Ahlin Outclasses Szabo In 2

Light-Heavyweight prospect Oscar Ahlin scored a dominant second round stoppage of a “Game”, but overmatched Achilles Szabo in the main event of a Boxing card held behind closed doors in an undisclosed location on Saturday night in Brussels, Belgium. Ahlin dropped Szabo in the first round with a left hook to the body. This was followed by a second knockdown with a left hook to the head in round two. Although Szabo continued to get up, it was clear that he was simply outclassed in this fight. After a third knockdown from a right hand to the head, Szabo again arose from the canvas only to be floored for a fourth and final time as the referee stopped the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:57 of round two. Oscar Ahlin advances to 19-2, with 17 Knockouts. Achilles Szabo falls to 25-25, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In the Middleweight division, unbeaten prospect Julien Demeyer scored a fourth round stoppage of veteran Daniel Rashdan. Demeyer consistently forced the action on Rashdan, who mostly fought defensively throughout. Rashdan was deducted a point in round three after repeatedly dropping his mouthpiece and after a brief exchange of punches that was frankly Rashdan’s best offensive showing in the fight, the bout was stopped at thirty-five seconds of round four when Rashdan appeared to indicate he did not want to continue. Julien Demeyer advances to 5-0, with 5 Knockouts. Daniel Rashdan falls to 5-10, with 2 Knockouts.

 

 

In the first of two Jr. Middleweight bouts on the card, undefeated prospect Jan Helin outworked veteran William Vargas over six rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. Jan Helin advances to 7-0, with 4 Knockouts. William Vargas falls to 3-15-1, with 0 Knockouts. This was followed by Nabil Messaoudi, who in his professional debut only needed one left hook to the jaw of veteran Samuil Dimitrov to end their bout at just twenty-five seconds of the first round as Dimitrov was unable to beat the count after being knocked down. Nabil Messaoudi advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Samuil Dimitrov falls to 2-10-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

This card, which was promoted as “Back To Business “ and broadcast worldwide on combat sports network FightNight Live’s Facebook page was originally scheduled for late August, but was delayed due to a rise of COVID-19 cases in the country of Belgium in what is an ongoing global epidemic. While clearly this card served as a way for rising prospects to resume their careers after being inactive for in some cases several months due to the epidemic, it will be interesting to see if they are able to increase the level of their opposition in their next outings. Of course, that will likely be determined by the status of COVID-19 throughout the world as promoters and fighters continue to try to adapt, operate, and compete in unprecedented times. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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Will Jermell Charlo Go For Undisputed Or Will He Set His Sights On Middleweight?

 In many cases, the term unification in the sport of Boxing usually means when the best fighters in a given weight class, who each hold a claim to a world championship are pitted against each other to determine who is the best. Such was the case on September 26^th in Uncasville, CT when WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo met unified WBA/IBF world champion Jeison Rosario. A fight that headlined the second portion of a unique doubleheader concept that also featured Jermell's twin brother Jermall in the headline bout of the card’s first portion.

 

The bout between Jermell Charlo and Jeison Rosariodid not just bring two world champions together to unify three of five recognized world championships in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, but as always seems to be the case in Boxing a unification bout like this could well lead to more lucrative opportunities for the winner down the road. In large part, this fight turned out to be the tactical encounter that this observer thought it would be going into it.

 

A misconception that some might have whenever the word tactical is used in describing a fight is that it could be translated as not the most entertaining to watch. While this fight was not necessarily fought at a high pace, what was entertaining was watching how calm Jermell Charlo was over the more aggressive Rosario. This allowed Charlo to pick his spots and make the most out of the punches he threw rather than trying to outwork Rosario over the course of the fight. It was this approach that allowed Charlo to score knockdowns of Rosario with short hooks to the head in rounds one and six.

 

Although he was consistently aggressive and pressed forward through much of the fight, Rosario was following Charlo rather than dictating the tempo of the combat. Despite this, Rosario was able to land some effective punches to the body of Charlo throughout. He just couldn’t land with consistency in my view to turn the ebb and flow in his favor. Perhaps ironically, it would be a jab to the body of Rosario that would end the fight in the eighth round giving Jermell Charlo the victory and status as a unified world champion. 

 

While it is rare to see a knockout come as a result of a jab, the most elementary of punches in a fighter’s arsenal, it is important to keep in mind that any type of punch can end a fight if it lands in the right spot at the right time. This is especially true when it comes to body punches that if they land in a sensitive spot it can not only cause damage, but it can also effect a fighter’s breathing where it makes it almost impossible to get up from a knockdown to continue battle as was the case when Bernard Hopkins knocked out Oscar De La Hoya with a perfectly placed left hook to the body in their Middleweight world championship unification bout in September 2004. Essentially, this is what happened to Rosario in this fight as once the punch landed it had an impact on his breathing and he was unable to beat the count.

 

In what was a statement making performance for Jermell Charlo, the question now becomes whether he will pursue a bout against WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Patrick Teixeira, current IBO world champion Erislandy Lara to attempt to fully unify the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division or will he turn his attention to the 160lb. Middleweight division where his brother Jermall currently competes. This observer sees viable options in both divisions for Jermell Charlo, but in terms of the immediate future, I believe it is most likely that he will face top contender Erickson Lubin, who won an elimination bout on September 19^th to become the WBC’s mandatory challenger in the Jr. Middleweight division in his next fight before deciding on which lucrative opportunity he wants to pursue. For now, Jermell Charlo did what he had to do in unifying three of five world championships in the Jr. Middleweight division and by doing so in impressive fashion, his stock can only go up as 2021 approaches.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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HANEY VS. GAMBOA AND JACOBS VS. ROSADO HEADING TO FLORIDA

 Press Release October 2, 2020 By DAZN – Devin Haney will defend his WBC World Lightweight title against Yuriorkis Gamboa on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Daniel Jacobs will clash with Gabriel Rosado on Friday, Nov. 27, both behind closed doors and subject to strict COVID-19 protocols at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, live on DAZN.

Credit:DAZN 

 

Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) is back in action for the first time since November 2019 after injuring his right shoulder in seeing off Alfredo Santiago in the first defense of his belt in LA. The 21-year-old sensation had successful surgery on the injury and is now ready to resume his quest to dominate a 135-lbs. scene that’s littered with big names.

 

First on his hit list is Gamboa (30-3, 18 KOs), the former unified World Featherweight king and Cuban hero, following his Olympic gold medal. Gamboa is aiming to become a two-weight World ruler at the third attempt having challenged Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis for their titles, but Haney is confident he will reignite his reign in style.

 

“Yuriokis Gamboa is a dangerous and experienced fighter,” said Haney. “He’s a former unified world champion, and he has been in the ring with some of the best. He hurt Terence Crawford with a big shot, so his power is not to be ignored. He beat Orlando Salido who beat Vasiliy Lomachenko. Less than a year ago he took Gervonta Davis into the 12th round, something no one has ever been able to do. Gamboa is a true warrior and I’m not taking him lightly. I’ve called out all the top names, and I finally got someone who will challenge me for my title. I intend on making a statement in this fight. My hunger is on another level. It’s time to show the world who the best fighter in boxing is and that’s me!” 

 

“I'm extremely thankful to God for allowing this fight to happen and for the miracle of healing my Achilles,” said Gamboa. “I've been dreaming and wishing of fighting for the WBC Green Belt ever since I was an amateur in Cuba. I'm ready and determined to win this title for my fans and to prove those who wrote me off as a washed up fighter wrong. I came up short against Davis because of my Achilles in the second round, but I fought the rest of the fight on one foot, hurting him in the middle rounds. You are going to see a healthy Gamboa fight with both of my legs, fists and warrior heart of mine. With God's blessings I will come out victorious Nov. 7.”

 

Jacobs and Rosado have built up a rivalry over the last year and now that comes to a head three weeks after Haney vs. Gamboa.

 

Jacobs (36-3, 30 KOs) made the first steps on his target of becoming a two-weight World champion with victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Phoenix, Arizona in December. That was the “Miracle Man’s” first foray into the 168-lbs. scene after the two-time World Middleweight king moved up from 160 lbs. after his unification clash with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2019.

 

Rosado (25-12-1, 14 KOs) appeared on the undercard in Phoenix and clashed with Jacobs ahead of the weigh-in. The Philly ace recorded a ten round points win that night to return to winning ways following his thrilling back-and-forth battle with Maciej Sulecki on home turf in March 2019, and the 34-year-old will be out to fire himself into contention for the World title clash that Jacobs seeks.

 

“Gabe talked his way into this fight and now it’s time to see if he can back it up,” said Jacobs. “He’s got a big mouth and he’s been bringing up my name constantly for over a year – but on Nov. 27 the talking stops and I can’t wait to shut him up. My aim is to become a two-weight division World champion in 2021 and that starts with a big win in Florida. After that, I’m ready to step up and fight one of the World champions at 168 pounds.”

 

“I’m really excited for the fight,” said Rosado. “There’s been a lot of back and forth between me and Jacobs, and for the fight to finally happen, I’m more than ready. I’ve started training camp with Freddie Roach in LA at Wild Card Boxing, and I’m just looking to put on one hell of a show for the fans. I’m definitely going to bring the fight to Danny and it’s going to be great.”

 

Both events have stacked undercards in support of the main event. There’s a Heavyweight flavor to the Haney card with Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic (11-0, 9 KOs) facing American Rydell Booker (26-3, 13 KOs) and Chinese star Zhilei Zhang (21-0, 18 KOs) meeting another American in Devin Vargas (22-6, 9 KOs). Three young stars continue their pro journeys on the bill as Reshat Mati (7-0, 5 KOs), Raymond Ford (6-0, 2 KOs) and Arthur Biyarslanov (6-0, 5 KOs) are in action on the show - – and Matchroom are delighted to announce the signing of French star Souleymane Cissokho (11-0 7 KOs) to a multi-fight deal and he’ll box on the bill, and more details on the deal for the Anthony Joshua managed Super-Welterweight will come on Monday.

 

Marc Castro will make his pro debut on the undercard of Jacobs vs. Rosado. The Fresno talent was slated to make his bow in the paid ranks in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, but he tested positive for COVID-19. Now the amateur sensation finally laces them up and is joined on the undercard by fellow amateur rulers in Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov (9-0, 5 KOs), three-time World amateur champion Magomedrasul Majidov (2-0, 2 KOs), and young talents Nikita Ababiy (9-0, 6 KOs) and Alexis Espino (6-0, 4 KOs).

 

“I can’t wait for our U.S. return in Florida – two stacked cards with plenty riding on them,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The Lightweight division is on fire and there’s no better time for Devin to return to action and make a big statement at the Hard Rock. Although Devin may well be the next big thing, when you look at his CV, Yuriorkis is by far his toughest test to date. A few weeks later, the bad blood between Daniel and Gabe will come to a head as they clash, and the winner of that fight will find themselves in a great position for a World title shot at 168 lbs. in 2021.”

 

“There’s so many interesting plotlines on both undercards. The Heavyweights are in the spotlight on Nov. 7, with Filip and Zhilei, two World-class fighters that are looking to stake their claims for massive fights next year, as will Magomedrasul who fights on Nov. 27.”

 

“Marc was devastated that his debut was postponed but the Fresno sensation has re-focused and it’s not a bad thing to have to learn to cope with a setback like that – he’s been working so hard in training, and I think we’re going to see a spectacular debut.”

 

“We’re lining up a big test for Daniyar, and so many of the young stars on the cards are beginning to get to the stages in their career where they move to the next level so I am expecting two exciting nights of action in the Sunshine State.”

 

Hard Rock Live and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida have a rich history of hosting world-class boxing in addition to globally recognized entertainment acts like Jerry Seinfeld, Alicia Keys and Aerosmith. The venue is excited to play host to two huge nights of action in November.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

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

Update

 We would like to let our readers know that a third feature column scheduled for this week covering the recent Charlo Doubleheader pay-per-view card, which will focus on the Jr. Middleweight world championship unification bout between Jermell Charlo and Jeison Rosario will be released here on the website on Saturday, October 3^rd. Stay tuned. “And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Will The Decision To Do Pay-Per-View During The COVID-19 Epidemic Prove To Be Good Or Bad?

 

It is rare when taking about a Boxing card that is aired on pay-per-view not to hear criticism of the card itself. More often than not you will hear fans and experts alike criticize a particular fight or what they feel should have taken place. When one also factors into the equation that such criticisms also include the consumer only being offered a small portion of what takes place on a full Boxing card for what is often an expensive price tag, it is not hard to understand such criticism.

 

In the case of the recent pay-per-view doubleheader that was marketed as “Two Pay-Per-View Cards In One” featuring twin brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo headlining separate portions of the card, there was not criticism of the fights that were scheduled on the six bout pay-per-view card, but rather most if not all criticism stemmed from the decision by broadcaster Showtime and its parent company ViacomCBS as well as the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters to put the event on cable/satellite pay-per-view and to do so at a price point of $74.95.

 

It should not be a secret to longtime readers that this observer has long been critical of the pay-per-view model that has over the last two decades gotten out of control in terms of pricing, but one that also rarely has the consumer’s interest in mind in terms of the amount of content that is offered on a per card basis for increasingly expensive prices. The criticism in this case differs from the norm in that the decision to put not only this card, but also additional cards promoted by the PBC group of promoters on pay-per-view in the coming weeks and months comes in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and recession. An epidemic that has caused sickness and death around the world, but one that has resulted in significant job loss in the United States as well.

 

While the general trend of pay-per-view Boxing attractions has consistently underperformed over the years with rare exceptions due largely to the price points in this observer’s eyes more so than a mere lack of interest from fans/consumers, it is also important to keep in mind that the cable/satellite industry, which was already in decline prior to the COVID-19 as consumers opt to switch to digital streaming platforms and away from traditional pay-TV providers, have only seen their subscriber-base continuing to erode as the epidemic has increased its impact.

 

In terms of Boxing, it should also not be ignored that the rise of digital subscription-based streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+ have provided a legitimate alternative to traditional pay-per-view distribution as well as offering an economically reasonable option for consumers. Although for the time being the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) MMA promotion sells their pay-per-view events through ESPN+’s platform exclusively in the United States at a similar price point to when those events were available on cable/satellite pay-per-view, those events are made available on delay for existing ESPN+ subscribers weeks after they take place and the pricing of those events are used to sell annual subscription plans for ESPN+ for non-subscribers. 

 

Why should that be taken into consideration? Because it shows that the pay-per-view model as it once was is no longer a viable option, especially when one also factors in that events are available on demand for subscribers to watch when they wish shortly after an event takes place, whereas with traditional pay-per-view, most events produced by a network like Showtime will only get one live showing as was the case with the Charlo Doubleheader pay-per-view event last week. While in some cases, there may be an immediate replay aired shortly after a live showing, it is not a standard and that in addition to the pricing structure and more economically reasonable alternatives being available only adds to the hurdles that promoters and networks face in a pay-per-view being successful in addition to the dwindling subscriber numbers, which obviously limits the potential audience for events broadcast on cable/satellite pay-per-view.

 

Although it may sound to the reader that yours truly is deliberately pointing out the negative aspects of pay-per-view, I am doing so for a reason. There are alternatives available that could benefit networks, promoters, and the fighters themselves. The most obvious of those alternatives would be to adapt a digital subscription model similar to that of ESPN+ and DAZN.

 

In previewing the Charlo Doubleheader pay-per-view, I pointed out one alternative that was/is already available to ViacomCBS seeing as the pay-per-view was being broadcast by the company’s-owned Showtime. CBS All Access.

 

 CBS All Access, a digital streaming network platform that CBS launched in 2014 has been a main focal point for the network as it looks to increase its presence in the digital streaming market. As of February last year, the streaming platform had an estimated four million subscribers paying either $9.99 per month for a plan that does not include commercials on on-demand content or $5.99 for a plan that includes limited ads on such content.

 

Although it is debatable as to how many of CBS All Access’ subscriber-base are fans of Boxing or sports in general as the platform is aimed at the general entertainment genre, a potential reach of that many subscribers is a number that very few pay-per-view events have even come close to.

 

It is also worth noting that the platform, which has begun incorporating other ViacomCBS-owned content from it’s various networks as the company looks to rebrand CBS All Access to Paramount+ next year, which will include everything currently featured on the platform plus additional content, could have used a Boxing card like this as a way to attract new subscribers while continuing to expand their evolving content which also recently included the addition of UEFA Men’s and Women’s Champions League Soccer among other content.

 

While it also needs to be noted that this card was made available to non-cable/satellite consumers at the same pay-per-view price point through Showtime's standalone streaming app as well as through Live TV streaming platforms aimed as an alternative/replacement to traditional pay-TV service like cable/satellite, like Sling TV, it is debatable whether consumers that have “Cut The Cord” will be willing to embrace paying the same type of pay-per-view prices that are available through traditional television providers given that the main selling point of becoming what is known as a “Cord Cutter” and going with only streaming as their preferred method of accessing television is to save money.

 

Although it is unclear as of this writing as to how well the Charlo Doubleheader did in terms of overall buys and does not include the added element of those who access content via piracy in various forms, all of the above are things that networks and promoters who insist on sticking with an outdated model of pay-per-view are going to have to keep in mind.

 

With COVID-19 continuing to impact the world in numerous and severe ways, there simply is no way that a model that was already in decline prior to a global epidemic will be boosted or even saved during said epidemic whose impact no one knows the severity of as of yet. Unfortunately, without a willingness to adapt to changing times and conditions or a willingness to adjust price points that are more economically reasonable, a network or promoter should not expect successful returns regardless of who is on the card. It’s a shame for the fans who support the sport tirelessly in good times and bad who unfortunately are being priced out of being able to see fights they want to see, but even more of a shame for the fighters who risk their lives every time they compete that are trying to raise their profile and standing in the sport that are being denied the chance to compete in front of as many eyes as possible.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Thoughts On Charlo-Derevyanchenko

 

One of the marquee attractions of what was billed as “Two Pay-Per-View Cards In One” that took place on September 26^th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT was the Middleweight encounter between undefeated top contender and former IBF Jr. Middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and former two-time world title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko. While the concept of the pay-per-view, as well as the second main event of the card will be covered in separate upcoming material here on The Boxing Truth®️ over the upcoming week, the first main event did bring two of the top Middleweights in the world together for what on paper had all the makings of a closely fought battle.

 

As readers who read the preview this observer penned last week discussing the pay-per-view doubleheader know, this fight had an interim championship designation at stake in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Middleweight ratings due to current WBC world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez being designated as a “Franchise Champion “ due to his desire to fight between the 160lb. Middleweight and 175lb. Light-Heavyweight divisions depending on opportunities that may be available to him both in terms of marquee fights as well as the lucrative incentives they could bring. Although the political aspects of the sport often do not lend favorably upon those top contenders who are seeking an opportunity against a fighter in Alvarez’ position, this fight also had the potential for the winner to set themselves up for lucrative opportunities against other top stars in the Middleweight division as well as top positioning in the division should Alvarez ultimately vacate his standing as a Middleweight.

 

In previewing this fight, I stated that I felt it was crucial for Derevyanchenko to implement a body attack on Charlo. This proved to be a difficult task as Charlo was able to keep Derevyanchenko on the outside in the early rounds of the fight by using his near 74” reach and three inch height advantage to land offense as Derevyanchenko as he came forward. A focal point of that offense for Charlo during this period of the bout was his jab and more specifically his ability to be accurate with it.

 

It was this approach that allowed Charlo to dictate the tempo of the combat through much of the first half of the fight. As the fight progressed however, Derevyanchenko was able to make gradual adjustments, most notably, his approaching and attacking Charlo at angles as opposed to coming straight forward. This allowed Derevyanchenko opportunities to get on the inside of his taller and longer opponent. In some ways, this bout resembled Derevyanchenko’s fight against Gennady Golovkin in the sense that once Derevyanchenko was able to implement a body attack, the dynamic of the fight changed. When the fight was fought in close on the inside, there were several heated exchanges of offense between the two fighters, but one aspect of offense that worked well for Derevyanchenko in the middle rounds was how he was able to land a left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the head. 

 

While Derevyanchenko had trouble implementing this aspect of his attack consistently as the fight moved into the later rounds, it was this combination along with his overall approach that seemed to allow him to make up ground in the middle rounds on the scorecards in my mind. A competitive fight from start to finish where both fighters were able to have their moments throughout and with both men having their ability to recover while hurt tested throughout, made the encounter the entertaining battle that many thought it would be. 

 

Although this observer felt this was a close fight that I ended up scoring a draw at the end of the twelve round bout, it did not turn out that way on the official scorecards as all three judges scored the fight for Charlo by significant margins.  In many cases when it comes to fights that are viewed as close from outside observers, but differ significantly from the three official judges tasked with scoring a fight, it will often come down to interpretation as to how one sees w fight. 

 

A commonality between this fight and Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s two previous losses to Daniel Jacobs and Gennady Golovkin was that Derevyanchenko did not get the nod from the judges in the early rounds, but stepped up his pace as those bouts progressed and managed to make up ground on the scorecards. While in some was this fight was similar to those fights, Derevyanchenko was unable to win any of the first five rounds on the official scorecards, which put him at a significant deficit to overcome on the scorecards. It is also important to keep in mind that Charlo was also able to win some rounds over the second half of the fight and with Derevyanchenko unable to score any knockdowns that would have narrowed the margin on the official scorecards, it is understandable how the three official judges arrived with wider scores than yours truly did in an unofficial capacity. While there is no argument that Charlo had the upper hand over the first half of the fight, I did not feel he swept the first five rounds and that along with Derevyanchenko’s success in the second half of the bout was how I arrived with a draw when all was said and done. 

 

With the victory, Jermall Charlo maintains his position in the Middleweight division. Whether or not Charlo could be a potential opponent for Saul “Canelo”Alvarez remains unclear due largely to the various business and political aspects involved, which unfortunately play a role in what fights get made and when. Charlo’s stock however, has gone up with this victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Based on how competitive the fight between the two was as well as obstacles that could be made in a relatively short time, the possibility exists for a rematch between the two to take place down the line.  We will have to see what the landscape of the division looks like heading into 2021 with the element of COVID-19 also likely to continue to overshadow things.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Making Sense Of Chavez Jr.- Cazares

 

Readers who have followed this observer’s work both online and in print over the two decades I have covered combat sports and primarily Boxing are likely familiar with numerous writings through the years about the career of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. A fighter known as “The Son of the Legend “, his namesake Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.  Many years ago during my time as an overseas correspondent for The Fist Boxing Magazine, which was based in Australia, I wrote a column discussing the promise that is often placed upon fighters that follow in their parent’s footsteps by embarking on their own Boxing career and how unfortunately such promise/potential often came with unrealistic expectations that the offspring of a great fighter unfortunately could not live up to. 

 

The main focal point of that column centered upon Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who at that time appeared as though he might have been nearing a fight against Hector Camacho Jr,, the son of a Hall of Fame fighter in his own right, who Chavez Sr. had defeated in a memorable showdown in September 1992. Despite having a decent career in his own right where at times he was a contender, Camacho Jr. never quite fulfilled his potential and never went on to win a world championship. As most know however, Chavez Jr. did win a world championship in 2011 when he won the WBC Middleweight world championship and went on to successfully defend the crown four times before losing the championship via twelve round unanimous decision to Sergio Martinez in 2012.

 

Like many offspring of great fighters before him, Chavez’ career has been marked by highs where he has looked very impressive, but also lows where he has been very inconsistent both in his performances in the ring as well as his training and preparation outside the ring where despite winning a world championship, he has not been able to fulfill his potential. In recent years, he has been more known and criticized for his inconsistencies than his successes. Such inconsistencies have led many including yours truly to question whether or not Chavez Jr. was done as a serious contender who could be in a world championship picture.

 

Some may recall his recent bout against former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs in December of last year where despite holding his own early in the fight in what appeared to be a solid showing, Chavez quit after five rounds citing that he couldn’t breathe in what was later revealed by his father that he had in fact suffered a broken nose. The aftermath of the stoppage was an ugly scene that was riots from the crowd in attendance in Phoenix, AZ. Needless to say, criticism of Chavez Jr. has continued.

 

Chavez Jr. however, returned to the ring on September 25^th in headlining a card that featured his father and fellow Hall of Famer Jorge Arce participating in an exhibition, their third such exhibition, for charity at the Grand Hotel in Tijuana, MX. The opponent for Chavez Jr. came in the form of unbeaten, but unknown Light-Heavyweight Mario Cazares. Cazares, who entered the fight undefeated in eleven previous professional bouts, appeared to be at a significant disadvantage both in terms of overall time in the ring as well as quality of opposition as only one of his previous opponents had a record where he had won more fights than he had lost. Although this fight obviously had an element of the unknown, it did give the impression that the intention was to attempt to get Chavez some rounds and back in the win column before trying to secure another potential opportunity against a known contender.

 

What occurred instead can best be described as “Ugly.” A fight that saw Cazares frequently out work Chavez, but one that saw the unbeaten fighter frequently foul his more experienced opponent. Cazares was penalized a point in round two for what was ruled an intentional headbutt, but what appeared to be an elbow to this observer. Another foul that was ruled to be an unintentional headbutt caused a cut over Chavez’ left eye, which ultimately resulted in the fight being stopped in the sixth round. Despite the frequent fouls, Cazares’ greater activity along with Chavez’ inability to get into a rhythm and let his hands go resulted in the undefeated fighter earning a unanimous six round technical decision and the biggest win of his career.

 

Although there will obviously be a natural angle for a potential rematch, quite frankly this was one fight that does not require much analysis and it is debatable as to whether or not there will be any demand for a second meeting between the two even amongst the most loyal of Chavez’ supporters. Why is that? Frankly, Chavez did not look good in this fight and while it is difficult to look good against a fighter who fights dirty and is willing to foul, this along with previous inconsistencies in the career of Chavez Jr. including his previous fight against Daniel Jacobs may have left a bad taste in the mouths of his fan base.

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. was an all-time great fighter not only because of his dominance throughout his prime including going 89-0 before his first career defeat before ultimately finishing his competitive career with 107 victories in one hundred fifteen career bouts, but also because of his willingness to fight under circumstances where he was in extreme pain and being more than willing to engage with any opponent that was put in front of him. Such traits is one of many reasons why Chavez Sr. is a beloved figure not only in Mexico, but throughout the entire sport. Although Chavez Sr. had a few instances later on in his career where he did not continue on in fights, most notably his second brutal encounter with Oscar De La Hoya in 1998 where Chavez retired in his corner after eight rounds, his status in the sport was not damaged in any way as most would say that at that point in his career as well as later on Chavez had nothing more to prove and he was fighting on well past his prime.

 

As someone who grew up watching Chavez Sr., covering him late in his career, and has covered his son Chavez Jr. from very early on in his career up to this point, I believe it may be time for father and son to have a heart to heart talk and discuss whether or not Chavez Jr. wants to continue with his career. While I am one who believes that no one can tell a fighter when it’s time and those of us who cover the sport like yours truly, who have never been in the ring certainly have no place to say anything, after another setback against an unknown opponent in a fight where he looked sluggish and couldn’t let his hands go consistently, Chavez Jr. needs to decide whether he wants to continue fighting and whether his commitment to the sport is serious enough where he can make a legitimate attempt to resurrect what was once a promising career.

 

If not, as I said many years ago in that column for The Fist, Chavez Jr.’s career, though with the accomplishment of becoming a world champion will largely resemble many of the offspring of great fighters that have come before and since. Unfulfilled promise, with unrealistic expectations.

 

“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

MEXICO HOSTS ESTRADA, CHOCOLATITO AND MARTINEZ TRIPLE WORLD TITLE BLOCKBUSTER OCTOBER 23RD ON DAZN

 Press Release September 25, 2020 By DAZN – Matchroom returns to Mexico on Friday, October 23 at Azteca Studios in Mexico City with a World title triple-header led by champions Juan Francisco Estrada, Román ‘Chocolatito’ González and Julio Cesar Martinez, live on DAZN in the U.S. and on TV Azteca in Mexico, on a huge fight night brought to you by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing with Zanfer Promotions. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3, 27 KOs) will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras. Estrada makes the second defense of the belts having stopped Dewayne Beamon in nine rounds of action in Hermosillo in Mexico in August 2019, four months after ripping the belts from Srisaket Sor Rungvisai with a brilliant performance in their rematch in Los Angeles. 

 

Victory in Mexico City for both Estrada and Chocolatito could lead to a rematch between the pair eight years after Chocolatito won their first meeting, but Cuadras has other ideas.

 

Estrada and Cuadras tangled for the first time in September 2017 in an ultra-competitive showdown, where an 11^th round knockdown by Estrada proved decisive in all three judges awarding him the fight by a solitary point. Cuadras (39-3-1, 27 KOs) enters the bout with three wins on the spin and the 32-year-old will be putting it all on the line to become a two-time WBC champion at Super-Flyweight.

 

“I am excited to return to the ring,” said Estrada. “It has been tough months for the whole world and we want to give a great show to all the fans of this sport.

 

“The first fight against Cuadras was a good fight, without a doubt this will be too. Also, we are going to share the show Chocolatito and I and if everything goes well, we hope to see each other again soon.”

 

“I am going to correct the mistakes that were made in the first fight against Gallo to go out with my hand up in this new opportunity that is being presented to me,” said Cuadras. “I want to show that I am one of the best in this division.”

 

Chocolatito (49-2, 41 KOs) is back at the summit of the sport after rolling back the years with a vintage win over Kal Yafai in February. The Nicaraguan ace stopped the unbeaten Briton in the ninth round in Dallas to become a World Super-Flyweight champion for the second time, and the four weight World ruler will defend the WBA belt he ripped from Yafai and aim to set up another clash with Estrada against a former Yafai victim, Israel Gonzalez.

 

Gonzalez (25-3, 11 KOs) ran Yafai close for the WBA crown in Monte Carlo in November 2018 and his clash with Chocolatito will be his third World title shot, having challenged Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF strap in February 2018.

 

“I want to thank God for giving me the strength to endure the sport I love and defend my World title,” said Chocolatito. “I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing as well as my family of Teiken. I also want to thank all my fans, especially my Mexican friends and Zanfer promotions for giving me this great opportunity. It is truly a blessing to fight in Mexico and I am ready to give my all on October 23.”

 

“It’s a goal of mine beating Chocolatito especially when the fight is in Mexico,” said Gonzalez. “I feel the compromise of giving a great fight for the fans and for every Mexican fighter that have fought for a World title.”

 

The third World title fight on the bill sees a welcome return to the ring for one of boxing’s most exciting rising stars as Julio Cesar Martinez puts his WBC World Flyweight strap on the line against IBO champion Maximino Flores.

 

Martinez (16-1, 12 KOs) is becoming a must-see attraction in the sport with his all-action style and ferocious power, and the 25-year-old Mexican puts his belt on the line for the second time since beating Cristofer Rosales inside nine rounds in December, and seeing off the spirited challenge of Jay Harris in Dallas in February.

 

Flores (25-4-2, 17 KOs) landed the vacant IBO crown in August with victory on hostile territory over Carlo Penalosa in the Philippines, and the 29-year-old can add another title straight away with victory in this all-Mexican bout. 

 

“I’ve been preparing very well here with my trainer Mauricio Aceves,” said Martinez. “We’re having a very strong camp. Thank God that I’ve still been able to work out throughout the pandemic. Either my trainer comes to my house or I go to his. Either way I haven’t lost my conditioning. 

 

“Thank God I haven’t been directly affected by the pandemic. I’ve been able to remain active with running and practical skills with the help of Mauricio. We’re just here putting the final touches on my training but I’m very confident that my trainer has me in the best shape for this upcoming fight.”

 

“The whole world will know my name when I beat Martinez,” said Flores. “It is a unique opportunity in my career, and I have to take advantage of it. All my life I have prepared for this moment”.

 

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

 

“I can’t wait for our return to Mexico with this triple-header of World title action,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Three of the very best World champions are in action and in real tests for their crowns. 

 

“A rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Chocolatito is a done deal for the first quarter of 2021 but they both have hard fights ahead. Estrada’s first fight with Carlos Cuadras was nip and tuck war, and Carlos is full of confidence that he’ll get a big victory this time.

 

“Chocolatito was outstanding in beating Brit Kal Yafai in Dallas, and the former pound-for-pound king has a new lease of life as he chases more belts – but must be at his best against his Mexican namesake aiming for third time lucky in his hunt for a World title.

 

“Julio Cesar Martinez is one of the most thrilling World champions out there right now and I can’t wait to see him back in action. The firecracker Mexican guarantees excitement, and with Maximino Flores having a high KO percentage himself and coming in after landing the IBO belt, this will catch fire straight away.

 

“Three incredibly talented youngsters are back in the ring on the night in Diego, Ammo and OJIII – it’s a stacked night of action and one not to be missed!”

 

“We are going to give the fans a high-quality card as they always deserve it,” said Fernando Beltran from Zanfer Promotions. “Very interesting fights with great sports idols who always leave everything in the ring.”

 

Matchroom’s third ever show in Mexico is part of a blockbuster month for Eddie Hearn’s promotional outfit on both sides of the pond, starting with the return to action of Olympic bronze medal man Joshua Buatsi taking on Marco Calic on October 4 on a stacked card that also sees Chantelle Cameron fight for World title honors for the first time as she meets Arianna Dos Santos Araujo for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight strap.  Newcastle’s fan favorite Lewis Ritson then takes center stage as he takes on Miguel Vazquez on October 17 and there’s more top-class World title action on that card too as Savannah Marshall faces Hannah Rankin for the vacant WBO World Middleweight strap.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

Reyes Stops Rodriguez In 4

 Undefeated Welterweight prospect Mark Reyes scored a dominant fourth round stoppage of Carlos Rodriguez on Thursday night at the Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, MS. Although Reyes was able to establish himself as the harder puncher of the two fighters early in the bout, the first three rounds of the fight were competitive where Rodriguez was able to hold his own. This changed in round four when Reyes connected with a short right hand to the head that sent Rodriguez down. Despite Rodriguez being able to beat the count, Reyes sensing he had his opponent in trouble pressed forward and scored a second knockdown with a follow-up barrage. Although Rodriguez was very “Game”in getting up for a second time and tried to survive, he simply had no way to keep Reyes off of him and the all out assault was finally halted when Referee Keith Hughes stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:51 of round four. Mark Reyes advances to 13-0, with 11 Knockouts. Carlos Rodriguez falls to 13-9-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In the first of three Jr. Welterweight bouts on the card undefeated prospect Eridson Garcia scored a six round unanimous decision over Christian Guido.  Garcia was able to pick his spots and consistently outworked Guido over the course of the fight. Official scores were: 60-54 (On all three scorecards in favor of Garcia. Eridson Garcia advances to 9-0, with 6 Knockouts. Christian Guido falls to 8-13, with 6 Knockouts.

 

This was followed by unbeaten prospect Tyler Tomlin, who scored an impressive first round knockout over Gabriel Gutierrez. A three punch combination, ending with a left hook to the body sent Gutierrez down in round one and unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:49 of the first round. Tyler Tomlin advances to 7-0, with 5 Knockouts. Gabriel Gutierrez falls to 5-9, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Finally, undefeated prospect Michael Williams scored a second round knockout of Thomas Miller. After a relatively uneventful first round, Williams brought a sudden end to things with a right hook to the body of Miller, who was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:42 of round two. Michael Williams advances to 13-0, with 9 Knockouts. Thomas Miller falls to 6-4, with 3 Knockouts.

 

This card, which was promoted by future Hall of Famer Roy Jones’ RJJ Boxing, headlined the Boxing portion of a night of combat sports that also featured the debut of Jones’ Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion IKON Fighting Federation, featured a look at several rising prospects in the RJJ Boxing stable. Although much like others in the sport, the main goal was to get these fighters in active competition again, despite the ongoing circumstances of the COVID-19 epidemic, it will be interesting to see if the fighters who were successful in these bouts will be able to step up the level of opposition in future bouts.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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