Canelo-Jacobs Final Press Conference Quotes

Credit: Amanda Westcott/ DAZN USA 

Press Release: By DAZN – LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel "Miracle Man" Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round unification fight. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

  

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today's final press conference: 

Canelo Alvarez, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

“Look, we’re just ready for Saturday. I’ll repeat to you – I’m ready, I’m ready to continue writing history like I always have.”

“I’m a fighter that’s fought all the styles. What he brings on Saturday night is going to bring the reaction out of me to counter whatever he brings.”

“In boxing, anything can happen. That’s including the knockout. If it’s there, trust me, I’m going to go for the knockout. I don’t care if he’s bigger, stronger, it’s never bothered me. I have the capability. I have the experience to overcome that and more.”

Daniel Jacobs, IBF Middleweight World Champion

“I just feel as if the thirst for this fight is at an all-time high. We are only three days away from a mega fight and it’s such a privilege to be here right before this mega showdown. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I’m mostly excited to get in there to show the world that I am the best middleweight of my generation. I finally have an opportunity to prove it, to go against Canelo Alvarez. You guys are going to see fireworks, masterful boxing, skills, dedication, persistence, and grit, most importantly.”

“I’m gonna talk inside the ring and let my fighting speak for itself. To Canelo – let’s put on a good show my brother.”

What has been tougher – preparing for this fight against Canelo or his fight against GGG? “I think mentally, Golovkin started out as the most devastating power puncher and boogeyman of the division. So mentally, he was tougher. Physically, this is much harder preparation because Canelo is very agile, he’s very fast, his offensive onslaught is at an all-time high. It’s a drastic difference. I thought I won the GGG fight and I assure you I will win this fight without controversy.”

“What will take the win will simply be me being the best version of myself. My physical advantages in itself can win me the fight, but I also have the mental capacity. I’m in my prime. I’m the only fighter Canelo has faced since Floyd Mayweather to be in his prime. I’m super confident and I’m going in there with the ability as well.”

Eddy Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“Saturday night we have a great fight in a division that’s given boxing historically great fights, and without a doubt Saturday night you’re going to have one of the greatest fights between two of the best fighters, two great champions. Ever since we began our career in boxing with Canelo, we always knew we’d have to take these types of risks in fights. These are the types of fights that catapult you to the top, to the elite level.”

“We have a tremendous challenge in front of us, a tremendous champion in Daniel Jacobs. But this year, our goal is to sweep the middleweight division and win all four belts, and Daniel Jacobs will not obtain that goal.”

Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“I would like to give you a little bit of what happened in camp, all the hard work, all the intense work, the long hours of training. Because intensity is what we expect in the fight. And all this hard work is just what gives us the tranquility and the peace of mind that come Saturday night, when his hand is raised, it will reconfirm to everyone that he is the best middleweight on the planet.”

Andre Rozier, Trainer to Daniel Jacobs

“We had a fantastic camp. I’m just happy that Danny has finally reached his pinnacle. This is the point that he has strived to get to since he first began boxing. And, he is ready. I thank Canelo for accepting the challenge. I expect a fantastic battle but as it was just told – it is my birthday, and my son is going to present me with the best birthday present I could ever get by having his hands raised in victory.”

Keith Connolly, Manager to Daniel Jacobs

“A bunch of people have asked me if I’m excited for the fight. I’m most excited to see how this all turns out - the Daniel Jacobs story. I’ve known him for about 15 years since he was a teenager and it’s been an honor to see him grow from the boy that I first met to the man that he is now. This fight is happening at exactly at the right time. He’s physically mature but more importantly, he’s mentally mature. I expect him to embrace everything Saturday night and come out victorious.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy

“This Saturday the #1 and #2 best middleweights on the planet will put everything on the line for one simple reason – to see who is the best. That is boxing at its finest. Indeed, this is the biggest fight in boxing featuring the biggest star in boxing in the biggest place for boxing on the biggest platform for boxing.”

“In life there are challenges that strengthen a person’s character and determine how this person will be remembered. Boxing is no different. The men we have before us today have faced tough challenges that few on the earth can relate too. Outside of the ring these men have already proven what they are made of, but this Saturday, these men will also determine who will be remembered as the best middleweight of their time the only way they know how – with their fists.”

“We are excited to be at the forefront of this new era of boxing with DAZN and look forward to continuing to make boxing more accessible and affordable for fans.”

“Saturday night we expect fireworks, we expect a war, we expect an amazing fight, with two gentlemen who have done an amazing job getting to this point.”

Bernard Hopkins, Golden Boy Partner and Future Hall of Famer

“To Danny Jacobs, I’d like to say this is a historical moment for your team. This is real special. It doesn’t happen in any division but I’m glad it’s happening now. To Canelo, Jacobs, well done. Now let’s take care of business.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing

“We just want three simple things. We want to make sure Daniel Jacobs is victorious on Saturday night and we truly believe from the bottom of our hearts that he will be. We want to make sure we spread the gospel that great fights can be made. You can take risks. It’s fun. It’s called sport. That’s what we have to remember. Why these young men started was about greatness. It was how many belts they could gather. Could they reach the Hall of Fame? Could they create a legacy? And, I want the message of Daniel Jacobs to be spread worldwide. The illness and disease of cancer touches all of us. With Daniel Jacobs, you have a message of complete hope to anybody in suffering. Danie Jacobs was paralyzed. He was told he may never walk again, and certainly never fight again. Right now, I want this story to be spread worldwide to look at this fine young man and realize there is hope. If he can do it, you can do it. And on Saturday, I believe he’ll become victorious and become the unified champion of the world.”

“I know right now that this side has a feeling of excitement and nerves going into this weekend because this is a wonderful fight between two great champions and this is what the sport of boxing is all about.”

On the judges for Saturday: “I believe we have four outstanding officials across this fight who are going to give Daniel Jacobs and Canelo Alvarez a complete blank canvas and mutual respect.”

Joseph Markowski, Executive Vice President of DAZN North America

“To be clear, this fight would be on pay-per-view on any other platform – 80, 90, maybe even 100 bucks. But instead of offering this fight for $100, we’ll offer you an entire year of fights for $100 with our annual pass – incredible value in the next couple of months: Canelo vs. Jacobs on May 4, the World Boxing Super Series on May 18, Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight debut on May 25, Anthony Joshua’s U.S. debut on June 1, Gennady Golovkin’s return on June 8, and premium Bellator MMA. And that’s on top of the rest of our 100+ fight nights a year, including the fact that both Canelo and GGG will be back fighting on DAZN in the fall.”

“This weekend is massive for the middleweight division, a truly electrifying fight. It’s also massive for the DAZN business but most importantly for fight fans. On Sunday morning, instead of fans waking up to a $100 bill, those fight fans will have an entire year of content to look forward to. It’s a transformational moment.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, "THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING" and Hennessy "Never Stop. Never Settle." The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit  www.goldenboypromotions.com, 

http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, 

www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing 

and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.  Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN/Photo Courtesy of: Amanda Westcott/ DAZN USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, availability around the world, list of connected streaming devices, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

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

Why Sor Rungvisai-Estrada Might Be Boxing’s Next Great Trilogy

A question that gets asked from time to time to yours truly is just what are the ingredients that make a good rematch. Such a question is normally asked by someone with a sporadic/casual interest in Boxing and by extension all combat sports. Although not every circumstance that leads to s rematch are identical, there are a few things as I have said over the years that stand out clearly that warrant a rematch or at least some elements that could lead to an eventual return encounter down the line.

What are those elements that are not always considered by the average person/Boxing fan when they think of what warrants or could lead to an eventual rematch? Elements such as a fighter who has a title shot and loses, but works their way back into world title contention and earns a mandatory title shot at the fighter that defeated them and/or things like a cancellation of another fight could lead to a rematch occurring. While circumstances like this are not always what leads to rematches, it has happened throughout Boxing history.

The elements/ingredients that lead to s rematch that most are familiar with are things like controversial outcomes, which can involve the subject of a referee’s stoppage/officiating or the judges’ scoring of a fight. There are times however, where what leads to w rematch can simply be summed up as Oscar De La Hoya said following his first fight with Shane Mosley in June 2000, “A great fight deserves another great rematch.”

The February 2018 encounter between WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada was one bout that did not have the element of a  controversial stoppage, but did have s healthy difference of opinion as to who won at the conclusion of the twelve round Jr. Bantamweight world championship fight. What was one of the better fights of 2018 was reason enough for a second meeting between the two.

A rematch that took place on April 26^th at the site of their first meeting, The Forum in Inglewood, CA. The primary question that is often asked prior to a rematch is which fighter will be able to improve on their performance from the last fight. A more specific way of asking that question is which fighter will be able to make the tactical adjustments necessary to ensure their success in the rematch.

In large part, that question was answered immediately as the challenger Estrada fought at a higher pace than he had in the first encounter and simply brought the fight to Sor Runvisai. Although he used significant lateral movement in the first fight, Estrada was able to largely avoid being pressured by the champion in this rematch by giving angles and throwing combinations of punches. Estrada was also able to avoid getting hit with much of the champion’s offense throughout the fight.

Despite being more effective fighting out of a southpaw stance, Sor Rungvisai spent much of the second fight fighting out of an orthodox stance. Whether or not this tactical adjustment was an attempt by the champion to present Estrada with a new look perhaps with the mindset that Estrada would be more prepared for a southpaw attack this time as compared to the first encounter, it was not successful as the challenger frequently got the better of the exchanges and controlled the ebb and flow of the combat throughout most of the fight.

Although unlike the first encounter, a majority decision victory for Sor Rungvisai, the second encounter resulted in a unanimous decision by convincing margins for Estrada, it was a highly competitive fight that now leaves the door open for a third installment. While some may say that a convincing unanimous decision would make a third fight unnecessary this observer disagrees.

Throughout Boxing history, many of the great series of fights between two fighters have had varying outcomes. From the second encounter between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, to the second encounter between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, to the, you guessed it,  second encounter between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward, all of those bouts had a clear winner, but left a chapter still to be written. The third fight. 

Many within the sport whether they be fighters, trainers, broadcasters, and/or those who cover it like yours truly have said that there are times where the third installment between two fighters can often be the best of the series. Of course, there are the rare exceptions where a series of fights carries on beyond a trilogy, but for most a trilogy settles unfinished business.

With twenty-four completed rounds over two exciting fights between Juan Francisco Estrada and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai with each fighter holding a win over each other, the ingredients for a trilogy are certainly there. Whether or not a third fight between the two takes place in the near future is anyone’s guess, but this observer feels it is important that a third encounter between the two take place.

Why is it important? Beyond the obvious of determining who would win the series of fights between the two assuming that the third encounter would be the final time the two would face each other, it is important that the fight take place in order to continue to shine the spotlight on some of Boxing’s lower weight classes that do not always receive the recognition they deserve much in the same way that legends Michael Carbajal and Humberto Gonzalez were able to elevate the lower weight divisions of the sport during their respective careers and during their trilogy of fights in the 1990’s. As Carbajal and Gonzalez eventually retired, the spotlight for the lower weight classes was not the same. While there still were great fighters in the lower weight divisions, who from time to time would receive valuable television exposure, often fighting on undercards of major pay-per-view attractions it was rare at least as far as the United States is concerned to see those weight classes showcased in a position where they were the main attraction.

Although yours truly has always been of the opinion that the fighters in the lower weight classes from the 105lb. Minimumweight division up the scale through the Light-Flyweight, Flyweight Jr. Bantamweight, and Bantamweight divisions are just as deserving of the television exposure here in the United States as has been enjoyed regularly from the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division on up the scare through Boxing’s remaining weight classes of seventeen total divisions, it has not always happened. Much like the landscape of how the sport is broadcast is changing, in my eyes for the better, so too does the mindset of promoters and network platforms about only airing fighting in Boxing’s lower weight classes on a sporadic basis need to chang.  While I remain firm in my stance that the pay-per-view medium needs to be done away with for the good of the sport and it’s fans, this observer also believes strongly that in order for true growth for the sport to take place and to draw more interest, all weight classes should receive airtime on a regular basis.

While some may laugh at both of those stances, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada have served as the latest example of why showcasing the lower weight classes in the sport is important. To not do it beyond an occasional/sporadic basis would be to deny the Boxing fan who supports the sport tirelessly access to see some of the best fighters in the sport below 122lbs. compete. More importantly it denies those fighters a crucial opportunity to not only take advantage of the exposure the television and streaming mediums provide, but more specifically, the opportunity to potentially earn more money, which is a goal of every fighter who steps into the ring. While the sport is moving more towards a subscription-based streaming model over the traditional pay-per-view and traditional television mediums, there also remains room for improvement in other areas of the sport. Why not use some of the finances that have been heavily invested in the sport in recent times to focus more attention on Boxing’s lower weight classes and hopefully in the process develop new stars, which can serve both those who have invested significantly in Boxing like DAZN and ESPN’s ESPN+ digital network, but also the sport long-term as well as the fans that support it?

“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

Update

We would like to let our readers know that a feature discussing the recent Jr. Bantamweight world championship rematch between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada is in the works and will be released here on the website on Wednesday, May 1^st. Following this, a preview of the May 4^th Middleweight world championship unification bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs will be released on Friday, May 3rd. Stay tuned. “And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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

Bruno Vifuavilli Reflects On Joel Brunker Victory And More

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: April 30, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Bruno Vifuavilli reflects on Joel Brunker victory, eyes Luke Jackson and names at both Featherweight and Super Featherweight


The new IBF Pan-Pacific Super Featherweight Champion "The Master of Disaster" Bruno Vifuavilli is eyeing up another big challenge after successfully dispatching of Australian standout Joel Brunker via a unanimous decision victory in his last outing.


Vifuavilli, who shares a training base with some of Australia's most prominent rising stars in brothers Andrew and Jason Moloney as well as a former opponent and rising Super Featherweight Billel Dib, opened up about his victory against the highly rated Brunker. 


The Tanzanian native said, "Winning this title was a dream come true for me, but let me know it is just the start of a special journey.


“Joel Brunker is a world class fighter, and I believe I have proved that I am on that level now, as I felt I dominated the fight. I boxed when I wanted to box and had a war when I wanted to have a war. Joel is a great man, and I want to thank him for the opportunity.”


Vifuavilli has now established himself in the world top 20 at Super Featherweight, a division that is lighting the world boxing scene up currently with great fights such as Tevin Farmer vs Jono Carroll in our rearview mirror and possibilities of Farmer clashing with the excellent Floyd Mayweather endorsed standout Gervonta Davis. Bruno discussed what he wants going forward.


He said, "I am 23-years-old and fearless. I will fight anyone at Featherweight or Super Featherweight. I want someone to come and try to take my title from me. If they see me as an easy way to break into the world rankings come and try, I will beat them and keep improving my rating.


"I want to fight Luke Jackson if that fight was available. I was offered that fight and our team accepted but it did not happen. It is a real fight and he is a great fighter and I am sure we would put on a great fight that the fans would very much enjoy." 

 

Bruno's manager Tony Tolj opened up on his charges Vifualivi options now going forward and reflects on his excellent performance.

 

Tolj said, “I thought Bruno was exceptional against Brunker. It was a dominant but excellent win against a top fighter in Joel Brunker. My friend Cicillio Flores from Oxnard says iron sharpens iron. Bruno spars with the likes of the Moloney twins, Billel Dib and Furkan Demirkaya and this work is what has upped his level and it showed against Joel.”

 

Tolj continued, outlining his plans for Vifualivi going forward, “Bruno is in his early twenties and after that performance. We want to fight the best and if anybody who is rated above us in the ratings wants the fight, we will take it with open arms."

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

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

REGIS PROGRAIS ADVANCES TO THE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT FINALS OF THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES

Press Release: By DAZN – LAFAYETTE, Louisiana, April 27, 2019 – In an exciting night of boxing at the Cajundome, the new WBA World Super Lightweight Titlist Regis Prograis stopped Kiryl Relikh to remain undefeated and advance to the Super Lightweight final of the World Boxing Super Series. Nonito Donaire had a dominant performance, knocking out Stephon Young to claim a spot in Bantamweight final with a chance to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Regis Prograis will face the winner of Josh Taylor vs. Ivan Baranchyk, and Nonito Donaire will go up against the winner of Naoya Inoue vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez on May 18 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Regis Prograis

On his performance and adding another world title: “You know what, I love it. Thank you Lafayette for coming out. These boys cannot f*** with me. I f***** just dominated the whole time. They can’t mess with me.”

On being able to dominate: “I’m not surprised at all. I’m a different animal. He already knew from the get-go. I knew that whoever they put in front of me, they’re going to get the same treatment.”

On his defense: “It was the same thing as the last fight. I worked on my defense. People have been saying I get hit too much, but this fight I barely got hit, and I stopped him. What else can you say? Nothing.

On next opponent choice: “You know, it doesn’t matter. I honestly want to fight Josh Taylor more because some people say he can beat me, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter.”

On being pound for pound: “I feel like they have to put me in there. I’m running through everybody. This is my 24th fight, and I’m running through everyone. That’s the world champion undefeated. You look at Maurice Hooker, Jose Ramirez, put me in pound for pound. “

Nonito Donaire

On possibly being a knockout of the year: “It was great, but I want to say thank you to Lafayette, you guys are amazing. First, we came in here with a good game plan and things happen. Stephon is real slick fighter, so it was difficult to come up with a particular game plan. There was one thing I saw which was the straight, he kept throwing it, so I kept timing the hook, and one way or another I paid for it with scratches on my right eye and hand, but it paid due because I was able to figure out the timing and distance in the fight. I take the damage to earn the victory.”

On staying in the pocket: ‘I knew from the second round when I was pressuring him that he was getting winded, so I said I’m going to keep up with this and figure out that timing, and so I kept pushing and pushing and I know when I punch, he throws that right and he leans. It was a matter of time until I figured out that distance, so I kept pressuring him, and I kept taking him down until the right moment I could counter with left hook, and that’s what happened.”

On who he would like to face in the finals: “I know both guys are amazing. There was an unspoken respect between me and Inoue that we’re going to the finals so it was always important for me to get to the finals and I’ll be supporting him to get to the finals so that we can face off. I’ll be there.”

12-Round WBSS Super Lightweight Semi-Final Bout @ 140 lbs.

Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) defeats Kiryl Relikh (23-4, 19 KOs) by TKO at 1:36 of Round 6

 
12-Round WBSS Bantamweight Semi-Final @ 118 lbs.

Nonito Donaire vs. Stephon Young

Nonito Donaire (40-5, 26 KOs) defeats Stephon Young (18-2-3, 7 KOs) by KO at 2:37 of Round 7

Boxing on DAZN returns next Saturday with Middleweight King Canelo Alvarez taking on Middleweight Champion Daniel Jacobs for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN Used with Permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, availability around the world, list of connected streaming devices, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

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

Results From Florence, Italy

Undefeated Cruiserweight prospect Fabio Turchi scored an impressive first round knockout over Sami Enbom on Friday night at the Tuscany Hall in Florence, Italy. Turchi put the pressure on Enbom, who took the fight on less than a week’s notice, from the outset. Turchi brought an end to matters with a perfectly placed left hook to the body that sent Enbom down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was: 1:16 of round one. Fabio Turchi advances to 17-0, with 13 Knockouts. Sami Enbom falls to 18-3, with 10 Knockouts.

Also on this card, in a Jr. Welterweight bout, former European Jr. Middleweight champion Orlando Fiordigiglio scored a controversial ten round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Stephen Danyo. It appeared as though Danyo got the better of the action throughout the fight using angles, lateral movement, and combination punching to dictate the combat. Although Danyo was more effective and landed the cleaner punches of the two fighters in the eyes of this observer, a questionable point deduction in round five against Danyo for what appeared to be an accidental head butt  proved to be costly for him as all three judges awarded the decision to Fiordigiglio. Orlando Fiordigiglio advances to 31-2, with 13 Knockouts. Stephen Danyo falls to 15-3-3, with 6 Knockouts.


In the Welterweight division, undefeated rising prospect Alessandro Riguccini scored a first round knockout over veteran contender Ivan Alvarez. Riguccini immediately went in for the finish from the opening bell immediately pressing Alvarez against the ropes and dropped him with a left hook to the body. Although Alvarez was able to get up from the knockdown, the all out assault by Riguccini continued as the unbeaten Italian Welterweight dropped his opponent twice more before the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was: 1:40 of round one. Alessandro Riguccini advances to 23-0, with 19 Knockouts. Ivan Alvarez falls to 28-10-1, with 18 Knockouts.


In the Flyweight division, rising prospect Mohammad Obaddi scored an impressive first round knockout over Jersen Larios. The end came when Larios missed wildly with a left hook and walked into a counter right hand to the head by Obaddi, which sent Larios down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was 2:57 of round one. Mohammad Obaddi advances to 19-1, with 13 Knockouts. Jersen Larios falls to 7-5, with 3 Knockouts.

In the Middleweight division, former two-time European Middleweight champion Emanuele Blandamura scored a six round unanimous decision over Nikola Matic. Blandamura used movement, timing, and crisp combination punching to out box an over matched, but durable Matic over six rounds. Emanuele Blandamura advances to 29-3, with 5 Knockouts. Nikola Matic falls to 16-41, with 11 Knockouts.


Former European Jr. Lightweight champion Devis Boschiero scored a six round unanimous decision over veteran Yesner Talavera. Boschiero consistently applied pressure on Talavera from the opening bell keeping Talavera moving backward and unable to get into a consistent offensive rhythm over the course of the six round bout.  Devis Boschiero advances to 47-6-2, with 21 Knockouts. Yesner Talavera falls to 15-6-1, with 4 Knockouts.

Overall, this card provided a look at some of the rising Italian prospects in promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stable, which is gradually expanding from its home base in the United Kingdom around the world including branches in the United States and Italy. For fighters like Turchi, Boschiero, Obaddi, and Riguccini to name a few, it will be interesting to see where they each see action next as they all look to advance towards world title contention.

“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 Sor Rungvisai-Estrada II

WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai emerged as a rising star in Boxing's lower weight divisions when he scored a twelve round majority decision over Roman Gonzalez in March 2017 in New York's Madison Square Garden. A victory to win the WBC Jr. Bantamweight crown for Sor Rungvisai, who is also known as Wisaksil Wangek, that was seen as controversial by some over Gonzalez, who is regarded as one of the best fighters in the world. If there were any doubts as to Sor Rungvisai's victory over Gonzalez, the native of Si Sa Ket, Thailand silenced any critics by knocking out Gonzalez in four rounds in their rematch in September 2017.

Since the rematch with Gonzalez, his first successful title defense, Sor Rungvisai has defended his crown twice more including scoring a first round knockout over Yong Gil Bae in a non-title bout in July of last year. It was perhaps the champion’s second title defense however, that may have caused some doubts regarding Sor Rungvisai’s emergence as a rising star in the sport and more specifically the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division.

In what was one of the best fights of 2018, a bout that was a fight of the year candidate, Sor Rungvisai scored a razor-thin twelve round majority decision over top contender Juan Francisco Estrada. The fight, which was fought at The Forum in Inglewood, CA, was a highly tactical yet exciting bout between two of the best the Jr. Bantamweight division has to offer. A fight that was twelve rounds of nearly non-stop action. Now one year later, Sor Rungvisai and Estrada will meet again on Friday night once again at The Forum in the main event of a card broadcast by digital streaming network DAZN.

The first encounter between the two saw the ebb and flow go back and forth as both fighters had periods of effectiveness. When it comes to close fights as this one was, it will often come down to which fighter is able to execute their offense a little clearer than their opponent, which can sway opinion as to who will win close rounds in the eyes of the official judges. This was a bout where Estrada appeared for a time to be the one landing the cleaner, more effective punches of the two, but it was Sor Rungvisai who appeared to have the edge in terms of punching power when he did connect cleanly.

It should not be overlooked that there were several instances in the first encounter between these two fighters that Sor Rungvisai appeared to get caught by punches as he lunged forward and went down, but those were ultimately ruled slips by Referee Jack Reiss as it appeared at times that he was punched, but also pushed. Jack Reiss is rightfully regarded as one of the best referees in the entire sport and it is understandable why he is selected as the third man in the ring for many of the top fights to take place in the state of California.  One could make an argument however, that a referee with lesser experience than Reiss may have misjudged those slips of Sor Rungvisai as knockdowns and that could have had a major impact on the scoring of the fight.

It will be interesting to see if Estrada, who will enter the fight coming off of two straight wins, will be able to make the necessary adjustments that could result in a victory this time around. For the challenger a native of Hermosillo, MX, who will also enter with an impressive record of 38-3, with 26 Knockouts, he must also utilize the same type of lateral movement that served him well in the first fight.

Although the champion Sor Rungvisai. Who will enter the fight with a record of 47-4-1, with 41 Knockouts, had the edge in power in the first fight, he was not effective in cutting the ring off from Estrada and was ineffective in being able to minimize the challenger’s movement. One aspect that may work to Sor Rungvisai’s advantage is the last time he had a rematch of a fight that was a close decision, he dominated his opponent and scored a convincing knockout to retain his world championship. 

For Sor Rungvisai to have success in this fight, he must look to apply pressure on Estrada from the outset, but must also be wary to not lunge forward as he did in the first fight where he might be susceptible to getting countered, which might result in a knockdown or knockdowns going against him. The champion must find a way to minimize Estrada’s lateral movement. One way this could be accomplished, which was largely absent from Sor Rungvisai’s offense in the first encounter is to focus a consistent portion of his attack on Estrada’s body, which if successful over the course of the fight will take a toll on the challenger’s legs and make it difficult for him to evade the champion. In addition to not lunging forward, Sor Rungvisai must also not be reckless in his approach as Estrada will almost certainly be looking to play the role of counter puncher and catch the champion as he is coming forward.

What should not be overlooked as this highly anticipated rematch nears is that for the first time in several years some of Boxing’s lower weight divisions, which are not always given the television exposure and recognition they deserve here in the United States are finally being given that exposure due largely to the entertaining styles of fighters like Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Juan Francisco Estrada, and Roman Gonzalez to name a few. It should also not be overlooked that these fighters and by extension the Jr. Bantamweight division were given valuable exposure in the latter days of HBO’s involvement in the sport.

As one network with a storied history left Boxing at the conclusion of 2018, a new network in the emerging digital streaming era has taken the lead in showcasing fighters and weight classes that were not always offered to American Boxing fans before. One can only hope that DAZN’s commitment to Boxing, which has seen a significant shift in how Boxing is broadcast and has provided it’s subscribers with a more affordable alternative to traditional television platforms and pay-per-view, will not only continue their commitment for many years to come, but in doing so also extend their platform to some of the best talent Boxing’s lower weight classes have to offer. An opportunity that frankly was not always taken advantage of by other networks in the sport on a regular basis.

What this ultimately might mean for the Sor Rungvisai-Estrada rematch beyond the potential of another great fight between two world-class fighters just might be opening the door for many fighters in the sport to receive the exposure that they now benefit from. It is something that is frankly long overdue and something that will help grow the sport overall in the long-term.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.

Sor Rungvisai-Estrada II takes place tomorrow night (Friday, April 26^th) at The Forum in Inglewood, CA. The card can be seen in the United States and in several countries internationally on digital streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT. (U.S. Times)  To subscribe to DAZN, availability around the world, list of connected streaming devices, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event (Formerly Sky Sports 1) beginning at 2:30AM (Saturday, April 27^th. Local UK Time) For more information about Sky Sports, channel listings, and availability 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

'Action' Jackson England returns May 17 In Perth In Main Event Of Thunderdome 30

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: April 25, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing –
Western Australia's rising Featherweight standout Jackson England is really not holding back in moving forward with his professional career.

The 21-year-old captured the Australia Featherweight title in his last outing, dominating and stopping his opponent Cain Brunton inside 8 rounds in a fight that many saw as a real statement made by the Perth native.

'Action' Jackson opened up about his recent victory and becoming Australian Champion at the tender age of 21. He said, "It was a dream come true to become the champion of my country and I have to thanks my trainers at the Onyx fight team in Perth and my manager WBA Oceania Manager of the year Tony Tolj for getting me this opportunity and making it happen for me.

"I thought I boxed very well, but I know that there is still a lot more to come from me. I'm 21, I'm still maturing and developing mentally and physically and that can only make my future a bright one." 

England's next outing is a step up in class arguably, as he takes on 72 fight veteran Rivo Rengkung, who has recently shared the ring with two Australian standouts in Joel Brunker and Luke Jackon, the latter having recently mixed it with Carl Frampton. The Perth native discussed the threats posed by his Indonesian counterpart Rengkung on May 17 in Metro City, Northbridge Perth in the Main Event of Thunderdome 30 

England said, "Rengkung has been in with some really good quality fighters, fighters I look up to like Joel Brunker and Luke Jackson. It's a great test at this stage in my career to see how far I can truly go, but I believe I can go all the way so I need to look good against Rengkung and hopefully that will set me up for some big fights down the line.

"Brunker and Jackson are two of the most recognisable fighters in recent times at Featherweight. They've boxed the best in the likes of Lee Selby and Carl Frampton, so for me, I have to make sure that I am on my game as I am aiming to achieve what these fighters achieved in their careers." 

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

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

Crawford-Khan: KO, Controversy, Or, Blunder?

An encounter between two of the best fighters in the sport of Boxing usually is reason enough to draw the interest of a Boxing fan of any description. When such a fight also takes place in a historic venue rich in Boxing history, such an encounter is given the ingredients what could be a special night in the sport’s history. The encounter between undefeated WBO Welterweight world champions Terence Crawford and former unified Jr. Welterweight world champion Amir Khan appeared to be one such occasion.

In previewing this fight, this observer stated that this would be an interesting clash of styles between two boxer/punchers. It appeared that when Terence Crawford and Amir Khan entered the ring on April 20th at Madison Square Garden that would be exactly what this fight would produce. In some ways, it is exactly what happened. Two world-class boxers who each have the ability to play the role of aggressor and counter puncher.

Both fighters had periods of effectiveness throughout this fight, but it was Crawford’s counter punching and more specifically his accuracy that proved to be the difference. It was a counter punch, a right hand that would send Khan to the canvas in the first round. Although this was a flash knockdown, it did establish who had more power between the two fighters. As has been the case in some of his more notable fights, Amir Khan’s hand speed was the focal point of his offense and when he was able to get off first, he did have success. What has been in some ways Khan’s Achilles’ heel throughout his career has been a problem in managing distance between himself and his opponent, which leaves him vulnerable to getting caught in exchanges and lunging when he is not at a distance where he can control the tempo of the combat.

Despite having a reputation as having a suspect chin, Khan to his credit was able to get up from the knockdown in the first round and had periods of effectiveness. The flaws that have led to his downfall in previous fights however, were all visible in this fight. An inability to control distance resulted in his being countered by Crawford, most notably with the champion’s right hand throughout the fight. Khan was also caught in exchanges where the champion was able to get the better of the action.

What appeared to be a fight that was competitive, but also one that was turning momentum in Crawford’s favor as it progressed, was suddenly stopped in round six when Khan suffered a clear low blow and rather than taking five minutes as per the rules to see if he could continue, the fight was stopped by his trainer Virgil Hunter. While it is indisputable that Khan was recipient of a clear low blow, the outcome of a technical knockout in favor of Terence Crawford has some questioning whether or not the outcome was a knockout as a result of a fighter more or less looking for a way out when an opportunity presented itself, a controversy in the result being a technical knockout rather than a disqualification in favor of Khan, or a blunder by Khan’s trainer to stop the fight.

Was Amir Khan looking for a way out of a fight that appeared to be getting away from him in terms of his ability to compete effectively? It is important to remember that despite Khan having suffered three previous knockout losses of four previous losses in his career prior to challenging Crawford, Khan has never shown a tendency to back out in a fight when circumstances were not in his favor. From my perspective, although it was indisputable that Khan was hit low by Crawford, the decision to stop the fight appeared to be a little quick.

Should the result of the fight have been a disqualification against Terence Crawford? Things like low blows and other fouls are something that comes with the territory in not just Boxing, but all of combat sports. Fans of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are not just familiar with the potential of a fighter being hit with a low blow, but also the potential of a fight ending due to a fighter being poked in the eye by their opponent, due largely to the fact that fights in MMA are fought with open-handed gloves that enable a fighter to both punch and grapple, but gloves that leave the fingers exposed where things like eye pokes unfortunately do happened.

In this case even though it was clear that Terence Crawford landed a low blow on Amir Khan, I do not believe that it wasn’t intentional foul and thus it is difficult to say whether or not he should have been disqualified under the rules of Boxing. The central question here appears to be whether or not Amir Khan’s trainer Virgil Hunter was too quick to stop this fight.

Was there a blunder by Virgil Hunter? Although I would have preferred to see Khan take more time to see if he could compose himself in being allowed five minutes under the unified rules of Boxing, this appeared to be a call that was made by his corner and not him. With the momentum shifting more and more in Crawford’s favor, was the decision to stop this fight one made out of concern for Amir Khan’s well-being and safety having been a knockout victim previously in his career and having suffered a brutal one punch knockout loss to Saul Alvarez in his previous loss prior to this fight? Was the decision made out of a strategy to try and win the fight via disqualification as per the rules would suggest if a fighter cannot continue after being given five minutes after suffering a foul? Did Virgil Hunter jump the gun and stop the fight to quickly? Or, was this a case of all of the above playing a factor in his decision to stop the fight?

Obviously, I as a writer, Boxing journalist, and historian cannot answer these questions. The only one that can answer those question is Virgil Hunter. While the fight entering round six was still competitive prior to the low blow, it was clear that the momentum was in Crawford’s favor and Khan would need to do something to turn the ebb and flow in his favor. I do not believe that this was an indication of a fighter wanting out of a fight, but I do believe that a mistake was made by Khan’s corner.

Do I believe that if Khan had taken the full five minutes and couldn’t continue that Terence Crawford should have been disqualified? Not necessarily, but it would not have been the first time Yours truly has seen a fight end under such circumstances where a disqualification was ultimately the result. Given that it was an accidental foul and did not appear to be intentional, would the better option have been to go to the scorecards for a technical decision given that the fight had gone beyond four completed rounds as per the rules for something such as a cut that is deemed too severe for one fighter to continue that was caused by an accidental clash of heads? Perhaps… Or, was is the case of a trainer looking out for the best interest of his fighter in the long-term, but not wanting to stop the fight in a way that would result in a technical knockout loss?

Yours truly cannot answer these questions, but based on not only what has happened in Amir Khan’s career prior to this fight, but also what appeared to gradually be happening in the fight, one should not discount the possibility of a trainer looking out for his fighter, but also possibly looking to take advantage of a technicality that would have theoretically resulted in a victory for his fighter rather than a defeat. Only Virgil Hunter can say for certain what he was thinking, but ultimately the circumstances of which this fight ended was simply “Underwhelming.”

Whether or not there will be a protest by Khan to the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in an effort to have the result of a technical knockout loss against him changed remains to be seen. For Terence Crawford, it appears to be on to the future business of who he will fight next. While this observer will be sharing thoughts on that subject in a future column, for now what was turning out to be another in a long line of impressive performances by the multi-division world champion as he continues to make an argument for himself as the best Welterweight in the world can be summed up by simply saying, “A win Is A Win.”

“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