Davis-Santa Cruz Preview

 

As the sport of Boxing looks to continue adapting to the changing environment and landscape caused by the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, some anticipated encounters are starting to occur even as some of the sport’s biggest stars continue to sit out due to both health concerns in the potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus as well as financial reasons in not wanting to sacrifice a portion of revenue by competing in a fan-less environment. One such encounter will take place on October 31st at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX as Gervonta Davis will square off against Leo Santa Cruz.

 

The fight, which is being promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and will be broadcast here in the United States and Canada on cable-satellite pay-per-view on Showtime pay-per-view, was originally scheduled to take place on October 24th in one of two fan-less environments that the PBC have used for their events since the sport began attempting to resume in June, in this case the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. As sports across the board are attempting to gradually incorporate fans into their respective events at limited capacity due to safety concerns caused by COVID-19, the decision was made to push the Davis-Santa Cruz bout back one week and move it from Uncasville, CT to San Antonio, TX where the venue, the Alamodome can hold 10,000 spectators while also complying with both state and federal social distancing guidelines.

 

While the number of COVID-19 cases here in the United States continues to increase and it remains to be seen whether the decision of not just Boxing promoters, but other sports and more specifically public officials to seek allowing spectators in any measurable number to attend events while the epidemic continues proves to be a wise decision, the fight between Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz nevertheless does bring together two of the top stars in the sport. This fight will also have a unique distinction in that two championship belts in two separate weight classes will be at stake.

 

This observer is referring to the WBA Jr. Lightweight and a WBA interim designation in the 135lb. Lightweight division. Although this does have some similarities in following a historic battle that took place in November 1988 when WBC Light-Heavyweight world champion Donny Lalonde met Sugar Ray Leonard for not only his world championship, but also the then newly created WBC Super-Middleweight world championship, this is not a fight of that historical significance. The reason for that is because when Lalonde and Leonard met nearly thirty-two years to the day of this encounter between Davis and Santa Cruz, the sport did not have interim championship designations much less designations where multiple fighters can be designated as having interim/regular champion status in an organization’s respective ratings in a given weight class at any time. Although such structures and designations can create confusion amongst Boxing fans and to be more specific those fans for whom the sport is of casual interest, it does not diminish what is likely to be one of the best fights of the turbulent year 2020.

 

In some ways, this fight resembles the recent unification clash for the Undisputed Lightweight championship of the world between Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez in that on paper this appears to be an encounter that pits a puncher in Davis against a boxer in Santa Cruz. As we saw nearly two weeks ago when Lopez defeated Lomachenko by a convincing twelve round unanimous decision, sometimes no matter how a fight might look on paper, it does not always translate into what occurs when two fighters are squaring off in the ring. While the strategy implemented by Teofimo Lopez, a fighter known for his ability to score quick knockouts, in choosing a tactical Boxing strategy to both out box and outwork Vasyl Lomachenko over the course of twelve rounds was unexpected, that does not necessarily mean that something similar could happen in this fight.

 

Gervonta Davis will enter this fight against Leo Santa Cruz unbeaten in twenty-three professional fights and having scored knockouts in twenty-two of those bouts. Much like Lopez, Davis is known for having devastating knockout power and can end a fight with one punch should the opportunity arise. In his last fight in December of last year, Davis scored a twelve round stoppage over a very “Game” Yuriorkis Gamboa. Although Davis was able to knockdown Gamboa three times throughout the fight, Gamboa was able to provide Davis with a significant test, despite being injured early in the fight in suffering a torn right Achilles before being stopped in the twelfth round.

 

What was impressive about Davis’ performance in that fight was how he was able to keep his composure and wait for the knockout to develop rather than to be reckless and head hunt where so many fighters who have built reputations as “Knockout Artists” have fallen into a sense of complacency when they are able to score knockdowns early in a fight and in some cases end up losing a fight. Although that fight will forever be known for the courage Yuriorkis Gamboa displayed in fighting under what had to be excruciating pain, it also cannot be overlooked the performance that Davis put forth in that encounter.

 

In this fight Davis is likely to be tested again against Leo Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz, who will enter the fight having won thirty-seven of thirty-nine professional fights, is currently on a five fight winning streak since suffering his lone career defeat to Carl Frampton in July 2016. Although much like Davis Santa Cruz has also demonstrated that he can score a knockout should the opportunity present itself, he is more of a boxer/puncher having scored knockouts in nineteen of his thirty-seven career wins.

 

What this fight comes down to in my eyes is whether or not Santa Cruz will be able to extend Davis, nullify his power, and win rounds. Even though no one can dispute the courage Yuriorkis Gamboa showed when he fought Davis last December, he suffered three knockdowns over the course of the fight and, despite having periodic success throughout the fight, he was not able to really nullify Davis’ punching power. The challenge for Leo Santa Cruz will be to avoid Davis, who has shown an ability to knockout an opponent with either hand, for twelve rounds.

 

Although as we saw with the Lomachenko-Lopez fight that no one can really say for certain what will happen when two fighters enter the ring to do battle, it is logical to assume that Santa Cruz’ strategy will be to out box Davis and try to win a decision. Nevertheless, whenever there are two fighters with contrasting styles going against each other, it is always intriguing to see what will happen.

 

This fight like the recent doubleheader featuring twin brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo will headline a pay-per-view card with a rather expensive price tag. Although much like it was when the Charlo brothers defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jeison Rosario respectively last month, the criticism directed towards both the PBC group of promoters as well as the television network producing the pay-per-view broadcast, Showtime, should not be directed the fighters, one does have to wonder how successful this card will be given the state of the ongoing global epidemic, the economic recession that it has caused here in the United States, as well as the financial hardships that many are going through.

 

In contrast, the decision by sports cable network ESPN as well as promoter Bob Arum and his company Top Rank, Inc. to put the Lomachenko-Lopez bout on the main ESPN network on cable and satellite as well as making it available on the network’s direct to consumer digital subscription streaming network ESPN+ for those who do not have access to the linear ESPN networks via traditional cable-satellite providers or live TV streaming providers, proved to be a wise decision as over three million viewers tuned in to see the fight as well as its full undercard across both ESPN’s main linear network as well as via ESPN’s streaming apps.

 

It is rare to see any Boxing event achieve that kind of number in terms of live viewership for a card such as Lomachenko-Lopez, but the number does indicate the increasing trend that the traditional pay-per-view model not only no longer serves Boxing’s best interest, but also that consumers may no longer be willing to pay an increasingly expensive price tag to watch the sport on a per card basis regardless of who might be on the card and why networks and promoters who to date have been resistant to the changing landscape and thus far are unwilling to adapt a digital subscription model at a reasonable price point much like networks such as ESPN+ and DAZN, should rethink their strategy.

 

With not only this card headlined by Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz as well as the upcoming Welterweight world championship bout between undefeated unified IBF/WBC world champion Errol Spence and former two-division world champion Danny Garcia both slated to be broadcast on pay-per-view, and also factoring in that the Charlo brothers doubleheader only did an estimated 100,000 buys on pay-per-view at a $74.99 price point, one can only imagine the audience both here in the United States as well as globally that the PBC group of promoters as well as networks like Showtime, who broadcast the Charlo doubleheader, who will also be broadcasting the Davis-Santa Cruz pay-per-view card as well as Fox Sports who will be producing the Spence-Garcia pay-per-view event are missing out on by continuing to rely on outdated and overpriced model. The true shame is the fighters themselves are being denied the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of as many eyes as possible, especially in the midst of an ongoing epidemic that does not appear to be improving.

 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Davis vs. Santa Cruz takes place on October 31^st at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The fight as well as its undercard can be seen in the United States on a pay-per-view basis beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT (U.S. time on Showtime pay-per-view across cable and satellite providers as well as through the Showtime app across mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/platforms/smart TVs for $74.99. Contact your local cable or satellite provider for ordering information or visit: www.SHO.com/PPV to order the event and information how to download  and access the Showtime app on compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs. Check your local listings internationally. For more information about Premier Boxing Champions please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Can Chisora Surprise Usyk?

 

One of the criticisms of some fans since the sport of Boxing began trying to resume under the circumstances of COVID-19 back in June of this year has been a view that the fights that have been presented have been fights that have lacked public demand. Of course, one of, if not the most consistent themes of this observer’s work throughout 2020 here on The Boxing Truth®️ has been not only the circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic as it relates to Boxing, but also the acknowledgment that many of the sport’s top fighters remain sidelined due both to health concerns of the potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus, but also financial interests in not wanting to forgo a portion of revenue by competing in front of no spectators outside of essential personnel and also not being willing to take a pay cut in what they would normally earn on a per fight basis when the sport is in its normal active state.

 

While this is something that I have touched upon frequently in recent months as the epidemic has worsened, and though yours truly can understand and sympathize with the fan/reader in this at times becoming repetitive, it is unfortunately the reality of the sport currently and to ignore it would be a disservice to not only the sport itself, but also the readers who know this observer for being unbiased and objective in the way I have covered the sport of Boxing and by extension combat sports over the last two decades. What sometimes can get overlooked however, is the risk fighters who remain sidelined for the reasons I have explained take in terms of their career.

 

Obviously, there is the risk of alienating fans by not competing, but there is also the risk to a fighter’s ability. What do I mean by ability? Much like any other skill one acquires and hones, the more one practices their craft, the better they become at it. When an athlete in any sport is sidelined either because of injuries or other reasons for a significant period of time, the question that is often asked is will the time off do more harm than good. While the circumstances of the ongoing epidemic is unprecedented, top fighters throughout the sport have tough decisions to make. The decisions of risk to their health un terms of exposure, but also the risk that sitting out might have on their athletic ability as well as their reflexes and timing by not competing and in some cases not being able to train and spare in a gym.

 

As we have begun to see with the recent unification bout between Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez however, some fighters have made the decision to forgo their financial interests to compete to hopefully improve their standing in the sport when such time comes that COVID-19 is less of an issue and sports and hopefully, the rest of the world can return to a semblance of normalcy. Two such fighters will follow the lead of Lomachenko and Lopez by meeting in a high stakes Heavyweight bout on Saturday, October 31^st at the Wembley Arena in London, England as undefeated former undisputed Cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will meet longtime Heavyweight contender and former world title challenger Dereck Chisora in an encounter, which could have implications on the Heavyweight division heading into 2021.

 

Usyk, the former undisputed Cruiserweight world champion made his Heavyweight debut in October of last year scoring a one-sided seventh round stoppage of one time contender Chazz Witherspoon. When the native of Kiev, Ukraine relinquished his Cruiserweight crown to set his sights on the Heavyweight division, he was automatically moved into position as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) mandatory challenger per his being not only the WBO world champion in the Cruiserweight division, but also the undisputed world champion at the time he vacated the championship.

 

While Usyk appears to be in line to face current unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO world champion Anthony Joshua at some point in the near future should Joshua successfully retain his crown against current IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in December, he has chosen to risk his position as the WBO mandatory rather than sit out on the sidelines while the circumstances of COVID-19 continue. As has been the case for many fighters since the COVID-19 crisis began, Usyk would have probably competed earlier in 2020 if circumstances had allowed him to do so. It is in part because of the circumstances however, that two questions will be asked of Usyk in this fight.

 

The first question is what effect if any will being inactive for over one year have on him in this fight. Perhaps an even more compelling question that will be asked of him is can he deal with a Heavyweight that is likely to put pressure on him early. Although Usyk is dominant in his victory over Chazz Witherspoon, Witherspoon was not really able to provide him with much of a test in his first fight as a Heavyweight and at times the fight frankly resembled a sparring session. This is not likely to happen against his opponent in this fight Dereck Chisora.

 

As most know, Chisora has had a long tenure as a Heavyweight contender including challenging then WBC world champion Vitali Klitschko in February 2012 in losing a twelve round unanimous decision. There have been times where Chisora has looked spectacular, but there have also been times where he has appeared sluggish and unable to compete effectively when he has stepped up against the elite level in the Heavyweight division. He has however, won the European Heavyweight championship in his career and will come into this fight on a three fight winning streak. The question in regard to Chisora as this fight approaches will be what version of Dereck Chisora will show up. Will it be the version of the consistent pressure fighter that looks to back his opponent up and break his opponent down with power punches as a fight progresses, or will this be the lethargic and inconsistent version of a fighter that many felt would be a consistent player in the world championship picture when he came on the scene several years ago.

 

Some may contend that at thirty-six years old and after forty-one professional fights, this may be Chisora’s last chance to earn an opportunity to challenge for a world championship again. How does Chisora get it done? This is obviously a question that many will ask and the answer is indeed easier said than done, but in thinking of how the veteran contender could have success in this fight one word consistently came to mind… Pressure…

 

At his best, Dereck Chisora is a fighter who likes to get on the inside and work an opponent’s body as he is often facing opposition that is taller than him and who outweigh him. Although standing in 6’1 ½ Chisora may be viewed as a small Heavyweight by today’s standard, in some ways he will be the bigger man in this fight, despite giving up two inches in reach to Usyk. Chisora has after all competed as a Heavyweight for his entire career and has done so against many top contenders and elite level fighters.

 

Even though this does not diminish the accomplishments that Oleksandr Usyk has made in his career as a Cruiserweight, he has yet to be tested by aggressive Heavyweight that can punch as Chisora has demonstrated in scoring knockouts in twenty-three of his thirty-two career wins. While one should not assume that Chisora necessarily has an advantage in terms of punching power if not one as a natural Heavyweight, it is crucial that Chisora put pressure on Usyk from the outset and find a way to make him uncomfortable. Despite scoring knockouts in thirteen of his seventeen career wins, it is hard to envision Oleksandr Usyk being willing to stand and trade blow for blow with a Heavyweight that can punch at least at this stage of his career in the division. Based on this, it is not difficult to think that Usyk will look to out box Chisora an attempt to tire him over the course of the fight before perhaps trying to get a stoppage in the late rounds. Whether or not Usyk will be able to keep Chisora at bay for twelve rounds remains to be seen.

 

In what has been a very frustrating year for everyone in and out of sports for obvious reasons, this fight has the element they normally makes most bouts in Boxing and by extension all combat sports interesting. The element of the unknown. One may look no further than June of last year when Andy Ruiz, who stepped into a fight against Anthony Joshua in New York’s Madison Square Garden on short notice was able to score a dramatic upset that many did not see coming. Although Ruiz went on to lose a decision to Joshua in their rematch late last year, he proved an old adage that this observer truly believes in, which is you just don’t know what will happen when two fighters enter the ring to do battle. Whether or not Dereck Chisora will be able to pull off what some may view as unlikely surprise remains to be seen, but this observer has been around long enough to know always expect the unexpected.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Usyk vs. Chisora takes place on Saturday, October 31^st at the Wembley Arena in London, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States and several international countries on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT (U. S. Time.) 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.

 

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on Sky Box Office beginning at 6 PM (local UK time) for £19.95. For more information including availability in your area and to order please visit: https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/usyk-chisora. Check your local listings internationally.

 

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

 

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

Lipinets And Clayton Fight To Majority Draw

 

Former IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Sergey Lipinets was held to a twelve round majority draw in his fight against undefeated, but also unknown Custio Clayton in a very competitive Welterweight bout on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. In what was an elimination bout to determine a mandatory challenger in the International Boxing Federation’ (IBF) Welterweight ratings, the unbeaten Clayton, who also represented Canada in the 2012 Olympics, showed surprising poise in being able to use lateral movement and a consistent jab to attempt to out box Lipinets from distance. This disrupted the former world champion’s ability to get into a consistent offensive rhythm as Clayton remained an elusive target throughout. 

 

As the fight progressed, Lipinets best moments came during periodic occasions where he was able get Clayton against the ropes and land offense to the body. While Lipinets seemed to get the better of the action in those instances, he really had no answer to nullify Clayton’s jab or movement for extended periods in this bout. The question became whether Clayton’s pure Boxing strategy where his jab served as the focal point of his offense that set up short combinations as well as disrupted Lipinets’ ability to get his punches off consistently would get the nod from the three official judges over Lipinets’ aggression and periodic, but effective body attack. At the end of the the tactical twelve round bout, two if three official judges turned in identical even scores making this fight a majority draw. Official scores were: 114-114 (On two scorecards), and 115-113 in favor of Clayton resulting in the majority draw. Sergey Lipinets advances to 16-1-1, with 12 Knockouts. Custio Clayton advances to 18-0-1, with 12 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a competitive Jr. Lightweight bout, undefeated contender Xavier Martinez scored a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero. Many of the early rounds were dictated by Martinez’ hand speed and combination punching, but in round eight Marrero nearly ended the fight by dropping Martinez with a flush right hook to the jaw. A visibly hurt Martinez was able to get up only to be dropped for a second time with a follow up barrage from Marrero highlighted by another right hook to the head. Despite the appearance that he was on the brink of his first professional loss, Martinez was able to survive the round and was able to regain his position in the fight by outworking Marrero in rounds nine through twelve to earn a convincing, but hard fought unanimous decision victory. Official scores were 115-111, and 114-112 (On two scorecards) in favor of Martinez. Xavier Martinez advances to 16-0, with 11 Knockouts. Claudio Marrero falls to 24-5, with 17 Knockouts.

 

In the opening bout of the evening in the Jr. Welterweight division, rising prospect Subriel Matias scored a seventh round stoppage over previously unbeaten Malik Hawkins. The early rounds saw Hawkins using a lot of lateral movement looking to use his jab to keep Matias at distance. As the fight went on however, Matias’ pressure eventually led to him getting the better of several exchanges on the inside landing hooks and overhands to the head as well as landing offense to Hawkins’ body. In round six, Matias was credited with a knockdown when a left hook that landed behind Hawkins’ head sent him down to the canvas. Although replays indicated that the punch was indeed behind the head and thus an illegal blow, the call of a knockdown stood. This proved to be academic however, as Hawkins’ was prevented from continuing at the beginning of round seven by ringside physicians, who felt he had taken too much punishment. Official time of the stoppage was :01 of round seven. Subriel Matias advances to 16-1, with 16 Knockouts. Malik Hawkins falls to 18-1, with 11 Knockouts.

 

This card, which was promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters produced some very competitive bouts that an argument could be made could see a rematch or two come out of this event. The most logical of those potential return encounters in this observer’s eyes would be a second bout between Sergey Lipinets and Custio Clayton. Logical not only because of what amounted to “Inconclusive “ outcome, not only because of what turned out to be a competitive bout between a former world champion and a largely unknown, but unbeaten contender, but more specifically what would be a second attempt to determine a mandatory challenger for undefeated current unified IBF/WBC Welterweight world champion Errol Spence as far as the IBF is concerned.

 

“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

 

 

Turchi Defeats Grisunins In Milan

 

Cruiserweight contender Fabio Turchi scored a lopsided ten round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Nikolajs Grisunins on Friday night at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. What was a very tactically paced bout, Turchi’s compact combination punching and ability to pace himself and pick his shots became the story of the tight. Turchi appeared to break Grisunins’ nose early on in the fight with a jab, but Grisunins managed to make it to the final bell of the ten round bout. Turchi was cut over the right eye in round seven as a result of an accidental clash of heads, but was not discouraged and maintained his pace to earn a unanimous decision. Fabio Turchi advances to 18-1, with 13 Knockouts. Nikolajs Grisunins falls to 12-2-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In the Welterweight division, for Italian Welterweight champion Dario Morello outworked late replacement Nestor Maradiaga to earn a convincing eight round unanimous decision. Dario Morello advances to 16-1, with 2 Knockouts. Nestor Maradiaga falls to 8-9-1, with 4 Knockouts.

 

 

Former two-time Italian Featherweight champion Francesco Grandelli scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Cristian Narvaez. Grandelli consistently pressed the action throughout and kept Narvaez on the defensive in what was a relatively uneventful and formulaic bout. Francesco Grandelli advances to 14-1-1, with 2 Knockouts. Cristian Narvaez falls to 16-23-5, with 1 Knockout.

 

In a Super-Middleweight bout , undefeated prospect Ivan Zucco scored a one-sided fourth round stoppage of Pavel Zgurean. From the opening bell, Zucco landed just about every variety of offense one could think of to the head and body of Zgurean and had particularly success in landing straight punches to the head as well as uppercuts. The battering came to an end at the beginning of round four when the fight was stopped by the ringside physician as it appeared Zgurean might have suffered an injury to his mouth. Ivan Zucco advances to 12-0, with 10 Knockouts. Pavel Zgurean falls to 7-5, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Middleweight prospect Mirko Natalizi opened the evening with a dominant fourth round stoppage of a “Game “, but overmatched Frane Radnic. Natalizi rocked Radnic with a straight left hand early in round one and then dropped him with another straight left to the head later in the round. In round two a combination of punches sent Radnic down for a second time. Although Radnic did not have much punch resistance, he continued to get up. A third official knockdown followed in round three before Radnic was knocked down for a fourth time as the bell rang to end the round. Though the fourth knockdown was not ruled officially as it technically came after the bell ended round three, the bout was mercifully halted as the bell rang to begin round four as Radnic remained in his corner. Mirko Natalizi advances to 8-0, with 5 Knockouts. Frane Radnic falls to 11-19, with 10 Knockouts.

 

This was the first card for promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing Italian promotional branch in association with Italian promoter OPI Since 82, in several months due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic that hit Italy particularly hard earlier this year. While this card above all represents the first step in trying to resume Boxing cards regularly in Italy and more specifically, an attempt to resume the momentum that Matchroom and OPI have been able to build over the last year or so by regularly promoting Boxing events that have been broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, including much needed exposure here in the United States. The ongoing challenge much as it has been throughout the entire sport since the epidemic began will be being able to stage cards regularly as the circumstances of COVID-19 continue. As we have seen here in the United States and elsewhere, with this card taking place behind closed doors, at least it is a step forward.

 

“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

 

 

 

Tyson vs. Jones PPV Event To Stream Exclusively On FITE In The United States And Canada

 Press Release: By FITE – New York, October 23, 2020 - FITE, the premiere global platform for sports and entertainment, announced today that it has acquired the exclusive US and Canadian digital rights to carry the highly anticipated Tyson vs. Jones Pay Per View event on November 28^th at 9pm ET. As part of the deal, FITE's battle-tested PPV platform is powering TysonOnTriller.com, the central hub for the event.  Fans can buy the digital event via FITE.tv, any of the FITE mobile/OTT/Smart TV platforms, or directly from the TysonOnTriller.comwebsite which will feature fight news, announcements, promotional videos and coming soon, a digital portal to buy the event.  

 

This important boxing and pop cultural event, featuring “Iron” Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. is brought to you by Triller, the wildly popular digital app. The entire 4-hour event, which will kick off at 8pm ET with the live PPV Main card starting at 9pm ET, will also feature anexciting undercard of compelling fights in addition to Tyson and Jones Jr.: Badou Jack vs. Blake McKernan, Viddal Riley vs. Rashad Coulter, and YouTuber Jake Paul vs. Nate Robinson. The host will be Emmy-winner Mario Lopez. Details about the live countdown show and the special musical artists to be added to this multimedia event will be announced soon. The fight is the first event of a series of live sporting events produced under Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League, a next-generation sports venture that provides full support and infrastructure to the world’s greatest athletes.

 

"The Tyson vs. Jones fight is going to be one of those iconic brawls people will be talking about for decades," said Michael Weber, COO of FITE. "Triller and FITE are the perfect pair to deliver a flawless, no-filler fan experience worthy of this moment."

 

“Triller has always been about shaking things up and pursuing our motto, ‘You do you,’” said Triller chairman Bobby Sarnevesht. “No one embodies that motto more than Mike Tyson. We’re thrilled to be working with Tyson and Legends Only League, Jones Jr., this amazing group of athletes, and FITE to present this historic event.”

 

FITE, an international company headquartered in New York, has streamed more than 3,500 events in the last 5 years including major PPV events from Top Rank, PBC, AEW, UFC, WWE, Impact, GoldenBoy/HBO and Matchroom Boxing. This company, which specializes in global digital PPV live streams will make this event available via all major OTT devices: Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Android TV, XBOX, Chromecast, PlayStation, online at FITE.tv, all iOS and Android mobile apps, Vizio SmartCast TVs and more than 7,000 Smart TV models, as well as via TysonOnTriller.com. Plus, the PPV fight purchase made via any of these FITE platforms will work on the others as well, and include replays.

 

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About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry's marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with 2.6MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, Vewd, Netgem TV, as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv.         

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

 

About Triller:

Triller is an AI-powered entertainment app that allows users to create professional-looking videos in a matter of seconds. Pick a song, select the portion of the song you want to use, snap a few takes and with the tap of a button you have a celebrity-quality music video starring you and your friends. Triller relies solely on organic growth and has more than 250 million downloads, with celebrities like Alicia Keys, Cardi B, Marshmello, Roddy Ricch and Eminem regularly using the app to create their own music videos. Triller recently was acquired by Proxima Media. For more information, visit www.triller.co and follow @trillervids on Instagram.

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: FITE Used with permission. For more information about FITE including schedules, and list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVS as well as where to download the FITE app, please visit: www.FITE.TV. 

 

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

Torres Decisions Zepeda In San Carlos

 

Unbeaten Lightweight prospect Luis Torres scored a hard-fought eight round unanimous decision over fellow prospect Orlando Zepeda on Thursday night at the Marinaterra Hotel and Spa in San Carlos, MX. In a fight that saw plenty of back and forth action with both fighters looking to get an upper hand by going to each other’s body, the ebb and flow seemingly switched constantly between the two round after round. In round seven just as it appeared Torres had hurt Zepeda with an overhand right to the head, the lighting grid above the ring in the makeshift outdoor arena on the beach went dark as it appeared the generator supplying power blew, which caused a short delay. After the decision was made to continue using the natural daylight, the two fighters engaged in a furious exchange of offense in the eighth and final round. At the end of an extremely competitive bout, Torres was declared the winner via unanimous decision. Official scores were: 78-75, 78-74, and 77-75 in favor of Torres. Luis Torres advances to 9-0, with 6 Knockouts. Orlando Zepeda falls to 9-2, with 2 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

 

 

Undefeated Featherweight Alan Solis scored a hard fought eight round unanimous decision over Eddy Valencia. What was a competitive fight from start to finish saw several exchanges of offense between the two fighters in many of the rounds. It seemed based on what occurred in the ring that neither fighter was able to stand out clearly in what seemed to be an extremely even fight. Despite this, all three official judges saw Solis winning the fight unanimously by wide margins. Official scores were: 78-74, 79-73, and 80-72 in favor of Solis. Alan Solis advances to 11-0, with 6 Knockouts. Eddy Valencia falls to 15-5-6, with 5 Knockouts.

 

 

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight prospect Lester Martinez needed only one minute and fifty-nine seconds to score a first round knockout over veteran Michi Munoz. A one, two combination to the head followed by a flush left hook to the body to end the night for Munoz, who went down and was unable to beat the count. Lester Martinez advances to 6-0, with 6 Knockouts. Michi Munoz falls to 28-11-1, with 19 Knockouts.

 

 

In a Welterweight bout that opened the evening, Jesus Hernandez scored a four round split decision over Giovanny Meza, who was making his pro debut. Hernandez scored a knockdown of Meza in the first round with a wide left hook to the head. Although Meza was seemingly able to take over the tempo of combat over the remaining three rounds, Hernandez’ harder shots and general aggression allowed him to get the nod from two official judges giving him the split decision victory. Official scores were: 38-37 (Meza), and 38-37 and 39-36 in favor of Jesus Hernandez advances to 2-1-1, with 0 Knockouts. Giovanny Meza falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

A recurring theme of 2020 in Boxing has been fighters looking to stay active in the midst of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. While some at the highest level of the sport continue to remain inactive due to both risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus as well as financial reasons, what has taken place is many prospects like those that appeared on this card promoted by Roy Jones’ RJJ Boxing, have been able to seize opportunities for exposure, that might not necessarily have been available when the sport is in its normal active state. In a year that will forever be known for the negative things that have happened in the world, prospects like Luis Torres, Orlando Zepeda, and Alan Solis have been able to position themselves to try to advance their respective careers in 2021 when hopefully, the sport of Boxing as well as the rest of the world might be closer to normal.

 

“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

 

 

AUSSIE "ACTION" JACKSON ENGLAND CHALLENGES LOCAL RIVALS AND AIMS TO CLEAN OUT AUSSIE FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION

 

Press Release October 21, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Mandurah boxing sensation "Action" Jackson England will be keeping a keen eye on the bout between rising Aussie stars Mark Schliebs and Brock Jarvis next month, as he eagerly awaits the chance to call out the victor. 

Credit: Justin Rake

A fight between the two rivals has been keenly anticipated by boxing fans across Australia, with Jarvis and Schleibs respectively trained and or mentored by Australian legends Jeff Fenech and Lester Ellis.

Jarvis heads into the IBF intercontinental featherweight title bout unbeaten through his first 17 fights, while Schliebs is also yet to record a loss through 12.

But no matter the result, England is confident he could hand both their first indiscretion.

"I've got big respect for both of these guys, but I know it in myself that I could beat either one," the WA prospect said.

"I know what I'm capable of doing and I'm always fight ready."

Staying fight ready has formed the crux of England's 2020, with the COVID-19 restrictions and late cancellations making it near-impossible for the young gun to lock in fights.

He has seen two would-be opponents pull out of bouts in recent times, and is now looking to build domestic rivalries with eastern states fighters like Jarvis and Schliebs.

"You look back on the great Aussie rivalries and they're just amazing," England said.

"Mundine v Green is the obvious one - the way they went about their business and the fights they had, it was just first class.

"Like I said, I have no animosity to either Jarvis or Schliebs, but I know I can win those fights."

England's ultimate goal remains to win a world title.

It's a goal he edged even closer to this year, when he was named to the World Boxing Council super featherweight top 40 in July.

 

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of: Justin Rake 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.

Was Lomachenko-Lopez A Let Down?

 

There is nothing quite like the anticipation that comes before sporting events. Whether it is major team sports respective playoffs such as the NHL's coveted Stanley Cup playoffs, which more often than not culminates in an encounter between the two best teams in the league facing off in the finals, or a similar playoff structure that culminates in Major League Baseball's World Series, one commonality that all sports fans can relate to is the anticipation and excitement that usually comes before those events.

 

In Boxing and by extension all combat sports, the one thing that can equal the anticipation of the world championships that are determined in team sports is when two world champions put their world titles on the line to determine who is the best. Similarly, such anticipation also occurs when two recognized stars of the sport do battle in a fight the public wants to see. Such an encounter took place on October 17^th when Lightweight world champions Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez met at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV for the Undisputed Lightweight championship of the world.

 

An encounter that was one of, if not the most anticipated fight of 2020. Of course , as is usually the case when it comes to anticipated fights in Boxing this fight also faced significant hurdles before the two fighters finally got in the ring. Unlike many previous marquee battles throughout the sport’s history, the hurdles that for a time stood in the way of Lomachenko-Lopez coming to fruition did not come in the form of the various business aspects of the sport that all too often serves more to the determent of Boxing than it does it’s benefit, but rather due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic that has impacted daily life around the world and has also severely effected sports as a whole. While it is in a way refreshing that the business of the sport did not have a deciding influence in this fight taking place, the delay of the encounter, which was originally aimed to take place earlier this year was nonetheless frustrating for everyone that wanted to see it take place.

 

 

With the fighters willing to take less money than what would normally be the case when the sport is in its normal active state, with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and cable television network ESPN making the reasonable decision to resist the temptation of putting this fight either on the overpriced and outdated model of pay-per-view here in the United States or as an exclusive event of ESPN’s digital subscription streaming network ESPN+ given the current economic conditions due to the epidemic, instead opting to air the event not only on ESPN’s main cable network, but also on ESPN+, it ensured that this fight had the opportunity to be seen by more eyes than would normally be the case. It was simply time for the two world champions to determine who was the best in the talent-deep 135lb. Lightweight division.

 

In previewing this fight, this observer stated that this came down to a scenario of experience versus youth. In that due to his overall experience both as an amateur and his experience in world championship fights as a professional, Lomachenko appeared to have the edge in terms of experience compared to Lopez, who was nine years younger and had only recently fought for and won a world title for the first time.

 

This was also a classic scenario of a boxer versus a puncher in that although both men had shown the ability to get an opponent out of there if the opportunity arose, Lomachenko was more known for his Boxing ability whereas Lopez had built a reputation for his ability to score head-turning and often brutal knockouts. No matter how a fight might look on paper however, Boxing truly is a sport where one should always expect the unexpected.

 

What was unexpected was the Boxing ability of Lopez. For the majority of the twelve round world championship bout, Lopez not only consistently forced the action, but also displayed poise in his approach. This was not the seek and destroy attacker that Teofimo Lopez had built his reputation on, but rather a disciplined boxer who was able to picked his spots. While this differed significantly from what many had anticipated, what it also did was limit Lomachenko’s offensive output and create difficulty in getting into a rhythm.

 

Although what became a tactical chess match is not always the most entertaining type of fight to watch, particularly for casual fans, for combat sports aficionados that enjoy watching strategies play out in a measured way, this was a very interesting fight to watch. In this observer’s eyes, Lopez’s strategy by not looking to overwhelm Lomachenko with offense, but attacking in tactical spurts, but also limiting Lomachenko’s ability to land counter punches and attack in spurts of offense himself, is what allowed him to sweep the first six rounds of this fight in my mind. At the same time, because tactical fights like this aren’t always the easiest to score and there are times where moments in a round can sway opinion as to has the upper hand in a fight, I did not have a sense of which way the official judges might be seeing this bout even though based on overall activity and more specifically, Lomachenko’s inability to let his hands go consistently, I felt Lopez had a clear edge after the first half of the fight.

 

As this fight progressed, it in some ways reminded me of the first encounter between then Undisputed Middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor in July of 2005. A fight that saw the then unbeaten Taylor outwork Hopkins over the first half of the fight only for Hopkins to seemingly get the better of the action and seemingly take the second half of the fight. The end result, a split decision victory for Taylor signaled the end of a historic reign atop the Middleweight division for Hopkins, but also fueled demand for a rematch based not only Hopkins’ long standing as a dominant world champion, but also the controversial decision in the eyes of some as the impression of many was that Hopkins had done enough over the last six rounds of that fight to retain his world championship.

 

Although this fight was not similar to Hopkins-Taylor 1 in how it was fought, the similarity between the two was like Hopkins, Lomachenko stepped up his offense over the second half of the fight against Lopez with the eleventh round appearing to be his best round of the fight where he outworked Lopez clearly. Much like what became the first of two meetings between Hopkins and Taylor, the question became did Lomachenko do enough over the second half of the fight in order to sway the view of the three official judges in his favor. Shortly after the final bell of Lomachenko-Lopez, I commented on social media that it was a good fight, but I didn’t know who won it. This is because of the difficulty that often exists in fights that are fought in a tactical way as this was. It may indeed be a cliché, but sometimes even with as much experience as one might have in watching fights and/or covering the sport as this observer has done for most of his life, you truly do not know or have a sense of how judges might be seeing things. 

 

The official decision being unanimous for Lopez was not surprising, but what was a bit of one was the scorecards of the three official judges, who turned in scorecards of 119-109  eleven rounds to one, 117-111, nine rounds to three, and 116-112 eight rounds to four all for Lopez. What made the scoring disparity a little bit of a surprise at least in my eyes was because this fight was not an action-packed give and take battle, but was rather tactical and a technical Boxing match all the way through, I felt that the possibility existed that there could be narrow scores at the end of this fight, not unlike numerous fights I have covered over the years that to my eyes appeared more conclusive in terms of how they were fought in being able to distinguish the victor. Nevertheless, I do not feel this was a controversial decision and felt that Lopez won eight rounds to four on my unofficial scorecard, which mirrored the scoring of judge Tim Cheatham’s 116-112 official scorecard. While some fans may choose to voice their displeasure over the scoring and in particular the scorecards of judges Julie Lederman (119-109) and Steve Weisfeld (117-111) respectively, it is important to keep in mind that the way this fight was fought was not the type of battle that appeals to the casual fan, who more often than not are drawn to the idea of seeing an action-packed fight. While this is in no way disrespectful to the casual observer, it can lead one to question how scorecards like these could be rendered like this. Although the three official judges are the only ones who can speak as to what they saw, the one constant throughout the entire fight was Teofimo Lopez forced the action. In a fight that not much back and forth action is occurring, it will often come down to which fighter is taking the initiative.

 

Even though I felt back in 2005 when Bernard Hopkins lost his Middleweight world championship to Jermain Taylor that he had done enough to win and felt similarly when he lost the rematch with Taylor later that year in two fights I covered, the one commonality between the two fights that creates a legitimate argument for Taylor as having won those bouts is he forced the action both times from the beginning of the fight. Although I can only speak for myself, the common piece in both fights that worked against the more experienced Hopkins was he turned up his offensive output too late in the fight to turn both in his favor on the scorecards. Similarly, an argument should be made that if Vasyl Lomachenko’s strategy was to use his experience and try to tire the normally aggressive Lopez and gradually step up his pace offensively in the middle and late rounds, he instead ended up giving away rounds that were likely on the table early in the fight and that led to his downfall, as was the case when Hopkins fought Taylor in two competitive and close fights fifteen years ago. 

 

Should the Boxing fan feel let down by a fight many felt would be the Fight of the Year in a frustrating 2020? This observer does not feel so. It is important for the fan whether they be a casual observer or a Boxing aficionado to keep in mind however, that Boxing is called the sweet science for a reason. Much like other combat sports, Boxing is a martial art and no matter how a fight might look on paper, there are times where it will not evolve into a knock down, drag out war. While it is indeed true that such battles do create the most interest and in turn also draw the interest of casual fans as well as create memories that can be discussed and debated for a lifetime, most of the time for the fighters involved, those wars do not always translate into a long and successful career. The big takeaway from this fight should also be, no matter how a fight might look on paper, there is also the possibility that a fighter known for one aspect in being able to score knockouts can show a new wrinkle to their skill set when it is least expected. The new Undisputed Lightweight champion of the world Teofimo Lopez proved that in this fight.

 

“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

 

 

World Rated Luke Boyd Sets Eyes On Moving Up The World Rankings, Partners With Dragon Fire Boxing And Dreamtime Management

 

Press Release: October 19, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – World rated Luke Boyd sets eyes on moving up the world rankings, partners with Dragon Fire Boxing alongside long term management Dreamtime.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Luke Boyd is excited to continue his push up the world ratings, as the Dreamtime guided super bantamweight aims to hit the ground running in 2021.


Boyd, who has now linked up also with Tony Tolj headed Dragon Fire Boxing opened up about his partnerships with both Dreamtime and Dragon Fire Boxing.


Boyd said, “Dreamtime Boxing has first and foremost allowed me the opportunity to represent my heritage and cultural background which I think is very important, as well as inspiring other young indigenous athletes to pursue their dreams as I have.


“Dreamtime boxing has guided my career, supporting me every step of the way and giving me the chance to be where I am today which is in the top 15 in the world, so I can’t be more grateful for that. I’ve become Australian and WBA Oceania Champion with them, and having the backing to do that is something I am eternally grateful for.”


Sydney’s Boyd continued, discussing his link up with Dragon Fire Boxing, “Linking up with Dragon Fire Boxing is the future. It’s a great move to link myself, Dreamtime and Tony Tolj, and the boys all together to make a world-class team that can get me to world titles.


“Being able to work with the likes of Andrew and Jason Moloney, Bruno Tarimo, Andres Campos and many other world-class names around my weight gives me an edge on any other fighter in the region at my weight in my opinion.


“These boys are all at the world level, and iron really does sharpen iron, so being able to work in such a world-class environment will only bring the best out of me as a fighter, and I have Dreamtime and Dragon Fire to direct me on the business side and get me the right fights to get me to a world title.”


2020 hasn’t been the easiest year for boxing but Boyd remains buoyed as he outlined what his goals and aspirations are for 2021 and beyond.


He said, “It’s not been an easy year and I’m desperate to get back in the ring. The link between Dragon Fire and Dreamtime however has motivated me even more as I know now I’ve got the infrastructure to get me to the top. So I’m going to push as hard as I can to get the best out of myself in the gym and eventually.


“It’s been frustrating but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was to thank everybody who has supported me and continues to support me. We will be back together soon and pushing for more titles and big, exciting fights!”

 

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.