Top Rank/ESPN 6/16/2020 Weights From Las Vegas

The official weigh-in for Tuesday’s closed door Boxing card presented by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc took place earlier today in Las Vegas, NV. The weights for the entire card at the MGM Grand Convention Center, which will be televised in the United States on ESPN and are subject to change are as follows 

Main Event: Jr. Featherweight - 10Rds.

Josh Greer Jr. 120 1/4 lbs. vs. Mike Plania 119 1/2lbs.

Welterweight - 8Rds.

Cameron Krael 147 1/4lbs. vs. Bobirzhan Mominov 152lbs.

Welterweight - 10Rds.

Giovani Santillan 148lbs. vs. Antonio DeMarco 147lbs.

Heavyweight - 6Rds.

Hector Perez 221lbs. vs. Juan Torres 250lbs.

Middleweight - 6Rds. 

Nikoloz Sekhniashvili 159 1/4lbs. vs. Isiah Jones 158 1/4

*All bouts are closed to the public 

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN and ESPN+:  Greer vs.  Plania takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, June 16th) at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The card can be seen in the United States on ESPN as well through the ESPN app featuring ESPN+ on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices. Check your local listings internationally.

For more information about Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, ESPN, and to subscribe to ESPN+ please visit:

www.toprank.com www.ESPN.com plus.espn.com

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

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Wach-Johnson: An Under The Radar Heavyweight Encounter

An interesting Heavyweight bout took place on Friday, June 12th. Unlike recent events that have taken place since the sport of Boxing began the initial steps of trying to resume in the midst of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic however, this fight did not receive much attention, despite it being a bout between two former world title challengers. This observer is referring to the battle between longtime contenders Mariusz Wach and Kevin Johnson.

Perhaps one reason why this fight was not given as much attention as compared to recent events that yours truly has covered was due to the limited access to this fight in terms of being able to view it live as it took place. Yours truly had originally intended to try to cover this bout along with my previous coverage of closed door Boxing cards, but I also could not gain live access. In an ever evolving technological world however, access can come on a delayed basis as is the case with this fight, which allows me to now provide the reader of this column some thoughts and analysis.

The bout between the two longtime contenders took place under similar circumstances as did the recent cards in Mexico and Las Vegas. A closed door atmosphere in Konary, Poland at the Palac w Konarach hotel. As was the case with the previous events, the atmosphere was one that was small, intimate, and without fanfare. What will remain a focal point for most fights that will take place under the circumstances of COVID-19 will be the condition of the fighters in having to prepare to compete under scenarios that are not the norm.

Unlike my previous coverage of two cards that have taken place in Las Vegas, I was unable to observe much as to what protocols were followed due to COVID-19 as I was only able to access footage of this bout, which was the main event of a seven bout card. From what I did see, it appeared as though similar protocols to what has been put in place in Las Vegas and Mexico were being followed.

As for the fight itself, if it were fought under circumstances, which the sport was operating in its normal state, the storyline would be what does either fighter have left in them. While that does certainly still apply, it was logical to at least wonder how the circumstances of the ongoing epidemic would impact this fight. What did work in both fighters favor was that both are seasoned veterans of the sport and are used to competing at a world-class level and each have been in world title contention at one time or another in their careers.

Both men however, came into this fight off of losses and in the case of Kevin Johnson, had lost four of his last five bouts. Based on this and also taking into consideration that both fighters are forty years old, it was also logical to question what type of fight this would be. Although both fighters had their share of moments throughout this ten round bout, the fight was largely dictated by Mariusz Wach by consistently coming forward and using his 6’7 height and eighty-two inch reach to keep Johnson from being able to get his punches off first and being forced to play the role of counter puncher. While this is a role that Johnson has played throughout his career, inconsistency in terms of his ability to be aggressive has worked against him in many fights having lost sixteen of his fifty-one career bouts prior to this fight where several opponents were able to outwork Johnson over the course of a fight.

In this fight, Johnson to his credit did come forward more in spots, but he was not consistent throughout. While he was also able to counter Wach’s offense periodically throughout the bout, he was unable to get the ebb and flow to go in his favor. In contrast to Johnson, Wach was consistent in throwing offense and landed several right hands to the head behind his jab throughout. It was this as well as his overall activity that allowed Wach to earn s convincing unanimous decision at the end of the ten round bout.

Even though this fight did not offer much in the way of highlights, it should serve as an illustration of how basic fundamentals sometimes can be enough to win a fight convincingly. As has been the case throughout much of his career, Kevin Johnson’s inability to get his punches off first as well as general inconsistency proved to be his detriment in this fight. While anything can happen in the sport of Boxing, it is difficult to say whether either of these fighters will be able to re-emerge in the discussion of Heavyweight contenders.

For Mariusz Wach, the victory over Johnson should at minimum open an opportunity against someone rated in the top twenty in a sanctioning organization’s Heavyweight ratings. When and against whom that fight might take place will likely be dictated by the circumstances of the COVID-19 epidemic. 

Although some might say that Kevin Johnson should consider retirement after suffering his seventeenth loss and being years removed from where he was considered s player in the Heavyweight division and challenging for a world championship, he is still a seasoned fighter that has competed against many of the top Heavyweights of the last fifteen years. If Johnson is going to continue to compete, he must find a way to be consistent offensively. With the COVID-19 epidemic remaining a factor for sports as well as everyday life for the foreseeable future, fighters with Johnson’s resume and reliability in being willing to take fights on short notice and face anyone could be in position to take advantage of the circumstances the sport of Boxing finds itself in. It goes without saying however, unless you are a fighter blessed with punching power that can end a fight at any moment, a fighter needs to be offensive if they want to win on the scorecards. Something that Kevin Johnson should keep in mind if he intends to go forward with his career.

“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 

Boxing Behind Closed Doors: What To Take Away So Far

By now, readers of The Boxing Truth®️ as well as those who have followed this observer’s work both online and in print for many years know that I have been vocal about my feeling uneasy about not just the resumption of Boxing, but also normal everyday life in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. A point of view that I have shared not only through my writings, but also through various social media platforms in which I am active. Although frankly there hasn’t been much to ease my concerns, the sport of Boxing did get the process of resuming underway one week ago with three events that took place in Mexico and Las Vegas, NV.

While coverage of those events are available in the archives here on The Boxing Truth®️, I felt it appropriate with week one now in the books, to share some of my impressions or take aways for lack of a better term on what I observed overall. First, it is important to note that even though Boxing, much like the rest of the world is not in it’s normal active state with various events taking place daily around the world, what we have seen is a more centralized concept in resuming competition. By this, I mean Boxing cards taking place in a set schedule format from one location. I am referring to the events that have taken place at the MGM Grand Convention Center that has been referred to recently as “The Bubble.”

Not only are bouts staged in a closed door environment without the addition of spectators/fans, but the surrounding area of the hotel that has been closed off from general use also serves as a place to house fighters that are scheduled to compete. The area also houses a training facility as well rather than simply a ring in the hotel’s convention center where competitive fights take place. Although I approached this first week of Boxing’s resumption with an open mind as well as being uneasy, in all honesty, I was impressed with the set up of the convention center as well as what was documented by cable network ESPN regarding the area known as “The Bubble.” While some may be critical for criticism sake, if one is objective it is hard to say that the collaboration between promoter Bob Arum, his company Top Rank, Inc., the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), and finally ESPN was not well thought out and executed.

In terms of the set up inside of the convention center, I was also impressed by the precautions that have been put in place. Such precautions include a fighter’s camp wearing face masks, ring introductions taking place on a platform outside the ring at distance away from the fighters, where post-fight interviews are also conducted in observance of social distancing guidelines, as well as the ring bring vacuumed and sanitized after each bout. This underscores that everyone involved appear to be taking the COVID-19 virus seriously and that was evident to yours truly as I covered the events from my home office.

Among the precautions that were/are being followed for upcoming events, which are said to be scheduled weekly for the duration of the summer, is a set testing protocol for fighters, their camps, referees, officials and others that are allowed into the closed area of the MGM Grand hotel. It was these protocols that resulted however, in two positive tests of fighters who were scheduled to compete on cards scheduled for the month of June.

The first of these tests involved undefeated Jr. Lightweight and former U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer, who was removed from her scheduled bout on June 9th with fellow contender Helen Joseph. This was followed by unbeaten Featherweight Chris Zavala, who was scheduled to compete this coming Tuesday (June 16th) in Las Vegas in a bout against Edward Vazquez, seeing his fight cancelled due to testing positive for the virus as well Jr. Flyweight Silvia Torres who was pulled from her scheduled bout on June 20th in Mexico City, Mexico against Edith De Jesus after also testing positive. While two of the three tests directly impacted cards that Bob Arum was/is putting on in Las Vegas, the three positive test results that have bern released thus far do show that while the sport is trying to resume, COVID-19 remains a very serious threat and will likely continue to impact any planned cards for not only Arum’s Top Rank, but for other promoters throughout the sport globally as they also look to resume their respective schedule of events.

Bob Arum, the NSAC, and ESPN have however, succeeded in providing a blueprint for other promoters, state athletic commissions/international regulatory boards, and other television/streaming networks to follow going forward. While what we have seen so far out of Las Vegas for the resumption of Boxing has been encouraging and has given yours truly a few ideas on how such a model could be used in the sport in the long-term even after the COVID-19 epidemic that I want to share at a more appropriate time, I feel for now though progress has been made, it is best for everyone involved, promoters, fighters, networks, regulatory commissions, and even those of us who cover the sport to proceed with caution as unfortunately, activity in the sport and the world in general will continue to be dictated by COVID-19 and as such, circumstances including what may be scheduled could change at any moment.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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Magdaleno Defeats Vincente By DQ In Las Vegas

Former WBO Jr.Featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno scored a tenth round disqualification over veteran Yenifel Vicente in a Featherweight bout on Thursday night at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV. Magdaleno scored a knockdown of Vicente in the first round with a counter right hook. In round four however, Vicente hit Magdaleno with a low blow followed by a right hand that dropped him. After several minutes with Magdaleno able to continue the fight went on, but not before Referee Robert Byrd deducted two points for the foul from Vincente. This was followed by a third point later in the round for another low blow. In round five, Magdaleno scored a second knockdown of Vincente with a short right hook. By round ten with the outcome of the fight determined on the scorecards, Vincente needing a knockout to win the fight resorted to another low blow causing a fourth point deduction and ultimately forced Robert Byrd to disqualify him at 1:38 of the final round. Jessie Magdaleno advances to 28-1, with 18 Knockouts. Yenifel Vicente falls to 36-5-2, with 28 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

In a battle for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Featherweight championship, the first championship fight sanctioned since the COVID-19 crisis caused a halt to most of the sports world in March, rising contender Adam Lopez scored a hard fought ten round majority decision over fellow prospect Louie Coria. A competitive fight from the opening bell, the action early was highlighted by a lot of exchanges of offense in close between the two fighters. The middle rounds were largely dictated by Lopez’ ability to consistently work off his jab, using lateral movement to keep Coria on the outside, and landing combinations. Despite a late rally from Coria, who appeared to win the last two rounds, Lopez had done enough over the middle portion of the fight to earn the decision victory on two scorecards. Official scores were 95-95, and 96-94 (On two scorecards) for Adam Lopez. Adam Lopez advances to 14-2, with 6 Knockouts. Louie Coria falls to 12-3, with 7 Knockouts. 

In a fight between unbeaten Lightweights, Eric Mondragon and Mike Sanchez fought to an entertaining four round draw. The two fighters traded knockdowns in the first round. Sanchez was the first to score a knockdown by dropping Mondragon with a left uppercut as Mondragon came forward. Mondragon was able to even things by dropping Sanchez with a right hand moments later. Both fighters continued to exchange offense throughout, but neither man was able to clearly stand out from the other and at the end of the scheduled four round bout, two of three official judges turned in identical scorecards of 38-38 resulting in a majority draw. Eric Mondragon advances to 3-0-1, with 2 Knockouts. Mike Sanchez advances to 6-0-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Bantamweight Gabriel Muratalla scored a first round knockout over Fernando Robles. Muratalla appeared to hurt Robles with a left hook to the body that staggered him along the ropes. Muratalla followed that with a right hand that knocked Robles down. Robles was able to get up, but could not maintain his balance and the fight was stopped by Referee Robert Byrd at 2:33 of round one. Gabriel Muratalla advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Fernando Robles falls to 2-3, with 0 Knockouts.

While this observer intends to share more thoughts in the coming days here on The Boxing Truth®️ as to my overall feelings on Boxing’s return behind closed doors, the two events that have taken place in Las Vegas this week should be viewed overall as progress made for a sport that much like the rest of the world is trying to adapt to the circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis. As much as that progress should be viewed as a good thing, it is unfortunate that this week will be marked by a disqualification that more often than not leads to criticism from the sport’s detractors. Although only Yenifel Vicente can say for himself as to what led to him repeatedly fouling Jessie Magdaleno in this fight, it should not be overlooked especially under circumstances that are far from the norm for Boxing that Hall of Fame referee Robert Byrd gave him every possible opportunity to finish the fight without calling for a disqualification that frankly would have been justified after the third point deduction in round four. With the world frankly facing bigger issues than what occurs in a Boxing ring, it would be a shame if the good that has been done for the sport over the last few days were to be overshadowed by the actions of one fighter who for whatever reason could not compete within the rules of Boxing.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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Jason Moloney Ready For Top Rank US Debut At 'The Bubble' at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Press Release: June 11, 2020 By Team Moloney-Jason Moloney is ready to continue his charge towards a second world title attempt on June 25 in Las Vegas, as the Australian bantamweight readies himself for his US and Top Rank debut against Oscar Negrete. 

Credit: Team Moloney 

Moloney narrowly, and many would say controversially missed out on becoming world champion back in 2018; however, after 3 successful defenses of the WBA Oceania bantamweight title, the Gold Coast native along with his brother, WBA world super flyweight champion Andrew Moloney and their manager, Oceania boxing baron Tony Tolj, have successfully landed in the United States prior to their stateside debuts.

Moloney weighed in on his emotions prior to the Negrete fight. He said, "Firstly I have to massively thank my manager Tony Tolj and my promoter Top Rank for working hard to secure us getting into the United States without any issues. It's a delicate time in the world right now, and Top Rank is leading the way from a boxing perspective. I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing set up which involves me fighting live on ESPN, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. 

"The support Andrew and I have received from back home in the lead up to our fights has been incredible, and we're both excited to get in the ring and put on a performance that shows our appreciation to the Australian boxing public who have backed us to the hills throughout our careers, but now more so than ever. I can say we both feel we need to steal the show on our respective cards and we have prepared accordingly to do that.

"Our manager Tony has been there for us through the good times and the bad and he has put so much hard work into our careers and it is all starting to pay off now. Hopefully, this will be the start of an amazing journey which will see Andrew and I box in America for years to come."

There has been talk of the Moloney brothers boxing more than once on Top Rank events over the summer of 2020, with Top Rank hosting two shows a week for the foreseeable future. 'The Smooth One' opened up on the possibility of himself being a semi-permanent attraction in Las Vegas throughout 2020.

Jason said, "There has been talk of us staying for another fight, but right now my focus is on doing a job against Oscar Negrete and showing to everybody watching on ESPN+ that I am a world champion in waiting. I am not overlooking Negrete in the slightest and I am aiming to put on a career-best performance. 

"If there is an opportunity to stay for a couple more months and box again I would be more than happy too. I am in boxing to fight exciting fights on massive platforms and they don't get much bigger than Top Rank, ESPN, and Las Vegas. We have a great camp set up here which includes Andres Campos who has come in from Chile to work with us so staying here won't be a problem. If anything it will be very beneficial to our careers.

"However, I can't comprehend how seriously my focus is on June 25. Negrete has boxed for the world title before at a higher weight. He's no pushover but I believe if I put on a career-best performance I can put myself in line for a world title opportunity in the coming months." 

Material and Photo Courtesy of Team Moloney Used with permission.

For more information about  Jason Moloney please visit his official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JasonMoloneyBoxing

For more information about Top Rank Boxing on ESPN and ESPN+ please visit: www.toprank.com

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

Stevenson Stops Caraballo In 6 In Boxing’s U.S. Return

Undefeated WBO Featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson scored a dominant sixth round stoppage over veteran contender Felix Caraballo in the main event of the first Boxing card to take place in the United States since the COVID-19 crisis brought a halt to the sport in March, on Tuesday night at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. In what was his debut in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division , Stevenson had some difficulty early due to Caraballo’s aggression. A left hook to the head, left hook to the body combination sent Caraballo down in the first round. Although Caraballo remained aggressive, the fight became a demonstration of Stevenson’s overall skills as he consistently threw and landed combinations as Caraballo came forward. Despite being able to pressure Stevenson, Caraballo was unable to land consistent offense. In round six, Stevenson connected with a left hook to the body followed by a left uppercut to the solar plexus that sent Caraballo down and in pain forcing Referee Tony Weeks to immediately stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:31of round six. Shakur Stevenson advances to 14-0, with 8 Knockouts. Felix Caraballo falls to 13-2-2, with 9 Knockouts.

Also on this card:


In the first of two Heavyweight bouts, undefeated Italian prospect Guido Vianello scored a first round stoppage of Don Haynesworth. A flush overhand right that landed behind the ear of Haynesworth stiffened his legs and send him down hard to the canvas. Although Haynesworth was able to make it to his feet, he was on unsteady legs, and despite pleading to continue, Referee Jay Nady was not convinced and stopped the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 2:16 of round one. Guido Vianello advances to 7-0, with 7 Knockouts. Don Haynesworth falls to 16-4-1, with 14 Knockouts.

This was followed by undefeated American prospect Jared Anderson scoring a third round stoppage over a very “Game “ Johnnie Langston. Initially, this bout was fought toe to toe with each fighter having success in exchanges of offense. Anderson’s bigger size and power however, eventually took a toll on Langston. A body shot followed by a brutal barrage of unanswered punches that had Langston badly staggered and was frankly hard to watch forced Referee Jay Nady to call a halt to the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:55 of round three. Jared Anderson advances to 4-0, with 4 Knockouts. Johnnie Langston falls to 8-3, with 3 Knockouts.

Middleweight prospect Quatavious Cash scored a six round technical decision over Calvin Metcalf. Cash consistently outworked Metcalf throughout the fight, despite being pressured from the opening bell. A cut as a result of an accidental clash of heads in the second round that caused a gash on the left eyebrow of Metcalf ultimately caused the fight to be stopped shortly after the beginning of round six resulting in a technical decision. Official scores were 60-54,60-55, and 59-55 all in favor of Quatavious Cash. Quatavious Cash advances to 12-2, with 7 Knockouts. Calvin Metcalf falls to 10-4-1, with 3 Knockouts.

In the opening bout of the evening Featherweight Robeisy Ramirez, a two-time Olympic Gold medalist needed only fifty-four seconds to stop Yeuri Andujar in the first round. Ramirez dropped Andujar with a looping left hand almost as quickly as the fight began. A second knockdown highlighted by left hands forced Referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight. Robeisy Ramirez advances to 3-1, with 3 Knockouts. Yeuri Andujar falls to 5-4, with 3 Knockouts.


Although this observer is not at this moment ready to give a thorough analysis on Boxing’s overall return in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and keeping in mind my noted concerns that I have shared both through material here on The Boxing Truth®️ as well as through social media platforms, I was impressed by the steps both promoter Bob Arum, his promotional company Top Rank Inc., as well as television network ESPN have taken in terms of precautions and protocols as COVID-19 remains a serious problem for the world. While yours truly remains uneasy about not only the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, but also the desire of many to try and resume everyday activity, despite numbers of diagnosed cases and deaths related to the COVID-19 virus continuing to increase, if Boxing is to succeed in an era where strict guidelines and protocols must be followed and without spectators, the sport needed to show that it could take a step in the right direction.

With two cards now having taken place over the last few days in both Mexico and now Las Vegas, the first step although a small one has now moved the sport in the right direction. As Bob Arum and Top Rank now prepare for their second card that will occur on June 11th, we will see if the progress that has been established can be maintained.

“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 

Thoughts On Molina-Munoz And The First Step In Boxing’s Return

With the COVID-19 crisis still an issue throughout the world, the sport of Boxing began the initial step in its resumption on June 6th with a card in Patzcuaro, Mexico. As readers may recall in the column released here on The Boxing Truth® last week discussing Boxing’s return, this observer shared his concerns regarding the ongoing epidemic. At the same time, I was curious as to what Boxing behind closed doors or simply without spectators would look like. This short card headlined by a Jr. Middleweight bout between former IBF Jr. Middleweight world champion Carlos Molina and veteran Michi Munoz provided somewhat of an idea on what one can expect as the sport continues to attempt to resume amid the ongoing global crisis.

Although initially material regarding this card was intended to be covered in short-form where yours truly offers fight by fight analysis, which is similar to what readers are offered when the sport is in its normal active state, unfortunately, a technological glitch bedeviled this observer and I was not able to view this card as it took place. Thanks to advances in technology however, where a majority of content can be viewed on demand after an event takes place, I was able to view the card a day after it occurred.

Rather than discuss each fight in detail given the difficulty that I had accessing the card, which has thus adjusted what yours truly had originally hoped to offer readers, I will instead offer my impressions on the event itself as well as thoughts on the main event. In terms of the atmosphere of the card, which was closed to the public, the outdoor event offered a small, but intimate atmosphere that was in some ways similar to what one would see on a Boxing or MMA event that is held in a hotel ballroom or concert hall, simply without the addition of fans beyond necessary event personnel and the fighters respective camps.

Obviously, the main thing that concerned me that will remain a concern as long as the COVID-19 epidemic remains the crisis that it has evolved into was what precautions were taken to hopefully to best ensure the safety of everyone involved. While I cannot speak as to what testing protocols were in place for this particular event, what was visible was recommendations that numerous medical experts have stressed since the COVID-19 crisis began. All those in attendance wore face masks and did appear to observe social distancing guidelines while outside the ring. This included the ring announcer, broadcast team, other necessary event personnel, referees, and the camps of all the fighters as well. The fighters meanwhile entered the ring wearing face masks and left the ring wearing masks. It was only when the fighters were actively competing that no masks were worn.

In this aspect while I was still and remain concerned for obvious reasons, I felt based on what I saw that every precaution was likely taken and I was impressed that the situation regarding the COVID-19 virus was by all accounts taken seriously rather than with little regard as we all have unfortunately seen by some in various news stories that have circulated throughout every aspect of media since this crisis began. Although I won’t go as far as saying that it proves that the sport as a whole can operate under circumstances of an epidemic, what I did see from this event was at least a step in the right direction.

In the main event of this card Carlos Molina, who was also one of the event’s promoters, looked impressive in stopping a very “Game” Michi Munoz in six rounds. A question that will remain part of most discussions as Boxing looks to resume under unprecedented circumstances due to COVID-19 is what preparation are fighters going to be able to do while this crisis continues and how will the epidemic affect their performances in the ring if they are cleared to compete?

 If one was unaware of the circumstances of this epidemic, Carlos Molina’s performance in this fight would give the impression that there was at least for him no difficulties in his training/preparation for this bout. One thing that likely served Molina, who held the IBF world championship in the Jr. Middleweight division from 2013-2014, well was his last fight was in February of this year shortly before the COVID-19 epidemic became a global crisis. For him, the issue of inactivity was at least for this fight a non-issue as it is not uncommon for veteran fighters, prospects, and contenders to look to compete every couple of months in hopes of securing an opportunity to fight for a world championship. Many at the very top level of the sport however, typically compete between once or twice a year due largely to the position they are in economically, which allows them to earn significantly each time they compete.

In this fight, Molina consistently beat Munoz to the punch, often throwing his punches in two or three punch combinations while Munoz struggled to return offense. What was particularly impressive was how the former world champion balanced his attack to the body and head of his opponent in mixing in hooks, uppercuts, and other offense into the combinations he threw. Although Michi Munoz, who himself was a veteran of thirty-eight professional fights prior to this encounter, kept coming forward, he was simply tactically outgunned by Molina on this night. Gradually as the fight progressed, it appeared as though Molina was slowly breaking Munoz down. After watching their fighter sustain mostly one-way punishment, Munoz corner stopped the fight after the sixth round.

While readers are used to seeing me talk about what might be next for a fighter after a fight like this, the reality is the sport is no where near its normal active state. As things are likely to remain touch and go due largely to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a recurring theme will be how and if the circumstances of this virus improves that will be the ultimate determining factor in not only how active a fighter can be under these circumstances, but also whether the sport can operate and do so successfully under circumstances of an epidemic before fighters can realistically plan for and prepare for what they want to do next, and for those who cover Boxing like yours truly to be able to discuss it further beyond a theoretical scenario.

At least for the moment, Boxing has succeeded in taking an initial step in the right direction. While it is unrealistic under circumstances where Boxing, the rest of the sports world, and the world in general are in unchartered waters to expect everything to run akin to what one would expect when things are normal, as the Boxing world now turns its attention to Las Vegas, NV for two scheduled Boxing cards promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, if they can follow what was accomplished on this card where medical guidelines appeared to be followed, it should be viewed as progress.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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

The Return Of Boxing

The main story that has dominated much of the world’s news and information in 2020 has been the Coronavirus epidemic also known as Covod-19. A global crisis that has thus far resulted in the deaths of thousands around the world including over 100,000 confirmed deaths here in the United States. While the epidemic continues, some throughout various facets of everyday life have begun the process of trying to resume activities albeit under strict guidelines. In regard to the sports world, we have seen this process begin first with the UFC staging closed door events in the state of Florida following Governor Ron DeSantis declaring sports to be essential services in the state. This allowed the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to resume its schedule in a similar way to what World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has done in being one of the few sports and entertainment forms to remain active throughout the Covid-19 crisis by taping its weekly television and monthly pay-per-view events behind closed doors from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

The UFC staging three closed door events from the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL during the month of May, has provided a blueprint of sorts that the sport of Boxing will now attempt to follow as three scheduled Boxing cards will take place beginning on Saturday, June 6th in Mexico to be followed by two cards to be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV on June 9th and June 11th. In the nearly three months since the Covid-19 crisis began to severely impact the United States and subsequently resulted in many aspects of everyday life being brought to a halt, like many others, this observer has sat in his home wondering if, how, and when Boxing might be able to resume.

Readers have seen content here at The Boxing Truth®️ become condensed in recent months to information concerning cancellations and postponements related to the Covid-19 crisis as well as additional content sent in to us from promoters, networks, as well as others involved in the sport. The primary reason for that decision by yours truly was both a clear uncertainty as to when Boxing would be able to resume as well as an awareness that Boxing content as well as all of sports would be few and far between while the world focused on an unprecedented situation regarding this virus. For those who have followed yours truly on social media platforms however, in addition to sharing my concerns regarding the virus and my view that I realistically could not see things resuming akin to normal at least for the remainder of 2020, I have also said that the content that readers have come to expect from The Boxing Truth®️ would resume at a more appropriate time.

Although the threat of Covid-19 still very much exists and numbers in terms of both diagnosed cases and unfortunately deaths have not yet declined, with the sport at least attempting to resume, the appropriate time appears to have arrived. The primary question that most are probably asking is what are we likely to see with Boxing taking place behind closed doors with no spectators?

In order to get a sense of that, I tuned into some of the UFC’s recent closed door events. Even though it admittedly did take some getting used to, the atmosphere of these events was similar in my mind to what one would see if they went to a Boxing or MMA gym and watched sparring sessions. The obvious difference being instead of sparring, the fighters participated in actual competition. It does however, have to be an adjustment for fighters who are used to competing in front of crowds to competing under circumstances that they would usually find in a gym environment where the only observers are their respective camps with the addition of necessary athletic commission personnel.

While this observer could dive into various aspects of what I could see as potential challenges for the sport in attempting to resume under circumstances of an ongoing epidemic, until we know how things will look going forward where those challenges or lack thereof become more clear, this column will focus on what has been announced as taking place in the coming days. The first event, which will take place on June 6th in Patzcuaro, Mexico, will feature a five bout card and be streamed worldwide on digital combat sports network FightNightLive’s Facebook page in the network’s first foray into digital pay-per-view. In the main event of the $4.99 pay-per-view card, former IBF Jr. Middleweight world champion Carlios Molina, who is also one of the event’s promoters will face veteran Michi Munoz in a scheduled ten round Jr, Middleweight bout.

On June 9th, the action will move to Las Vegas for the first of two scheduled events at the MGM Grand. The first  of the two events, which will be televised in the United States by ESPN and it’s digital subscription streaming network ESPN+, will be headlined by undefeated WBO Featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, who will be moving up in weight to the Jr. Lightweight division to face Felix Caraballo in a bout scheduled for ten rounds. This will be followed by the second scheduled event on June 11th where former WBO Jr. Featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno will headline the card in a ten round Jr. Lightweight bout against veteran contender Yenifel Vincente

Although readers are used to seeing yours truly break down fights one by one in a preview such as this column, it is important to keep in mind that these events are scheduled to be held under circumstances that are far from the norm for Boxing when it is in its normal active state. While it is unclear as of now as to how long the Covid-19 crisis will last, some may believe an environment of closed door sporting events could well be a new normal at least for the foreseeable future. As these are unchartered waters to a big extent, the logical question to ask is what kind of preparation have the fighters who are scheduled to compete been able to do when there has been such uncertainty and questions as to when they will be able to compete. Of course, yours truly is viewing things from a far and is unaware of what preparations the fighters themselves have been able to do under the circumstances. One could assume that at minimum, there may have been difficulties in being able to spar due to various lockdowns that have been in effect globally that has resulted in gyms being closed as well as the various travel restrictions that have been put in place around the world that obviously would create obstacles for fighters who travel both internationally as well as domestically by plane both for training as well as competition.

Based on these factors, there is a bit of the unknown as to what these fights could look like once the fighters are able to enter the ring to compete. This all will obviously also depend on whatever testing protocols are put in place, whether there is risk of exposure for the fighters, their camps, and others involved as well as what might happen if there is confirmed positive tests for Covid-19, which would obviously impact not only these three scheduled cards, but also those that might be in the works to follow in the coming weeks and months ahead.

What I can assure the reader as things remain uncertain is, if there are Boxing events taking place in the days, weeks, and months ahead, this observer and The Boxing Truth®️ will be here to cover them as they occur. One can only hope not only will all those who will be participating in these events remain healthy and safe, but once we as a sport can get a better idea of how Boxing can operate under circumstances like the Covid-19 crisis, we can then focus on other challenges the sport has to contend with including, but not limited to the severity of the economic impact due to this crisis.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

FightNightLive: King Carlos Promotions: Molina vs. Munoz takes place Saturday, June 6th in Patzcuaro, Mexico. The card can be seen globally on FightNightLive’s Facebook page on a pay-per-view basis for $4.99 beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT U.S. Time.. To order and watch the event on Facebook please visit: https://facebook.com/events/s/fightnight-live-ppv-king-carlo/315090626151353/?ti=icl 

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN and ESPN+: Stevenson vs. Caraballo takes place on Tuesday, June 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. The card can be seen in the United States on ESPN on cable/satellite providers as well as through the ESPN app featuring ESPN+ on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN and ESPN+: Magdaleno vs. Vincente takes place on Thursday, June 11th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. The card can be seen in the United States on ESPN on cable/satellite providers as well as through the ESPN app featuring ESPN+ on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT.

For more information about Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, ESPN, and to subscribe to ESPN+ please visit:
www.toprank.com www.ESPN.com plus.espn.com.

*All three cards are closed to the public 

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

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Manager Tony Tolj keeps the American dream alive for Team Moloney

Press Release: June 2, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing/Team Moloney  - Oceania boxing kingpin Tony Tolj has pulled off the impossible once more, as he has utilized his inner circle of contacts to gain the entry approval tp the United States for Chilean flyweight sensation Andres Campos. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Campos is undefeated in his professional campaign and has risen quickly through the flyweight ranks since linking up with Dragon Fire Boxing Latino alongside stables mates Ramon Mascarena, Raynel Mederos, and Luis Junior Cruzat.  

Campos who currently holds the WBA Fedebol, WBO Latino, and Chilean flyweight titles, touched down in Las Vegas on Monday evening, and Tolj opened up on how he made sure that it wasn't an American nightmare for the 23-year-old Campos.

Tolj said, "I had to use a few of my connections within my inner circle to lease with the Chilean and American authorities to allow Campos to travel. Fortunately, they were all very helpful and we gained approval on Sunday for Andres to fly to Las Vegas. 

"Andres took a COVID-19 test prior to departing and took one on arrival in the United States.

"Andres is one of the top quality fighters that Dragon Fire Boxing has acquired during its expansion into South America. He has been in camp with us before in Australia and boxed on one of our cards on the Gold Coast last November. He has spent time in camp with the Moloney twins before and had great work with world rated Billel Dib and Bruno Tarimo as well so he really is a top-quality talent."

Many have asked how Tolj has managed to get himself and 3 fighters into the United States during these times of political and social unrest. The Australian based manager divulged some of his techniques into pulling off what seems to be a minor miracle.

Tolj said, "I am not joking when I say I'm connected politically. My cousin Dragan Primorac ran for president in Croatia 5 years ago. In seriousness though I am just a common man working hard for the men to make the dream happen for them. I have to thank those involved in helping me get the boys into the country and Top Rank who have been fantastic with us all from start to finish.

"I have been in boxing for a long long time, so I have developed many connections all over the world and have a lot of experience in obscure situations. So I used my experience of being in boxing's inner circles for decades to make the American dream happen for the boys. Now it's time for them to live the dream and put on a show on ESPN."

Material and Photo Courtesy of Dragon Fire Boxing/Team Moloney  Used with permission.

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

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

Boxing To Return In Las Vegas June 9TH

After a unanimous vote by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) on Wednesday, the path has officially been cleared for the sport of Boxing to begin resuming as the commission approved two Boxing cards that will take place on June 9th and June 11th. The cards, which take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, will be promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc. This will be the first Boxing events to take place in the United States since mid-March due to the Covid-19 epidemic. While the Covid-19 crisis remains ongoing, these two cards represent the initial steps to resume normal activity for the sport.

With Covid-19 still the central focus of the world, strict safety and testing protocols must be followed according to the NSAC. As more information becomes available regarding these two Boxing events, which will be closed to the public and televised in the United States by ESPN and  it's digital subscription-based streaming network ESPN+, we will update readers on those developments and provide coverage of these events as they take place. 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

James Patterson & Kwame Alexander Join Forces To Write About Young Muhammad Ali

Press Release: May 23, 2020 By Jimmy Patterson Books And HMH Books for Young Readers – James Patterson & Kwame Alexander Join Forces to Write About Young Muhammad Ali
‘Becoming Muhammad Ali’ is a fictional biography about the boxing great, written in partnership with the Ali Estate.

Credit Jimmy Patterson Books/HMH Books for Young Readers 

 Bestselling authors James Patterson and Kwame Alexander will collaborate on a biographical novel, Becoming Muhammad Ali, to be jointly published by JIMMY Patterson Books and HMH Books for Young Readers on October 5, 2020. The project was announced today by Ned Rust, Publisher for James Patterson, and Catherine Onder, Publisher of HMH Books for Young Readers. Written in verse and prose, this fictionalized middle grade biography explores Muhammad Ali’s life as a child before he was a household name – when he was still known as Cassius Clay.
Fully authorized by and written with the cooperation of Lonnie Ali and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), co-owners of the Muhammad Ali Estate, Becoming Muhammad Ali will follow the life of young Cassius Clay up to age 17, revealing his struggles in school, the racism he endured, and his discovery of boxing, as well as his family, friends, neighbors, and significant events of his childhood in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Kwame in honoring the life of a legend,” said James Patterson. “Few people know Muhammad Ali as Cassius Clay, and his journey to becoming Ali is truly inspiring. It’ll show young kids the importance of perseverance in pursuing their dreams and most importantly, to never give up. When the Ali Estate came to me, I knew this was a project I had to be a part of – and I was ecstatic when my friend Kwame agreed to write it with me.”
“I loved books until I was ten, when the adults in my life began to tell me what to read,” said Kwame Alexander. “Two years later, while cleaning up our garage I stumbled upon The Greatest: My
Story by Muhammad Ali and rediscovered the joy of reading. I couldn’t put the book down. So, when Jim called and said we should write a novel together, about Ali, it was like coming full circle. We’re both about getting kids to want to read, and I hope this book does that.”

“Growing up in 1950s Louisville, a young Cassius Clay faced struggles that helped mold him into the man we came to know as Muhammad Ali,” said Lonnie Ali, wife of the late boxing legend. “Muhammad would be proud to know that this story will be a source of inspiration for kids everywhere.”

Becoming Muhammad Ali will be simultaneously published in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats, and will be edited by Margaret Raymo, Senior Executive Editor at HMH Books for Young Readers. Artist Dawud Anyabwile will contribute black and white illustrations throughout the book.

   “James Patterson and Kwame Alexander are heavyweight writers on their own, and together they’re a knockout combination,” said Rust and Onder in a joint statement. “Becoming Muhammad Ali dynamically captures the charisma, outsize personality, and dedication of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time.”

###
About the Authors
Kwame Alexander is the New York Times best-selling author of thirty-four books, including his Newbery Medal–winning novel The Crossover and The Undefeated, winner of the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. He is the founding editor of Versify, which aims to change the world, one word at a time.

James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author. The creator of Max Einstein and Middle School, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.

JIMMY Patterson Books
We believe a kid who reads is a kid who can succeed. We believe it’s every adult’s responsibility to get books into kids’ hands and into kids’ lives. We want to make reading fun for kids—through stories and voices that speak to them and expand their world. We want to make books available to kids—through teacher scholarships, bookstore funding, school library support, and book donations. We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY book to say: “PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.”

HMH Books for Young Readers
As part of leading global learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, HMH Books for Young Readers is uniquely positioned to offer educational and entertaining content for all audiences. Its distinguished author list includes more than one hundred Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and Sibert Medal and Honor recipients. Among its celebrated authors and illustrators are Kwame
Alexander, Mary Downing Hahn, Lois Lowry, Linda Sue Park, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner, as well as iconic characters and brands such as Carmen Sandiego, Curious George®, Little Blue Truck, The Little Prince, and The Polar Express.

Authentic Brands Group/The Estate of Muhammad Ali
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand, development, marketing and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of global media, entertainment and lifestyle brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG elevates and builds the long-term value of more than 50 consumer brands by developing best-in-class partnerships.

Material And Photo Courtesy of: Jimmy Patterson Books And HMH Books for Young Readers Used with permission.

For more information about Becoming Muhammad Ali Please visit;  https://www.jimmypatterson.org/titles/james-patterson/becoming-muhammad-ali/9780316498180/ 

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

TEENAGE CHILEAN PRODIGY JUNIOR CRUZAT inks long term managerial deal with Tony Tolj

Press Release: May 18, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing - The 19-year-old, who holds a record of 7-0 (4 KOs) is now determined to build on his perfect professional start under the guidance of power house manager Tony Tolj.  

Credit Dragon Fire Boxing 

Cruzat was a start out amateur of the Chilean National team setup with a great record of 78 wins and 2 losses which includes 6 times national champion, Silver medal at Odesur games and Champion of the future boxing stars in USA Las Vegas.

Junior Cruzat opened up about his boxing future and what it means to join Oceania based powerhouse manager Tony Tolj

"My goals in boxing is to step by step get closer to my main objective which is world champion. I'm only 19 years old, and I trust the team around me.

My father was a huge influence on my career, he was the one who motivated me enter this beautiful sport that today is my whole life.

I was very happy to join the world famous Dragon Fire Boxing family its a great company and serious people, we shared many ideas and looked the same way. Tony Tolj is world wide respected and I know he will guide my career the right way. 

I am very happy to share a team with these great boxers, it is a great motivation for me and I certainly believe that we are the best team currently in Chile and soon the World will know this Golden Generation of Chilean boxing.

They are a great team happy to join this great team together with my father, we always look forward to such a proposal, to work with people who share the same dreams and goals as we do

Dragon Fire Latino and “The Maverick” Nico Martinez arrived at a great moment in Chilean boxing just on the rise, and that support and motivation were needed, grateful for the confidence in my work.

People take care of yourself, we are having a bad time with Covid 19 but we will come out together of all this that is happening worldwide, and nothing will stop each of us in this world well all have a purpose, we all have dreams and we must fulfill them".

Australian based manager Tony Tolj opened up about his latest signing.

"I'm delighted to have Junior join the team, I have said on many occasions this will be the Chilean Golden generation. He will be working closely with Chilean Mega Star Andres Campos, Ramon Mascareña, Raynel Mederos. 

My partner " The Maverick" Nico Martinez is doing an amazing job and Dragon Fire Latino will be giving this young warriors the platform to show the world what they are capable of.

Junior is 19 years of age and I'm very privellage to be entrusted to guide his career and when the time is ready we bring that world title back to Chilean. The World is yours Junior Cruzat"

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

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

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