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.

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

Vianello, Natalizi, And Silva Victorious In Rome, Italy

2016 Italian Olympian and current undefeated Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Jay McFarlane on Friday night at at the Pala Atlantico in Rome, Italy. McFarlane’s best moment of the bout came in the opening seconds of the fight when he caught Vianello off guard with a solid overhand right to the head. From that point in the fight on however, Vianello showcased his Boxing ability keeping McFarlane at distance with his longer reach, landing combinations and using movement as well as tying McFarlane up on the inside whenever McFarlane was able to get close. Official scores were 79-73, and 80-72 (On two scorecards) for Guido Vianello. Guido Vianello advances to 10-0-1, with 9 Knockouts. Jay McFarlane falls to 13-7, with 5 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight contender Mirko Natalizi scored a sixth round stoppage of veteran Tony Dixon. Natalizi was the physically stronger fighter from the outset. In the closing seconds of round two, Natalizi dropped Dixon with a combination of punches to the head, which in part appeared to land after the bell. At the conclusion of the fifth round, Natalizi hurt Dixion with a body shot that again landed after the bell. Dixon’s corner stopped the fight shortly before the beginning of round six. Mirko Natalizi advances to 13-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tony Dixon falls to 13-4, with 4 Knockouts.

Undefeated European Women’s Jr. Bantamweight champion Stephanie Silva scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former European Flyweight champion Ewelina Pekalska. A very competitive bout throughout, the difference proved to be Silva’s compact combination and counter punching as she was able to outwork Pekalska to earn the victory in her first defense of her European championship. Official scores were 98-92, and 97-93 (On two scorecards) in favor of Silva. Stephanie Silva advances to 7-0, with 0 Knockouts. Ewelina Pekalska falls to 6-1, with 0 Knockouts.

Francesco Russos gradually broke down Francesco Sarchioto to score an eighth round stoppage to win the vacant Italian Jr. Middleweight championship. Russo put pressure on Sarchioto from the get go and even though he had trouble early with Sarchioto’s movement and combination punching, his power punches, body shots, and overhand rights took their toll. It was an overhand right that put Sarchioto down in the eighth round. Sarchioto’s corner got up on the apron of the ring following the knockdown and appeared to want the fight stopped, but the stoppage was delayed for thirty seconds while Russo continued to dish out punishment. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round eight. Francesco Russo advances to 12-2, with 10 Knockouts. Francesco Sarchioto falls to 15-2, with 5 Knockouts.

In a three round amateur bout between Italian YouTube stars, Street Gorilla scored a third round stoppage of Sim1 Workout. Sim1 appeared to control the action early, but Street Gorilla kept up the pressure even after suffering severe swelling in the second round as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Street Gorilla unleashed a barrage of punches in the third round resulting in Sim1 getting a standing eight count and being counted out on his feet when he did not respond to the referee’s instructions to raise his hands and indicate he wanted to continue.

In a rematch from November of last year in which he scored a majority decision victory, unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Armando Casamonica scored his second victory over a very “Game” Mauro Loli, this time by six round unanimous decision. Although Loli was aggressive and brought the fight to Casamonica from the opening bell, it was Casamonica that landed the cleaner, more effective punches throughout to earn the decision victory. Official scores were 58-55, 58-56, and 58-57 in favor of Casamonica. Armando Casamonica advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. Mauro LoliMauro Loli falls to 7-5, with 3 Knockouts.

In a Middleweight bout, Francesco Faraoni scored a four round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Petrovic to begin his professional career. Francesco Faraoni advances to 1-0,! With 0 Knockouts. Aleksandar Petrovic falls to 5-28-4, with 4 Knockouts

Middleweight Mario Manfredi began the evening by successfully making his professional debut by scoring a four round unanimous over previously undefeated Stefan Vlku. Mario Manfredi advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stefan Vlku falls to 2-1, with 1 Knockout.

This card, which was promoted by OPI Since 82, was the first between the long established Italian promotional company and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. In recent years, OPI Since 82 has also established a successful collaboration with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in staging several cards in association with Matchroom’s Italian promotional branch. With OPI now also working with Top Rank, the winners will be not only be the fighters in OPI’s stable, but will continue to be Boxing fans here in the United States who thanks to the collaboration with Matchroom and now also Top Rank, have increased access to the Italian Boxing scene through each promoter’s respective broadcast deals with digital subscription sports streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+. As fighters like Vianello and Mirko Natalizi to name a few continue to move up the ladder, the depth of talent coming out of Italy will continue to enjoy exposure at a level that prior to the advent of streaming has not been seen before. Something that should be seen as a benefit for the sport.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “

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

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BREAKING: Silva Cleared To Fight By AZ Commission, Paul Fight To Move Forward As Scheduled

It has been announced per the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) commission that former UFC Middleweight world champion Anderson Silva has been cleared to fight undefeated Cruiserweight and YouTube star Jake Paul on Saturday night at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ. The fight was put in doubt after Silva claimed in an interview with an MMA news outlet that he had been knocked out twice in sparring while training for the fight, which will headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View card. The claim by Silva prompted an investigation and hearing by the Arizona Boxing and MMA commission to determine whether the forty-seven year old Silva would be permitted to to compete in the bout. 

The green light from the commission ensures that barring something unforeseen, the eight round Cruiserweight bout and its full undercard can move forward as scheduled. We will keep readers updated on any potential changes as they become available. 

“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 

Paul-Silva: Another Novelty Or A Legitimate Test?

 

Ever since the influx of social media celebrities led largely by brothers Logan and Jake Paul began to enter the sport of Boxing one persistent question has continued to be asked, are they legitimate fighters or are they strictly appealing to a segment of the population for whom Boxing is a casual interest at best, a novelty? Although Jake Paul has compiled a record of 5-0, with 4 Knockouts in Boxing’s Cruiserweight division, he has yet to face someone with legitimate Boxing experience with his wins coming against a fellow social media influencer, a former NBA player, and two former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world champions, one of whom Paul fought twice. The second of those bouts against Tyron Woodley came as a result of a planned bout against unbeaten Cruiserweight prospect Tommy Fury, a boxer falling through due to Fury coming down with an illness and injury.  

 

As most know, Paul attempted to reschedule the bout with Fury to take place in the month of August in Madison Square Garden, but for the second time, Fury was unable to hold up his end to bring the fight to fruition this time due to travel restrictions preventing him from traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States for the bout. Although this should not be viewed as something of Paul’s doing, the fact that a fight against a fighter with a Boxing background fell through twice followed by replacement opponent Hasim Rahman Jr. being disqualified from the bout by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) due to difficulties cutting weight in an attempt to move down from the Heavyweight division to face Paul, criticism of Paul and questions regarding whether he should be taken seriously as a boxer remain. 

 

Following the fall through of both a second attempt to fight Tommy Fury and a planned substitution being KO’d by the NYSAC, Paul will go back to the well once again, this time against another former MMA world champion in the form of former longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight world champion and future Hall of Famer Anderson Silva. A fight that will take place on October 29th at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ and will headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View card here in the United States. On the surface, this seems like, yet another novelty bout based largely on the fact that Silva is forty-seven years old and is several years removed from his competitive prime in combat sports. 

 

The irony however, despite Silva’s Hall of Fame career in the sport of MMA is he actually began his combat sports career as a professional boxer and boasts a record of 3-1, with 2 Knockouts to his credit, which in an odd way presents something akin to what Paul would see if he took the conventional route to begin his Boxing career. Although Silva’s Boxing resume is not a long one, he did score an eight round split decision win in June of last year over former WBC Middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.  

 

Silva’s last bout in a Boxing ring was a first round knockout over fellow UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz in September of last year on the undercard of the highly controversial bout between Boxing Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield and UFC Hall of Famer Vitor Belfort. Although that entire event is something that should be viewed as a bad moment in the history of the sport for several reasons, Silva nonetheless did show that he still had punching power at an advantaged age as he quickly took Ortiz out in eighty-one seconds.  The obvious criticism of that particular fight even though Silva did produce a devastating knockout is he was facing someone in Ortiz, who did not have Boxing experience.  

 

The question that should be asked as this scheduled eight round Cruiserweight bout approaches is whether Silva still has enough in him to hopefully provide a bit of a test of the twenty-five year old Paul. While Paul has scored knockouts of MMA world champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley in his aspiring career, both of those men had wrestling backgrounds before entering the Boxing ring to face Paul. If there is a difference for this fight even though he will again be facing someone who’s primary sport is not Boxing is, at his best, Anderson Silva was a devastating fighter that could hit opponents with both his hands and feet, resulting in several brutal knockouts in his Hall of Fame career.  

 

Even though Paul has not taken the conventional route into Boxing, it should be pointed out that he is still very much a work in progress and if Silva has any semblance of his hand speed and punching power that he had during his prime years in the sport of MMA, this could prove to be a test that some including Paul himself may not expect. This observer believes that the answer to what Anderson Silva will bring into this fight will be answered very early as Silva has always been a slick fighter that looks to bait his opponents into making mistakes and attacking suddenly. Even with limited Boxing experience, Silva does hold a significant edge in overall combat sports experience compared to Jake Paul who is still a novice learning the sport. As such and keeping in mind the skills Silva has displayed both in MMA fights as well as in the Boxing ring, it is crucial that he use every bit of his experience to test Paul and make him uncomfortable. Jake Paul meanwhile has shown a solid right hand in his previous five bouts and it is logical to think that he will be looking to land what has proven to be a primary offensive weapon for him in this fight. 

 

 Although criticism will likely remain of Jake Paul as well as the concept of what has been dubbed “Influencer Boxing” regardless of the outcome of this fight, if Paul wins those advising him should say that it is time to focus on facing fighters with a primary Boxing background exclusively, if indeed he wants to be taken seriously as a boxer. For all his boasts, which like it or not does draw attention about how he wants to be taken seriously and hopes to become a world champion down the road, without focusing on facing boxers, and to be specific, fighters that will not only help him develop, but also if successful help him move up the ranks, same as any boxer attempts to do, he should not talk about facing anything resembling the top stars in the sport of Boxing, because frankly even though he has proven to be a good promoter, there will come a point where the novelty and curiosity of Paul will wear off. For the time being, it remains to be seen if Silva will be able to provide the unbeaten Paul a test. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

Paul vs. Silva takes place on Saturday, October 29th at Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ. The fight can be seen on Showtime Pay-Per-View in the United States for $59.99. The event will be available through the Showtime app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs as well as through digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. Paul vs. Silva will also be available through traditional cable/satellite providers. Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information.  

 

To order and stream on the Showtime app, download the Showtime app on your streaming device of choice or visit www.SHO.com/PPV to order and for instructions on how to download the Showtime app. 

 

To order on FITE, download the FITE app on your streaming device of choice or visit https://www.fite.tv/watch/paul-vs-silva/2pbx1/ to order and for instructions on how to download the FITE app. 

 

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

 

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