Australian Champion "Action" Jackson England set for WBC Asia Title Fight On March 6 In Perth

Press Release February 16, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Perth’s highly rated "Action" Jackson England is all set for his first regional title clash, as the Dragon Fire Boxing standout steps up to super featherweight to contest the WBC Asian Silver Championship on March 6 in Metro City, Perth in a co feature vs Filipino Jason Tinampay over 10 rounds, the winner becoming mandatory to challenge the Champion from China Li for his WBC Asia title. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

England who recently resigned with Tony Toljs Dragon Fire Boxing on a long term deal, has had a solid start to his professional career, winning 11 of his opening 12 professional contests whilst becoming Australian Featherweight champion in the process. Jackson, who is trained at the Onyx Gym in Perth, opened up about resigning with Tolj and his upcoming title clash.

England said, "I'm absolutely delighted to have resigned with Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing. I am a featherweight, so I looked up to fighters like WBA Champion of the decade Chris "The Dragon" John who was one of the best featherweights in recent times. To be guided in my career by the same team that guided him is very special and I am very grateful.

"I am excited to be progressing in the way I am and I believe I can go all the way in this sport. I am still only young, so it is important to have the right people to guide you. I need to have that and I believe I do in Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing.

“I have the opportunity thanks to Tony to fight for a WBC title. We all grew up watching the likes of Floyd Mayweather winning WBC titles, so to start along that path is something I’m very grateful to be given the chance to go on.”

England returns on this year's first installment of the world-renowned Thunderdome series, that has been a mainstay of Australian boxing for decades in itself. England discussed his next outing and his plans for 2020.

He said, "Well I firstly need to keep listening to my manager Tony Tolj as he knows what's best for my career. He's guided the likes of the Moloney's, Billel Dib and Bruno Tarimo to major titles and I want to follow in their footsteps and I believe I can. They are all world rated, Ive just cracked the OPBF ratings and we are just getting started.

"I'm always improving, so I expect to put on a career-best performance at the Thunderdome show. I believe I can go all the way to the top in this sport and I have the opportunity to get into the WBC rankings in my next fight so that is a massive motivation for me in this fight.

"I wanted more titles in 2020 and I have that opportunity on March 6. I believe that I can progress up the world ratings titles in a way the likes of Bruno Tarimo and Billel Dib has done around my weight so I'd like to follow his path up the world route as I believe I'm destined for world titles eventually." 

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

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

Garcia-Fonseca Final Presser Quotes

Press Release By DAZN - ANAHEIM, CALIF. (Feb. 12, 2020): Rising lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) and Nicaraguan contender Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the Honda Center ahead of their 12-round title fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Championship. Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the presser.

The action-packed event place Saturday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. 

Credit:Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions 

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

RYAN GARCIA, WBC Silver Lightweight Champion:

“2020 is the year to show everyone that I’ve got the skills and talent to take on bigger challenges. I’ve been working hard and training every day, and I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to become a better fighter. Francisco Fonseca is a tough fighter, and this gives everyone a chance to see how good I am. I’m ready, so let’s show everyone that boxing is here to stay.”

FRANCISCO FONSECA, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m going to come prepared to give a great show, and God willing I’m going to take the win. I’m ready for this.”

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I’m so excited and happy to be here, this is my first time at the Honda Center. I’m ready to make an amazing show on this great card. Good luck to all the boxers!”

CARLOS MORALES, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m really thrilled to fight someone like Jorge. He’s probably the best lightweight of his era. I’m excited to test my skills against a hall of famer in boxing, and we’re going to give a good fight.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Champion:

“I’m very excited to fight in my hometown. I know I have a very tough competitor, but I’m ready to shine.”

BLAIR COBBS, NABF Welterweight Champion:

“It’s great to be in an undercard with talent as great as Ryan Garcia. The most exciting man is boxing is here to take over the welterweight division, and I’m here to stay.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:

“I’m excited to showcase a really phenomenal card that the fans deserve. Ryan Garcia is taking boxing to the next level at the Honda Center, the home of many big fights featuring the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez and Canelo Alvarez. This is a very important card for all participants. Garcia has developed into an athlete that is deserving of a world title.”

JOE MARKOWSKI, EVP, DAZN North America:

“The narrative around this fight is pretty straightforward. Is Ryan Garcia a social media sensation or a future world champion? Can Ryan Garcia put on a show on Valentine’s Day and raise a belt over his head? This will all be determined on Friday night. Even though, it’s pretty early in the year we are very excited about the fights DAZN has put out so far.”

Also, a media workout was hosted yesterday at Real Boxing MMA & Fitness with Garcia and Fonseca. Undercard fighters from the event also participated. Below are photos and quotes from the event:

RYAN GARCIA, WBC Silver Lightweight Champion:

"Fonseca had okay fights with Farmer and Davis. It was nothing impressive though. I'm a whole different fighter. I'm taller, stronger and just better overall. I watched four rounds of his fight. This guy cannot beat me. He's going to try to box me. He doesn't have the power to brawl. He's going to keep away from me. I'm going to press the fight like a Mexican fighter." 

FRANCISCO FONSECA, Lightweight Contender:

"We are prepared to win. If it's by decision, they are not going to give it to me. So, I know what I have to do. He's a great fighter, but I've had a lot of experience facing top opposition. I don't want to underestimate Ryan Garcia. He's a great prospect, but he doesn't have the experience that Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer had. On that basis, I will walk away with the victory on Feb. 14."

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:

"Carlos Linares is very tough and strong. I know him very well. Though I have a lot of experience, I have to be very careful and cautious when the bell rings. Right now, I'm focused on the opponent I will have in front of me this Friday. After that, we'll see what opportunities we have. Who knows? Maybe I fight in May or June? Boxing is like that. You never know."

CARLOS MORALES, Lightweight Contender:

"This is the most important fight of my career. Linares is a veteran fighter with a lot of experience. He has everything in his toolbox. He was a three-time division world champion and five-time world champion, so I know I have to come at my very best."

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy "Never Stop. Never Settle." The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT). 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and

DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and 

https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GarciaFonseca.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN/Photo Courtesy of: Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions Used with permission.

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

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

Garcia-Fonseca Preview

In November of last year, the Boxing world focused on the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez' attempt to win a World Light-Heavyweight championship from WBO world champion and longtime division cornerstone Sergey Kovalev. Although that was the fight that drew the bulk of the audience, what occurred on the undercard provided a glimpse of Boxing’s next potential marquee draw. Undefeated fast rising Lightweight contender Ryan Garcia.

Garcia, entered the ring on that November evening unbeaten in eighteen professional bouts having scored knockouts in fifteen of those fights having registered a career knockout percentage of over 80%. Much like other prospects throughout the sport that are able to compile a similar resume, questions are naturally asked of the young fighter. The most frequent among them is who will be able to provide the fighter with a test and how will that fighter respond to being tested. For many, including this observer, there was a strong belief that the text for Garcia would come on that November evening where he faced dangerous power punching contender Romero Duno.

Duno had the credentials to give Garcia a test in the eyes of many. Duno entered the fight having won twenty-one of his twenty-two professional fights and had scored sixteen knockouts in those twenty-one wins. What appeared to be a fight that would be a test for Garcia on paper did not materialize in the ring as Garcia used his hand speed and punching power to overwhelm Duno in scoring a first round knockout. When knockouts occur in the fashion as Garcia’s knockout of Duno did, it often serves as the moment where a young prospect transitions to a contender. A statement making performance that turns heads and creates buzz among both fans and Boxing experts alike.

The question of who can provide the twenty-one year old Garcia a test however, remains. Although it is not necessarily uncommon to see a fighter off of a knockout like Garcia scored last November put into a world title fight in their next outing, Garcia will instead step into the ring on Friday night against another top contender as he will face former world title challenger Francisco Fonseca at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

This is a fight that has an element of youth versus experience. Although Francisco Fonseca is only twenty-five years old, as a fighter he has more experience against world-class opposition than does Ryan Garcia. Fonseca will enter the fight with a record of 25-2-2, with 19 Knockouts and has fought for a world championship twice in his career. Although he is likely most known to some fans for having come up short in those two fights against Gervonta Davis and      Tevin Farmer, Fonseca is a skilled fighter who could pose some difficulty for Garcia if he is allowed to get into the fight. In his last bout in November of last year Fonseca fought to a twelve round draw against Alex Dilmaghani in London, England.

In thinking of how this fight could go, this observer studied footage of both fighters in their recent fights. During the course of these film study sessions, it became clear in my eyes that the challenge for Fonseca will be can he time Garcia’s hand speed. In his last fight against Alex Dilmaghani, Fonseca was more than willing to engage on the inside. What stood out to me was how he was susceptible to being hit with both right hands to the head as well as body punches.

Even though these instances did not prove to negatively impact Fonseca in that fight, I felt that this could prove to be dangerous if he is not defensively sound against Ryan Garcia because Garcia has quicker hands than does Dilmaghani. It was also notable that whenever Fonseca would guard his body from offense in that fight, he left his head open and a fighter with quick hands like Garcia will be able to take advantage of that should the opportunity present itself. So how does Francisco Fonseca find a way to be successful in this fight?

In the simplest terms, the old Boxing adage is that there is only one way to negate speed and that would be timing. Fonseca must play the role of counter puncher in this fight and must make Garcia take the initiative and pressing the action. If Fonseca takes a similar approach as he did against Alex Dilmaghani in this fight, I do not see a way he can be successful. He must use his experience to his advantage.

It is also important to keep in mind that Ryan Garcia has yet to be pushed into the deep waters of the middle and late rounds of the fight on the world-class level and it would be logical to expect that Fonseca’s strategy might involve pushing the fight into the middle and late rounds. He will not be able to that however, if he leaves himself open as he did against Dilmaghani in his last fight.

For Ryan Garcia, if he can keep the fight at distance where he can control the tempo of the combat and not allow Fonseca to get on the inside and not leave openings for Fonseca to counter, he will likely be successful in this fight. It is important to remember however, in Boxing and all of combat sports anything can happen at any given time as Yours truly has often said over the years.

Although one might assume that if Ryan Garcia is successful in this fight against Francisco Fonseca on Friday night that we could be seeing him in a world title fight in his next bout, Garcia must take care of business first before any potential challenges at a world championship are discussed. If he is not focused, it just may present the perfect opportunity for a top contender to springboard himself back into the world title picture.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Garcia vs. Fonseca takes place on Friday, February 14th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen on digital sports subscription streaming network DAZN beginning at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT (U.S. Time) in the United States and several international countries.  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. Check your local listings internationally.

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

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

Steve Gago set for WBC Australasia Title Challenge In Perth March 6

Press Release February 10, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Multi time regional title holder Steve Gago will challenge for the WBC Australasia title against current WBC Asia Pacific Champion Gesiler AP on March 6 in Metro City, Perth.  

Credit:Dragon Fire Boxing 

Gago, who was unlucky to miss out against Kazak amateur standout and now an undefeated pro, Nursultan Zhangabayev in his last outing, in a fight that many observers saw the Perth native winning. Gago now looks to make his way up the world rankings with the WBC, as he challenges their current Asia Pacific champion on the latest edition of the Thunderdome Series. 

Gago opened up about his WBC title opportunity, “Firstly I have to thank my manager Tony Tolj for making this a possibility. To get me back into title action in this way is amazing and I’m very grateful for everything Tony has done for me. 

“When you’re a kid growing up in boxing you dream of being a WBC Champion. You look at legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr and other greats and you dream of being like them and winning the titles they did So I’m excited to fight for a WBC belt and hopefully begin to climb the ladder towards fighting for a WBC world title someday. 

"I've been training really hard since my last fight because opportunities like this come around so when they do I know I’m ready. I'm still improving as a fighter and that is getting me to where I need to be in my career and that is at title level."

Gago has impressed in recent months, having won the IBF Pan-Pacific title at the IBF convention last year in Macau. The Western Australian native discussed his plans moving forward and his success so far as a pro.

He said, "I've been really blessed to get some great opportunities so far in the professional game so thank you to my manager Tony Tolj for making that happen. 

"I really enjoyed winning the IBF title at the convention in Macau. Those are great memories that fighters take from their careers, and I believe there are many more nights like that to come in my career.

"I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity by the WBC to fight for one of their titles, so I just want to continue to progress up the world ratings and hopefully one day get a world title fight.”

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. 

Brook KO’s DeLuca In 7

Former IBF World Welterweight champion Kell Brook scored an impressive seventh round knockout over veteran Mark DeLuca on Saturday night at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. Brook, who was returning to the ring following a fourteen month layoff appeared a bit wary in the first two rounds and did not let his hands go consistently. This would change however, in round three where he dropped DeLuca with a short combination to the head. Despite appearing to be at a disadvantage in terms of hand speed and appearing to have suffered a broken nose, DeLuca was able to get up and the fight continued.

Although he was knocked down, DeLuca was more than willing to engage with Brook and did manage to have sporadic success throughout landing right hands to the head and consistently attempting to go to Brook’s body.The hand speed of Brook would show itself again toward the end of the fourth round when a barrage of punches seemed to have DeLuca in trouble and on the ropes, but he was able to survive the round. 

As the fight progressed, Brook continued to administer punishment on DeLuca landing punches with both hands to the head and body. DeLuca remained very “Game” and never stopped trying to return offense. The end would however, come in round seven when Brook connected with a short left hook to the head that sent DeLuca down for the second time. With the effects of the punishment he had sustained throughout the fight clearly evident, the valiant DeLuca was unable to beat the count of ten and that concluded matters at 1:15 of round seven. Kell Brook advances to 39-2, with 27 Knockouts. Mark DeLuca falls to 24-2, with 14 Knockouts.

In an IBF Featherweight elimination bout, former world title challenger Kid Galahad scored a one-sided ninth round stoppage over former IBO World Featherweight champion Claudio Marrero. Galahad used effective angles and combination punching to prevent Marrero from finding a consistent rhythm throughout the fight. Although there were points throughout where both fighters were warned for what appeared to be roughhousing on the inside, Galahad never relinquished control of the fight and after nine rounds of accumulated punishment, Marrero’s corner informed Referee Howard Foster that they were pulling their fighter out of the fight to prevent him from further punishment. Kid Galahad advances to 27-1, with 16 Knockouts. Claudio Marrero falls to 24-4, with 17 Knockouts.

Undefeated Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson scored a ninth round stoppage of Stewart Burt in a British and Commonwealth elimination bout. Anthony Tomlinson advances to 12-0, with 7 Knockouts. Stewart Burt falls to 13-2-1, with 1 Knockout.

In a battle for the unified Women’s IBO/WBC Jr. Lightweight world championship, undefeated IBO world champion Terri Harper successfully unified her crown by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over longtime WBC champion Eva Wahlstrom Harper’s hand speed and lateral movement proved to be too much for Wahlstrom as she was able to out box and outwork the WBC champion over the ten round bout. The highlight of the fight came in the seventh round when Harper was able to score a knockdown of Wahlstrom with what appeared to be a body shot on her way to winning the fight on all three official scorecards. Terri Harper advances to 10-0, with 5 Knockouts. Eva Wahlstrom falls to 22-2, with 3 Knockouts.

Jr. Lightweight Martin Ward scored a dominant ten round decision over Jesus Amparan. The fight was dominated by Ward’s lateral movement and combination punching. Ward scored two knockdowns in the fight, the first from a right hook to the body in round seven, which was followed by another right hook body shot in the tenth and final round to seal the victory. Martin Ward advances to 24-1-2, with 11 Knockouts. Jesus Amparan falls to 16-2, with 14 Knockouts.

Also in the Jr. Lightweight division, unbeaten prospect Donte Dixon scored a fourth round stoppage of Eduardo Valverde. Donte Dixon advances to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. Eduardo Valverde falls to 2-3-1, with 1 Knockout.

Heavyweight veteran Dave Allen scored a second round knockout of journeyman Dorian Darch. After an uneventful first round where Allen spent most of it standing with his arms at his sides, he exploded in the second round dropping Darch with a left hook to the head followed by several body shots. This was followed by a follow-up barrage that sent Darch down for a second time. Darch sat on the canvas for a few seconds before choosing to lay back and allow himself to be counted out at :53 of round two. Dave Allen advances to 18-5-2, with 15 Knockouts. Dorian Darch falls to 12-12-1, with 1 Knockout. 

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight John Docherty scored a first round knockout over late substitute Pablo Mendoza. The tall and rangy Docherty dropped Mendoza with a flush left hook to the head at the end of the first round. Mendoza, who was substituting for original opponent Stanislav Eschner, staggered to his feet and stumbled into a corner pad prompting Referee Howard Foster to stop the fight immediately after the bell rang to end round one. John Docherty advances to 8-0, with 6 Knockouts. Pablo Mendoza falls to 9-4, with 9 Knockouts.

Undefeated Cruiserweight Callum Beardow opened the card scoring a four round decision over Pawel  Martyniuk. Callum Beardow advances to 2-0, with 0 Knockouts. Pawel  Martyniuk falls to 1-4, with 1 Knockout. 

Three storylines emerged coming out of this card that will likely continue to be topics as 2020 continues. First among those storylines is the re-emergence of Kell Brook, who now as a 154lb. Jr. Middleweight could find himself in some intriguing bouts. Perhaps the most interesting possibility for the moment for Brook could be an encounter with former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Liam Smith, which would likely be a marquee draw in England where both fighters are based. 

Similarly, the story of the unified Women’s IBO/WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Terri Harper could likely see a move up to the 135lb. Lightweight division where a fight with current undisputed world champion Katie Taylor. In the expanding world of Women’s Boxing a fight between Taylor and Harper is not just one of the best fights that could be made between two of the top fighters in the United Kingdom, but in the sport currently.

For Kid Galahad, his victory over Claudio Marrero puts him back in position to challenge for s world championship. In his previous attempt at a world title, Galahad lost a twelve round split decision to undefeated IBF world champion Josh Warrington in June of last year, the lone loss in Galahad’s career. With Galahad once again the number one contender for the IBF crown, it creates the possibility of a rematch of what was a highly competitive fight. 

Although what takes place inside the ring ultimately draws the most interest, there are times where the stories that follow the fighters themselves and the possible lead up to fights that could be made can be just as intriguing. The three stories that surround these fighters are no exception.

“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

Thoughts On The Recent Bouts Of Yordenis Ugas And Austin Trout

Initially, the main story for the sport of Boxing heading into Super Bowl 54 weekend was the scheduled WBC Jr. Welterweight world championship bout between champion Jose Ramirez and former world champion Viktor Postol. In a rare circumstance, the bout between the two, which was scheduled to take place on February 1st in China was not cancelled or postponed due to an injury or illness to either fighter, but the cancellation instead came as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic that has severely impacted the country and has subsequently caused significant concern and precautions around the world.

As regular readers of The Boxing Truth®️ know, there was another bout that took place on that evening that perhaps because of the Ramirez-Postol cancellation received more recognition. This observer is referred to the Welterweight encounter between former world title challenger Yordenis Ugas and Mike Dallas Jr. that took place in Biloxi, MS.

In previewing this fight, I stated that the question going in was what version of Mike Dallas would show up. Dallas, a world-class fighter had perhaps been more known for his setbacks than his successes. Since returning to the ring in November 2013 following a two year layoff after suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Lucas Matthysse in January 2013, Dallas had gone unbeaten in five bouts.

The thing that many find appealing about the sport of Boxing as this observer has said many times, is that it is a sport of opportunity and sometimes all it takes is for a fighter to build momentum in order to gain opportunity. Nevertheless, I did wonder in the days leading up to the fight whether this was an opportunity that Dallas would be ready for. Despite the momentum he was able to build, Ugas had been in against a higher level of competition going into this encounter and it was reasonable to ask if Dallas would be ready for a step up.

This bout can be summed up by simply describing the pattern of the combat. From the opening bell, Ugas applied pressure on Dallas. Although Dallas was willing to engage and exchange with Ugas, he could not land anything to discourage Ugas from coming forward and could not break the pattern of being consistently pushed back. Ugas’ greater activity and heavier blows ultimately convinced Dallas’ corner to stop the fight after the seventh round. 

The twenty-fifth victory of Ugas’ career was an impressive one and one frankly that if you’re involved with a fighter who recently fought for a world championship would want to see. Although this performance could best be called workmanlike for Ugas, It will allow him to maintain his position as a top contender in the 147lb. Welterweight division.

Another fighter who saw action on February 1st was longtime Jr. Middleweight contender Austin Trout. Trout, who is best known for his time holding Interim/regular champion status In the World Boxing Association (WBA) Jr. Middleweight ratings where his biggest win came in defending that designation with a unanimous decision victory over future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in December 2012, last fought in May of last year earning a ten round split decision draw against Terrell Gausha. 

After spending the bulk of his career competing in the Jr. Middleweight division, Trout returned to the ring in Ruidoso, NM, but as a Welterweight where he faced largely unknown veteran Rosbel Montoya.  Although Trout has failed to successfully go from top contender to world champion in his career, most knowledgeable Boxing aficionados would agree he is an elite level fighter who has held his own against some of the best fighters of his era. 

This fight was more of an evaluation type of fight for Trout. What I mean by this for the reader is that even though Trout weighed in slightly above the 147lb. Welterweight limit for this bout, he was testing the waters in a new weight class and in terms of his opposition, Rosbel Montoya could be described by some as a “Journeyman “ entertaining the fight with a record of 17-9-1, with 13 Knockouts. The gleaming statistic of Montoya’s record was that of those nine losses, he had been stopped in eight of those nine fights.

While some may criticize the selection of a fighter with such a record as an opponent for a fighter of Trout’s caliber, fighters like Montoya do serve a purpose of evaluation for fighters at different stages whether they be young prospects on their way up the ranks or, in this case, a world-class boxer looking to test the waters in a new division. It also goes without saying that there are times where fighters with the type of record as the one Montoya brought into the ring with him turn out to be tougher opponents than their records would indicate. 

In this case, it was clear from the opening bell that Montoya was overmatched as Trout scored a knockdown of him in the first round and following a consistent attack to Montoya’s body scored a second knockdown in round two forcing a stoppage of the fight. At the end of the day, this is what one should have been expected to see of a fighter of Austin Trout’s pedigree against a “Game “, but ultimately overmatched fighter. The question is what comes next?

Although this bout did not take place under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner, Trout is still managed by Al Haymon, the primary backer of the PBC. Yordenis Ugas also currently competes under the PBC banner. In thinking of potential options for both fighters, this observer feels it’s logical that Ugas and Trout be potential opponents for each other.

For Yordenis Ugas, a fight against Trout could provide him with another opportunity at a world championship should he be able to score a win against a notable opponent of Trout’s caliber. Now having gotten his feet wet in the 147lb. Welterweight division, a fighter against a top contender like Ugas obviously would provide Trout with an opportunity to launch himself into the discussion of potential world title challengers in the division if he were to defeat Ugas.

Although the current business landscape of the sport has an emphasis on exclusivity both in regard to fighters being under exclusive contracts with promoters and those promoters having exclusive contracts with television networks across both traditional and digital streaming platforms has led to some justifiable criticism regarding some fights not being made that are in public demand, this is one instance where the roadblocks that are present in the sport that prevent fights from taking place are not there. Here you have two fighters in the same weight class and fighting under the same promotional banner. 

As the landscape for the moment continues to emphasize exclusivity where some promoters and networks remain reluctant to work together to put on marquee fights on a consistent basis, it falls on the promoters to focus their efforts on making the best fights that could be made under the current business landscape of the sport of Boxing. Why not this one?

“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

Kylie Hutt Signs With Tony Tolj And Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: February 7, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Current Australian Welterweight Champion Kylie Hutt has signed in with Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing as she looks to become a two weight Australian champion.  

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The Western Australian now joins a host of talent that includes world standouts Andrew and Jason Moloney, Billel Dib, Bruno Tarimo, Jackson England, Steve Gago, Andres Campos and more top names. 

Hutt opened up about signing with Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing. She said, “I am absolutely delighted to have signed with Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing and I believe this is a move that will take my career to new levels. 

“I’ve already been national champion and I want to do it again at a new weight and believe I can do it again. However, I want to go beyond that and see how far I can go and fight some girls from all over the world. I know having Tony and Dragon Fire Boxing in my corner is what I need in order to make that a possibility.”

Hutt currently holds the welterweight title, beating Sarah Dwyer back in 2018 but for the gold. Now campaigning at 140, the ‘Ice Queen’ discussed her plans to become a two weight champion. 

Hutt said, “I’m looking to become a national champion again but I am in good hands with The Big Boss man Tony and will leave him to make the decisions in my career going forward. 

“I’m hoping we can lock in a title fight for May time, and then work towards more. I’m not in this business for easy fights I’m in this business for real fights and I believe that I will put some butts in seats come fight time and in the future.

“Fight fans in Australia want to see hard hitting action and that’s what I want to bring to the table in meaningful fights so I’m eager to get the ball rolling again and I’m excited to get become a champion once more.”

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. 

Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material discussing some of the Boxing action that took place on February 1st is in the works and will be released here on the website on Friday, February 7th during the evening hours. Stay tuned. "And That's The Boxing Truth."

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

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GONE IN 50 SECONDS. RAYNEL MEDEROS KOS HURTADO

Press Release: February 3, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Last Friday newly signed Dragon Fire Boxing prospect, King Raynel Mederos improved his pro record to 3-0 with a devastating body shot. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The Cuban amateur boxing standout Mederos dismantled Bolivian Carlos Ever Rocha HURTADO 4-4 inside 50 seconds in the opening stanza

One of the featured headline fights at the Club Mexico Stadium in Santiago Chile.

The event was the first of the newly launched Dragon Fire Latino promotional company by Chiles Nico "Maverick" Martinez.

Martinez opened about Dragon Fire Boxing Latino, "This will be a busy year for Dragon Fire Boxing Latino and Chilean boxing. Firstly its an honor to partner with Australias Tony Tolj. We are determined to give our boxers the best opportunities in Chile and build the next generation of boxers, our marquee stars are WBA Fedebol Champion Andres Campos, Ramon Mascareña and Raynel Mederos are boxers who will be the future and its an honor to see these Super human warriors go to the next level"

Mederos opened up about his fight, "Firstly I want to thank God, my manager The Big Bossman Tony Tolj, My promoter "The Maverick" Nico Martinez. I put in the work in the gym and the results came, I have an amazing team around me and I know thats what it takes to go to the next level. I'm looking forward to having a massive year.

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

 For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing Follow Dragon Fire Boxing on Facebook facebook.com/dragonfireboxing, and on Instagram @dragonfire_boxing

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

Andrade Stops Keeler In 9/ Full Miami Fight Night Results

Undefeated WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade scored a dominant ninth round stoppage of WBO number three Middleweight contender Luke Keeler on Thursday night at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, FL. Andrade, who was making his third defense of his WBO crown dropped Keeler with a short overhand left to the chin shortly after the bell rang to begin the fight. Keeler was able to get up, but it did not take long for the difference in hand speed and overall skill to become apparent. The champion would score a second knockdown of Keeler in the second round with a flush left hook to the jaw.

Keeler was able to survive the round, and to his credit was able to find his footing and get into the fight. The challenger was unable to find a way to turn the momentum in his favor. As the fight progressed, it appeared for a time that Andrade may have been content to box his way to a convincing unanimous decision victory, but in round nine the champion would bring an end to the fight as he connected with several unanswered punches in the closing seconds of the round to force Referee Telis Assimenios to stop the fight at 2:59 of the round. Demetrius Andrade advances to 29-0, with 18 Knockouts. Luke Keeler falls to 17-3-1, with 5 Knockouts.

In a battle for the IBF Jr. Lightweight world championship, longtime contender Joseph Diaz scored a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision over defending champion Tevin Farmer to win the world championship. The majority of this fight was fought in close where both fighters were willing to engage with each other. Farmer appeared to injure his right hand in round one, but it was unclear to this observer as to how the injury occurred. A central part of the story of this fight however, did occur in the second round when Diaz suffered a deep gash over his left eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Although the gash appeared severe enough that the fight could have been stopped at any time, Diaz’ corner did an excellent job in managing the damage to the wound and the gash was not a factor for the remainder of the fight.

Many of the rounds in this fight were difficult to score simply because the combat was fought in close and both fighters had periods of effectiveness throughout.Diaz’ greater activity particularly over the second half of the fight in being able to outwork Farmer was ultimately what took him to victory as all the judges turned in scores of 115-113 (On two scorecards), and 116-112 in his favor making him the new champion. Joseph Diaz advances to 31-1, with 15 Knockouts. Tevin Farmer falls to 30-5-1, with 6 Knockouts.

In a battle for the unified WBA/IBF Jr. Featherweight world championship undefeated contender Murodjon Akhmadaliev scored a hard-fought twelve round split decision over defending champion Daniel Roman to win the championship. Akhmadaliev was consistently the aggressor throughout the fight and landed the cleaner punches. Although the fight was not easy to score due to both fighters having periods of success, Akhmadaliev’s consistent pressure, greater activity, and ability to immediately return offense whenever Roman would have success ultimately proved to be the difference as two official judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Akhmadaliev, while the third judge had the same score in favor of Roman in what was a highly competitive and entertaining bout to watch. Murodjon Akhmadaliev advances to 8-0, with 6 Knockouts. Daniel Roman falls to 27-3-1, with 10 Knockouts.

Super-Middleweight Alexis Angulo scored an upset in scoring a ten round split decision over previously undefeated highly touted prospect Anthony Sims Jr. Sims executed effective lateral movement throughout the fight, but was not aggressive in a largely uneventful fight. Despite being deducted a point in round five for holding and hitting in a clear sign of frustration, Angulo’s overall willingness to engage and press the action was enough to earn the nod of two official judges who scored the fight 96-93 each in his favor while the third judge felt Sims had done enough to win in scoring the fight 95-94 in his favor. Alexis Angulo advances to 26-1, with 22 Knockouts. Anthony Sims Jr. falls to 20-1, with 18 Knockouts.

In a Lightweight bout undefeated prospect Otha Jones remained undefeated with a second round stoppage of Juan Santiago. Otha Jones advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Juan Santiago falls to 16-18-2, with 9 Knockouts.

In the Women’s Lightweight division WBO Featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano scored a third round stoppage over Simone Da Silva. Amanda Serrano advances to 38-1-1, with 28 Knockouts. Simone Da Silva falls to 17-15, with 6 Knockouts. 

Undefeated Lightweight Movladdin Biyarslanov remained unbeaten in scoring a first round knockout over Nicolas Velazquez. Movladdin Biyarslanov advances to 6-0, with 5 Knockouts. Nicolas Velazquez falls to 11-8, with 3 Knockouts.

In a Cruiserweight bout between two YouTube stars making their respective professional Boxing debuts Jake Paul scored a first round knockout over Ali Eson Gib. Gib fought out of an unorthodox crouching style from the opening bell an frankly did not look like a fighter who should be competing in the 190lb. Cruiserweight division based on how small he appeared in the midst of combat. Whether this was due to his unorthodox approach proved to be a mute point in that he really could not provide much resistance for Paul. Paul landed what appeared to be a short left hook early in round one that dropped Gib. A barrage of punches sent Gib down for a second time. Paul was able to close the show in dropping Gib for a third and final time with a flush right hand forcing Referee Chris Young to stop the fight at 2:18 of round one. Jake Paul advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Ali Eson Gib falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts. 

Following the fight there was a near physical altercation between Paul and Olajide Olattunji, better known as KSI, who defeated Paul’s older brother Logan in November of last year by six round split decision. The exchange between the two YouTube stars full of explicit language from both men was finally broken up before the situation could escalate into a physical brawl.

Undefeated Super-Middleweight prospect Alexis Espino scored an impressive third round stoppage of Vincent Baccus. A flush left hook to the jaw dropped Baccus in round three and Espino was able to close the show with a follow up barrage as the fight was stopped by Referee Samuel Burgos at 1:49 of the round. Alexis Espino advances to 5-0, with 4 Knockouts. Vincent Baccus falls to 4-2-1, with 3 Knockouts. 

In a Middleweight bout undefeated prospect Austin Williams scored a fourth round stoppage of Donald Sanchez. Williams consistently forced Sanchez backward and found success in landing his left hand. It was an overhand left that would drop Sanchez in round two. An accumulation of punishment highlighted by several body punches eventually set Sanchez up for a straight left hand that sent him down for the second time prompting Referee Telis Assimenios to stop the fight at 2:51 of round four. Austin Williams advances to 5-0, with 4 Knockouts. Donald Sanchez falls to 5-3, with 3 Knockouts.

In a Women’s Bantamweight division bout that kicked off the evening, undefeated prospect Avril Mathie scored a fourth round stoppage of Angelina Hoffschneider. Avril Mathie advances to 4-0-1, with 2 Knockouts. Angelina Hoffschneider falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts.

This card, which was the first for promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing United States promotional branch as well as digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN’s first time presenting a Boxing card in the state of Florida, had a little of everything. From prospects at the early stages in their respective careers, to contenders winning world championships, to some fighters thought to be mere opponents pulling off upsets, to YouTube stars bringing their influence into the sport of Boxing, to finally a world champion showcasing his dominance in the hope of securing a lucrative opportunity against another star in the Middleweight division. “Miami Fight Night “ had a little bit of everything for just about any level of Boxing fan.

As the focus remains on Demetrius Andrade as he looks for potential unification bouts against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin, this card should be viewed as a success for both Matchroom and DAZN. As both continue to establish themselves in the United States by not only putting on competitive Boxing cards, but also staging events in cities and states that are not thought to be traditional Boxing destinations while also staging cards in major cities like New York City and Las Vegas as well as internationally, this observer as a native New Yorker and longtime resident of Florida hopes that the Florida Boxing scene will be able to benefit from the exposure that DAZN and promoters like Eddie Hearn can bring to the state by staging more events in “The Sunshine State.” A state that has always had a dedicated fan base for the sport and is home to many fighters is long overdue for valuable exposure on a consistent basis that television networks can bring that would only help continue the growth of Boxing in the long-term.

“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

Francis Chua Re-signs With Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: January 30, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – All action Lightweight Francis Chua has re-signed with Australian boxing chief Tony Tolj as he looks to continue his progression in the professional ranks in what is already shaping up to be an exciting 2020.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

Chua holds a victory over highly rated Kye Mackenzie, who was WBO #2 at the time and has competed for WBA regional honors in the pro ranks despite being under ten fights in. 

Chua discussed his career progression so far. He said, “I’m very grateful to how my career has gone so far and I have to thank all of my team and especially to the Big Bossman Tony Tolj who has guided me in the right way at the early stages of my career. 

“The early parts of your career are crucial to building towards a successful career. If you get the early parts wrong it can ruin you for good. Fortunately, Tony has guided me very well and got me some good opportunities so far. I know if I keep working hard I’ll get more and more opportunities going forward like all of Tony’s fighters do. I loved fighting in front of 40,000 when I took on WBO #2 Kye Mackenzie on the Mundine Horn undercard, everyone thought we were crazy but our team had belief. It was Australian boxings upset of the year. At Onyx it’s a team atmosphere, and our team is doing great.

“I’ve enjoyed my first couple of years as a pro. I feel I am improving all the time and becoming a more well-rounded fighter. I’m excited for the future with Dragon Fire Boxing.” 

Chua has been a part of two great clashes with highly rated Kye Mackenzie, and the Western Australian native opened up about the possibilities of a trilogy. 

Chua said, “I’d love to clean out the domestic division and do a trilogy and I believe it’s a fight that will happen at some point. Kye is a quality fighter and I respect him a lot, but I believe and most fans thought I won the rematch but I didn’t get the decision and we move forward & if we do a trilogy I will emerge victoriously. 

“If the Mackenzie fight doesn’t happen however, it’s not the end of the world. I’ve got plenty of options and I’m grateful to my management for getting me those opportunities when they come. I would also love to take on IBF & WBO #11 Jacob Ng who is a great fighter and both our teams and discuss that fight on numerous occasions but it was a fight truly worthy on a big show.

“There is always the Thunderdome events in Perth and I want to continue to build my experience and look to win titles by taking on the best. That is what I really want going forward and I know that if I stay solid in the gym, I will get there when the time is right. All I want to do is make my family, friends and country proud, The Removalist is here to take out all the lightweights!!”

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.