SuperWomen: Shields-Dicaire Battle For Jr. Middleweight Supremacy

 Perhaps one segment of the sport of Boxing that has been able to take advantage of the unprecedented circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic has been Women’s Boxing. With many of the top stars of the sport sidelined for most of 2020 due to both risks associated with the COVID-19 virus as well as for economic reasons, several of the top female fighters in the sport seized the opportunity to take the spotlight as several notable stars including undefeated Undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor, Mikaela Mayer, Teri Harper, Natasha Jonas,, Cecilia Braekhus, and Jessica McCaskill all lead the way in putting Women’s Boxing center stage. 

Credit: FITE TV

 

One fighter who has remained sidelined as the epidemic has continued is arguably the woman who has been the focal point of Women’s Boxing here in the United States over the last several years. Undefeated three-division world champion Claressa Shields. As some may recall, Shields emerged on the Boxing scene in becoming the first fighter in history Male or Female to win back to back gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Since turning professional, Shields has used that notoriety to become a three-division world champion winning world titles in the Jr. Middleweight, Middleweight, and Super-Middleweight divisions.

 

Although Shields has accomplished what many fighters struggle to accomplish in their careers in just ten professional fights including becoming an undisputed world champion in the Middleweight division in 2019, she continues to attempt to make history as she will now attempt to become an undisputed world champion in a second weight class as she will defend her unified WBC/WBO Jr. Middleweight world championship against undefeated IBF world champion Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday, March 5^th at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The bout, which will headline an all-women’s Boxing card promoted by Salita Promotions and broadcast globally on digital pay-per-view on FITE TV, will also be for the vacant WBA Jr. Middleweight world championship marking the first time that the World Boxing Association (WBA) has sanctioned a world championship bout in the Women’s Jr. Middleweight division. In doing so, the addition of the WBA crown makes this bout one for the undisputed world championship in the division and could give Shields the distinction of holding two undisputed world championships in two weight classes simultaneously if she can defeat Dicaire. A feat that even male boxers have not accomplished.

 

In Marie-Eve Dicaire, Shields will face a world champion with slightly more professional experience than she has with seventeen professional bouts to her credit. Dicaire won her world championship in December 2018 with a ten round unanimous decision over Chris Namus and has successfully defended her IBF crown three times since.

 

Stylistically, this fight could favor Shields as she is normally an aggressive fighter that likes to apply pressure on her opponents. Although neither fighter is known for scoring knockouts as Dicaire has not scored a stoppage in her career and Shields has only scored two in her ten career wins, Shields may also have an edge in terms of punching power. The interesting dynamic in thinking of how this fight might be fought is Dicaire is a fighter that uses lateral movement, angles, and has shown the ability to out box opponents when she is able to keep them at distance.

 

The challenge for Dicaire in this fight will be whether or not she will be able to keep Shields at a distance where she will not be able to cut the ring off and make it difficult for the IBF champion to move. Dicaire must also show that if Shields is able to get on the inside that she will be able to keep her from being able to get her punches off as Shields often throws her punches in compact combination and being able to tie her up on the inside or keep her from being able to get on the inside is something no previous opponent has been able to accomplish thus far.

 

Both world champions have the element of hand speed in their respective arsenals and it may be a question of how each fighter uses their hand speed that may be a determining factor in who has the edge in this fight. If Marie-Eve Dicaire is able to find success in keeping Shields at distance, this could prove to be a difficult test for the likely favorite, who will be fighting in front of a hometown crowd.

 

Beyond this fight being for the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship, the fight between Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire also will have the distinction of being a main event of a pay-per-view card of all women’s bouts. Although Women’s Boxing has been part of Boxing as a whole for decades, it was only in recent years that the women of the sport began to receive long overdue exposure and recognition particularly here in the United States where women’s bouts had mainly be limited to pay-per-view undercards of major bout featuring their male counterparts and very limited television exposure for the women of Boxing beyond that.

 

While internationally Women’s Boxing has regularly headlined Boxing cards featuring men’s bouts, it wasn’t until 2017 where Boxing fans were able to see Women’s bouts headline cards that were broadcast across cable, satellite, and streaming networks including Claressa Shields and Cecilia Braekhus co-headlining the final Boxing card broadcast by HBO in 2018. Sadly, the only card headlined by two women’s bouts broadcast by HBO during its forty-five year run broadcasting the sport.

 

Now, with Women’s Boxing regularly featured on digital streaming networks like DAZN, ESPN+, and combat sports centric digital networks like FITE TV, it is only a natural step forward in the overdue progression of Women’s Boxing to see a card exclusively showcasing the women of the sport. Shields-Dicaire is a historic bout for Women’s Boxing not only for what is on the line in the first undisputed world championship in the history of the Women’s Jr. Middleweight division, not only for what Shields is attempting in trying to become the first undisputed world champion in two weight classes simultaneously, but more importantly, for what it represents for the women of the sport going forward. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Promotional Poster Courtesy of: FITE TV Used with permission.

SuperWomen: Shields vs. Dicaire takes place on Friday, March 5^th at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The five bout card can be seen globally on digital pay-per-view on the FITE app across mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $29.99. (U.S. Time.) Prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, a one hour pre-show will air beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.For more information about including schedules and compatible streaming devices and Smart TVs please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Shields vs. Dicaire download the FITE app or click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

 

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

 

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GAGO CALLS FOR PARO - TZOURAMANIS WINNER

 Press Release: March 3, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Liam Paro 19-0, The North Queensland native will make his long-awaited return to the ring in Brisbane this Saturday after a year without a fight. 

Paro Ranked second in the world with the World Boxing Organisation and 3rd with the International Boxing Federation at super lightweight. 

It was the pandemic that brought Paro’s undefeated career to a screeching halt last year after he notched win number 18 against James Chereji. 

Paro takes on veteran Terry Tzouramanis 23-4-3 who hasn't been in the ring since soundly defeating Brandon Ogilvie in Perth at the World famous Thunderdome series by iconic Promoter Tony Tolj. 

Watching on with keen interest is "Timorese Terror" Steve Gago 12-1 following up from his WBC Australasian title victory last March in Dragon Fire Boxings Thunderdome 33. 

Gago has won multiple titles with various governing bodies whilst under the guidance of Australian Boxing Grand Wizard TonyTolj and Dragon Fire Boxing and is hungry to get back into the ring. 

‘The Timorese Terror’ opened up regarding resigning a potential clash with the winner. 

“I’ve won multiple titles thanks to Dragon Fire and have boxed at the likes of the IBF convention in Macau. I couldn’t be happier with how my career has unfolded but I believe I still have more titles to win and Tony is the man to get me those opportunities and I want the winner of this fight with Paro and Terry 

I have great respect for Terry and Liam, they both have great teams and great careers.They are fighting at Jnr Welterweight and I'm prepared to cut and make the weight. 

I want to fight the best to get the best opportunities, I believe in my team, my trainer Jay Gray, my Manager and Promoter Tony Tolj, my team mates are doing special things Francis Chua and Jackson England, I just have a great team and I will be watching this weekends fight and I will be ready for this winner”

 

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.

FITE App now Available Globally on Samsung Smart TVs

 Press Release: By FITE New York, March 1, 2021 - FITE, the premier global platform for sports and entertainment, announced today that its Smart TV app shall be available natively on Samsung TVs worldwide. Starting today, Samsung television models from 2016-2020 will now feature the popular FITE app, which offers premium Pay Per View events, SVOD package options as well as free programming including the free linear channel, FITE 24/7.  

Credit: FITE 

 

Ben Halabi, FITE’s SVP, International Business Development stated, “as part of our continued strategy to enable viewers to watch whenever and wherever, we're delighted to be on Samsung, bringing premium events to their global user base.”

 

FITE, an international company headquartered in New York, streams more than 1,000 events a year from Top Rank, PBC, AEW, ONE, and was the exclusive digital home of Tyson vs. Jones, the biggest PPV event of 2020. This year FITE has already kicked off 2021 with major events from Impact, Glory and BKFC KnuckleMania, and promises a bigger than ever year with the top PPV events via the Samsung Smart TV app, offered globally. 

 

2021 will see FITE’s diverse array of live programming from MotoCar FITE Klub to SuperWomen -- an all-women’s fighter boxing card -- to premium BJJ leagues like Third Coast Grappling to exclusive and brand new live event entrants like SlapStrike.

 

As they say,  If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

 

--

 

 

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 4MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, 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.   #WeWillStreamYouThere

    

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Material and Photo Courtesy of: FITE Used with permission. 

 

For more information about FITE including schedules, where to download the FITE app, and list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, please visit: www.Fite.TV.

 

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

Putting Alvarez-Yildirim In Perspective

 

The fight between Unified WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight would champion Saul “Canelo “ Alvarez and WBC number one mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim was not one of those encounters that was meant to stir debate amongst Boxing fans, both the hardcore enthusiast as well as the casual observer, and Boxing experts. There was no such anticipation for a fight that would ultimately be known for as an event rather than what too place inside the ring. In many ways however, the event of Alvarez-Yildirim that brought Boxing back to Miami, FL on February 27^th was a throwback to an era of yesteryear. 

 

An era where the top fighters in the sport fought frequently against fighters that ranged from fringe contenders to mandatory challengers in between fights that were thought of as marquee bouts between the best of the best the sport of Boxing has to offer. While obviously as the top fighters in the sport began earning millions of dollars per fight regardless of who their opposition might be, the concept of fighting regularly between two to four times per year, or even more in previous eras became less and less frequent to the point where a common belief amongst some is that fighters who are given the label as being a top or elite-level pugilist is only expected because of their position in the sport as well as their economic value and success, to compete between once or twice in a calendar year.

 

Although some may view this as an accepted standard within the sport when it is able to operate under normal circumstances, the ongoing circumstances of the global COVID-19 epidemic has made for an environment both within Boxing as well as in general that is anything, but “Normal.” Many rightfully regard Saul Alvarez as Boxing’s current top draw.

 

What are the qualifications of being a top draw in the sport? An ability to garner support amongst Boxing fans of seemingly every description, the ability to gain fans support both in terms of their passion for the sport as well as their willingness to pay to see you compete regularly and follow you throughout your career. Finally, the qualification in a business sense drawing fans to venues where you compete in mass as well as ratings, buys, and subscriptions to the television networks that broadcast your fights.

 

In seemingly every one of these categories, Alvarez fits the criteria. Over the last few years, Alvarez, who was Boxing’s top pay-per-view draw even as the medium of pay-per-view has steadily declined, has in many ways led the charge for Boxing to embrace the movement to subscription-based streaming platforms after initially signing a lucrative broadcast agreement with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN in 2018. While the ongoing relationship between Alvarez and DAZN including a well publicized dispute that led to the end of their initial agreement has been one that has been well documented by this observer here on The Boxing Truth®️ both the fighter and network have been able to continue working together, which has been a benefit for Alvarez, DAZN, as well as Boxing fans.

 

How has it been beneficial for all involved? Soon after working out their differences, Alvarez was back in the ring challenging then undefeated WBA Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith for his crown and the vacant WBC Super-Middleweight world championship last December. For a network that is attempting to break a lot of norms, it benefited DAZN by showing it can resolve disputes and maintain relationships with fighters as they continue to build their global brand and as far as Boxing is concerned be a viable alternative to the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view. Along with establishing a promotional relationship with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Alvarez has begun to venture out on his own as a promoter after splitting with longtime promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions.

After defeating Smith via twelve round unanimous decision, Alvarez signed a two fight deal with Hearn and the first fight of that deal was a mandatory defense against WBC number one contender Avni Yildirim. Under circumstances where fighters have willingly given up world championships either because their television broadcaster did not see the value in the fight, which has unfortunately been a somewhat regular occurrence for traditional television networks involved in the sport, a fighter’s promoter having a different agenda, or simply the fighter not wanting to fulfill their contractual obligations, Alvarez not only chose to fulfill that obligation, but also chose to do so in a quick timeframe by today’s standards, returning to the ring only two months after winning the Super-Middleweight world championship.

 

This is where the term “Throwback “ comes into the equation. Depending on one’s age, some might remember that it was not uncommon to see Boxing’s top stars from Willie Pep, to Joe Louis, to Sugar Ray Robinson, to Muhammad Ali, to Roberto Duran to Sugar Ray Leonard, to Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Pernell Whitaker, Oscar De La Hoya, and so on in previous eras compete regularly both to stay active as well as fulfill their obligations as world champions in the sport between lucrative fights of significant public interest. While this is largely an “Old School” approach as this observer has often said, it is refreshing to see the approach used in the modern era of the sport. 

 

Despite this fight really serving two purposes for Alvarez, the fight against Yildirim was met with much criticism. While most criticism came from the casual fan and those who voice their views via social media platforms, the basis of some of the criticism stemmed from Yildirim being deemed as the WBC’s top contender, despite being inactive for over two years and coming into the fight off of a loss in his second previous attempt at a world championship. While the political landscape of the sport is far from perfect and cannot easily be explained, I saw this fight for what anyone who is objective and understands the sport should have seen it as.

 

A world champion who spent much of the last year sidelined both due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis as well as the dispute with his former promoter and broadcaster, not wanting to go back to sitting on the sidelines after finally being able to get back in the ring two short months ago. An additional benefit beyond having the opportunity to keep what is known as “Ring Rust” off was to fulfill his mandatory defense obligation, which for world champions is an annual obligation. 

 

While there is always an element of the unknown as I said in previewing this fight, there was little doubt that Alvarez was the significant favorite going into the bout. The burden of proof was on Avni Yildirim to show that this was more than a “Stay Busy” bout and that he would make the most of what was his third chance at a world championship, a third chance some fighters are not fortunate enough to receive.

 

Even under the circumstances of an ongoing epidemic, this fight featured the normal pomp and circumstance normally associated with the top fighters in the sport in present times complete with a theatrical entrance for Alvarez. For the fifteen thousand spectators in attendance, such theatrics offered a glimpse of what the sport looks like when times are normal. Unfortunately for those who were expecting compelling action once the fight got underway, this is where that expectation proved to be unrealistic. 

 

In fairness, it is not necessarily uncommon to see a fight, particularly at the highest level of the sport begin with a somewhat conservative process often referred to as the “Feeling Out Process.” What was unusual however, was to see a commitment to such an approach from the challenger Yildirim, who is normally a fighter who looks to apply pressure. This time around, Yildirim was content to stick behind a high defensive guard and hardly threw any punches in the process. As I watched this fight, I felt that one reason for this was perhaps a healthy respect for Alvarez’ ability to counter punch as well as the accuracy in which Alvarez tends to land counter punches.

 

Although Yildirim had fought for a world championship twice before in his career, it is important to keep in mind the atmosphere that often comes with competing against a fighter of Alvarez’ standing in the sport. While this does not always occur, there are times where a fighter who is not used to such an atmosphere can be hesitant to let their hands go. There is also the possibility that a fighter can freeze and not be as willing to engage as they might otherwise be under circumstances of not fighting in what is known as “The Big Fight Atmosphere.”

 

In this observer’s view, this appeared to be a combination of both as Yildirim did not offer much resistance. Alvarez meanwhile took advantage of openings that were made available to him, which was highlighted by consistent work to Yildirim’s body. This ended up settling the stage for Alvarez to seize the opportunity to bring the fight to what many felt would be the logical conclusion. With minute into the third round, Alvarez landed a perfectly timed jab followed by a straight right hand, known in combat sports as a one, two combination, through Yildirim’s defensive guard sending him down to the canvas. Although Yildirim appeared to laugh this off upon getting up from the knockdown and would go on to finish the round, the fight would come to an end after round three. 

 

Yildirim’s training Joel Diaz told his fighter that he would give him one more round and if he didn’t show him something he would stop the fight. While it is somewhat unclear as to what was said between fighter and trainer following Diaz’ edict to his fighter, ultimately the fight was stopped securing a first successful title defense of the unified WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world championship for Alvarez.

 

Ultimately the end of this fight was anti-climatic, but regardless of the criticism some directed towards Alvarez for this fight being made, it did accomplish what was intended for the champion, his co-promoter Eddie Hearn, and even DAZN. Allowing Alvarez to remain active, fulfill his obligation as far as the WBC is concerned, and provide a night of Boxing for DAZN and its global subscriber base. It also served as a prelude to the next marquee bout in the career of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as it was announced that he will face undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders on May 8^th at a venue to be announced that will be broadcast by DAZN. 

 

Saunders, who like Alvarez has held world championships in the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions will put his WBO world championship in the Super-Middleweight division on the line in what will be a unification bout where Alvarez’ WBA and WBC crowns will also be on the line. Beyond an intriguing styles clash that will be examined by yours truly in upcoming material as we get closer to the date of the announced showdown, it should not be overlooked that this fight will be three months from Alvarez’ victory over Yildirim. 

 

Although this observer does not want to come down too hard on those whether they be a casual fan, or simply those that like to vent their frustration on social media platforms whether justified in their criticism or not, I do want to ask this simple question. When was the last time an elite-level fighter who can make millions of dollars each time they enter the ring has fought three times in a six month span regardless of the perceived quality of opposition? While I can answer this question, I will leave it for the reader to answer.

 

As a final thought that the reader may also want to ponder as they think of their answer to my question. Prior to DAZN’s entry into the United States market in 2018, promoter Eddie Hearn, who has served as one of the network’s principal promoters said that one of the benefits beyond pushing the sport into a more reasonably priced subscription-based model over the pay-per-view or even cable network model is that as a digital broadcaster, it would allow for more cards to be staged on a regular basis and not put a fighter or promoter in a position where they would have to work in a timeframe of a network or pay-per-view distributor’s available dates. Thus allowing fighters the option to compete more frequently,

 

While DAZN has also taken a step to reach non-subscribers by putting simulcasts of a select number of recent cards including Alvarez-Yildirim on pay-per-view and offering those non-subscribers the option to have a free trial of their network, why should a fighter be criticized for taking advantage of the opportunity made available to him to fight as much as he can? It just so happens that the fighter in this case is regarded as the top fighter in the sport. Increased activity will only benefit Alvarez and from a business perspective as the world looks to emerge at some point from the COVID-19 crisis, will benefit the sport of Boxing as a whole, and will benefit DAZN as it looks to continue its relationship with Alvarez, open up further relationships throughout the sport increases its global footprint in the world of sports television as a whole as it continues its growth.

 

“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

 

 

 

 

Parker Decisions Fa In New Zealand

 

Former WBO Heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker scored a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Junior Fa on Saturday night at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. Before a full arena of spectators, Fa had significant success throughout keeping Parker at distance with his jab, using lateral movement and mixing in right hands. Although this was an effective strategy, Fa’s approach was not the most crowd pleasing and as the fight progressed, Parker’s aggression and harder punches when he was able to land proved to gain ground on the scorecards. This along with opening a cut on the corner of Fa’s left eye with a right hand in the middle rounds ultimately gave him what he needed to earn the decision victory as all three judges scored the fight in his favor. Official scores were: 119-109, 117-111, and 115-113 all for Parker. Joseph Parker advances to 28-2, with 21 Knockouts. Junior Fa falls to 19-1, with 10 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Hemi Ahio scored a seventh round knockout over veteran Julius Long. A rematch from a fight in March 2019 where Ahio scored a six round unanimous decision over the 7’1 Long, the second encounter largely consisted of Ahio coming forward and pushing Long back against the ropes and corners of the ring. Long scored a knockdown of Ahio in round four with a right hand that seemed to be more of a push. As the fight progressed, Long, who is not known for lateral movement became more stationary and unwilling to move. In the process, Ahio landed hard, thudding hooks that eventually forced a badly fatigued Long to lunge forward. A flush left hook to the jaw from Ahio followed and knocked Long flat on his back on the canvas in the middle of the ring. Long’s corner immediately threw the towel in to stop the fight. Long, who hit the back of his head hard on the canvas when he went down, remained on the canvas for a few minutes, but did leave the ring under his own power. Official time of the stoppage was 2:55 of round seven.   Hemi Ahio advances to 17-0, with 12 Knockouts. Julius Long falls to 18-25-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

In the first of three Cruiserweight bouts on the card, undefeated Jerome Pampellone scored a first round knockout of Antz Amouta, who was making his professional debut. A left hook to the body set off a barrage of unanswered punches late in round one sent Amouta down in pain and unable to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 2:57 of round one. Jerome Pampellone advances to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. Antz Amouta falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

This was followed by Panuve Helu fighting to a controversial six round split decision draw with Nikolas Charalampous. In what was a competitive bout throughout, Helu hard success in landing hooks, his right hand, and seemed to be landing the harder shots. Charalampous was deducted a point in round five for low blows and continued to land low blows in the sixth round, but did not have another point penalized against him. Nevertheless, despite having one point deducted against him, Charalampous was able to earn the nod of one of two official judges who split their score of 58-56 between the two fighters. The third judge however, scored the fight even 57-57 resulting in the split decision draw. Panuve Helu advances to 12-2-2, with 11 Knockouts. Nikolas Charalampous advances to 19-3-1, with 9 Knockouts.

 

In the final Cruiserweight bout on the card, David Nyika successfully made his professional debut with a first round knockout of previously unbeaten Jesse Maio. A single right hook that landed on the back of the head of Maio brought an end to the fight as Maio did not beat the count of ten. Although Maio contended that he was hit with an illegal punch, it was ruled that because he was in the process of ducking under the punch, the blow was legal. Official time of the stoppage was :29 of round one. David Nyika advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Jesse Maio falls to 3-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Richie Hadlow scored a second round knockout of Obedi Maguchi. Richie Hadlow advances to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. Obedi Maguchi falls to 2-4, with 1 Knockout.

 

Undefeated Light-Heavyweight prospect John Parker scored a four round unanimous decision over Egelani Taito, who was making his professional debut. Official scores were: 40-36 (On all three scorecards) in favor of Parker.John Parker advances to 6-0, with 2 Knockouts. Egelani Taito falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

In an amateur Super-Heavyweight bout, Phil Telea scored a three round decision over Niro Iuta. Phil Telea advances to 2-1, with 1 Knockout . Niro Iuta falls to 1-2, with 0 Knockouts.* (*Amateur Records)

 

The fight between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa was actually the fifth time the two top ten rated Heavyweights have competed against each other after split four bouts against each other as amateurs. With Parker now victorious, he takes one step closer to another opportunity at a world championship.

 

 Although this card featured a nearly full arena of spectators akin to how Boxing cards are usually staged under normal circumstances, a sobering reality occurred as it was announced to the crowd in attendance during the card that the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern had held an emergency press conference earlier in the evening (New Zealand time) to announce that Auckland would be going back on a level 3 lockdown beginning tomorrow morning for seven days due to a new COVID-19 case of unknown origin emerging in the region. While it is certainly understandable that Boxing promoters, sports leagues, and yes fans around the world are eager to return to some semblance of normalcy, this is yet another reminder of how serious the global COVID-19 epidemic continues to be and why all need to take it seriously around the world. 

 

One can only hope after an exciting night of Boxing for the people of New Zealand and quite frankly a glimpse of normalcy, with other parts of the world including here in the United States starting to begin the process of opening up sporting events to the general public, that this lockdown for the people of New Zealand is temporary and not something that is an indication of a more serious problem related to the COVID-19 virus that will lead to further lockdowns not only in New  Zealand, but around the world as well.

 

“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

 

 

 

 

Scardina Stops Nunez In 8 To Win European Super-Middleweight Championship

 

Super-Middleweight Daniele Scardina scored a hard fought eighth round stoppage over former Spanish Super-Middleweight champion Cesar Nunez  to win the vacant European Super-Middleweight championship on Friday night at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. Nunez applied steady pressure on Scardina from the outset and had successfully particularly early in the fight in backing Scardina against the ropes and landing combinations to the body and landing hooks to the head.

 

As the fight progressed, Scardina was able to get some separation between himself and Nunez where behind a consistent jab, he was able to land combinations of his own and turn his body at angles to avoid Nunez as he came forward. This strategy proved to be effective as Nunez had increased difficulty in getting Scardina on the ropes where he could be most effective. In round eight, a flush right uppercut to the head of Nunez staggered him and Scardina proceeded to set off a barrage of unanswered punches that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight as Nunez staggered and eventually fell to the canvas in a neutral corner. Official time of the stoppage was 2:55 of round eight. Daniele Scardina advances to 19-0, with 15 Knockouts. Cesar Nunez falls to 17-3-1, with 9 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

 Undefeated Welterweight Maxim Prodan scored a controversial tenth round stoppage of Nicola Cristofori. In what was a largely uneventful bout due to Cristofori’s constant lateral movement and light hitting style, Prodan scored a knockdown with a left hook that landed high on Cristofori’s head. While a fight largely absent of action, the end came in the tenth and final round when Prodan landed a left hook to the jaw that caused Cristofori to stumble. With Cristofori against the ropes a light right hand from Prodan strangely caused the referee to step in and stop the fight. The stoppage was met with an irate response from Cristofori and his corner as it appeared he was ahead on the scorecards. Official time of the stoppage was 1:50 of round ten. Maxim Prodan advances to 19-0-1, with 15 Knockouts. Nicola Cristofori falls to 11-3-2, with 1 Knockout.

 

In a battle for the Italian Welterweight championship undefeated Nicholas Esposito scored a hard fought ten round unanimous decision over former two-time Italian champion Tobia Loriga to when the championship. Esposito was extremely aggressive in what was a grueling fight from the opening bell. The bout saw several heated exchanges between the two fighters in virtually every round, but the difference proved to be not only Esposito landing the harder punches, but also periodically snapping Loriga’s head back with uppercuts and hooks. Although Loriga, who was in the midst of his second reign as Italian Welterweight champion, was more than willing to stand toe to toe and engage with Esposito, he could not land anything to turn the ebb and flow in his favor. All three official judges scored the bout 97-93 in Esposito’s favor at the conclusion of the ten round championship bout. Nicholas Esposito advances to 14-0, with 5 Knockouts. Tobia Loriga falls to 32-9-3, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Mirko Natalizi scored a fourth round stoppage of Islam Teffahi. Despite landing the cleaner, harder punches from the outset, Natalizi had some difficulty early due to Teffahi being somewhat unorthodox trying to catch the rising Italian prospect with wide hooks as he came forward. Natalizi however, would bring an end to the fight by countering a wide hook from Teffahi with a perfectly timed straight right hand to the head that staggered Teffahi and sent him down to the canvas. The fight was stopped without a count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:50 of round four. Mirko Natalizi advances to 10-0, with 7 Knockouts. Islam Teffahi falls to 22-9-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Featherweight prospect Vincenzo La Femina began the evening by scoring a six round unanimous decision over veteran Pablo Narvaez. For six rounds, this fight followed one pattern, and La Femina walking Narvaez backward, throwing and landing a full variety of offense to the body and head. La Femina’s offense of body punches, uppercuts, and hooks to the head continued until the final bell with Narvaez making it to the final bell. All three official judges scored the bout 60-54 in La Femina’s favor. Vincenzo La Femina advances to 7-0, with 3 Knockouts. Pablo Narvaez falls to 9-22-7, with 1 Knockout.

 

As has been a consistent theme of Boxing cards promoted by promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing’s Italian promotional branch and Italian promoter Salvatore Cherchi of OPI Since 82, this card featured a mix of prospects on the Italian Boxing scene at varying stages in their development, a bit of controversy, a grueling Italian championship bout in the Welterweight division, and finally a Super-Middleweight contender in Daniele Scardina becoming the European Super-Middleweight champion, which for European fighters, usually represents the last step before contending for a world championship.

 

Although Eddie Hearn’s global expansion of Matchroom Boxing has stalled over the last year due largely to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, we are beginning to see the seeds his respective promotional branches in several rising prospects beginning to grow as fighters and may ultimately result in further growing Matchroom’s stable of world champions around the world. 

 

“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

 

 

Alvarez-Yildirim Preview

 

The year 2020 in the Boxing world came to a close with the return of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as he dethroned previously undefeated WBA Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith on December 18th in San Antonio, TX winning both Smith’s WBA crown as well as the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) world championship in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Of course, much of the latter part of last year centered on the battle that Alvarez had with both his former promoter Oscar De La Hoya as well as his broadcaster DAZN, who has broadcast his bouts since signing with them in 2018. While all the circumstances of the now settled dispute were covered by this observer prior to Alvarez’ bout with Smith, the renewed relationship at least between Alvarez and DAZN has shown that impasses in the sport of Boxing can be resolved if parties are willing to work together. It has also resulted in a relatively quick turnaround as Alvarez will return to the ring on February 27th when he faces current WBC number one contender Avni Yildirim at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL.

 

In some ways, the Alvarez-Yildirim bout, which will be broadcast on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, is refreshing. It is important to remember that Alvarez is regarded by many as Boxing’s current top draw and in the recent era of the sport fighters who hold such distinction are not always active in the sense of competing every couple months as opposed to once or twice in a calendar year both due to their standing in the sport as well as the economics that are involved.

 

Alvarez for his part has said that he wants to compete multiple times this year. While some may say that this is due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and the fact that both due to the circumstances of the crisis as well as the situation that developed late last year between Alvarez, his former promoter, and DAZN that he is looking to regain time in the ring that he lost in 2020, it was not uncommon for the top fighters in the sport to compete regularly during a calendar year in between fights that most would consider marquee attractions many years ago. An argument should be made that it wasn’t until the economics for the elite level fighters in the sport improved that Boxing’s marquee stars chose to reduce their overall activity in the ring during a twelve month period. Although there are other factors that obviously can contribute to a fighter’s inactivity regardless of their standing in the sport, the economics that are involved in the top fighters of the sport often competing for millions and millions of dollars each time they enter the ring cannot be ignored.

 

By choosing to not only fulfill his mandatory obligation as far as the WBC’s concern, but also intending to compete more frequently during 2021, it will not only be a benefit to Alvarez himself, but more importantly will also benefit Boxing and it’s fans who have clamored for Boxing’s top attractions to compete more frequently. It is also an arguable point that in terms of the business side of the sport, it will benefit both Alvarez and DAZN as they continue their working relationship after a bump in the road.

 

In Avni Yildirim, Alvarez will face a veteran of twenty-three fights who is also a former world title challenger that will be challenging for a world championship for the third time in his career. Yildirim has twenty-one victories in those twenty-three professional bouts, but what some who have been critical of this fight had planned to as a red flag is in his two losses, Yildirim lost to two of the best fighters he has fought in Chris Eubank Jr. and Anthony Dirrell. The two previous world championship bouts in Yildirim’s career. An additional criticism some have pointed out is that Yildirim was named the WBC’s mandatory challenger, despite the fact that he lost his last fight to Dirrell in February 2019.

 

The political issues that often plague the sport notwithstanding, the more pressing question at least in my mind as this fight approaches is what effect will over two years of inactivity have on Yildirim as he prepares to face a fighter regarded by many of the top fighter in the entire sport. While this does have an appearance at least to some casual Boxing fans as merely a “Stay Busy” fight for Alvarez, there is always a danger.

 

A danger in a marquee star potentially looking past the opponent standing across the ring from them and towards more lucrative opportunities. It is common knowledge that Alvarez has a unification bout lined up for May of this year against undefeated WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders. As someone who prides himself on being an “Old School” Boxing aficionado, this does have the potential to not go as planned as has been the case throughout the history of the sport when a marquee fighter takes a fight in between marquee attractions. While this does not always occur, there is the danger and if Alvarez is not prepared, this could be an ideal scenario for Avni Yildirim to pull off a surprise.

 

One may look no further than what happened in June 2019 when then undefeated unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua entered the ring for his United States debut to defend his title in Madison Square Garden against top contender Andy Ruiz, who took the fight on short notice, as to what can happen when a fighter is treated with little regard and the fight is viewed by some as a mere afterthought. Ruiz stopped Joshua to become a world champion. While there are certainly other examples throughout Boxing history of a fighter upsetting the Apple card, that is perhaps the most recent example. Although Joshua defeated Ruiz in a rematch in December of that year, the potential of a fight for the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world was for a time halted for Anthony Joshua.

 

How can Avni Yildirim pull off an upset in this fight? Yildirim is not known as a fighter with punching power having scored twelve knockouts in his twenty-one career wins, but it is crucial that he find a way to get Alvarez’ respect early. In his last bout, Alvarez battered Callum Smith for the majority of twelve rounds, despite Smith having a significant height and reach advantage over him. Simply put, Smith was not able to make use of his physical advantages nor was he able to land anything that would discourage Alvarez from coming forward and controlling the tempo of the combat. 

 

While Yildirim will have a three inch height advantage over the 5’8 Alvarez, Callum Smith stands 6’3 and the mere aspect of height will not be enough to combat Alvarez. Yildirim needs to find a way to set the tempo of the fight from the outset and make Alvarez uncomfortable in order to have success in this bout. The one thing that could be a confidence booster for Yildirim and his supporters is that he has only been knocked out once and that was against Chris Eubank Jr. in October 2017. Yildirim’s loss to Anthony Dirrell came as a result of a technical decision as the bout was stopped in the tenth round due to a cut over Dirrell’s right eye that was caused by an accidental clash of heads earlier in the bout. Although some may say that Alvarez has simply faced a higher caliber of opposition overall, it can be a confidence boost to a fighter being viewed as a mere opponent going into a fight like this.

 

Although it is safe to assume that the odds will be heavily and Alvarez’ favor come fight time, there is always the element of the unknown and it will largely fall upon Avni Yildirim to show that this will be more than a “Stay Busy” fight for Alvarez. We will see what happens in Miami on February 27th.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Alvarez vs. Yildirim takes place on Saturday, February 27^th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN (Excluding Mexico) beginning at 7PM ET/4PM 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 Mexico, the card can be seen on TV Azteca 7 beginning at 9PM Local Time. For more information about TV Azteca please visit: www.tvazteca.com.

 

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

 

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