The Boxing Truth®

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

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."

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

Monday, February 3, 2020

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

Friday, January 31, 2020

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.”

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

Thursday, January 30, 2020

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.

Miami Fight Night Weights

Press Release: By DAZN – MIAMI, Jan. 29, 2020 – A day ahead of the highly-anticipated Miami Fight Night featuring undefeated middleweight star Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defending his WBO World Middleweight championship against contender Luke Keeler(17-2-1, 5 KOs), the fighters tipped the scales before entering the ring at the Meridian at Island Gardens on Thursday night – live on DAZN.

Credit: Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing USA

In the co-main event, the grudge match between YouTube stars Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and “7-Figure Gibber” AnEsonGib will finally play out in the ring, Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) will look to defend his IBF world super featherweight title for the fifth time when he faces JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs) and unified world super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defends his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs).

Tune-in to Countdown to Jake Paul vs. Gib at 8 p.m. ET on DAZN’s YouTube to see all the stars and special guest interviews leading up to the fight – hosted by Kyle Brandt, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Logan Paul, and Devin Haney. DAZN coverage of the main-card will start at 9 p.m. ET, with the co-main event beginning roughly at 10:30 p.m. ET.

12-Round WBO Middleweight Title Bout @160 lbs.

Demetrius Andrade: 159.6 lbs.

Luke Keeler: 159.4 lbs

6-Round Cruiserweight Bout @ 193 lbs.

Jake Paul: 191.8 lbs.

AnEsonGib: 188 lbs.

12-Round IBF Super Featherweight Title Bout @ 130 lbs.

Tevin Farmer: 130 lbs.

JoJo Diaz: 129.8 lbs.

12-Round WBA & IBF Super Bantamweight Title Bout @ 122 lbs.

Daniel Roman: 121.6 lbs.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev: 121.4 lbs.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming service. Since launching in 2016, DAZN has expanded to nine countries across four continents with its app available for download in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan and Brazil. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The service features big fights from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas, all for one affordable price, on any device – including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN also features The Pat McAfee Show, live MLB action each day of the season with its daily show ChangeUp and a growing number of projects from DAZN Originals.

Material Courtesy of DAZN/ Photo Courtesy of: Ed Mulholland Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

Miami Fight Night: Andrade vs. Keeler takes place Tonight (Thursday, January 30^th) at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, FL. The card can be seen in the United States and several international countries on digital sports subscription streaming network DAZN beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT.

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Miami Fight Night Final Presser Quotes

Press Release By DAZN – MIAMI, Jan. 28, 2020 – Two days before the highly-anticipated Miami Fight Night featuring undefeated middleweight star Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defending his WBO World Middleweight championship against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs), the fighters took the stage to discuss their preparations and predictions heading into the fight.

Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Final Press Conference Quotes

Demetrius Andrade, WBO Middleweight World Champion

“Luke, I am your father! Miami! Let’s get jiggy with it. It’s an honor to be here on this card with these guys. Kicking off Super Bowl weekend with a bang on DAZN. Luke Keeler, just like everyone else. They have the game plan, they say they can beat me and then they can’t. I had a great camp, spent a lot of time down here in Miami training. It’s my second home. Let’s put on a show. And remember Luke, I am your father.”

Luke Keeler, Middleweight Contender

“Thanks everyone for coming and making this fight happen. There’s a tale of two halves with my career. People think this is an easy touch for Andrade. He stepped up to middleweight and he hasn’t been performing. He hasn’t showed me how great he is like he said he is. I labeled him delusional and I think it got under his skin. I am 32 but I am fresh. I think his pro career has slowed him down. He’s not entertaining, he’s struggling. He talks like he is the greatest but he isn’t. I am going to take that belt back to Ireland.”

Jake Paul

“I am an entrepreneur at the end of the day. I have a baker’s dozen in the influencer space which I take a percentage from. I have over a hundred people using my merch company. I’m off the YouTube stuff. I am good.

“There are a lot of lies being told from their side. Two days from now, you will see the work that I put in.

“I wrote a book called ‘You Gotta Want It.’ It was top 10 on Amazon. I wanted to be a Navy Seal before I moved to LA to pursue acting and stuff. We can chop it up any single way but I am going to win on Thursday night. I think it’s only going three rounds. Shane thinks that and so do I. This is boxing, we aren’t measuring hearts though so I don’t care how big his heart is.

“I am here to avenge the Paul name. After I beat Gib, again he’s a stepping stone, I am going to fight KSI. After that, who knows? I love this sport. I don’t do anything I don’t love to do. So I will see what the future holds. I will beat Gib and then fight KSI next.”

AnEsonGib

“Training camp is done and I have been pushed to the limit. I am ready to get in there on Thursday. I think his aim is to say that he is more technical. Sure, he is more technically sound. But I am going in there on my rough house shit and I am going to beat him.

“I think he has tried to select opponents before and this isn’t what he wanted. It’s going to be a rough night for him. I finessed my way into this fight. I have nothing to lose. I want it really f**king bad. He has everything to lose on Thursday.”

Shane Mosley (Jake Paul’s Trainer)

“Jake has put the work in. He hasn’t just come to me randomly, it was that we were friends. I’ve known him a few years. I wanted to train him and show him the ropes. He can put in the work. He really loves the sport of boxing. The people he works with – they are all impressed by him and his talent in the ring.

“These guys have the desire. I won’t train anyone who doesn’t put in 100%. He does that every single day. He’s working harder than a lot of professional fighters that I know. He has definitely put the work in. He is strong, he is fast and he is ready to go.

“The toughness shows in sparring. I put him to the test. I didn’t make it easy for him during camp. He has no quit. I put him against guys at 154. Boxing is entertainment and this brings a lot of fans and followers to the sport. It’s great for the fight game. It will only grow the sport.”

Viddal Riley (AnEsonGib’s Trainer)

“We are looking to repeat history again. IT was great to come out on the winning side of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight. We broke down barriers. We came out victorious. We will do it again.

“Gib is not the best boxer in the world. But neither was Marcos Maidana. I can compare Gib to him because he has that rough element to him. He is tougher than a typical YouTube guy. I have hit him hard on purpose and he has taken those shots. I don’t think Jake can hurt him.

“Gib fights unorthodox. It’s dangerous for his opponent because he can’t prepare for it really.”

Tevin Farmer, IBF Super Featherweight World Champion

“I don’t have much to say. I am going to be JoJo’s ass – flat out. Thanks to Eddie, DiBella, Matchroom and DAZN. Thanks for keeping me active. This is such a huge card. There are so many stars on this card, it’s amazing to be on there with all of these guys. I feel amazing. I don’t feel dried out, my weight is great. Miami weekend is going to be crazy after I win. I wanted to fight him and gave him this opportunity. I am tired of sweeping everyone out and kicking everyone’s ass so I hope he brings it. He better bring it. I’ll probably sweep him though, but we will see on Thursday on DAZN.”

Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Super Featherweight challenger

“Thanks to Eddie Hearn, Joe and DAZN, and Golden Boy Promotions. Thank you to my whole team. I have been through a lot in my career, a lot of ups and downs. It has made me who I am today. I know Tevin Farmer is a slick boxer, I know he is tough but I am coming to take that title. I’ve talked a lot of shit, he has talked a lot of shit. We are going to back it up. This is history in the making and I am just happy to be alive and be a part of it. I know he’s making his fifth and his last defense. Tevin, I hope you are sleeping with that belt because it is going to be mine.”

Danny Roman, WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion

“Thanks to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Thompson Boxing for making this happen. I am thrilled to be on this world championship card. I am going to make this the fight of the night again. I became the unified champion last year and I am going to keep it like that.”

Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Super Bantamweight World Champion

“Thanks for supporting this event. Thanks to everyone who made this fight possible. See you January 30.”

Anthony Sims, Jr., Super Middleweight Champion

“Since we are telling stories. I got a story about Devin Haney. I was at his house, I was like, ‘This is a dope fox statue.’ Devin says, ‘I don’t have a fox statue.’ I turn around and it is gone. Now it’s up on the wall. I take a stick and tell Devin to line him up and I hit it into the pool. His dad gets home and doesn’t believe us that there was a fox in the house. He thought we were just breaking shit.

“Thank you for this opportunity. My mother is Cuban so it feels like home. Thanks for the opportunity. My Español is muy malo though. Thanks to the WBO, Matchroom and DAZN. Thanks to my UK geezers. They always say I need to fight better opposition and here it is. This is my time. Expect a funky, groovy night baby, yeah.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP DAZN North America

“Good to be back at it 2020. In 2019, DAZN was home to every single one of ESPN’s year-end boxing awards: Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Round of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Prospect of the Year.

“We look forward to delivering a stellar 2020 to our subscribers and this week’s championship tripleheader marks the deepest card of the boxing year so far.

“Demetrius Andrade looking to make a statement on a big stage and lure the division’s biggest names into career-defining matchups later this year. Tevin Farmer and JoJo Diaz competing in a can’t-miss grudge match. A guy in Danny Roman, who has been with DAZN since our U.S. launch, putting both of his belts on the line against a hungry, undefeated fighter in Akhmadaliev.

“In addition to a championship tripleheader, Thursday’s co-main event will see Jake Paul looking to avenge his brother’s loss by defeating Gib on his way to a fight with KSI.

“In terms of the interest this matchup is generating, our pre-fight show 40 DAYS has already been viewed nearly 4 million times on YouTube – and that’s a testament to the fan bases of these two individuals. They are businessmen, content creators and – for the first time on Thursday – professional fighters.

“And the only place you can watch it is on DAZN. Just download the app, sign up and enjoy. Thank you to the fighters for making the most of this opportunity, participating in a busy several days of media and creating great content on social. This is a noisy week but we feel confident that we’ll be able to cut through and draw a spectacular audience on Thursday night.”

Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA

“This is what you call a fight card. Unbelievable night of championship boxing. Three huge title fights from Miami on DAZN. We took over Super Bowl week.

“We added Amanda Serrano, seven-time champ, to the card. She is on a quest for the super bowl of women’s boxing against Katie Taylor in 2020.

“This card is so underrated. Everyone in boxing is talking about this card. The three world championship fights are all breathtaking. Danny Roman is a unified super bantamweight world champion. Murodjon Akhmadaliev is one of the most exciting young fighters. This is going to be an absolute war for the unified belts.

“Tevin Farmer is the most active world champion in the world. Period. This is first huge breakout fight. They said they were going to make this fight and here we are.

“Andrade is the best 160 pounder in the world. Everyone is saying it. Everyone comes in with a plan but they can’t even with rounds, minutes or even seconds. He has an interesting point. WBO ranked number two. If he pulls off the upset, he will go back to Ireland as a hero. He will look to topple the champion on Thursday night. It’s going to be a huge fight. And listen, if you don’t have DAZN then what on earth are you doing?”

About DAZN:

Material Courtesy of DAZN/ Photo Courtesy of Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA 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.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Clayton, Rolls, And Galle Victorious In Toronto

Undefeated Welterweight prospect Custio Clayton successfully made the first defense of his North American Boxing Association (NABA) Welterweight champion by scoring a dominant eighth round knockout over veteran Diego Ramirez on Tuesday night at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Canada. Clayton applied a systematic approach from the outset gradually walking Ramirez down, but picking his shots. The consistent theme of the fight was Clayton walking Ramirez back on the ropes, throwing short combinations and stepping back just out of range where Ramirez could not return offense. An overall accumulation of punishment highlighted by several body punches set up the eventual knockout of Ramirez as a result of a jab to the solar plexus sending Ramirez down and out along the ropes at :26 of round eight. Custio Clayton advances to 18-0, with 12 Knockouts. Diego Ramirez falls to 21-4, with 6 Knockouts.

Middleweight contender Steve Rolls scored a fourth round knockout over late substitute Gilberto Dos Santos. Rolls, who was returning to the ring for the first time since suffering s knockout loss to Gennady Golovkin in June of last year, chose to return to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division for his comeback fight. Dos Santos did not offer much resistance and it looked for a time as though Rolls could have boxed his way to a decision win if he wanted. Rolls however, would gradually increase his offensive output and had success landing uppercuts and body shots in round three. Dos Santos ultimately succumbed to a barrage of punches that sent him down in Rolls’ corner and was counted out at 2:00 of round four. Steve Rolls advances to 20-1, with 11 Knockouts. Gilberto Dos Santos falls to 16-11, with 12 Knockouts.

Also in the Middleweight division undefeated prospect Hurshidbek Normatov scored an eight round unanimous decision over Uriel Hernandez. Normatov was in control from start to finish and nearly ended the fight in round seven when he knocked Hernandez down with a body shot. Official scores were: 80-71 (On all three scorecards) in favor of Normatov. Hurshidbek Normatov advances to 9-0, with 3 Knockouts. Uriel Hernandez falls to 13-6, with 7 Knockouts.

In a battle for the Women’s Canadian Jr. Featherweight championship, undefeated contender Amanda Galle scored a dominant eight round unanimous decision over current Women’s Canadian Bantamweight champion Shelly Barnett. From the opening bell, Galle attacked Barnett with combination punching from every conceivable angle. Although Barnett was unable to time Galle’s hand speed, she never stopped coming forward, despite taking significant punishment throughout. Official scores were: 80-72 (On all three scorecards) for Galle. Despite her victory, Galle was unable to win the championship due to weighing over the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight limit. Amanda Galle advances to 4-0, with 0 Knockouts. Shelly Barnett falls to 4-3-2, with 0 Knockouts.

This card, which was the first in the popular Broadway Boxing series promoted by 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Lou DiBella, to take place in Canada served as a showcase for three fighters at similar stages in their respective careers. Whether or not Custio Clayton, Steve Rolls, and Amanda Galle all find themselves fighting for world championships in the near future remains to be seen. If each can continue to perform impressively against further competition, it may only be a question of when and not if each will be challenging for a world championship.