Mayweather Seeks To Extend Legacy VS. Saul Alvarez

Throughout Boxing history there have always been fighters that have come to define a certain time period and have become the face of the sport.  Whether it was Sugar Ray Robinson one of the sport’s biggest stars in the 1950’s, Muhammad Ali who became the face of the sport during the 1960’s and 1970’s, on through to Sugar Ray Leonard who was a focal point in the 1980’s and Oscar De La Hoya in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Boxing has always had a central figure or two that defined an era.  

In the last several years an argument should be made that a fighter that has come to define the current era of the sport of Boxing is Floyd Mayweather.  Mayweather has emerged as one of Boxing’s legitimate superstars defeating a who’s who of the sport including Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Zab Judah, and Miguel Cotto just to name a few. This has solidified Mayweather as the sport’s top pay-per-view draw, rivaled only by fellow superstar Manny Pacquiao.

There may be a difference of opinion in regard to whether or not Mayweather’s legacy might be somewhat diminished due to a potential mega fight with Pacquiao not being made. This observer has said over the years that it was my opinion that a fight between the two should happen as both were considered to be the best pound for pound fighters in their era. For a long time if one were to consider Floyd Mayweather the number one pound for pound fighter in the world, it was hard not to say that Manny Pacquiao would be considered 1-A or, vice versa.

This has changed somewhat due to Manny Pacquiao losing his last two fights. A controversial decision loss to Timothy Bradley in June of last year followed by a devastating one punch knockout loss in his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez last December. Although many observers, this one included feel that Pacquiao was the victim of injustice in his decision loss to Tim Bradley, based on his loss to Marquez and the devastating manner in which that loss occurred; Manny Pacquiao one might argue has been knocked down a few rungs in most pound for pound ratings. It is hard not to argue based on Manny Pacquiao’s setbacks that Floyd Mayweather is the undisputed number one fighter pound for pound in the world.

Mayweather’s style which puts an emphasis on defense and lateral movement has continued to befuddle all opponents placed before him. What makes Mayweather’s elusiveness so frustrating is his ability to time his opponents with near surgical precision. The ability to block the majority of an opponent’s offense with his trademark shoulder roll defense and fire fast and accurate counter punches.  Although Mayweather’s style may not always be crowd pleasing, for Boxing purists it is enjoyable to watch.  Boxing after all is a sport where the objective is to hit and not be hit and for someone who can put all the facets of what makes a boxer great. Great defense and lateral movement, precision timing, and hand speed, working in near perfect synchronization is a pleasure to watch.  

Mayweather however has been tested at various stages of his career.  One of the most notable tests was when Mayweather defeated Jose Luis Castillo in 2002 for the WBC World Lightweight championship.  In that fight although Mayweather controlled the early rounds, Castillo was able to make up ground in the middle rounds due to his ability to land to the body and head of Mayweather.  The fight was very close with a wide difference of opinion among fans and experts alike as to who won the bout.  In my opinion, I felt that although the fight was close that perhaps Castillo’s effective aggression in the middle rounds was enough to defeat Mayweather by a narrow margin. It was however, a very close fight that could have gone either way. Mayweather would silence all doubt as to who won that fight by convincingly beating Castillo in a rematch later that year.

In 2007, Mayweather took part in what would become the richest fight in Boxing history when he defeated Oscar De La Hoya in a closely fought tactical battle that also had a difference of opinion among fans and experts alike as to who won the fight. Unfortunately for Boxing fans, there would be no rematch between the two legends as Mayweather would briefly retire in 2008 followed by De La Hoya who retired in 2009.

Mayweather’s dominance in the sport resumed when he returned to the ring in 2009 scoring a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. Following a convincing unanimous decision over Shane Mosley, and a knockout win over Victor Ortiz, Mayweather would fight Miguel Cotto in May of last year.

Much like his fight with Oscar De La Hoya, Mayweather’s fight against Cotto was a tactical battle in which both fighters had their say. Mayweather generally got off first with his punches and was able to win rounds that were very close simply by getting off first. Cotto’s defense however, was very solid as he was able to block a lot of Mayweather’s punches. Cotto also had a significant period in the middle rounds where he was the more effective of the two fighters, periodically landing his jab and pushing Mayweather back to the ropes and landing shots to the body. Cotto however, was not able to maintain the momentum he had built in the middle rounds of the fight allowing Mayweather to make the necessary adjustments to win the late rounds and secure victory.

An argument could and perhaps should be made that out of Mayweather’s forty-four professional fights that the most competitive of those fights where Mayweather was in danger of losing at some point came against Castillo, De La Hoya, and Cotto. One thing that was noticeable upon his return in 2009 was that Mayweather was starting to get hit a little more than he was hit earlier in his career. This can be attributed to Mayweather being more willing to engage with his opponents.

Mayweather however, showed earlier this year in his last fight against Robert Guerrero in defending his WBC World Welterweight championship that the lateral movement and great defense complemented with precision timing and hand speed were all there and that his skills had not diminished simply because fighters have found ways to land more on Mayweather in recent fights. After what was a dominating performance in his fight with Guerrero, talk almost immediately began about a potential fight between Mayweather and undefeated fellow Jr. Middleweight champion Saul Alvarez, holder of the WBC title. A fight that would be signed a short time following Mayweather’s win over Guerrero.

Alvarez is thirteen years Mayweather’s junior however, has only had two less fights than Mayweather since beginning his career in 2005. Alvarez fights in a measured tactical Boxing style that has proven to be quite entertaining to watch. A valid point going into this fight could be that despite Alvarez’ impressive record of 42-0-1, with 30 knockouts, despite wins over former world champions Carlos Baldomir and Shane Mosley, the argument of some could be that Alvarez fought both fighters at declining stages of their respective careers.

Alvarez however, has consistently looked impressive no matter the opposition and an argument could also be made that realistically a fight with Floyd Mayweather is the best fight out there for him at this stage of his career. In his last bout, Alvarez defeated previously unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Austin Trout who held interim/regular status in the WBA’s Jr. Middleweight ratings. What makes that noteworthy is that Floyd Mayweather is recognized as champion or, “Super” champion by the WBA per Mayweather’s victory over former champion Miguel Cotto last year.

The political landscape of the sport’s governing bodies notwithstanding; the Mayweather-Alvarez fight is really a win/win for all involved, the fighters, the promoters, but most importantly of all Boxing fans. For Floyd Mayweather this fight is another opportunity to prove that he is the best pound for pound fighter in the sport by defeating Boxing’s newest superstar. For Saul Alvarez, this fight is an opportunity to prove to any skeptics that he is an elite level fighter and should he be able to pull off what no other fighter has been able to against Floyd Mayweather, his place among the sport’s pound for pound ratings will be assured.

Besides the classic scenario of youth versus experience that this fight presents, it also presents an interesting style match up. It will be interesting to see whether or not Floyd Mayweather will fight in a similar way as he did against Robert Guerrero where he used great lateral movement, defense, timing, elusiveness, and hand speed which allowed him to consistently beat Guerrero to the punch and make Guerrero miss his punches for the majority of twelve rounds or, if Mayweather will be willing to engage with Alvarez as he did against Miguel Cotto.

For Alvarez the key in my eyes is whether he can bring the fight to Mayweather from the outset. Fighters like José Luis Castillo, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto all were able to have periods of success against Mayweather. One might argue that each made tactical errors in their bouts with Mayweather which allowed Mayweather to make the necessary adjustments in order to win.

In thinking about how Alvarez can be successful in this fight I thought back to Mayweather’s fight with Miguel Cotto and how Cotto was able to find a home for his jab periodically on Mayweather’s face and had success pushing Mayweather back and throwing to his body. In the eighth round of that fight, Cotto was practically glued to Mayweather landing hard body shots and did not let Mayweather get off first or give him room to breathe. It was the best round of the fight for Cotto in my opinion. The mistake Cotto made however, was after the eighth round he was not able to press Mayweather in the same way that he was able to in the middle rounds and was unable to capitalize on the momentum he was able to build. Cotto was also not consistent in throwing his jab enough throughout the fight, despite the success that he was able to have when he did throw his jab. This allowed Mayweather to regain control of the fight and win a unanimous decision.

It is critical in the view of this observer that Alvarez put pressure on Mayweather from the outset. Alvarez needs to be consistent in throwing his jab and needs to consistently push Mayweather back. Alvarez has also shown that he can be a devastating body puncher as he was in his fight with Josesito Lopez. If Alvarez can successfully cut the ring off, nullify Mayweather’s movement, and land more than occasionally to Mayweather’s body he could be successful in this fight. If Alvarez has trouble neutralizing Mayweather’s lateral movement however, it could be a difficult night for him as it has been for so many previous Mayweather opponents.

The bout between Floyd Mayweather and Saul Alvarez is likely to break all pay-per-view records in existence due in large part to both fighters’ star power. What should not be overlooked however, for a fighter in Floyd Mayweather who has periodically been accused of picking “Hand picked” opponents that the choice to face Saul Alvarez was a dangerous option. An option that some might say he did not have to take. As the best fighter pound for pound in the world however, a fight like this was necessary for someone of Mayweather’s status. Regardless of what one’s opinion of Floyd Mayweather, he has had a Hall of Fame career and has faced the cream of the crop of his era. Regardless of what happens against Saul Alvarez, this fight is another chapter in that Hall of Fame career.

 It is my hope however, as the Boxing world prepares for another “Super Fight” that the sport of Boxing will at least for one night be spared from any controversy or would be black eyes that all too often plague the sport. It is my hope that the spotlight will shine on these two fighters and regardless of who emerges victorious that the ultimate winners will be the Boxing fans and the sport of Boxing.

“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

Remembering Tommy "The Duke" Morrison

The Boxing world was saddened by the recent news of the passing of former WBO Heavyweight world champion Tommy Morrison at the age of forty-four. Morrison will go down as one of most devastating punchers in the history of the Heavyweight division.

Morrison’s punching power almost instantly made him a hot prospect shortly after turning professional in 1988. This observer has often said that Morrison was one of the hardest punchers that I have ever seen, a fighter who was a “Knockout Artist.” Morrison’s aggressive style along with his devastating left hook quickly made him one of the most exciting fighters in the Heavyweight division in an era that included such fighters as Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer, Mike Tyson, and George Foreman among others.

One thing that I will always remember about Tommy Morrison was that in addition to his ability to end fights with one punch, he was always willing to go toe to toe with whomever he was fighting. Sometimes this willingness did not always benefit Morrison, but from a fan’s perspective it did provide plenty of action. Whether he won or lost Morrison always came to fight. Upon hearing the news of Morrison’s passing thoughts began to run through my mind of some of the memorable bouts in Morrison’s career.

In his fight with Ray Mercer in 1991, Morrison was able to control the fight in the first three rounds using head movement and combination punching in bringing the fight to Mercer. Mercer however, was able to take control of the fight in the fourth round and in the fifth round unleashed a sudden and brutal barrage as he trapped Morrison in his own corner and landed by some estimates fifteen or more unanswered punches before the bout was stopped. Mercer’s knockout of Morrison remains one of the most brutal in Boxing history.

Although Morrison lost that fight in what was the first loss of his career, he proved that he was a player in the Heavyweight division. Morrison would rebound from that loss to win four fights all by knockout leading to his fight with Heavyweight contender Joe Hipp on June 27, 1992. At this point in Morrison’s career, he had more than proven to be a commodity as a power puncher. Questions however, remained regarding his stamina as he faded after winning the early rounds against Ray Mercer, but also prior to his fight with Hipp had never been stretched beyond a six round distance.

In this fight Morrison showed he could fight in a measured tactical pace fighting from the outside keeping Hipp at distance with his jab and mixing in combinations. Morrison however, would also show his mettle in this fight. Two left hooks from Hipp would briefly stagger and open a cut over Morrison’s right eye in round four. Morrison would respond by knocking Hipp down with a flush right hand in the opening moments of the fifth round. To his credit, Hipp also showed his toughness getting up from the knockdown and continuing to fight on.

From rounds six through eight, the “Game” Joe Hipp became the effective aggressor landing combinations and dictating the pace of the fight. Morrison meanwhile, appeared to be fighting fatigue at the end of the eighth round. This was after all the first time that Morrison had been extended to such a distance in a professional fight. As the contest entered the ninth round it appeared as though Hipp may very well have been able to work his way back into the fight on the scorecards. Morrison however, would bring the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion staggering Hipp with a flush right hand followed by a barrage ending with another right hand that sent Hipp down to the canvas. Hipp could not beat the count.

Morrison had scored what was to that point the most dramatic knockout of his career. A testament to Morrison’s toughness was that in a post-fight interview he revealed that he had suffered a broken jaw in the second round and hurt his right hand which would later be determined was broken in the fourth round. As much as Morrison showed his mettle in this fight so too did Joe Hipp who some believed was a light hitter. Morrison himself would praise Hipp who suffered a shattered cheekbone in the bout as one of the hardest punchers that he had ever fought. It was one of the best fights of 1992.

Morrison would continue to take part in exciting fights including surviving two knockdowns at the hands of former two-time world title challenger Carl “The Truth” Williams to score a come from behind eighth round knockout. In this observer’s view however, Morrison’s best performance came on June 7, 1993 when he defeated the legendary George Foreman for the vacant WBO world title.

 Prior to this fight many including myself believed that the fight would likely be an exciting battle between two of the most devastating punchers in Boxing history for however long it lasted. Morrison however, would surprise most observers by opting to box Foreman, keeping the former Heavyweight champion at distance utilizing good movement and elusiveness. Quite frankly, if one were to have bet prior to the fight that Morrison would have been able to remain an elusive target and out box George Foreman for the majority of twelve rounds that person would have won a lot of bets. An argument could be made that on that night Morrison won the lottery in winning the Heavyweight title. Not only did Morrison win the title by pulling off what some considered was an upset over the betting favorite Foreman, but he also was able to show that he was underrated as a boxer when he chose to box rather than go toe to toe. 

Morrison would successfully defend his world title under somewhat bizarre circumstances two months later, scoring a fourth round knockout over contender Tim Tomashek. Tomashek had stepped in to fight Morrison after original challenger Mike Williams withdrew from his challenge of Morrison on the night of the fight. 

Morrison however, would lose the WBO title, being knocked down three times, losing the title via first round knockout to unheralded contender Michael Bentt in October of 1993.  The upset loss to Bentt and loss of his world title prevented Morrison from a potential multi-million dollar unification bout with then undefeated WBC champion Lennox Lewis.

Following the loss to Bentt, Morrison would again rebound to win three out of four bouts, including earning a ten round split decision draw in his fight with journeyman contender Ross Purity in July of 1994.  Morrison would then be pitted against another “Knockout Artist” in former number one contender Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Much like Morrison, Ruddock was a fighter known for his ability to end fights with one punch, but was also known for being willing to stand and go toe to toe with whomever he was fighting including in two fights with former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.   The collision between the two “Knockout Artists” Morrison and Ruddock took place on June 10, 1995.

The anticipation of a war between the two was understandable and the fight more than lived up to that anticipation. Ruddock landed two uppercuts in the first round that sent Morrison to the canvas. Morrison would respond in the second round by landing several combinations including an uppercut of his own staggering Ruddock causing him to briefly grab the top rope with his glove as he was stunned. This caused Referee Ron Lipton to issue a rare standing eight count. Ruddock was able to recover and was able to win rounds four and five in my opinion based on his ability to back Morrison up with power punches. Morrison however, although looking fatigued was still very much in the fight.

The impression as the fight entered round six was that although these two warriors had each had their say in trading power punches for five rounds; that it was Ruddock who was seemingly starting to take control. Morrison however, would have other plans. A vicious counter left hook from Morrison knocked Ruddock flat on his back midway through the round. In all truth and honesty Tommy Morrison landed as perfect a left hook as a fighter can land. Ruddock showed his mettle in miraculously getting up from the knockdown that would have ended the night for most Heavyweights. Morrison would close the show later the round forcing another standing eight count on Ruddock and then finally a stoppage of the bout in the final seconds of round six.

Tommy Morrison will be remembered for having his career cut short by a positive HIV test in 1996 which would later be the subject of much debate when Morrison attempted a comeback ten years later claiming that the test that derailed his career was a result of a false positive. After two successful knockout wins in 2007 in 2008 respectively, Morrison retired with a record of 48-3-1, with 42 knockouts registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 81%.

Although some may question the circumstances of his passing, I am one who prefers to remember Tommy “The Duke” Morrison as a fighter who contributed much excitement to the sport of Boxing. A fighter who win or lose always gave it everything he had, every time he stepped in the ring. A fighter who displayed heart, courage, and the mentality of a warrior.

Regardless of what one’s opinion of Tommy Morrison as a boxer might be, his courage cannot be questioned. Morrison one might argue was part of the last great era in the Heavyweight division.

 Even though Morrison lost a few fights along the way this observer believes that Morrison has more than earned his place in any Hall of Fame associated with the sport of Boxing as well as in Boxing history. While there may be questions and debates regarding Morrison’s place among the all-time great Heavyweights, although there may be questions regarding his passing, this observer chooses to remember and give this legend the recognition he rightfully earned.

 Tommy “The Duke” Morrison Former Heavyweight Champion of the World.

“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

At A Crossroads: Mosley to fight Mundine on October 23rd

The scheduled October 23^rd Jr. Middleweight fight between former world champions Shane Mosley and Anthony Mundine seems to be the latest well-matched bout in what has been a stellar year for the sport of Boxing. The fight that is scheduled to take place at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia presents a couple of interesting storylines.

 For Shane Mosley who returned to the ring following a brief retirement in May of this year scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over welterweight contender Pablo Cesar Cano, this fight could represent a chance to get back in the hunt for another world championship. Likewise for Anthony Mundine, who is coming off a decision loss in his rematch with former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Geale in January of this year, the fight with Mosley one might argue represents the biggest of his career.

 One might also argue that it is Mosley who might have more prove than Mundine. There is no disputing that Shane Mosley has had a great career and is a first ballot Hall of Famer. The former five-time world champion in three different weight classes however, has only won one out of his last five bouts and prior to his fight with Pablo Cesar Cano appeared to show signs of a great champion who’s best days were behind him.

After an impressive performance in what was a closely fought battle with Cano, it will be interesting to see if Mosley can build on the momentum off of that fight against a fighter in Mundine who has the ability to be elusive, give angles, and may perhaps rival Mosley when it comes to hand speed. Mosley however, may have the edge when it comes to power.

Mundine, a two-division world champion in his own right has been one of Australian Boxing’s superstars for many years. Mundine however, has not had a career defining victory over a marquee superstar of the sport. Mundine who has called out Floyd Mayweather in the past might be looking at this fight as a potential opportunity to enter the discussion of potential opponents should he win against Mosley and, should Mayweather be victorious in his bout with Saul Alvarez.  Much as there are questions about Shane Mosley heading into this fight, so too are questions about Anthony Mundine.

In his last fight Mundine was outworked over the course of twelve rounds by Daniel Geale. Although Mundine was able to have sporadic success in that fight some questioned the then thirty-seven year old Mundine’s future in the sport following the loss. Mundine however, will be the younger of the two fighters when the now thirty-eight year old fights Shane Mosley who will turn forty-two on September 7th.

 It will be interesting to see who will attempt to dictate the pace of this fight. In his last fight, Shane Mosley was able to rally in the middle and late rounds to earn a unanimous decision over Pablo Cesar Cano. Most observers however, this one included believed that Cano had won the early rounds. In contrast, in his rematch with Daniel Geale; Mundine did not let his hands go with consistency. This allowed Geale to win rounds by being more active and landing the cleaner punches.

 For both fighters at similar stages in their careers it will be interesting to see who initiates the action and whether or not the fighter who dictates the pace initially will be able to maintain that pace for a twelve round distance. One could make a valid argument that this fight presents a scenario of two former world champions at a crossroads. The winner is perhaps likely to find another opportunity at a world championship down the line, while the loser may be likely to retire. There was some doubt last week however, as to whether the fight would take place.

  It was reported that Mosley had threatened to pull out of the fight claiming that Mundine owed him $300,000 in agreed payments. While in attendance at an official media day for Saul Alvarez, who is in training for his upcoming bout with Floyd Mayweather on September 14^th, Mosley stated to Boxingscene.com quote “I’m supposed to fight Anthony Mundine but they’re having money problems . . . sending money to escrow, so that fight might not happen.  If they can’t put a measly $300,000 into an escrow account until we fight then how are we going to fight for the money they’re talking about? We’re having problems (and) I don’t know what’s going to happen. That fight is really not a go. It’s not like I’m going to be fighting Anthony Mundine on October 23."

This situation reminded me of a similar situation with regard to a fight falling through over money in what was a highly anticipated bout between former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes and George Foreman which was scheduled to take place in 1999. The bout which was to take place at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas was ultimately cancelled due to the promoter of the fight failing to meet deadlines on payments to both fighters for their respected purses for the bout.  The Holmes-Foreman bout never took place.

It appears that the situation involving money with regard to the Mosley-Mundine bout has been resolved as both fighters appeared at a news conference in Los Angeles last Friday to formally announce the fight. The eyes of the Boxing world will set their sights on Sydney, Australia on October 23rd. Although there is likely a difference of opinion in regard to what Mosley and Mundine both have left to give as fighters, this fight appears to be well-matched and realistically probably the best fight out there for both men at this stage in their respective careers.

“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

What's next for Sergey Kovalev?

The year 2013 in the sport of Boxing has produced several classics. It has also been a year for fighters who are best described as knockout artists. Fighters such as Gennady Golovkin and Deontay Wilder have not only established themselves in their respective weight classes but have also garnered significant attention due to their ability to knock opponents out. Another fighter who has quickly risen to become one of the sport’s hottest rising stars is undefeated Light-Heavyweight Sergey Kovalev.

Much like Golovkin and Wilder, Kovalev has an extremely high career knockout percentage and has an exciting come forward seek and destroy mentality. One might argue that Kovalev’s first major test in the Light-Heavyweight division came in January this year when he faced former WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Gabriel Campillo. Campillo entered into his fight with  Kovalev off a controversial decision loss to Tavoris Cloud in February 2012. Some including this observer, felt that if  Campillo were able to get by Kovalev that it would likely lead to a rematch with Cloud who was then the undefeated holder of the IBF World Light-Heavyweight championship.

Kovalev however would put a quick and definitive end to any potential plans for a Cloud-Campillo rematch. The undefeated Russian contender knocked Campillo down three times in route to a third round technical knockout. With a dominating performance in scoring a knockout over someone who some feel could have claimed status as an uncrowned champion of the Light-Heavyweight division, Sergey Kovalev became a rising star. In June Kovalev followed his victory over Campillo with an equally destructive third round knockout over contender Cornelius White. Due to certain circumstances regarding the cancellation of IBF world champion Bernard Hopkins’ scheduled title defense against then mandatory challenger Karo Murat due to Murat’s difficulty obtaining a U.S. visa, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) designated the Kovalev-White bout as an elimination fight to determine a new mandatory challenger for Bernard Hopkins.

Off his victory over White, Kovalev was designated as the number one contender for Hopkins’ title and the sanctioning body subsequently mandated the champion to face him. Kovalev however opted instead to challenge undefeated WBO Light-Heavyweight world champion Nathan Cleverly.

One might argue that although Kovalev was challenging for a world title, choosing to fight Cleverly may have been looked at as a gamble from an economic standpoint. After all, Bernard Hopkins is a two-division world champion and a legend of the sport. It could have indeed been a valid point that Kovalev would have made more money by facing Hopkins than he would in facing Cleverly. The flip side of the coin however is that if Kovalev were successful in winning a world title by beating Nathan Cleverly the prospects for a potential fight with Bernard Hopkins would be increased now not only in terms of financial incentives for both fighters but also, the potential for a unification bout in the Light-Heavyweight division.

It was interesting to see how Kovalev would respond to the atmosphere of being in his first world title fight and also how he would respond being in hostile territory fighting Cleverly in the champion’s home country. Going into this fight the question I had in mind in regard to Kovalev was how would he respond if Cleverly were able to take this fight into the late rounds? Kovalev has gone as far as an eight round distance only once in his career in his first fight with Darnell Boone in October 2010. Although it was clear that Kovalev had the edge in regard to punching power, questions regarding his stamina were indeed warranted if Cleverly were able to survive the early storm. The question of whether or not Cleverly would be able to withstand Kovalev’s power however was also warranted. Cleverly was after all defending his title against a fighter with a career knockout percentage of well over 80%.

Although the odds were seemingly against Cleverly, he had successfully defended his title five times prior to facing Kovalev, was unbeaten in twenty-six professional fights, and was not a fighter to take lightly. It was also clear that Cleverly had to establish the tempo of the fight from the outset. Kovalev has demonstrated in previous fights that he is a quick starter and is more than willing to bring the fight to his opponent. I wondered how Cleverly would respond to what was likely to be a fight fought at a fast pace from the opening bell. When the two fighters squared off this past weekend in Cardiff, Wales it was not surprising to see the fast pace that many expected this fight to be fought at, established immediately.

Despite the fast pace with both fighters letting their hands go, it was Kovalev’s aggression that was the difference. Cleverly was able to establish his jab early however Kovalev seemed to keep him on the defensive mixing his offense to the head and body of the champion. Cleverly was able to have some success when he threw his jab however did not seem to have an answer to keep Kovalev off of him.

Kovalev continued to press the action with an almost surgical precision. Although the challenger suffered a cut over the right eye in the second round, it did not seem to have any effect. A Kovalev left hook in round three began a barrage which saw the challenger knock the champion down twice and seemingly had Cleverly out on his feet at the end of the round. It seemed for a brief moment as though Referee Terry O’Connor had stepped in and stopped the fight in the closing seconds of round three and it appeared as though he actually saved Cleverly from going down for a third time in the round. The confusion of whether the fight was stopped came because O’Connor seemed to wave his arms to signify the end of the contest as he helped a badly staggered Cleverly back to his corner.

The brief confusion was a formality as O’Connor stopped the fight just seconds into round four. Kovalev had scored his sixth consecutive knockout dethroning Cleverly in devastating fashion to claim the WBO World Light-Heavyweight title. The question now becomes what is next for Sergei Kovalev?

There are a couple of interesting possibilities for the new WBO champion. One obvious possibility that is likely to be discussed is the potential for unification fight with either IBF champion Bernard Hopkins who’s fight with Karo Murat has been tentatively rescheduled for October 26^th  or the winner of the upcoming WBC title fight between champion Adonis Stevenson and Tavoris Cloud on September 28^th. Both of these options have the potential to be quite lucrative and generate significant interest among fans and experts alike. It is perhaps unlikely that Kovalev would face the winner of either of those fights in the remainder of 2013. It is certainly possible that either winner could be on the table for Kovalev in 2014 however, what if Kovalev wants to fight one more time this year?

With three victories in 2013, there are other options for Kovalev should he look for a fourth fight to close out the year.  The possibility of a rematch with a former champion Nathan Cleverly may not be in immediate plans but should also not be dismissed.

Although Cleverly was defeated decisively by Kovalev a champion almost always has a right to exercise a rematch clause. Whether or not Cleverly chooses to exercise that option if it is available to him remains be seen. Cleverly however has at least for the moment hinted at the possibility of retiring from the sport stating after the fight to BBC Sport “I will go away and live a normal life for a bit now. Just leave boxing for a bit - it has been an intense period. You know six weeks into that where you want to go. Your instincts tell you if you are missing boxing, or are you going to find another career path. Who knows where my heart is going to lie? If I continue, I will come back and give it a go. But the background I have got and the brain I have got, do I really need to continue? It could go either way, my career.”

With Cleverly for the moment out of the picture the World Boxing Organization (WBO) likely could mandate Kovalev to defend his title against former WBO world champion, current European Light-Heavyweight champion, and current number one contender Juergen Braehmer. Braehmer however is scheduled to defend his European title against Stefano Abatangelo on August 24^th in Germany. Obviously, the WBO who’s International Light-Heavyweight title will also be on the line will likely wait until the conclusion of that bout before any mandate is made.

If the WBO were to allow Kovalev the option to make an elective defense for his first title defense while a mandatory challenger is determined, top contenders such as former longtime IBF Super-Middleweight champion Lucian Bute, Tony Bellew, and Andrzej Fonfara could all be in the mix. 

Fonfara who also fought last week scoring a ninth round knockout over Gabriel Campillo, ironically finds himself in a similar circumstance as Sergey Kavalov was in prior to facing Nathan Cleverly. Fonfara earned the number one ranking in the IBF’s Light-Heavyweight ratings with his victory over Campillo. With the Hopkins-Murat bout now rescheduled it will be interesting to see if Fonfara would elect to face the winner of the Hopkins-Murat bout or, if he would instead opt to fight another champion in the division if the opportunity were offered to him.

One possibility that should also be discussed is a possible unification bout with World Boxing Association (WBA) Light-Heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov. Shumenov, a world champion since 2010 has made four successful defenses of his world title however has not fought in over a year and would likely welcome the opportunity to unify the title with Kovalev and in doing so generate significant interest as well.

No matter what option Sergey Kovalev chooses to take for his first title defense it will almost certainly grab the attention of the Boxing world. We will have to wait and see what happens next.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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

Deontay Wilder Emerges As A Top Contender

When the topic of current prospects turned contenders in the Heavyweight division is discussed and or, debated it is hard not to argue that fighters such as Tyson Fury, David Price, and Bryant Jennings have been at or near the top of the list. While Fury, Price, and Jennings have seen much attention shined on them; there is another hot rising prospect that has gradually been carving his own path through the Heavyweight division. The prospect’s name?  Deontay Wilder…

Wilder, the 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist has been quietly building one of the more impressive records you are likely to ever see out of a prospect turned contender.  Undefeated in his professional career Wilder compiled twenty-eight wins from when he turned pro in November of 2008 to April of this year.  What makes Wilder’s record intimidating for any would be opponent is not one of those twenty-eight opponents have been able to go the distance with the 6’7 American Heavyweight. Perhaps more intimidating than Wilder’s consecutive knockout streak is only one fighter, journeyman Heavyweight Marlon Hayes was able to extend Wilder beyond three rounds before being stopped in the fourth round of their fight in February of last year. 

When an undefeated Heavyweight prospect begins his career with a streak of knockouts it is hard not to remember another Heavyweight who began his career with his own consecutive knockout streak, Mike Tyson who scored eighteen consecutive knockouts to begin his career. Tyson’s streak of knockouts created somewhat of a debate as to how quickly Tyson was moved along up the ranks by his handlers.  Over the years when discussing this topic this observer has stated that despite debate and criticism of how Tyson was moved along that it is my opinion that the strategy of Tyson’s managers Jim Jacobs and Bill Cayton in managing Tyson was brilliant. 

Much like Tyson had to deal with questions regarding his stamina and what happens when a fight goes into the middle and late rounds, so too does Deontay Wilder. Unlike Tyson however one could argue that Wilder’s progression has been slower.  Tyson after all climbed to the top of the Heavyweight division and won his first world title in just a year and a half after turning professional. One could say that Tyson’s rise up the Heavyweight division although quick and devastating was not necessarily the norm.

As we have recently seen with the setbacks of David Price who suffered back to back losses to top contender Tony Thompson in his last two fights it was too much and too soon. Price had only fought thirteen fights as a professional prior to his two fights with Tony Thompson.  Although it can be a delicate task in determining when a fighter should move along and step up in the quality of opposition for a fighter’s management and promoter, this observer believes that in light of what has happened with David Price that it was probably a smart move by those who handle Deontay Wilder to progress him at a slower but steady rate.

After seeing Wilder’s knockout win over former world title challenger Audley Harrison, I began to wonder who Wilder would be put in against for his next fight and, whether or not that fighter would be able to extend Wilder deep into a fight.  The opponent  that Wilder would face would be former WBO Heavyweight world champion Sergei Liakhovich.  

This to me was an interesting choice of opponent for Wilder. Despite Liahovich coming into this fight having lost his last two fights, suffering knockout losses to contenders Robert Helenius and Bryant Jennings, Liakhovich was after all a former world champion. Although Liakhovich frankly suffered two brutal beatings at the hands of Helenius and Jennings, he was not a fighter to take lightly.

It was also an arguable point that Liakhovich was a fighter who was in decline. Liakhovich however had been able to take fights into the middle and late rounds.  Going into the fight I wondered whether or not Liakhovich would be able to withstand Wilder’s punching power and whether or not he could take this fight beyond the early rounds. 

When the two fighters entered the ring on August 9^th in Indio, California the fight came to a sudden and frankly scary end midway through the first round.  Wilder floored Liakhovich with a right hand that knocking the former world champion down on the canvas. Referee Tom Taylor immediately stopped the fight as Liakhovich was convulsing.  Wilder had scored his twenty-ninth consecutive knockout at 1:43 of the first round. 

For Deontay Wilder the questions continues to be who can withstand his punching power and who may be able to extend Wilder into the middle and late rounds of a fight?  No one knows who might be able to answer that question however in terms of the immediate future perhaps Wilder could be a future opponent for Heavyweight contender and former world title challenger Dereck Chisora.

Chisora, who recently scored a somewhat controversial knockout over previously undefeated contender Malik Scott could view a potential fight with Wilder as a way to springboard back into the Heavyweight championship picture.  Malik Scott who filed a protest with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) following his loss to Chisora in an effort to have his knockout loss changed to a no contest should also be viewed as a possibility for Wilder.

Last week the BBBofC denied Scott’s protest. It remains to be seen if this will lead to a rematch between Chisora and Scott. One should not however overlook the possibility of a fighter like Deontay Wilder being figured into the plans for either fighter. 

Although Wilder’s knockout of Sergei Liakhovich is likely to be talked about for some time, Referee Tom Taylor should be applauded for stopping the fight immediately and not counting.  It was a scary knockout and although Liakhovich was able to sit on his stool shortly after the fight was stopped, it should not be overlooked that the appropriate call was made immediately and that the fighter’s safety was the top priority as it should be. 

For Sergei Liakhovich this would appear to be a career ending knockout.  As the safety standards in the sport of Boxing have greatly improved over the years, it would be logical to see perhaps the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and or, the Association of Boxing Commissions issue a medical suspension after a fighter has suffered a knockout like this. 

What should not be overlooked is Liakhovich has now been knocked out in his last three fights and due to the beatings he has taken not just in those three fights but throughout his career, the long-term well-being of a fighter should now be taken into consideration.  Sergei Liakhovich has been a fighter who has always been very “Game” and has always given everything he has when he enters the ring. It is however the responsibility of those who regulate the sport worldwide to ensure the safety of fighters. Although Sergei Liakhovich’s heart cannot be questioned, you never want to see a fighter take one punch too many.

“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