David Avanesyan Addresses Upcoming Terence Crawford PPV Showdown

Press Release: By BLK Prime – NEWARK, ENGLAND (November 15, 2022) – WBO #6 welterweight contender, David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), is preparing for the most electrifying fight of his career, a 12-round Championship showdown with the current pound-for-pound king, Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) on December 10 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.

Credit: BLK Prime 

Crawford vs. Avanesyan, a 12-round WBO welterweight world title clash, will stream live on BLK Prime for the price of $39.99. BLK Prime, a Silicon Valley-based tech company, is a subscription video-on-demand platform that utilizes elite technology to bring the best picture-perfect stream available. The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Avanesyan, deep in training, talks about his upcoming fight with Crawford and gives his thoughts on the epic opportunity that stands in front of him.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for my family and me, one I will not take for granted,” said Avanesyan, who is currently training in Nottinghamshire, England. “I know going in that I’m a huge underdog and no one is giving me a chance, but let me tell you, I’m going to surprise everyone watching. I’ve had enough time to prepare, so I’ll be ready for the southpaw.”

“There’s a reason Terence Crawford is considered the best fighter in boxing, his skill set is amazing, and he knows how to win. I know my hands are full, but I’m going to do everything I can to become a world champion. I need to stick to the game plan we have in place, and if adjustments need to be made during the fight, I will have to make them.”

“As I’ve matured in boxing, I’ve learned a lot of tricks that have helped me become the fighter I am today. Coming from the amateur ranks, I had to learn how to sit on my punches correctly, which can take a lifetime for some fighters. The bad habits that plagued me early in my career, are now fixed. Today I’m a completely different fighter in the ring, and my last six fights have shown my growth when it comes to my power punching. I believe my aggressive style is going to give Crawford problems.”

“I’m coming into hostile territory, his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, all his fans will be there in abundance. I’ve fought most of my career in people’s backyards, and I love it because it gives me an extra buzz. This is what being an underdog is all about. When I walk out of the arena with a monumental victory, I believe I will win his fans over.”

A former WBA interim champion, Avanesyan enters this welterweight title bout on a six-fight stoppage streak dating back to 2019 when he captured the European welterweight championship. He defended that title five times before he recently decided to vacate and challenge Crawford for his WBO crown. Considered by many boxing connoisseurs as a legitimate welterweight contender, Avanesyan is ranked top ten by three of the recognized sanctioning organizations. 

Tickets priced $50, $75, $125, $200, $350, and $500 for Crawford vs. Avanesyan are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is promoted by NextGen Boxing, Bash Boxing, and BLK Prime. Doors open at 5:00 pm CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm CT.

About BLK Prime:

To learn more about BLK Prime, go to: https://watchnow.blkprime.com/ and to order the pay-per-view, visit: https://ppv.blkprime.com/pay-per-view. On social media follow #CrawfordAvanesyan, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME, on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

NEWARK, ENGLAND (November 15, 2022) – WBO #6 welterweight contender, David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), is preparing for the most electrifying fight of his career, a 12-round Championship showdown with the current pound-for-pound king, Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) on December 10 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.

Crawford vs. Avanesyan, a 12-round WBO welterweight world title clash, will stream live on BLK Prime for the price of $39.99. BLK Prime, a Silicon Valley-based tech company, is a subscription video-on-demand platform that utilizes elite technology to bring the best picture-perfect stream available. The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Avanesyan, deep in training, talks about his upcoming fight with Crawford and gives his thoughts on the epic opportunity that stands in front of him.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for my family and me, one I will not take for granted,” said Avanesyan, who is currently training in Nottinghamshire, England. “I know going in that I’m a huge underdog and no one is giving me a chance, but let me tell you, I’m going to surprise everyone watching. I’ve had enough time to prepare, so I’ll be ready for the southpaw.”

“There’s a reason Terence Crawford is considered the best fighter in boxing, his skill set is amazing, and he knows how to win. I know my hands are full, but I’m going to do everything I can to become a world champion. I need to stick to the game plan we have in place, and if adjustments need to be made during the fight, I will have to make them.”

“As I’ve matured in boxing, I’ve learned a lot of tricks that have helped me become the fighter I am today. Coming from the amateur ranks, I had to learn how to sit on my punches correctly, which can take a lifetime for some fighters. The bad habits that plagued me early in my career, are now fixed. Today I’m a completely different fighter in the ring, and my last six fights have shown my growth when it comes to my power punching. I believe my aggressive style is going to give Crawford problems.”

“I’m coming into hostile territory, his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, all his fans will be there in abundance. I’ve fought most of my career in people’s backyards, and I love it because it gives me an extra buzz. This is what being an underdog is all about. When I walk out of the arena with a monumental victory, I believe I will win his fans over.”

A former WBA interim champion, Avanesyan enters this welterweight title bout on a six-fight stoppage streak dating back to 2019 when he captured the European welterweight championship. He defended that title five times before he recently decided to vacate and challenge Crawford for his WBO crown. Considered by many boxing connoisseurs as a legitimate welterweight contender, Avanesyan is ranked top ten by three of the recognized sanctioning organizations. 

Tickets priced $50, $75, $125, $200, $350, and $500 for Crawford vs. Avanesyan are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is promoted by NextGen Boxing, Bash Boxing, and BLK Prime. Doors open at 5:00 pm CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm CT.

About BLK Prime:

To learn more about BLK Prime, go to: https://watchnow.blkprime.com/ and to order the pay-per-view, visit: https://ppv.blkprime.com/pay-per-view. On social media follow #CrawfordAvanesyan, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME, on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

Material and Photo Courtesy of: BLK Prime Used with permission. 

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

Update: Jabs And Observations

 We would like to let our readers know that we are between rounds and will return with a special edition of our periodic feature that was introduced earlier this year Jabs and Observations, that will discuss several topics spanning from late September to November 2022, on Thanksgiving eve here in the United States, Wednesday, November 23rd. In the interim, any content that is sent in for release from promoters, networks, and others involved in the sport of Boxing will be released here on the website as normal as they are sent in. Stay tuned.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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

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

Zepeda-Prograis Meet For Vacant WBC Jr. Welterweight World Championship Saturday, November 26TH On FITE Pay-Per-View

Press Release: By FITE – Los Angeles, CA (November 10, 2022) An outstanding undercard has been announced for ‘Battle of the Best’ headlined by the highly anticipated WBC Super Lightweight Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KO’s), set for Saturday, November 26 and emanating from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, CA.

Presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with Marv Nation,

Zepeda vs. Prograis will be available live, Saturday, November 26 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. on FITE.

Material  Courtesy of: FITE Used with permission.

For more information about FITE including schedules, lists of compatible streaming devices, platforms, and, Smart TVs, and to learn how to download the FITE app on your device of choice please visit: www.FITE.TV 

To preorder Zepeda vs. Prograis click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/zepeda-vs-prograis/2pc6z/

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

BATESON AND MASOUD FIRE WARNING SHOTS AS BIG FIGHT NEARS

 

 

Press Release: By Probellum – SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  9 – Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud have fired warning shots at each other ahead of their barnstorming battle of top British prospects. 

Credit: Probellum

 

Bateson and Masoud clash in a sizzling super bantamweight showdown at Probellum Sheffield on Friday night – and both men have rubbished big claims from their rival.

 

Leeds hero Bateson has poured scorn on Masoud being the betting favourite and insists ‘Maverick’ has heaped pressure on himself with his pre-fight confidence.

 

Stoke’s Masoud is certain of “comfortably” beating Bateson and says he sees plenty of weaknesses in the former medal-winning Great Britain amateur star.

 

Bateson and Masoud come head-to-head at today’s press conference in the Steel City and the tension between the pair is simmering as fight night nears.

 

Jack Bateson (17-0) said: “I’m not sure why Shabaz is the favourite with the bookies, but it’s a mistake, that’s for sure!

 

“And he’s going to be in for a shock if he thinks he wins comfortably.  If he’s taking me lightly, then let him.  I can’t wait to leave him in shock.

 

“He’s a good fighter but I believe I am better; a better boxer, a better fighter and whatever he brings on the night, I believe I will do it better.  He’s obviously full of himself, he’s confident but so am I, and this means it’s going to be a great fight.”

 

Shabaz Masoud (10-0) said: “In all departments, I am the better fighter and on Friday night I am going to show that.

 

“He’s got a lot of strengths, but he’s got a lot of weaknesses too.

 

“If you’re making loads of mistakes, we are going to capitalise – and I think he is making loads of mistakes, but we’ll see on Friday.

 

“I can beat him comfortably.  If I can be better than someone in every department, then why can’t I beat him comfortably?!  I think I’ve got a better boxing brain; I think I’m stronger, sharper and the better fighter.”

 

Boxing fans have given their seal of approval to the Bateson vs Masoud scrap and applauded two of the country’s most promising fighters for agreeing to meet.

 

Bateson’s WBA Intercontinental belt is on the line at the Utilita Arena, but the fight is also a final eliminator for the British super bantam strap.

 

Bateson added: “He is putting all the pressure on himself because, apparently, it’s going to be an easy night’s work.  He’s the favourite with the bookies, he’s talking himself up to have this easy night on Friday, while I’ve been staying quiet.

 

“I’ve dealt with pressure and come through it.  This is a big night for him, and he’ll be nervous.  For me, it’s just another night.”

 

Masoud said: “I want to put respect on my name and after this fight I will truly get appreciation.  That is what I’m here for, I don’t care about anything else, I’m here for the respect.  People are going to value me and think ‘woah!’.

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

For more information about Probellum please visit: www.Probellum.com

 

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

 

 

Crawford vs. Avanesyan 9,500 Tickets Sold In First Two Days Sellout Expected

  

Credit: BLK Prime

Press Release: By BLK Prime – OMAHA, NEBRASKA, (November 9, 2022) – Terence Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) vs. David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) is proving to be one of the hottest tickets in America this holiday season. The December 10th clash at the CHI Health Center, in Omaha, Nebraska, available on BLK Prime PPV, for the affordable price of $39.99, has already sold 9,500 tickets to the mega-fight. Nearly half of the arena is sold out within days of the tickets going on sale. 

 

 

 

"Terence Crawford is a cultural icon and an American boxing superstar, and his fans in Omaha are showing just how big of a star he is," said Sam Katkovski, a representative for BLK Prime. "This fight will have an amazing atmosphere and show the world how much combat-sports fans enjoy seeing Terence Crawford in the ring.”

 

 

 

At the current pace, the event is on schedule to sell out before fight week. The heightened demand to see Crawford fight in his hometown shows the star power he has locally.

 

 

 

"The fans want to see Crawford," continued Katkovski. "He is the best fighter in the world and has been out of the ring for too long. The city of Omaha is showing tremendous support for Terence, and they're getting their exclusive opportunity to attend a world-class fight right in their backyard.”

 

 

 

Tickets priced $50, $75, $125, $200, $350, and $500 for Crawford vs. Avanesyan are on sale now and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is promoted by NextGen Boxing, Bash Boxing, and BLK Prime. Doors open at 5:00 pm CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm CT.

 

 

 

Crawford vs. Avanesyan, a 12-round WBO welterweight world title clash, will stream live on BLK Prime for $39.99. BLK Prime, a Silicon Valley-based tech company, is a subscription video-on-demand platform that utilizes elite technology to bring the best picture-perfect stream available. The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

About BLK Prime:

 

BLK PRIME is a subscription video-on-demand company that offers multicultural content to a diverse audience worldwide. To learn more about BLK Prime, visit: https://watchnow.blkprime.com/ and to order the pay-per-view, visit https://ppv.blkprime.com/pay-per-view. On social media follow #CrawfordAvanesyan, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME, on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

 

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: BLK Prime Used with permission.

 

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

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER SAYS SUNNY EDWARDS HAS POUND-FOR-POUND SKILL

Press Release: By Peobellum - SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  8 – Richard Schaefer rates Sunny Edwards as one of the top five boxers in the world for pure skill.

Credit: Peobellum 

Probellum President Schaefer has delivered the headline-making verdict in the week Edwards defends his IBF world flyweight title against Felix Alvarado. 

The unbeaten Edwards – known as ‘Showtime’ – faces the most dangerous fight of his career against Alvarado on Friday night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield and knows he must be close to perfect to see off the hard-hitting Nicaraguan. 

But Schaefer is backing Sunny to deliver the goods once again by using the skillset that, he believes, puts the 26-year-old among the very best boxers on the planet. 

“His ability to slip punches is at the absolute highest level of any weight class and from a skill point of view, I would rank Sunny Edwards today, in the top five pound-for-pound. That's how good he is,” Richard Schaefer said. 

“He has the skills which and that will to win, and those qualities, combined with his confidence and his attitude, means he is a tough nut to crack.” 

Edwards is unbeaten in 18 fights as a professional and wants to land a mega fight with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in 2023 but is under no illusions about the task directly in front of him. 

Sunny Edwards said: “Alvarado was a world champion at the weight below, he has 33 KOs on his record, and he has boxed at the highest level.  He’s a big punching Nicaraguan, who has had more knockouts than I’ve had fights and he is hungry for this.” 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Peobellum Used with permission.

For more information about Peobellum please visit: www.Peobellum. com

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

SUNNY EDWARDS INSISTS MARTINEZ SHOULD HAVE WBC BELT TAKEN OFF HIM

Press Release: By Probellum – SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  7 – Sunny Edwards insists Julio Cesar Martinez deserved to be stripped of his WBC title the second he walked away from their unification fight. 

Credit: Probellum 

Edwards and Martinez were deep into negotiations to stage a blockbuster fight in Mexico last month, for the IBF and WBC world flyweight titles. 

Britain’s Edwards had been pushing to make the fight happen for months, but Martinez turned his back on the showdown and, instead, agreed to face his mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in December. 

Edwards had to quickly put the disappointment of Martinez’s withdrawal behind him and, on Friday, night at Probellum Sheffield, the man known as ‘Showtime’ defends his belt against the extremely dangerous Felix Alvarado. 

But the 26-year-old is adamant there should be more than his IBF crown on the line at the Utilita Arena this week. 

“Martinez is not a rival of mine, he’s a muppet,” said Edwards, in scathing attack on the Mexican.   

“I saw him as easy work, but I was trying to sell it as being my hardest fight to date. 

“The WBC title should be vacant, and it should be on the line for me and Alvarado on November 11.  Martinez was paying step-aside money, to an overdue mandatory challenger, and then pulled out of the fight. 

“Whoever is advising Martinez has told him to stay a million miles away from Sunny Edwards.  He has avoided me like the plague. 

“And, for me, Martinez is done in the division now.” 

Edwards wants to land a big-time fight with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in 2023 and had invited the US star to be at ringside in Sheffield this week. 

But the charismatic champion knows he cannot afford to overlook the hard-hitting Alvarado, who was previously an IBF title holder at light flyweight. 

“I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent,” Edwards said. 

“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen - but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s calibre, that’s for sure.” 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

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

Bivol-Ramirez Thoughts

 

There are times when the ingredients for what most identity as a major fight throughout combat sports seem to match up perfectly at least on paper. Among those ingredients, two undefeated fighters, one a former world champion attempting to win a world title in a second weight class going against a world champion that is also unbeaten, has been dominant, and when you add into the equation that both fighters are in their competitive prime, the set up for a marquee bout that would be highly anticipated would appear to be close to perfect.

Such a set up was the scenario when undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol defended his crown against undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez on November 5th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. A fight that came in the aftermath of the champion Bivol’s biggest win of his career in a dominant successful title defense against multi-division world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May of this year.

While this observer pointed out the similarities between what Bivol had accomplished against Alvarez and what Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins had done when he defeated Felix Trinidad in September 2001, in that like Hopkins, Bivol had beaten a fighter considered to be one of the top stars in the entire sport, and was not expected by some to do so, in previewing this fight, Bivol arguably fought the toughest opponent available to him coming out of his victory over Alvarez in Gilberto Ramirez. Ramirez was not only an undefeated former world champion, but had also worked himself into a mandatory challenger position since moving up to the Light-Heavyweight division. 

Although there are times when a world champion facing their number one contender/mandatory challenger does not always generate attention, what made this fight compelling came down to the styles of the two fighters in that they could each do a little of everything. When one factors in the differences between the two in Ramirez being a southpaw, who was naturally bigger and longer than Bivol, the fight between the two was compelling to see.

While both men could score knockouts if the opportunity arose, I was not surprised to see a tactical Boxing match between the two where both were willing to stand and engage in the pocket. What stood out to me was even though Ramirez was the naturally bigger fighter with the longer reach between the two, it was Bivol who was dictating how the fight was fought.

If one were to ask me to sum up this fight in a word, it would be “Discipline.” The Discipline of the champion Bivol to tactically pick his spots, land punches in short, compact combinations, and using footwork and lateral movement to keep Ramirez from being able to get his punches off consistently. What was particularly impressive about what yours truly refers to as a disciplined, but scientific Boxing style that Bivol implemented here in this fight was not only the approach, not only the discipline and consistency the champion showed, but also his ability to maintain both even while under fire, particularly in some heated exchanges of offense with Ramirez.

Although such a disciplined style often leads to frustration for opponents, for those who appreciate the tactical skill that boxers can implement, Bivol was quite enjoyable to watch and has been throughout his whole career. One aspect of Ramirez’ offense that I felt worked against him in this fight was he was not consistent in focusing a portion of his attack to Bivol’s body. This resulted in Bivol being able to catch much of Ramirez’ punches with his gloves or using other methods to make the challenger miss such as lateral movement and maintaining distance where he could pick his spots while Ramirez seemed to be a few seconds behind in terms of throwing punches. 

All of the above in addition to a significant edge in terms of hand speed, resulted in a performance by the champion that was quite similar to the one that he produced against Alvarez six months ago in terms of his control of the fight and the result, a clear, dominant twelve round unanimous decision to retain his WBA crown for the tenth time. As for what is next for Bivol, the premise going into this fight at least for some was if Bivol were to defeat Ramirez, it would it lead to a big money rematch with Saul Alvarez.

While a rematch of a fight that was dominated by one fighter clearly is not warranted in this observer’s view given what we saw in that fight as well as the fact that the current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Alvarez was moving up in weight to challenge Bivol for his championship and lost, it is important to remember that the sport of Boxing for better or worse can be political and as such, those fighters who are able to achieve the star status that Alvarez has in his career, do have the ability to secure opportunities based on their name recognition clout for a period of time regardless of whether they win or lose. 

Although that ability to secure opportunities will obviously be limited if said fighter continues to lose over time, it is not far fetched to think of a rematch between Bivol and Alvarez. Alvarez, who is recovering from recent surgery on his left wrist following his second victory in his trilogy with two-time Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin, will likely want to get back in against Bivol as soon as possible. If I were advising Alvarez however, I would suggest that seeking a rematch with Bivol may not be the best decision.

Styles do make fights and after a second dominant performance over someone who like Alvarez is a highly skilled boxer in Gilberto Ramirez, there is no evidence at least at this point to suggest that a rematch between Bivol and Alvarez would have a different outcome.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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Walsh KO’s Parsley In 3

 Rising Jr. Middleweight prospect Callum Walsh scored a third round knockout of veteran Delen Parsley on Thursday night at the Quiet Canyon Country Club in Montebello, CA. Walsh landed a straight left hand that caused a delayed reaction on Parsley that sent him down on one knee in the first round. Parsley got up at nine and the fight continued. It would be more of the same in round two as Parsley would be knocked down for a second time with another straight left hand to the head from the southpaw stance. In round three, Walsh closed the show dropping Parsley for the third and final time. This time a straight left hand put Parsley down on his back on the canvas. The bout was immediately stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 2:26 of round three. Callum Walsh advances to 5-0, with 4 Knockouts. Delen Parsley falls to 13-2, with 4 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

Jr. Middleweight Serhii Bohachuk scored a second round knockout of Aaron Coley. A right hand, left hook to the head combination sent Coley down to one knee where he took the count and attempted to get up at ten. Official time was 1:54 of round two. Serhii Bohachuk advances to 21-1, with 21 Knockouts. Aaron Coley falls to 16-5-1, with 7 Knockouts. With the win, Bohachuk won the vacant WBC Continental America’s Jr. Middleweight championship, which should move him up the WBC Jr. Middleweight ratings.

A very competitive Jr. Bantamweight bout saw Daniel Barrera and Isaac Anguiano fight to a four round majority draw. What was a scrappy bout from the outset, Barrera generally initiated the combat while Anguiano landed effective counter punches and making things extremely difficult. At the conclusion of the four round bout, two of three official judges scored the bout 38-38, while the third official judge had Barrera winning 39-37, resulting in the majority draw. Daniel Barrera advances to 1-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Isaac Anguiano advance to 3-1-1, with 1 Knockout.

Unbeaten Featherweight prospect Omar Trinidad scored a second round stoppage of veteran Jose Garcia. The end came in the second round when a combination of hooks to the body by Trinidad followed by two left uppercuts to the head followed by a right uppercut and a follow up of hooks to the head forced a referee’s stoppage of the bout. Omar Trinidad advances to 10-0-1, with 8 Knockouts. Jose Garcia falls to 13-3-3, with 9 Knockouts.

In an entertaining back and forth battle Lightweights David Romero and Michael De La Cruz fought to a four round split decision draw. Romero seemed to have the quicker hands of the two early as he frequently threw punches in combinations. De La Cruz meanwhile, almost always answered back with offense of his own and landed some counter punches throughout. At the end of four rounds, two judges were split between the two fighters, each turning in a scorecard of 39-37, while the third judge arrived deadlocked at a 38-38 scorecard resulting in the split draw. David Romero advances to 2-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Michael De La Cruz advances to 1-1-2, with 0 Knockouts.

Women’s Jr. Bantamweight Gloria Munguilla began the evening by successfully making her pro debut in scoring a four round majority decision over the also debuting JoAnna Espinoza. Munguilla began the fight by bull rushing Espinoza and throwing constant punches. Although Espinoza was able to gradually find a rhythm and have some success in rounds two through four, Munguilla’s cleaner offense and harder landed punches proved to be the difference. Official scores were 38-38 (Even), and 39-37 (On two scorecards in favor of Gloria Munguilla. Gloria Munguilla advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. JoAnna Espinoza falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Callum Walsh has gradually turned into one of the prospects in the entire sport of Boxing that everyone should have on their respective radars. Although he only has five fights in his career, he is gradually stepping up the caliber of his opposition. Delen Parsley was on paper a fighter that was supposed to provide a test for the unbeaten prospect having thirteen professional bouts to his credit going into this bout and having never been stopped previously in his career. This fight followed Walsh’s last outing in August, where he was forced to go the distance for the first time.

 

While that fight against Benjamin Whitaker was a workmanlike performance, it likely served Walsh better in terms of his development as a fighter to have gone the distance. Having said this, one thing that fighters who are able to begin their careers with a string of knockouts seem to want to prove after being forced to go the distance in a fight, is that they still have the ability to end a fight quickly. Walsh certainly proved that with his knockout of a “Game,” but overmatched Delen Parsley.

 

As for what is next, Walsh could be back in the ring as soon as January of 2023 according to his promoter Tom Loeffler. Even though the building blocks are still very much being laid in the foundation of the career of Callum Walsh, if he continues to step up his level of opposition and continues to not only win, but produce the types of performances that he did against Delen Parsley, it is not necessarily hard to envision a scenario where Walsh could be on the verge of world title contention going into 2024 if not challenging for a world title by then. The development of a fighter is far from a perfect science both in terms of a fighter’s training and preparation going into a fight, but also the strategy of a fighter’s handlers in trying to move that fighter up the ladder of contention with the ultimate goal of fighting for a world championship.

 

Not every fighter’s journey is exactly the same and some fighters are able to advance up the ladder of contention quicker than others. While it is not known at this point whether Walsh will be one of these fighters who moves up at an expedited rate, assuming that there are no setbacks or anything else unforeseen that might delay things, if he continues to produce these types of performances, it will become increasingly harder to not put him in against a top contender or world champion if he continues to win.

 

“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

Bivol-Ramirez Preview

In May of this year, undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol entered the to defend his portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the man regarded by many as the best fighter in the world pound for pound, who had recently fully unified the Super-Middleweight division to become Undisputed world champion. Although Bivol went into the fight unbeaten and was a longtime champion, the champion was treated almost as if he were the challenger.

 

This was due largely to Alvarez’ standing in the sport and for better or worse fighters who are fortunate to covet such a position often take advantage of what are seen by some fans as perks, whether it be in contract negotiations and/or in the ability to dictate terms including, but not limited to at times who they fight, when they fight, and unfortunately for the fan/consumer how said bouts will be made available to the public. While some have used such a position to avoid challenges by choosing to not face fighters deemed as competitive threats, to his credit, even though Alvarez hand picked Bivol as his opponent in an attempt to begin the process of trying to unify a second division, he picked arguably the most dangerous fighter the Light-Heavyweight division has to offer both in terms of overall Boxing skill and punching power.

 

As most know, Bivol used those attributes to his advantage as he tactically out boxed Alvarez over twelve rounds to earn a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to retain his championship for the ninth time. While Bivol’s performance was one that was of the tactical/pure Boxing form, he dictated how the fight was fought from start to finish in a bout that this observer felt he dominated.

 

 In some ways, Bivol’s victory over Alvarez reminded me of a fight that I covered in September 2001 between Bernard Hopkins and Felix Trinidad in what was a Middleweight world championship unification bout. It reminded me of that fight for one similarity. Much like Bivol, Hopkins had held his version of the World Middleweight championship for several years dominating most of his opposition prior to facing Trinidad. Despite this, there were several, particularly casual Boxing fans who did not know much about Hopkins and treated him with little regard. This was due to Trinidad being one of the biggest stars in the sport at the time and being more well known outside of the true Boxing enthusiast.

 

When the two met inside Madison Square Garden in the weeks that followed the 9/11 attacks, Hopkins dominated Trinidad before knocking him down in the twelfth round and stopping him. While much like Bivol’s decision win over Alvarez, Hopkins’ knockout of Trinidad was viewed as the best win and a career definer for him, the similarities may not end there.

 

Despite his win over Trinidad and his status afterward as unified Middleweight world champion, it took Hopkins a few more years to get the acclaim and respect he had earned that night in Madison Square Garden. Most would say that it was not until he knocked out Oscar De La Hoya in September 2004 to fully unity the Middleweight division that Hopkins finally was regarded as the great fighter he was and ultimately the Hall of Famer he is today.

 

Although that delayed recognition for Hopkins can be explained as the politics that be in the sport and others including promoters and networks working against him, some might say that decades later, Dmitry Bivol now finds himself in a similar position. While Boxing is truly the theater of the unexpected and the best unscripted drama sports has to offer, in my view, there are likely some who either because of biases related to being a fan of those with other vested interests that would say that what happened when Bivol beat Alvarez that the outcome was not in the long-term plan for the latter’s career.

 

Nonetheless, Bivol did what he had to do, retained his title, and could well meet Alvarez again down the line. Before that can happen however, the undefeated champion will make the tenth defense of his WBA crown when he faces undefeated former WBO Super-Middleweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday, November 5^th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. The fight, which can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN is frankly one of the most dangerous fights that Bivol could have taken following his victory over Alvarez. Ramirez, unbeaten in forty-four professional fights, has thirty knockouts in his career and will enter this fight having scored five straight knockouts. The challenger also goes into this fight as the WBA’s  number one contender.

 

While Bivol had to take this fight per Ramirez’ status as a mandatory challenger, it is commendable that the champion did not spend too much time exploring options to delay this bout from taking place as unfortunately sometimes happens throughout the sport both due to the politics that be in the sport as well as potentially more lucrative opportunities that might be available to a fighter. One could argue that from a public perception standpoint that Bivol ‘s standing in the sport will be further elevated if he can defeat Ramirez.

 

In terms of how this fight might be fought, it is important to keep in mind that both Bivol and Ramirez are boxer/punchers that can do a little of everything inside the ring. What this bout will come down to in this observer’s eyes is whether or not the challenger will be able to bring the fight to Bivol. One thing that stood out in Bivol’s victory over Alvarez is at no point in that fight did the champion appear uncomfortable and not in the position to dictate how that fight was fought. This also was visible by Bivol’s not allowing himself to be baited into exchanges with Alvarez, particularly when Alvarez chose to sit on the ropes and motion for Bivol to step in and attack. The champion instead chose to remain at a distance where he could hit Alvarez, but remain in control of how the fight was fought.

 

Although Gilberto Ramirez is also a crafty fighter much like Alvarez, he will nerd to avoid some of the mistakes Alvarez made throughout that fight. While Ramirez is naturally bigger than Alvarez, the task is largely the same for him against Bivol. He must look to apply pressure on Bivol early and make him uncomfortable. Ramirez must be tactical in his approach as Bivol does have good hand speed and is an accurate counter puncher.

 

Bivol has proven to be quite the tactician in recent fights after beginning his career with a string of knockouts similar to that of current Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin. Even though a pure Boxing style with an emphasis on technique is not always fan friendly, when executed well it can prove to be very effective and difficult for opponents to combat as Bivol has shown in recent fights. Even though the champion still likely has the punching power to get an opponent out of there if an opportunity arises, it is logical to expect that Bivol will try to implement a similar strategy as he has used in recent fights in this title defense against Ramirez.

 

The winner of this fight will likely find himself in good position as 2023 approaches with two realistic options. Option one could be a bout with Alvarez who insists on returning to the Light-Heavyweight division with his eye particularly on a possible rematch with Bivol. Perhaps more enticing however, could be the second option, which would be to try and unify the division. With a lot on the line for both fighters going into this fight and possibly coming out of it, it comes down to two fighters meeting in the ring with Bivol’s WBA World Light-Heavyweight championship at stake. We will see what happens on Saturday, November 5^th.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

 

Bivol vs. Ramirez takes place on Saturday, November 5^th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. The bout as well as it’s full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 10AM ET/7AM PT with Before the bell, which will include preliminary bouts on the card. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT (U.S. Times). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

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MAYWEATHER VS. DEJI TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON DAZN PPV ON 13TH NOVEMBER IN SELECT COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE

 Press Release: By DAZN – LONDON, November 2, 2022 – The full card for the hotly-anticipated global entertainment boxing event between one of the sport’s most iconic names, Floyd Mayweather, and one of social media’s biggest superstar-turned-pro-boxer Deji, has been announced.

Credit: DAZN

 

This highly-anticipated mega crossover event will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV in the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan from an already sold-out Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 13^th November. Fans can tune in to this blockbuster event by visiting www.DAZN.com.

 

“I am delighted to bring this incredible boxing experience to Dubai. Global Titans will give fans an unrivalled boxing match with a huge undercard,” said Floyd “Money” Mayweather. It is an honour to be a part of such an iconic event in an iconic city, and I would like to thank the Global Titans team for reaching out to me and giving back so much to the sport I love.”

 

“Huge thanks to Global Titans and my team for creating this incredible opportunity,” said Deji Olatuji. “It’s a privilege to be headlining this phenomenal spectacle in Dubai, against the all-time great Floyd Mayweather. This is going to be fun!”

 

The full undercard includes:

 

Tommy Fury vs. Paul Bamba

Delfine Persoon vs. Ikram Kerwat

Bobby Fish vs. Eliasu Sulley

Jadier Herrera vs. Franklin Manzanilla

Harley Benn vs. Faizan Anwar

Jack Fincham vs. Anthony Taylor

 

Mayweather vs. Deji will be live on DAZN PPV in the U.S. and Canada (USD $14.99/CAD $14.99 for current subscribers), the UK and Ireland (£16.99/€16.99 for current subscribers), Australia (AUD $44.99 for current subscribers), New Zealand (NZD $24.99 for current subscribers) and Japan (JPY 2,400 for current subscribers). All new subscribers will also need to purchase one month’s subscription to DAZN together with the PPV.

 

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, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

Paul Passes The Test Of Anderson Silva, Has The Time Come To Fight Boxers?

 The question leading up to the Cruiserweight bout between undefeated aspiring boxer and YouTube star Jake Paul and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) legend and future Hall of Famer Anderson Silva was whether it was another novelty or if Silva would be able to provide Paul a legitimate test. While the question is largely rooted in the fact that Paul had yet to fight someone with a Boxing background in his five previous professional fights, the irony that came along with this fight was, despite his illustrious career in the sport of MMA, Anderson Silva began his combat sports career as a boxer and in his late 40’s had returned to the sport including scoring an upset decision victory over former WBC Middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. last year. Given Silva’s limited, but respectable Boxing resume, the question of whether he would provide a legitimate test was fair to ask. If one were to remove the twenty-two year age difference out of the equation for a moment, a fighter with a 3-1, with 2 Knockouts facing a fighter with a 5-0, with 4 Knockouts record as Paul had was akin at least statistically to what Paul would see had he taken the conventional route to begin his Boxing career as most young fighters see at the beginning stages of their careers.

Of course, the question and statistics that came with this fight almost became moot as for a time in the days leading up to the bout on October 29th at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ, there was a question as to whether the fight would be allowed to take place as Silva had claimed in an interview with an MMA news outlet that he had been knocked out twice while training for the bout. This promoted the Arizona Boxing and MMA commission to investigate further and conduct further medical screening of Silva a mere forty-eight hours before the bout.

Thankfully for all involved, the Arizona commission were satisfied with their findings and the bout was allowed to proceed as scheduled. One may question why such an investigation and medical screening process was not completed well in advance of the week of the fight. Although this observer had a thought that perhaps Silva’s claim was an attempt by the veteran to potentially get under the skin of his younger opponent, if that is indeed the case, which is purely speculation on the part of yours truly, it seems like it created a waste of time both for the commission and everyone involved in the bout by creating the possibility of a cancellation so close to the day of the fight.

Silva’s possible gamesmanship aside, with him being cleared to fight it was time for Paul and Silva to do battle. Despite his advanced age in terms of combat sports competition, Silva did display flashes of what made him an extremely elusive fighter during his MMA career in using upper body movement to bait Paul into throwing punches and making him miss. This along with effective counter punching, ability to attack in spurts of offense, and having particular success with landing uppercuts to the head of Paul throughout the bout, proved to be the test that many had wanted to see of Paul. In addition to the success that Silva had in finding a home for his uppercuts, he also succeeded in consistently applying pressure and backing Paul up throughout the bout.

What impressed me about Paul's performance was not only how he responded to the pressure and the ability to take Silva’s punches, he also fired back with punches of his own and often did so in combination in significantly out throwing Silva in total punches. Silva’s accuracy however, with the offense he did throw was hard to ignore and as the scheduled eight round bout moved into the final two rounds, I felt the fight could be reasonably close due largely to Silva’s consistent pressure, which can leave an impression on judges as to who is dictating the combat beyond who might be the busier fighter in terms of offensive activity. In the eighth round, Silva began aggressively appearing to know that the fight was close. Silva made one critical error that in this observer's view proved to be the difference in the fight. He appeared to rush in and for a split second provided Paul with the opportunity to land a well-timed counter right hand to the head knocking the future MMA Hall of Famer to the canvas. Although Silva managed to get up and finish the bout, the knockdown proved to be the seal of a unanimous decision for Paul to move the novice boxer's record to 6-0, with 4 Knockouts.

With another victory under his belt, if one is objective, it is hard to ignore the progress Jake Paul has made in his development as an aspiring boxer. The time has come however, where Paul and specifically those around him as well as premium cable network Showtime to make a decision.

A decision regarding what exactly the goal is for Paul and the network, which has broadcast his last three bouts via pay-per-view. Is the goal to continue fighting notable names from another sport under Boxing rules, or is the goal legitimately to be a boxer that wants to be taken seriously. If the answer is the latter, it is time for Showtime or perhaps its parent company Paramount to tell Paul that he must fight against fighters with a primary Boxing background and against fighters that will help him in his development as a boxer. No different than any aspiring boxer that begins their career and see where things progress.

While no one can take anything away from Jake Paul or his brother Logan in terms of their ability to generate interest, particularly amongst non-Boxing or even non-Sports fans in general, the bottom line is the standard of the sport needs to be respected and without that realization and without that commitment by both Paul and the network that has chosen to associate itself with him, the reality is that while his fights may continue to generate interest for a time, there should be no discussions about Paul facing one of the top fighters in Boxing, no discussion about a sanctioning organization potentially ranking him, and certainly no talk about fighting for world titles. There are countless fighters throughout the entire sport, men and women who work their way up through the ranks to get into position to fight for a world championship. There has never been a scenario where someone began their career at the top level and was able to get into a world championship fight without earning an opportunity.

 Even though the road is shorter for some than it is for others, depending on their amateur background and/or who they beat as a professional, the general standard in the sport has mostly remained the same. A fighter turns pro, has a few fights, hopefully progresses to the level of a prospect, then the caliber of opposition is increased, if said fighter continues to progress not only in terms of winning, but also in terms of their development as far as their skills, they are moved up into fights against contenders and/or seasoned veterans. If the fighter continues to succeed from there, then and only then, should there be a discussion about that fighter challenging the best the sport has to offer and/or challenging for world titles.

It may indeed be a nee era where the term “Influencer Boxing” is now part of the landscape. While Paul did come through this test against someone with some Boxing experience, is he an Influencer who just wants fights that for better or worse will generate attention against notable names from other sports and/or other Influencers, or is he a legitimate boxer that wants to be taken seriously?

Obviously, this observer can’t answer that question, but it is one that needs to be answered clearly both by Paul himself and by Showtime/Paramount, because not answering the question and not clearly defining what the “End Game” is, is disrespectful to every young fighter both in the amateurs and in the professional ranks that are striving to work their way into contention the legitimate way and not looking to take shortcuts, even though those fighters may not have the benefit starting out of having a following that someone in Paul’s position might.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “

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

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