometown of Tokyo, to over 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., exclusively on DAZN (excluding Japan and Kazakhstan).  In a battle of two-time world champions and Olympic medalists, Golovkin and Murata will be looking to put their stamp on, arguably, boxing's most storied weight class. They boast a combined record of 57-3-1, 49 KOs -- a winning percentage of over 93% -- with 86% of their victories coming by way of knockout.  

Credit: DAZN

 

"I am really excited to be bringing the Big Drama Show to Japan, a country where boxing is very popular," said Golovkin.  "Ryōta Murata has been an outstanding champion.  It is going to be a special night when we meet in the ring to unify our titles.  We are going to give the fans a great fight."   

 

"I feel that my entire amateur and professional boxing career has been a preparation for this fight against Gennadiy Golovkin.  This fight will determine my place in the middleweight division and boxing history," said Murata.  "Gennadiy Golovkin has long been the standard-bearer of the middleweight division.  To me, he is still undefeated. I have the highest respect for him.  It has been almost two years since my last fight, because of the pandemic, but I have put that time to good use, working very hard with my trainers on improving my physical conditioning and adding more power to my punches.  I am so proud Japan is hosting this fight.  It is a great honor for me."       

 

“What a way to close out a fantastic 2021 of boxing, with one of the best to ever step in the ring Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin facing off against Ryōta Murata for the WBA, IBF, and IBO Middleweight World Titles,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN.  “Ryōta Murata takes a big step up against the middleweight king GGG, who looks to continue his reign in the division after dismantling Szeremeta last time out.  This is set to be a middleweight war, and we’re thrilled to have the fight live on DAZN on December 29.”

 

Golovkin, who has worn a world championship belt every year since 2010, will be looking to build on his division-record of successful title defenses, which currently stands at 21.  He returns to the ring in the midst of his second reign as a middleweight world champion.  Golovkin regained the IBF and IBO middleweight titles in 2019 with a unanimous decision victory over top-rated contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko, a three-time world title challenger.  It was a hellacious toe-to-toe slugfest that had the frenzied crowd at Madison Square Garden on its feet for the entire 12 rounds.  Many considered it the Fight of the Year.  In his last fight, on December 18, 2020, Golovkin scored four knockdowns against undefeated mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta, en route to a seventh-round stoppage and a record 21st successful middleweight title defense.  Golovkin's Big Drama Show has packed iconic arenas around the world, selling out Madison Square Garden, The O2 in London, the Fabulous Forum and StubHub Center in Los Angeles, and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  This will be his first time fighting in Japan.  His 11-year rampage on the middleweight division has also attracted millions of viewers who have watched him on premium cable, pay-per-view, and DAZN.  He earned an Olympic silver medal as a middleweight in the 2004 summer games in Athens.       

 

Murata's two world title reigns have begun with stoppage victories in immediate  rematches that avenged losses.  After losing a split decision to Hassan N'Dam on May 20, 2017, for the vacant WBA middleweight title, he dethroned N'Dam in the seventh round five months later, on October 22, 2017.  After a successful title defense -- an eighth-round TKO of Emanuele Blandamura on April 15, 2018 -- Murata lost his title to Rob Brant via a unanimous decision on October 20, 2018.  Nine months later, on July 12, 2019, Murata stopped Brant in the second round to reclaim the WBA middleweight title.  In his last fight, before the pandemic, Murata successfully defended his title with a fifth-round TKO of once-beaten Steven Butler.  The six-foot Murata, one of Japan's most popular athletes, first came to the world's attention when he captured the Olympic gold medal in the middleweight division at the 2012 Olympics held in London.  It was the first gold medal won by a Japanese boxer since Takao Sakurai in 1964, and also Japan's first-ever boxing medal in a weight class other than bantamweight or flyweight.  Murata also became the 100th gold medalist in Japanese Olympic history.  Murata’s last eight victories have come by way of stoppage.

 

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, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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