Martinez-Rodriguez Added To Callum Smith-Canelo Alvarez Undercard

 Press Release: December 3, 2020 By DAZN – Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s World title clash with Callum Smith at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts the famous green and gold strap on the line for the third time and comes into the bout fresh from a savage second round KO win over Moises Calleros in Mexico City in October.

 

The Mexican talent is quickly becoming a must-watch fighter with his all-action style guaranteeing excitement and the 25-year-old returns to Texas having beaten British challenger Jay Harris over 12 rounds in Arlington in February.

 

On a huge night for Mexican boxing with pound-for-pound king Alvarez back in action, Rodriguez Jr. (33-4-1 24 KOs) will be aiming to rip the belt from his fellow countryman in his second World title fight. The 27-year-old, ranked #2 in the WBC, landed the WBC Latino title at Super-Flyweight in his last outing in November 2019, picking up the 24thKO win of his career over Jose Maria Cardenas.

 

“I’m here in San Diego preparing and I’m very excited to be here,” said Martinez. “I’m completing almost two months of camp. I’m so honoured to be fighting on the undercard of Saul. I’m going to leave everything to God as always and have faith that he’ll ensure it all goes well. Hopefully that night I’ll get a knockout.

 

“We know that this guy is very strong, that he’s coming very well prepared. It’s going to be a tough fight but we know as always we’ve prepared 1000 per cent and we have no fear. Going to leave everything in the ring. I still have three kilos to lose but I have two, almost three weeks left to lose that. I’m excited and anxious.

 

“I’m appreciative of everything from Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for all of their support. I want to also thank Eddy Reynoso and my trainer Mauricio Aceves who are always so attentive as well as my family. “Somos con todos menos con miedo”. Blessings”

 

“I want to thank Martínez and his team as well as Matchroom for giving me this opportunity,” said Rodriguez Jr. “It is a pleasure to fight in the biggest card of the year. Martinez is a solid champion and a good fighter but with all due respect he hasn’t fought someone like me, I been waiting for this shot for almost five years and it comes at a perfect timing – I won’t waste it,”

 

“Julio Cesar Martinez is arguably the most exciting pound-for-pound fighter in boxing right now and this is the perfect stage to continue his ride,” said Eddie Hearn. “This is perhaps the toughest challenge of his career right now and the fans in Texas can expect a Mexican war for the WBC World title on December 19.”

 

Martinez’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Texas, topped by Alvarez once against reaching for greatness, challenging WBA and Ring Magazine World champion Smith – and more undercard fights will be announced later this week.

 

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. 

Spence-Garcia Preview

 As Boxing continues to attempt moving forward in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 global epidemic, the month of December 2020 will offer some of the biggest bouts that the sport has seen throughout the frustrating year. One of those attractions is the clash between undefeated unified IBF/WBC Welterweight world champion Errol Spence and former two-division world champion Danny Garcia, which will take place on December 5^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The fight, which will headline a four bout pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and will be broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View brings together two of the top fighters not just in the 147lb. Welterweight division, but in the entire sport.

 

It is a fight however, that has one question that surrounds it. What will Errol Spence look like inside the ring after surviving a near fatal car accident in October of last year, mere weeks following his split decision win over WBC world champion Shawn Porter to successfully unify the IBF and WBC Welterweight world championships. Quite frankly, Spence is lucky to be alive after what was a horrific accident that some believed would at minimum be career ending even though he survived. The obvious question is what effect will that accident have on one of the top stars in the sport as he now looks to resume his career.

 

Normally when previewing a fight such as this, this observer would go into a thorough break down of each fighter’s previous outings and how those performances might effect both boxer’s approach as the fight nears. In this case, I feel it is unnecessary due to both the question surrounding Errol Spence in what will be his return to the ring as well as the similarities in terms of styles between Spence and Garcia. 

 

If there are any adverse effects suffered by Spence due to the accident one year ago, we will likely find out early on in the fight as at his best, Danny Garcia is a solid boxer/puncher who has proven throughout his career that he can catch and hurt opponents in the middle of exchanges by using his compact offensive approach to take advantage of openings his opponent might leave him. While one could expect Spence who has scored knockouts in twenty-one of his twenty-six career wins registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 81% to come out aggressively, this could prove to be a dangerous strategy against a fighter with the counter punching ability of Garcia. 

 

The danger for Garcia in this fight in my eyes could be the potential of him being outworked over the course of the fight as was the case in his two career defeats to Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. Although there is a question regarding how Errol Spence will look coming back from the car accident, Garcia should prepare for the fighter Spence was before the accident, a fighter who has a mix of punching power and hand speed that frequently has his opponents on the defensive. If Spence is the same fighter as he was before the accident, Garcia must find a way to stay busy consistently throughout the fight as well as find a way to nullify Spence’s power and aggression if he wants to be successful in this bout in an attempt to become a three-time Welterweight world champion after previously being a unified world champion in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.

 

While much of the story of the story leading up to this fight centers on Errol Spence and his comeback from a near fatal car crash and what effects that accident might have had on him physically and in terms of his Boxing ability, there is also what may be ahead for the winner of this bout as undefeated WBO world champion Terence Crawford and current WBA world champion Manny Pacquiao could well be waiting in the wings for the winner for potential fights to further unify the 147lb. Welterweight division.

 

Clearly both men have a lot at stake in this encounter and while this fight would surely produce a high rating on the national Fox network here in the United States through its various affiliates across the country, the PBC has chosen once more to put one of their most competitive bouts on pay-per-view following two moderately successful, but under performing pay-per-view cards during the month of September and most recently the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz bout on Halloween night in October. Much like those events, this card will carry a similar price point of $74.99. It remains to be seen as to how many consumers will buy this event given both the worsening COVID-19 epidemic as well as the alternative options that are available on digital subscription streaming networks such as ESPN+ and DAZN for the remainder of 2020. Both networks each have monthly subscription options that are at a considerably less expensive price point than the recent price point of pay-per-view cards promoted by the PBC group of promoters on a per card basis. While each network also offers a more expensive yearly subscription option, the possibility certainly exists that more consumers both due to the epidemic as well as this fight being scheduled close to the Christmas holidays might opt out of paying their money to see this fight as it happens.

 

While this observer tends to point this out whenever a card is to be broadcast via pay-per-view at an inflated price point, I want the reader as well as the promoters and networks involved to understand, I have no agenda beyond being honest with readers and in all honesty, I want to see every promoter and network big or small that is involved in the sport of Boxing to do well. The simple reason is if everyone involved in the sport succeeds it helps grow Boxing, increases exposure by putting the sport in front of as many viewers as possible, which will ultimately also benefit the fighters as well as those on the business end of the sport. 

 

Although I realize that my position in being vocal in pointing out the benefits digital subscription-based streaming offers the consumer, may not make me popular amongst those still relying on the increasingly outdated model of pay-per-view, the reality is technology including, but not limited to television distribution is all moving in one direction. Subscription-based streaming. There is also another reality that comes with everything moving in the direction of low-cost streaming Until those promoters and networks adapt to the changing landscape, which has only accelerated due to the ongoing epidemic, the networks and promoters that continue to insist on pay-per-view will continue to see their potential audience dwindle regardless of who is on the card and who is squaring off in the main event.

 

As has been the case for the previous pay-per-view events that have taken place in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, it would be a shame if the potential great fight that Errol Spence vs, Danny Garcia figures to be on paper ends up producing underwhelming returns when all is said and done. Much like the events that have taken place before it however, if that is indeed what happens and the pay-per-view event does not produce the type of numbers to make it successful for the promoter, for Fox Sports, and for the fighters themselves, it will likely have little to do with the fighters, but rather a “Bad Business” decision that could ultimately be of little or no benefit to anyone in the end. That would truly be a shame.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

PBC: Spence vs. Garcia takes place on Saturday, December 5^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The fight as well as a three bout televised undercard can be seen in the United States on a pay-per-view basis on cable/satellite providers as well as the Fox Sports app on connected streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View for $74.99. Contact your local cable/satellite provider to order or visit: https://www.foxsports.com/boxing/pbc/pay-per-view-spence-jr-vs-garcia-192 to order on the Fox Sports app. 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.

 

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DAZN GOES LIVE TODAY IN 200 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH PACKED BOXING SCHEDULE

 

Press Release: By DAZN – NEW YORK | LONDON, Dec. 1, 2020 – DAZN, the leading global sports destination, launched today in more than 200 countries and territories. For an initial monthly price point of £1.99 or less, sports fans worldwide are now able to sign up to the service and watch a breadth of live world championship boxing and on-demand original programming. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

 

 

• On Dec. 4, Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO super-middleweight title against fellow Englishman Martin Murray.

 

• A heavyweight clash not to be missed, unified heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his world titles against Bulgarian mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on Dec. 12. 

 

• Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin looks to make history on Dec. 18 when he attempts to make a record 21^st defence of the middleweight title against Kamil Szeremeta.

 

• Pound-for-pound champion Canelo Alvarez returns to the super middleweight division a day later on Dec. 19, to face undefeated champion Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas. 

 

• Starting 2021 with a bang, on Jan. 2 the explosive Ryan García will be looking to stamp his authority on the division against the battle-hardened Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell for the interim WBC lightweight title.

 

“We’re excited to launch our global platform with an action-packed opening month featuring boxing’s biggest stars and a suite of premium original programming,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. 

 

As well as an unparalleled fight schedule, DAZN’s global platform features an ever-growing archive of classic fights, athlete features and a slate of original programming including 40 DAYS, Saturday Fight Live and ONE NIGHT. DAZN is committed to adding more sports and sports content to the global service from 2021.

 

Download the DAZN app now on internet-connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and living room devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks and game consoles. For more information, visit www.DAZN.com.

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.

 

Ty Payne Inks Management Deal With Tony Tolj

 

Press Release November 30, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Decorated 19 year old Australian amateur standout, Ty Payne (1-0) has signed management terms with leading Australian manger and promoter, Tony Tolj.  

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Fighting out of Kingscliff, New South Wales, Payne made an impressive professional debut last year with a second round knockout in his native NSW. Soon to make his second professional outing in Queensland on December 18th, Payne chose the period to enhance his backroom staff with a man continuously building world champions in Tony Tolj. The experienced boxing manger adds Ty Payne to his talented and ever-growing stable which boasts the likes of Andrew and Jason Moloney having also worked with the likes of Chris John in the past. 

Payne achieved monumental amateur success in his native Australia winning; The Australian National Championships 2015, Queensland & New South Wales State titles in 2016, Interstate title 2017 and the Clarence Valley Title in 2018 making him one of the hottest prospects in Australia. 

Campaigning at Super Lightweight, Ty Payne has great enthusiasm about his career with the following comment “I have had over 100 fights as an amateur and I have been boxing since I was 12 years old. Since then, it has been my dream to become a professional and win a world title. My work ethic is second to none and with the right management and people around me, I have no doubt I can go all the way.”

Tony Tolj commentated further on his newest acquisition “He’s a good kid with bags of potential and I’m delighted to welcome to our team. We can achieve as much as he wants in the sport, he’s got a great heart and character, as well as being a talented fighter.”

Ty Payne’s inspirations come in the form of Roy Jones Jr, Canelo Alvarez and new stable-mates Andrew & Jason Moloney looking to emulate these champions to go on and claim his own silverware in the future.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Tyson-Jones Thoughts

 

The exhibition bout between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones was a “Curiosity” rooted in what is in many ways the question of “What If?” What if two fighters who were the cornerstones of their respective eras were to face off in the ring. Obviously, at ages fifty-four and fifty-one respectively, one should not have expected to see anything near what Tyson and Jones were during their prime years. What was the main event of the debut of Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League concept on November 28th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA did however, provide entertainment.

 

What was a non—competitive exhibition did resemble some competition as both Tyson and Jones showed slight glimpses of what made them great fighters. The eight round exhibition was something that was clearly meant to entertain Boxing fans of all description rather than an announcement of sorts that both fighters were using this as the first step in a comeback that would no doubt be the subject of both criticism and ridicule given both Tyson and Jones’ age.

 

It did not stop some however, from sharing some critical thoughts regarding the exhibition. While it can indeed be true that some fans go into fights and/or exhibition bouts expecting to see more than what is actually going to take place, it is important to keep in mind that this was always intended to be an exhibition and as such one should not have expected to see either fighter really intend to hurt the other. The bout, which was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) also had strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both men.

 

What Tyson and Jones did show was that both could still move in a similar way to when they were actively competing in the sport and did periodically land hard punches on each other. Tyson in particular showed that he was still capable of landing hard thudding body punches as he seemed to hurt Jones periodically throughout. Jones meanwhile had periodic success landing his right hand and also showed, despite it being an exhibition, that he was going to be tactical and hold Tyson whenever he got close in an attempt to limit his ability to get his punches off on the inside. A tactic that many opponents of Mike Tyson attempted to implement throughout his career with some having more success than others.

 

Although there simply is not much one can say about an exhibition or analysis that one could offer, it was impressive in this observer’s eyes to see both Tyson and Jones not only appear to be in good condition, but also show that he did take the idea of getting back in the ring seriously, which at their ages cannot be an easy task. It does also show why no matter what one’s age or skill level that Boxing needs to be taken seriously at all times.

 

With this in mind, it is important to mention a bout that took place on the undercard featuring YouTube star Jake Paul and former NBA star Nate Robinson, which took place in the Cruiserweight division. Unlike the Tyson-Jones exhibition, this as well as other bouts that took place on the undercard were official professional bouts. What happened in this fight however, was frankly scary in that Nate Robinson was over matched by Paul, who has a bit more experience in the Boxing ring and who says he has ambitions of making his foray in the sport a legitimate Boxing career. Paul would score three knockdowns of Robinson in a round and a half, all of which came as a result of right hands to the head and the last of which resulted in what yours truly called on social media a scary knockout as Robinson fell face first on the canvas.

 

In the days since this event took place, I have seen some direct criticism towards Robinson for his performance in this fight. This observer will not be among those armchair quarterbacks who will criticize for the sake of being critical. The fact is no one really knows what type of training in preparation Robinson went through before stepping in the ring. It does however, underscore how dangerous Boxing and by extension all combat sports can be even for the most seasoned professional fighters.

 

 As someone who has covered the sport for most of his life and has unfortunately seen tragedies occur, I was legitimately concerned for Nate Robinson’s well-being after seeing this knockout. Although we do not know if this will end up being a one-off appearance for Robinson in the Boxing ring, he is not the first nor will he likely be the last notable athlete from another sport to attempt a foray into combat sports. Robinson should be given credit for the bravery he showed by getting in the ring, but as other athletes who have attempted to cross over into Boxing and other combat sports have found out through the years, it is not always a given that success will follow them into a different sport and this should serve as another example as to why if one chooses to enter into combat sports, they need to be fully committed to it because unfortunately the dangers can and often do outweigh the rewards and if one is not prepared when they get in the ring, the outcome can be tragic. Fortunately for Nate Robinson, he was able to leave the ring under his own power and hopefully will not suffer any long-term effects from the knockout he suffered at the hands of Jake Paul.

 

Perhaps some of the criticism that has been directed at the Tyson-Jones exhibition in the event itself is rooted in the fact that the event was offered on a pay-per-view basis for $49.95. While this observer has long been critical and will continue to be of the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view as long as said model remains in the sport of Boxing, I will not be as critical in this instance because this event was “A Curiosity” that featured not only two legends in exhibition, not only featured some professional bouts, but also featured many musical performances as well. Although some may have expected more from this, yours truly feels that if this was not a one-time only event and if the Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League concept is to go on beyond this point, this pay-per-view event might have been a way to test the waters.

 

With much of the Boxing world now focused on subscription-based streaming options rather than pay-per-view, perhaps future events could be featured on networks like DAZN, ESPN+, or a cable/satellite network such as Showtime, especially with Mike Tyson saying that his goal for this concept is to further humanitarian causes. As long as the fighters who participate in these “Legends” exhibitions are as healthy when they are done participating as they were before they enter the ring and safety guidelines are followed, why be critical of what could be a good thing for fighters who may not want to actively compete in the sport, but still want to participate in be involved?

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Joyce KO’s Dubois In 10

 

In a highly anticipated battle of undefeated Heavyweight “Knockout Artists” 2016 Olympic Silver medalist Joe Joyce scored a tenth round knockout over previously unbeaten Daniel Dubious to win a trio of championships in the British, Commonwealth, and European Heavyweight championships on Saturday night at historic Church House in Westminster, London, England. The story of this fight quickly became the success and accuracy that Joyce was able to have in landing his jab. Such success gradually developed swelling on the left eye of Dubious. The bout was surprisingly tactical, competitive, and even however, as Dubious found success in landing hooks with both hands to the head of Joyce as well as being able to occasionally make him miss throughout. A close fight heading into the tenth round, a jab from Joyce landed on the left eye of Dubious, which by that point in the fight had swollen completely shut, forced Dubious to take a knee and take the full ten count. Official time of the stoppage was :36 of round ten. Joe Joyce advances to 12-0, with 11 Knockouts. Daniel Dubious falls to 15-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender Jack Catterall scored a commanding ten round  decision over a very “Game “ Abderrazak Houya. Catterall was in control from the opening bell. The highlights of the bout came in round six when Catterall nearly ended the fight with a flush left hook to the head that sent Houya down. This was followed by a second knockdown from an overhand left in round nine as all non-title bouts held in the United Kingdom are scored solely by the referee officiating a fight, Referee Victor Loughlin scored the bout 99-90 in Catterall’s favor. Jack Catterall advances to 26-0, with 13 Knockouts. Abderrazak Houya falls to 14-3, with 2 Knockouts.

 

 

In a bout for the WBO European Jr. Middleweight championship, undefeated champion Hamzah Sheeraz scored a tenth round stoppage of Guido Pitto. Sheeraz found a home for his left hook to the body of Pitto from early on in the bout. This along with his height and reach advantage allowed him to control the bout. The one-sided bout was halted when a right hand to the head set off a barrage of unanswered punches that forced a stoppage. Official time of the stoppage was 1:11 of round ten. Hamzah Sheeraz advances to 12-0, with 8 Knockouts. Guido Pitto falls to 26-8-2, with 8 Knockouts.

 

 

Cruiserweight prospect Jack Massey scored a workmanlike eight round decision over Mohammad Ali Bayat. Massey simply out boxed Bayat over the course of a fight that had a formulaic feel to it where he was in control of the combat all the way. Referee Victor Loughlin scored the non-title bout 79-74 in Massey’s favor giving him the victory. Jack Massey advances to 17-1, with 8 Knockouts. Mohammad Ali Bayat falls to 16-2-1, with 16 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Heavyweight David Adeleye scored a second round stoppage of Danny Whitaker. An overhand right to the head sent Whitaker down in the second round. A follow-up barrage sent Whitaker down for a second time resulting in the fight being stopped, but it came close to ending in a disqualification as Adeleye barely missed with an uppercut to the head while Whitaker was on one knee. Although Adeleye was cautioned by Referee Mark Lyson, the stoppage for Adeleye stands. Official time of the stoppage was 2:09 of round two. David Adeleye advances to 4-0, with 4 Knockouts. Danny Whitaker falls to 4-2, with 0 Knockouts. 

 

 

In non-televised bouts,  Unbeaten  Jr. Middleweight Josh Franklin scored a four round decision over veteran MJ Hall. Josh Franklin advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. MJ Hall falls to 2-57-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Heavyweight Mitchell Barton successfully made his professional debut in non-televised action by scoring a four round decision over Matt Gordon. Mitchell Barton advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Matt Gordon falls to 2-4-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

 

Undefeated Featherweight Louie Lynn remained unbeaten in a non-televised bout by scoring a seventh round stoppage of veteran Paul Holt. Louie Lynn advances to 8-0, with 7 Knockouts. Paul Holt falls to 7-9, with 2 Knockouts.

 

While the records and past histories of Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois indicated that this could have been a short fight, what developed instead as can happen when two fighters known for scoring quick knockouts face each other, was a tactical battle perhaps out of respect for each’s respective punching power. Although this fight did not end in a way that would fit the perception of either fighter’s reputation as “Knockout Artists”, it does serve as an illustration of just how effective a weapon a jab can be when it is used properly. While many great Heavyweight world champions including Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali proved the dynamic of how to use the most elementary of punches, the jab throughout their Hall of Fame careers, for a “Knockout Artist “ such as Joe Joyce to be able to add this weapon into his arsenal will make him even more of a dangerous opponent as he looks to move towards a shot at a world championship. For Daniel Dubois, he has nothing to be ashamed of. He fought hard and it was a competitive fight all the way through. It will be how he deals with the first loss of his career however, that will likely define him in the eyes of some. For now, it’s a matter of healing from the damage that his left eye suffered in this fight then going back to the drawing board. 

 

“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

Jacobs Gets By Rosado

 

Former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs scored a narrow twelve round split decision over longtime contender Gabe Rosado on Friday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. In a surprisingly tactical battle fought in the Super-Middleweight division, many of the rounds saw neither fighter really stand out clearly from the other. It appeared to the eyes of this observer however, that Rosado, a fighter known for his willingness to engage in wars, got the better of the action by implementing a tactical Boxing strategy rather than the brawling style that has endeared him to many Boxing fans. Despite the view of yours truly as well as Rosado appearing to initiate most of the exchanges between the two fighters, two judges felt that Jacobs had done enough to win the fight at the conclusion of the twelve round bout. Official scores were 115-113 (Rosado), and 115-113 (On two scorecards) in favor of Daniel Jacobs giving him the split decision victory. Daniel Jacobs advances to 37-3, with 30 Knockouts. Gabe Rosado falls to 25-13-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Welterweight contender Daniyar Yeleussinov scored a second round knockout of former unified Jr. Welterweight world champion Julius Indongo. Yeleussinov dropped the former world champion in the first round with a counter hook to the head. A short left hook dropped Indongo for the second time in round two. Indongo was able to beat the count, but signaled to Referee Chris Young that he did not want to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 1:24 of round two. Daniyar Yeleussinov advances to 10-0, with 6 Knockouts. Julius Indongo falls to 23-3, with 12 Knockouts.

 

 

In a clash between unbeaten Heavyweights, Mahammadrasul Majidov scored a third round stoppage over previously undefeated Sahret Delgado. A pattern developed of Majidov pushing Delgado against the ropes early in the fight. Majidov staggered Delgado while he was against the ropes in late in the first round. Delgado was relatively non-offensive-minded throughout beyond attempting to counter Majidov with hooks off the ropes. It was another solid right hook to the head that badly staggered Delgado early in round three forcing a stoppage of the fight. Official time of the stoppage was :43 of round three. Mahammadrasul Majidov advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Sahret Delgado falls to 8-1, with 7 Knockouts.

 

 

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight Nikita Ababiy outworked Brandon Maddox

Over six rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. Ababiy landed the harder shots throughout the fight, but had to contend with the awkward style Maddox was able to implement and was able to catch the unbeaten Middleweight, who was fighting in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division for the first time, with counter punches throughout. All three official judges scored the fight 59-55 in Ababiy’s favor. Nikita Ababiy advances to 10-0, with 6 Knockouts. Brandon Maddox falls to 7-4-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

 

In the opening bout of the evening, former IBO Lightweight world champion Emmanuel Tagoe scored a hard-fought ten round majority decision over an always “Game” Mason Menard. Menard was aggressive throughout frequently getting Tagoe on the ropes. There were several periods throughout the bout where there was frequent grappling on the inside between the two fighters, but Tagoe’s ability to get his punches off first, hold Menard on the inside where he could not be effective ultimately proved to be the difference as two of three official judges scored the fight in his favor at the end of the the entertaining ten round bout. Official scores were: 95-95,(Even) and,  98-92, 96-94 in favor of Tagoe. Emmanuel Tagoe advances to 32-1, with 15 Knockouts. Mason Menard falls to 36-5, with 25 Knockouts.

 

While this was not the type of fight that some may have expected given the bad blood between Daniel Jacobs and Gabe Rosado, quite frankly, it was a fight that illustrated that looks can be deceiving and Rosado’s strategy was one that was unexpected and executed well. As is usually the case when it comes to close fights, it will as I have said frequently over the years, come down to what a judge prefers in their own criteria based on clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense. This was one fight where both fighters demonstrated all of that criteria and it certainly should leave the door open for a rematch based on how closely fought this bout was. 

 

“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

 

 

 

Yoka And Yoka-Mossely Each Score Wins In France

 

Unbeaten Heavyweight prospect and 2016 Olympic Heavyweight Gold medalist Tony Yoka scored a lopsided ten round decision over veteran contender Christian Hammer on Friday night at the H Arena in Nantes, France. Yoka forced the combat throughout much of the contest, but also had to show that he could take a punch periodically over the course of the fight as Hammer was able to occasionally land hard hooks to the head in exchanges of offense between the two fighters. Yoka’s greater activity and seemingly cleaner more effective punches however, proved to be the difference as he was able to box his was to a convincing decision victory. Tony Yoka advances to 9-0, with 7 Knockouts. Christian Hammer falls to 25-7, with 15 Knockouts. 

 

 

Also on this card:

 

In the Women’s Lightweight division,2016 Lightweight Olympic Gold medalist Estelle Yoka-Mossely, the wife of Tony Yoka, scored an eight round  decision over Emma Gongora. Yoka-Mossely frequently landed right hands to the head and generally got the better of the action throughout. Estelle Yoka-Mossely advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. Emma Gongora 0-2, 0 Knockouts.

 

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Viktor Vykhryst remained unbeaten by scoring a six round decision over Kamil Sokolowski. Vykhryst frequently threw and landed combinations throughout. It was one such combination highlighted by a hook to the head that sent Sokolowski down in the third round on the way to a convincing decision victory. Viktor Vykhryst advances to 5-0, with 4 Knockouts. Kamil Sokolowski falls to 10-20-2, with 4 Knockouts.

 

 

Undefeated Welterweight Volkan Gokcek scored a workmanlike six round decision over veteran Aboubeker Bechelaghem. Gokcek seemed to outwork Bechelaghem over the course of the six round bout, but under strange circumstances, Bechelaghem was initially announced as the winner. While it is unclear as of this writing as to whether there was an error tabulating the scorecards, after several minutes, the scorecards were read again, with Gokcek declared the winner. Volkan Gokcek advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Aboubeker Bechelaghem falls to 12-12-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

A card that kicked off a full slate of cards throughout the sport of Boxing throughout Thanksgiving weekend featured a look at two rising Heavyweight prospects, a somewhat bizarre scoring issue in a welterweight bout, as well as a rising contender in the talent deep Women’s Lightweight division. This card also featured the unique distinction of a husband and wife competing on the same event. Given both’s respective Olympic pedigree as well as each’s respective rising status in the professional ranks, it may not be far in the future that the Boxing world could see both challenge for world championships on the same card if of course both continue to progress forward in their respective careers.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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