A Look At The Latest Installment of BKB: Big-Knockout Boxing

Over the last two years since the concept known as BKB debuted in July 2013 readers have become accustomed to this observer’s coverage of the sport’s new venue. From its initial inception as a modernized form of Bare-Knuckle Boxing, which saw the introduction of specifically designed Boxing gloves where the knuckles were exposed inside of the glove to the introduction of the fighting area in which all fights under the BKB format take place known as the “BKB Pit” it has not taken long for the concept of BKB to evolve.

Following the first two BKB cards where fights were fought with the knuckle exposed Boxing gloves, BKB underwent a slight revamp and name change. The knuckle exposed gloves were replaced by traditional Boxing gloves that weighed between eight and ten ounces depending on the weight class in which a fight takes place. Along with the change in gloves, BKB was renamed Big-Knockout Boxing.

One thing that did not change when the third BKB card took place last August was the “BKB Pit.” Unlike a traditional 20x20 Boxing ring, the BKB Pit has no ropes measuring seventeen feet in diameter and 227 square feet. The BKB pit along with the use of two minute rounds has certainly produced entertaining fights in the brief history of BKB. Although the fighting area where all fights under the BKB format has remained the same, there was also one significant change in addition to the adaptation of traditional Boxing gloves. The third BKB card unlike the previous two cards was the first that did not feature an open scoring format.

As I stated following the third BKB card last August the change to a non-open scoring format was not surprising in my opinion and did not have an impact on the concept or the intention behind BKB, which is to provide entertaining action-packed bouts. The third BKB card, which implemented a slightly tweaked version of the original concept provided much action and excitement with a good mix of competitive fights and knockouts. The third BKB card was also the first to be carried in the United States by both cable and satellite providers after previously being broadcast on pay-per-view exclusively to subscribers of the United States television provider DirecTV. Clearly the concept of BKB has shown an ability to grow and evolve with each card.

Now BKB looks to build off of the success of it’s third  event last August when it presents a card titled BKB 2 on Saturday, April 4th at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although this is in actuality the fourth BKB card this observer believes the titling of “BKB 2” is an attempt to embrace the revamped concept now known as Big-Knockout Boxing. 

While there may be some who may not have had the opportunity to see the first two BKB cards, this observer believes that not only for historical purposes, but also and perhaps more importantly to show the evolution of the concept known as BKB that this card should be titled simply “BKB 4.” In my previous coverage of the first three BKB cards, readers may remember how I have regularly referenced the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its evolution in comparison to the concept of BKB. Even though the sport of MMA eventually evolved from essentially no holds barred fighting to it’s current form of implementing the use of gloves and weight classes, the era where MMA fights were fought under essentially no holds barred rules is still very much a part of the sport’s history.

Even though it is understandable that those behind BKB want to embrace the revamped concept, which was put into practice with the third BKB card, I believe that by not referencing the previous cards which took place prior to BKB’s slight revamp, it is a mistake and that much as MMA promotions like the UFC have over time adapted and evolved, they have not at the same time rewritten history and that the chronological evolution of the sport is still part of it’s history. There is no reason in this observer’s eyes why the concept/sport of BKB should not adapt a similar approach.

This observer’s slight criticism of the titling of this card notwithstanding, the fourth BKB card much as the previous three should provide entertainment and excitement. In the main event of this card BKB Middleweight world champion Gabriel Rosado will make the first defense of his title against top Middleweight contender Curtis Stevens.

On the third BKB card last August Rosado scored a sixth round knockout of longtime contender Bryan Vera to win the BKB Middleweight world championship. Rosado however, is coming off a tenth round knockout loss against top Middleweight contender David Lemieux in December of last year in a fight fought under traditional Boxing rules. Although fights fought under the BKB format remain unofficial in the eyes of official Boxing record keepers as of this writing and even though Rosado’s BKB world championship was not at stake one might wonder whether the beating he suffered at the hands of Lemieux will have any effect on him in this fight against Curtis Stevens.

Stevens will be fighting for the first time in BKB and it will be interesting to see how he will adapt to the format. In addition to the BKB Pit, one should also remember that fights in BKB are also fought under different round and time limits as compared to traditional Boxing rules. Fights under the BKB format are scheduled for five, seven, and ten rounds respectively and round limits are two minutes in duration. Although one could logically assume that since this is a championship fight that the bout will be scheduled for ten rounds, it will be interesting to see how Stevens adapts to fighting two minute rounds.

Stevens however, is a fighter who much like Rosado lets his hands go and has knockout power having scored knockouts in twenty of his twenty-seven career wins in fights fought under traditional Boxing rules. As is the case with Gabriel Rosado, Stevens also comes into this fight off of a loss in October of last year when he dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to former WBO Middleweight world champion Hassan N’Dam. As has been the case in previous BKB cards, I have no doubt that the two minute rounds as well as the BKB Pit will ensure the likelihood of a potential action-packed fight between Rosado and Stevens. 

The fourth BKB card features a total of five championship fights in a card that will feature nine fights overall. BKB Cruiserweight world champion Anthony Johnson will defend his title against Joey Montoya.

In a bout for the BKB Jr. Middleweight world championship champion David Estrada will defend his title against Khurshid Abduliaev. Both Estrada and Abduliaev are coming off victories on the third BKB card last August.

In a bout for the BKB Welterweight world championship champion Javier Garcia will defend his title against Johnathan Chicas. Garcia is also coming off a victory last August and will be making his second defense of the BKB Welterweight championship he won in December 2013. 

As the concept of BKB continues to evolve a theme that will be present for a time will be how newcomers to the BKB format will fare against fighters who have experience fighting under the format. We will see how fighters such as Curtis Stevens, Johnathan Chicas, and Joey Montoya do in their first BKB bouts.

The fourth BKB card will also for the first time in BKB history feature a Women’s bout for the vacant BKB Women’s Lightweight world championship as former WBA Women’s Lightweight world champion Layla McCarter will face former WBC Women’s Jr. Lightweight world champion Diana Prazak.

In other bouts:

Jr. Welterweights: Herbert Acevedo vs. William Hutchinson

Jr. Welterweights Gabe Duluc vs. Antonio Canas

Heavyweights: Julian Pollard vs. Elijah McCall 

Jr. Middleweights: Jesus Soto Karass vs. Ed Paredes

BKB: Rosado vs. Stevens takes place Saturday April 4th and is available on cable and satellite pay-per-view throughout the United States for $29.95. Contact your local pay-per-view provider for ordering information.

The first three BKB cards provided much excitement and has shown the relatively quick evolution of the concept now known as Big-Knockout Boxing. The revamp of the BKB concept has resulted in BKB being able to stage cards in Las Vegas, Nevada after previously staging cards in New Hampshire. With the second card under the slight revamp of BKB on the horizon it will be interesting to see which fights and fighters stand out in what continues to be an evolving concept. As someone who has covered the first three BKB cards, I am very much looking forward to seeing the next installment of BKB.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about BKB: Big Knockout Boxing and a list of cable and satellite providers carrying BKB: Rosado vs. Stevens please visit: www.bkb.tv

 

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Brook Stops Dan In 4 To Retain IBF Championship, Khan Next?

Undefeated IBF Welterweight world champion Kell Brook dominated IBF number one contender Jo Jo Dan on Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England. The champion, who was making the first defense of his title, controlled the fight from the opening bell keeping Dan at distance and landing his right hand seemingly whenever he threw it.

Brook stunned Dan with a right hand early in the second round and moments later dropped the challenger with a right uppercut. This would be followed by a second knockdown seconds later from another right hand.

The battle tested Jo Jo Dan simply could not deal with the champion’s hand speed and power. Brook would continue to dominate the action and would drop Dan for the third time as a result of a barrage of punches in round four. Despite being outclassed, Dan showed his mettle and arose from the knockdown. Brook however, would send the challenger down for a fourth time as a result of a left hook just prior to the end of the round. After seeing their fighter suffer four knockdowns and facing a significant deficit on the scorecards, the bout was stopped by Dan’s corner following the conclusion of the fourth round.

Kell Brook advances to 34-0, with 23 Knockouts. Jo Jo Dan falls to 34-3, with 18 Knockouts.

It was certainly an impressive performance by a world champion in his first title defense. What may be even more impressive is Brook not only dominated a fighter in Dan who had never been stopped in thirty-six previous bouts as a professional, but did so six months following an injury where he suffered a severe stab wound to his left leg that briefly appeared as though it may have threatened his career.

Brook continues to build momentum in the talent stacked Welterweight division following his championship win, a twelve round majority decision over Shawn Porter last August. Following his stoppage over Jo Jo Dan, Brook called out former Jr. Welterweight world champion Amir Khan for a potential fight in June.

As for what this might mean for the rest of the Welterweight division Brook finds himself in an interesting position as the IBF’s Welterweight world champion. Much of the focus of the division is now firmly centered on the unification bout between WBC/WBA world champion Floyd Mayweather and WBO champion Manny Pacquiao, which will take place on May 2nd in Las Vegas.

There are however, a few interesting possibilities that exist outside of that fight in the division. Along with Kell Brook fighters such as Keith Thurman and Andre Berto, who each hold interim/regular champion status in the WBA’s Welterweight ratings could each be possible opponents for Brook if a fight with Khan is not in the immediate future. Brook, Thurman, and Berto much like the rest of the division are all looking to position themselves for a potential fight against the winner of Mayweather-Pacquiao.

As the lone world champion in the division outside of Mayweather and Pacquiao however, one might argue that Brook could be closer to a potential fight against the winner of that fight in what would be a bout to fully unify the Welterweight division. The landscape of the Welterweight division may indeed become a little more clear after Mayweather and Pacquiao square off in May.

If Kell Brook is intent on fighting in June, the most logical option out there in this observer’s opinion would be a fight against Amir Khan who has had difficulty in trying to find an opponent to fight after being unable to secure a fight against either Mayweather or Pacquiao. In Brook, Khan not only would have an opportunity to win a world title in a second weight class, but it is a fight that would draw significant interest both in the United Kingdom as well as here in the United States.

Both fighters have significant followings and it just may be the type of fight that both fighters need in order to secure a potential fight against either Mayweather or Pacquiao down the road. Regardless of who may win between Brook and Khan, both fighters could pose a threat to either Mayweather or Pacquiao.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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Kovalev Stops Pascal, Rematch? Stevenson-Bika Winner? What’s Next?

The latest chapter in the storyline of the potential full unification of the Light-Heavyweight division took place on March 14th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada where undefeated unified WBO/IBF/WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev defended his crown against former WBC world champion Jean Pascal. A fight that presented an interesting clash of styles between a fighter in Kovalev who is known for his punching power going against an opponent in Pascal who has an unorthodox style that combines hand speed, power, and who has the ability to execute his offense in spurts.

Prior to this fight I stated that for Pascal to be successful in this fight I believed that he needed to establish himself as an elusive target,  look to play the role of counter puncher, and look to capitalize on openings that Kovalev might leave as well as find a way to nullify the champion’s consistent pressure. It was not surprising to see the fight begin with Kovalev looking to immediately pressure and walk Pascal down.

Despite being known as a power puncher, Kovalev has also shown the ability to be tactical and measured in his attack. This fight was no exception as the champion’s jab and right hand were a focal point of his offense from the outset. Kovalev was able to mix his jab to the body and head of Pascal to land effectively with his right hand.

Although Kovalev was the more active of the two fighters, Pascal was able to have success when he was able to land counter punches and able to land periodically at points where Kovalev was not on the offensive. A problem for Pascal in the early rounds seemed to be that although he would have periodic success landing right hands, left hooks, and body punches, he had trouble landing his punches in combination. This can be attributed to Kovalev’s ability to control distance with his jab, make Pascal miss, and return offense when Pascal would have success.

A flush right hand from Kovalev sent Pascal partially through the ropes in the closing seconds of round three and he was credited with a knockdown.  The knockdown was the first of Pascal’s career as a result of the ropes holding Pascal up as determined by Referee Louis Pabon. Despite appearing that he may have been out on his feet, Pascal withstood a barrage of punches from the champion at the beginning of round four and landed some solid counter right hands of his own throughout the round.

 A question that is often asked of fighters who are known as power punchers and knockout artists as Kovalev is, is how that fighter responds when an opponent takes their power shots, gets knocked down, but keeps fighting. Kovalev began the fifth round throwing punches with both hands and did not appear discouraged by the success of the challenger in the fourth round. Pascal however, would continue to rally and continued to have success landing counter punches to the head and landing punches to the body of the champion in what was Pascal’s best round of the fight to that point. Pascal also succeeded in being the first fighter to test Kovalev’s ability to take a punch as he was able to stun the champion particularly when he was able to counter with right hands to the head.

To the champion’s credit he showed a granite chin and did not slow his offensive output, despite Pascal’s success and increasing aggression in rounds five and six. The ebb and flow shifted back to the champion in round seven as Kovalev was the more active of the two fighters. Kovalev was able to execute his offense off of his jab as was the case in the early rounds. What became a spirited battle between two of the Light-Heavyweight division’s elite would come to a conclusion in round eight.

After stunning Pascal with a left hook that sent Pascal into Kovalev’s corner, Kovalev was inadvertently tripped by Pascal and knocked down to the canvas. Pascal, clearly suffering the effects of the left hook and the barrage of punches that preceded it staggered into a neutral corner. The bout resumed and after taking two flush right hands from Kovalev, the fight was stopped by Referee Luis Pabon. Official time of stoppage was 1:03 of the eighth round.

The win for Kovalev, which was his fifth successful title defense keeps him in position for a potential unification bout between himself and the winner of the April 4th WBC Light-Heavyweight world championship fight between champion Adonis Stevenson and former WBC Super-Middleweight champion Sakio Bika. In his last two fights however, Sergey Kovalev has answered some questions that some may have been asking.

Kovalev proved in his unification bout against Bernard Hopkins that he is more than a mere seek and destroy knockout artist and could go a full twelve rounds  in a fight that he dominated from start to finish. In this fight against Jean Pascal, Kovalev showed not only the ability to take a punch, but also to respond well to a fighter who showed significant resistance, and who was able to recover from being knocked down. 

There is simply not much more that you can ask of a fighter than what Sergey Kovalev was able to do in this fight. As solid a performance it was for Sergey Kovalev, what was equally impressive was the performance and determination of Jean Pascal who more than proved his mettle in defeat.

Pascal was not only “Game”, but he also showed significant resistance against a fighter who with the exception of his fight against Bernard Hopkins has carved out a reputation as one of the sport’s most devastating knockout artists. Although Jean Pascal did not emerge from this fight as a two-time world champion, he has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Whether or not the storyline of the potential full unification of the Light-Heavyweight division will see a conclusion with Sergey Kovalev facing the winner of the Stevenson-Bika fight remains to be seen. If however, a fight for the undisputed Light-Heavyweight world championship is not on the horizon for later this year, what could be for Kovalev in the near future just might be a rematch with Jean Pascal. It was a spirited battle between two great fighters. Pascal fought this fight hard and is deserving of a rematch.

“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 

A Look At Kovalev-Pascal

In November of last year Sergey Kovalev successfully unified his WBO world Light-Heavyweight championship when he dominated future Hall of Famer and IBF/WBA Light-Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins over twelve rounds in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kovalev, a fighter with a career knockout percentage of nearly 86% had scored nine consecutive knockouts prior to his encounter with Hopkins.

Although the unanimous decision over Hopkins signaled the end of Kovalev’s knockout streak the victory did answer some questions about Kovalev. Questions such as how Kovalev would deal with a skilled tactician such as Hopkins and how he would respond when he was extended into the later rounds of a fight. In regard to both questions Kovalev at least in that one fight answered both with positive results.

For twelve rounds Kovalev applied consistent pressure and was able to outwork Hopkins in every round. Despite being extended to a full twelve round distance for the first time in his career, Kovalev was able to maintain the pace that he established early in the fight and did not fatigue as it progressed.

The victory for Kovalev also continued to build anticipation for a unification battle between himself and WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in what would be for the undisputed world Light-Heavyweight championship. Stevenson successfully defended his world championship in December of last year in scoring a fifth round knockout of Dmitry Sukhotskiy. This victory theoretically cleared the way for a bout for the undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship to potentially take place later this year.

Before that fight can take place however, Kovalev will defend his unified WBO/IBF/WBA world championship against former WBC world champion Jean Pascal on Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. This is a fight that presents an interesting match up of styles.

Kovalev, a fighter known for his punching power has captivated the attention of both Boxing fans and experts alike with his ability to score quick and often devastating knockouts throughout his career. In his last fight however, Kovalev proved that he is more than merely a power punching seek and destroy fighter as he out boxed Bernard Hopkins and did so in a fight that was fought at a tactical measured pace.

In this fight however, Kovalev faces a fighter in Jean Pascal who is known for having an unorthodox style in which he utilizes a combination of hand speed and power as well as the ability to execute his offense in spurts. In his last fight in December of last year Pascal fought Roberto Bolonti in a fight that ended under controversial circumstances when Bolonti was knocked out by a right hook thrown by Pascal while the two fighters were in the process of being separated from a clinch. The fight, which was ruled a no contest left varying opinions as to the outcome and whether or not Pascal should have been disqualified. The controversy notwithstanding, this fight between Kovalev and Pascal, that was in line for Pascal if he were to get by Bolonti will still take place.

The key to this fight in my eyes will be whether Pascal will be able to avoid Kovalev’s pressure and power for twelve rounds. For Jean Pascal to be successful in this fight I believe he needs to be an elusive target and look to play the role of counter puncher and capitalize on openings that Kovalev might leave him.

What has been an issue for Pascal is that he has had trouble pacing himself and has faded in the latter stages of fights. Notably in his first fight with Bernard Hopkins where, despite scoring two knockdowns of Hopkins, Pascal gradually faded which allowed Hopkins to gain ground on the scorecards.  By the end of that fight  in the opinion of many Hopkins had won the fight however, it was scored a draw.

Pascal needs to pace himself in this fight as Kovalev is a fighter who is dangerous at all times and proved in his last fight that he could sustain a consistent pace and pressure for an entire twelve round distance. Simply put Pascal needs to find a way to be elusive and nullify Kovalev’s pressure and power. This of course is easier said than done.

In contrast, it is logical to assume that Kovalev will look to gradually cut off the ring from the opening bell and look to break Pascal down over time. Pascal however, has never been stopped in thirty-three professional fights and if he can deal with Kovalev’s pressure and avoid the champion’s power, this fight could go into the late rounds and may in fact go the distance.

The storyline which looms over this fight is whether or not a potential fight for the undisputed Light-Heavyweight world championship will await the winner. With not only this fight taking place on Saturday night, Adonis Stevenson will defend his world title on April 4th against former Super-Middleweight world champion Sakio Bika, the Light-Heavyweight division will likely remain a hot topic for both Boxing fans and experts alike.

The next chapter of the potential full unification of the Light-Heavyweight division awaits Saturday night.

“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