Saunders Decisions Murray In London

 

Undefeated WBO Super-Middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over longtime contender and always “Game” Martin Murray on Friday night at the Wembley Arena in London, England. Saunders frequently used angles, his hand speed, and timing to manage distance between himself and Murray. Although Murray, who was making his fifth attempt at a world championship, was able to land occasionally throughout, the strategy implemented by the champion did not allow him to get into any sort of rhythm and Saunders was able to box his way to a one-sided unanimous decision victory to successfully defend his Super-Middleweight world championship for the second time. Official scores were 120-109 (On two scorecards) and 118-110 all in favor of Billy Joe Saunders . Billy Joe Saunders advances to 30-0, with 14 Knockouts. Martin Murray falls to 39-6-1, with 17 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In what was billed as a WBA Lightweight  elimination bout, James Tennyson scored a dominant first round knockout over previously undefeated Josh O'Reilly. A barrage of punches with both hands sent O'Reilly down early in round one. O'Reilly got up on unsteady legs and seemed not to be warmed up as this fight began. Sensing he had his opponents in trouble Tennyson pressed forward and scored a second knockdown of O'Reilly with a short left hook. A follow-up barrage of punches following O'Reilly getting up for the second time forced a merciful stoppage of the fight at 2:14 of round one. James Tennyson advances to 28-3, with 24 Knockouts. Josh O'Reilly falls to 16-1, with 6 Knockouts.

 

 

In Women’s Bantamweight bout, Shannon Courtenay successfully rebounded from her loss to Rachel Ball earlier this year to score a seventh round knockout over a determined Dorota Norek. Norek immediately brought the fight to Courtenay with near reckless abandon throwing punches with both hands non-stop. While this pace continued for several rounds, Courtenay eventually started to land the harder more effective blows. Despite appearing bothered by an accidental clash of heads in round five, Courtenay continued to gradually take control of the fight and brought the bout to a sudden conclusion when she knocked Norek down with a flush right hook to the head. Although Norek was able to make it to her feet, she was out on her feet and the fight was promptly stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:35 of round seven. Shannon Courtenay advances to 6-1, with 3 Knockouts. Dorota Norek falls to 6-2, with 1 Knockout.

 

 

Undefeated Featherweight Donte Dixon remained unbeaten by scoring a six round decision over a very “Game” Angelo Dragone. Dixon’s greater activity and sharper punches allowed him to have the edge in this bout. A late barrage of punches from Dixon in the sixth and final round nearly forced Referee Robert Williams to stop the fight. It was Williams who scored the fight 58-56 in Dixon’s favor. Donte Dixon advances to 5-0, with 1 Knockout. Angelo Dragone falls to 5-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

 

In the first of two Light-Heavyweight bouts on the card, undefeated Lewis Edmondson kicked off the evening by scoring a third round stoppage over John Telford. Edmondson dropped Telford in the first round and scored a second knockdown of Telford before the fight was stopped at 2:22 of round three.  Lewis Edmondson advances to 4-0, with 1 Knockout. John Telford falls to 11-3-1, with 2 Knockouts. This was followed later in the evening by undefeated former British Light-Heavyweight champion Lerrone Richards who scored a workmanlike eight round decision over veteran Timo Laine. Frankly, this bout resembled a sparring session as for eight rounds Richards consistently pressed forward and kept Laine defensive to such degree that he went lengthy periods throughout the fight not throwing a punch. As all non-title bouts in the United Kingdom are scored by the referee, Referee Robert Williams scored the bout a shut out 80-72 for Richards. Lerrone Richards advances to 14-0, with 3 Knockouts. Timo Laine falls to 28-15, with 12 Knockouts.

 

A scheduled ten round Super-Middleweight bout between undefeated Zach Parker and Cesar  Nunez was cancelled hours prior to the card due to Parker’s cutman testing positive for the COVID-19 virus resulting in the bout being cancelled in accordance with British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) guidelines. There is no word as of this writing as to when or if the fight will be rescheduled.

 

For Billy Joe Saunders, this title defense against Martin Murray was an audition of sorts as he will likely be in the running of potential opponents to face the winner of the December 19^th clash between undefeated WBA world champion Callum Smith and current unified Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.” Although Saunders was in command from the opening bell in his title defense against Martin Murray and never allowed the veteran contender to work his way into the fight, if there are any would be critics of this performance it could be that as dominant as Saunders was, he failed to stop Murray.

 

One may feel that a stoppage win for the champion may have been able to provide him with the best argument as a potential opponent for Smith or Alvarez heading into 2021. Nevertheless, Saunders does have a style that will prove to be a difficult puzzle to solve for any fighter in and around the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. The question, despite his status as an undefeated two-division world champion after previously holding a portion of the World Middleweight championship prior to the Super-Middleweight crown he currently holds, will be if his style and Boxing ability is such that he is viewed as a high risk/low reward option for many fighters who could provide lucrative paydays. While it would be difficult for Saunders to get those types of opportunities if he is indeed viewed as such an option and it could go as far as denying him the opportunity to unify the Super-Middleweight world championship, at the end of the day all a fighter can do is face whatever opposition that is placed before them and if they are able to emerge victorious over said opposition, that still remains the best possible argument a fighter could make even if stoppage wins and head-turning knockouts will receive the most attention.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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Saunders-Murray Weights from London

 The official weigh-in for Friday’s Matchroom Boxing card headlined by undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders making the second defense of his WBO Super-Middleweight world championship against longtime contender Martin Murray took place earlier today in London, England. The official weights for the entire card, which will take place at London’s Wembley Arena and will be broadcast in many countries globally on digital sports subscription streaming network DAZN as well as Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland are as follows.

 

Main Event: WBO Super-Middleweight world championship – 12Rds

 

Billy Joe Saunders (Champion) 167 1/4lbs. vs. Martin Murray (Challenger) 167 1/4lbs.

 

Lightweight – 12Rds. 

 

Josh O’Reilly 133 1/4lbs. vs. James Tennyson 134 3/4lbs.

 

Women’s Bantamweight – 8Rds.

 

Shannon Courtenay 117 3/4lbs. vs. Dorota Norek 115 3/4lbs.

 

Featherweight – 6Rds.

 

Donte Dixon 127 1/2lbs. vs. Angelo Dragone 127 3/4lbs.

 

Super-Middleweight – 10Rds.

 

Zach Parker 167lbs. vs. Cesar Nunez 167 3/4lbs.

 

Light-Heavyweight – 8Rds. 

 

Lerrone Richards 172lbs. vs. Timo Laine 171 1/2lbs.

 

Light-Heavyweight – 6Rds.

 

Lewis Edmondson 172lbs. vs. John Telford 170 1/2lbs.

 

Saunders vs. Murray takes place tomorrow (Friday, December 4^th) at Wembley Arena in London, England. The card can be seen in the United States and many countries globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 2PM ET/10AM PT (U.S. Time). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 7PM (Local UK Time). For more information about Sky Sports including schedules and availability in your area please visit:www.SkySports.com. 

 

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Martinez-Rodriguez Added To Callum Smith-Canelo Alvarez Undercard

 Press Release: December 3, 2020 By DAZN – Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s World title clash with Callum Smith at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts the famous green and gold strap on the line for the third time and comes into the bout fresh from a savage second round KO win over Moises Calleros in Mexico City in October.

 

The Mexican talent is quickly becoming a must-watch fighter with his all-action style guaranteeing excitement and the 25-year-old returns to Texas having beaten British challenger Jay Harris over 12 rounds in Arlington in February.

 

On a huge night for Mexican boxing with pound-for-pound king Alvarez back in action, Rodriguez Jr. (33-4-1 24 KOs) will be aiming to rip the belt from his fellow countryman in his second World title fight. The 27-year-old, ranked #2 in the WBC, landed the WBC Latino title at Super-Flyweight in his last outing in November 2019, picking up the 24thKO win of his career over Jose Maria Cardenas.

 

“I’m here in San Diego preparing and I’m very excited to be here,” said Martinez. “I’m completing almost two months of camp. I’m so honoured to be fighting on the undercard of Saul. I’m going to leave everything to God as always and have faith that he’ll ensure it all goes well. Hopefully that night I’ll get a knockout.

 

“We know that this guy is very strong, that he’s coming very well prepared. It’s going to be a tough fight but we know as always we’ve prepared 1000 per cent and we have no fear. Going to leave everything in the ring. I still have three kilos to lose but I have two, almost three weeks left to lose that. I’m excited and anxious.

 

“I’m appreciative of everything from Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for all of their support. I want to also thank Eddy Reynoso and my trainer Mauricio Aceves who are always so attentive as well as my family. “Somos con todos menos con miedo”. Blessings”

 

“I want to thank Martínez and his team as well as Matchroom for giving me this opportunity,” said Rodriguez Jr. “It is a pleasure to fight in the biggest card of the year. Martinez is a solid champion and a good fighter but with all due respect he hasn’t fought someone like me, I been waiting for this shot for almost five years and it comes at a perfect timing – I won’t waste it,”

 

“Julio Cesar Martinez is arguably the most exciting pound-for-pound fighter in boxing right now and this is the perfect stage to continue his ride,” said Eddie Hearn. “This is perhaps the toughest challenge of his career right now and the fans in Texas can expect a Mexican war for the WBC World title on December 19.”

 

Martinez’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Texas, topped by Alvarez once against reaching for greatness, challenging WBA and Ring Magazine World champion Smith – and more undercard fights will be announced later this week.

 

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, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

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

Spence-Garcia Preview

 As Boxing continues to attempt moving forward in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 global epidemic, the month of December 2020 will offer some of the biggest bouts that the sport has seen throughout the frustrating year. One of those attractions is the clash between undefeated unified IBF/WBC Welterweight world champion Errol Spence and former two-division world champion Danny Garcia, which will take place on December 5^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The fight, which will headline a four bout pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and will be broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View brings together two of the top fighters not just in the 147lb. Welterweight division, but in the entire sport.

 

It is a fight however, that has one question that surrounds it. What will Errol Spence look like inside the ring after surviving a near fatal car accident in October of last year, mere weeks following his split decision win over WBC world champion Shawn Porter to successfully unify the IBF and WBC Welterweight world championships. Quite frankly, Spence is lucky to be alive after what was a horrific accident that some believed would at minimum be career ending even though he survived. The obvious question is what effect will that accident have on one of the top stars in the sport as he now looks to resume his career.

 

Normally when previewing a fight such as this, this observer would go into a thorough break down of each fighter’s previous outings and how those performances might effect both boxer’s approach as the fight nears. In this case, I feel it is unnecessary due to both the question surrounding Errol Spence in what will be his return to the ring as well as the similarities in terms of styles between Spence and Garcia. 

 

If there are any adverse effects suffered by Spence due to the accident one year ago, we will likely find out early on in the fight as at his best, Danny Garcia is a solid boxer/puncher who has proven throughout his career that he can catch and hurt opponents in the middle of exchanges by using his compact offensive approach to take advantage of openings his opponent might leave him. While one could expect Spence who has scored knockouts in twenty-one of his twenty-six career wins registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 81% to come out aggressively, this could prove to be a dangerous strategy against a fighter with the counter punching ability of Garcia. 

 

The danger for Garcia in this fight in my eyes could be the potential of him being outworked over the course of the fight as was the case in his two career defeats to Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. Although there is a question regarding how Errol Spence will look coming back from the car accident, Garcia should prepare for the fighter Spence was before the accident, a fighter who has a mix of punching power and hand speed that frequently has his opponents on the defensive. If Spence is the same fighter as he was before the accident, Garcia must find a way to stay busy consistently throughout the fight as well as find a way to nullify Spence’s power and aggression if he wants to be successful in this bout in an attempt to become a three-time Welterweight world champion after previously being a unified world champion in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.

 

While much of the story of the story leading up to this fight centers on Errol Spence and his comeback from a near fatal car crash and what effects that accident might have had on him physically and in terms of his Boxing ability, there is also what may be ahead for the winner of this bout as undefeated WBO world champion Terence Crawford and current WBA world champion Manny Pacquiao could well be waiting in the wings for the winner for potential fights to further unify the 147lb. Welterweight division.

 

Clearly both men have a lot at stake in this encounter and while this fight would surely produce a high rating on the national Fox network here in the United States through its various affiliates across the country, the PBC has chosen once more to put one of their most competitive bouts on pay-per-view following two moderately successful, but under performing pay-per-view cards during the month of September and most recently the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz bout on Halloween night in October. Much like those events, this card will carry a similar price point of $74.99. It remains to be seen as to how many consumers will buy this event given both the worsening COVID-19 epidemic as well as the alternative options that are available on digital subscription streaming networks such as ESPN+ and DAZN for the remainder of 2020. Both networks each have monthly subscription options that are at a considerably less expensive price point than the recent price point of pay-per-view cards promoted by the PBC group of promoters on a per card basis. While each network also offers a more expensive yearly subscription option, the possibility certainly exists that more consumers both due to the epidemic as well as this fight being scheduled close to the Christmas holidays might opt out of paying their money to see this fight as it happens.

 

While this observer tends to point this out whenever a card is to be broadcast via pay-per-view at an inflated price point, I want the reader as well as the promoters and networks involved to understand, I have no agenda beyond being honest with readers and in all honesty, I want to see every promoter and network big or small that is involved in the sport of Boxing to do well. The simple reason is if everyone involved in the sport succeeds it helps grow Boxing, increases exposure by putting the sport in front of as many viewers as possible, which will ultimately also benefit the fighters as well as those on the business end of the sport. 

 

Although I realize that my position in being vocal in pointing out the benefits digital subscription-based streaming offers the consumer, may not make me popular amongst those still relying on the increasingly outdated model of pay-per-view, the reality is technology including, but not limited to television distribution is all moving in one direction. Subscription-based streaming. There is also another reality that comes with everything moving in the direction of low-cost streaming Until those promoters and networks adapt to the changing landscape, which has only accelerated due to the ongoing epidemic, the networks and promoters that continue to insist on pay-per-view will continue to see their potential audience dwindle regardless of who is on the card and who is squaring off in the main event.

 

As has been the case for the previous pay-per-view events that have taken place in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, it would be a shame if the potential great fight that Errol Spence vs, Danny Garcia figures to be on paper ends up producing underwhelming returns when all is said and done. Much like the events that have taken place before it however, if that is indeed what happens and the pay-per-view event does not produce the type of numbers to make it successful for the promoter, for Fox Sports, and for the fighters themselves, it will likely have little to do with the fighters, but rather a “Bad Business” decision that could ultimately be of little or no benefit to anyone in the end. That would truly be a shame.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

PBC: Spence vs. Garcia takes place on Saturday, December 5^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The fight as well as a three bout televised undercard can be seen in the United States on a pay-per-view basis on cable/satellite providers as well as the Fox Sports app on connected streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View for $74.99. Contact your local cable/satellite provider to order or visit: https://www.foxsports.com/boxing/pbc/pay-per-view-spence-jr-vs-garcia-192 to order on the Fox Sports app. Check your local listings internationally.

 

For more information about Premier Boxing Champions please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com

 

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

 

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DAZN GOES LIVE TODAY IN 200 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH PACKED BOXING SCHEDULE

 

Press Release: By DAZN – NEW YORK | LONDON, Dec. 1, 2020 – DAZN, the leading global sports destination, launched today in more than 200 countries and territories. For an initial monthly price point of £1.99 or less, sports fans worldwide are now able to sign up to the service and watch a breadth of live world championship boxing and on-demand original programming. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

 

 

• On Dec. 4, Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO super-middleweight title against fellow Englishman Martin Murray.

 

• A heavyweight clash not to be missed, unified heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his world titles against Bulgarian mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on Dec. 12. 

 

• Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin looks to make history on Dec. 18 when he attempts to make a record 21^st defence of the middleweight title against Kamil Szeremeta.

 

• Pound-for-pound champion Canelo Alvarez returns to the super middleweight division a day later on Dec. 19, to face undefeated champion Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas. 

 

• Starting 2021 with a bang, on Jan. 2 the explosive Ryan García will be looking to stamp his authority on the division against the battle-hardened Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell for the interim WBC lightweight title.

 

“We’re excited to launch our global platform with an action-packed opening month featuring boxing’s biggest stars and a suite of premium original programming,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. 

 

As well as an unparalleled fight schedule, DAZN’s global platform features an ever-growing archive of classic fights, athlete features and a slate of original programming including 40 DAYS, Saturday Fight Live and ONE NIGHT. DAZN is committed to adding more sports and sports content to the global service from 2021.

 

Download the DAZN app now on internet-connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and living room devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks and game consoles. For more information, visit www.DAZN.com.

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, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

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

 

Ty Payne Inks Management Deal With Tony Tolj

 

Press Release November 30, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Decorated 19 year old Australian amateur standout, Ty Payne (1-0) has signed management terms with leading Australian manger and promoter, Tony Tolj.  

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Fighting out of Kingscliff, New South Wales, Payne made an impressive professional debut last year with a second round knockout in his native NSW. Soon to make his second professional outing in Queensland on December 18th, Payne chose the period to enhance his backroom staff with a man continuously building world champions in Tony Tolj. The experienced boxing manger adds Ty Payne to his talented and ever-growing stable which boasts the likes of Andrew and Jason Moloney having also worked with the likes of Chris John in the past. 

Payne achieved monumental amateur success in his native Australia winning; The Australian National Championships 2015, Queensland & New South Wales State titles in 2016, Interstate title 2017 and the Clarence Valley Title in 2018 making him one of the hottest prospects in Australia. 

Campaigning at Super Lightweight, Ty Payne has great enthusiasm about his career with the following comment “I have had over 100 fights as an amateur and I have been boxing since I was 12 years old. Since then, it has been my dream to become a professional and win a world title. My work ethic is second to none and with the right management and people around me, I have no doubt I can go all the way.”

Tony Tolj commentated further on his newest acquisition “He’s a good kid with bags of potential and I’m delighted to welcome to our team. We can achieve as much as he wants in the sport, he’s got a great heart and character, as well as being a talented fighter.”

Ty Payne’s inspirations come in the form of Roy Jones Jr, Canelo Alvarez and new stable-mates Andrew & Jason Moloney looking to emulate these champions to go on and claim his own silverware in the future.

 

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

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

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

Tyson-Jones Thoughts

 

The exhibition bout between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones was a “Curiosity” rooted in what is in many ways the question of “What If?” What if two fighters who were the cornerstones of their respective eras were to face off in the ring. Obviously, at ages fifty-four and fifty-one respectively, one should not have expected to see anything near what Tyson and Jones were during their prime years. What was the main event of the debut of Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League concept on November 28th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA did however, provide entertainment.

 

What was a non—competitive exhibition did resemble some competition as both Tyson and Jones showed slight glimpses of what made them great fighters. The eight round exhibition was something that was clearly meant to entertain Boxing fans of all description rather than an announcement of sorts that both fighters were using this as the first step in a comeback that would no doubt be the subject of both criticism and ridicule given both Tyson and Jones’ age.

 

It did not stop some however, from sharing some critical thoughts regarding the exhibition. While it can indeed be true that some fans go into fights and/or exhibition bouts expecting to see more than what is actually going to take place, it is important to keep in mind that this was always intended to be an exhibition and as such one should not have expected to see either fighter really intend to hurt the other. The bout, which was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) also had strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both men.

 

What Tyson and Jones did show was that both could still move in a similar way to when they were actively competing in the sport and did periodically land hard punches on each other. Tyson in particular showed that he was still capable of landing hard thudding body punches as he seemed to hurt Jones periodically throughout. Jones meanwhile had periodic success landing his right hand and also showed, despite it being an exhibition, that he was going to be tactical and hold Tyson whenever he got close in an attempt to limit his ability to get his punches off on the inside. A tactic that many opponents of Mike Tyson attempted to implement throughout his career with some having more success than others.

 

Although there simply is not much one can say about an exhibition or analysis that one could offer, it was impressive in this observer’s eyes to see both Tyson and Jones not only appear to be in good condition, but also show that he did take the idea of getting back in the ring seriously, which at their ages cannot be an easy task. It does also show why no matter what one’s age or skill level that Boxing needs to be taken seriously at all times.

 

With this in mind, it is important to mention a bout that took place on the undercard featuring YouTube star Jake Paul and former NBA star Nate Robinson, which took place in the Cruiserweight division. Unlike the Tyson-Jones exhibition, this as well as other bouts that took place on the undercard were official professional bouts. What happened in this fight however, was frankly scary in that Nate Robinson was over matched by Paul, who has a bit more experience in the Boxing ring and who says he has ambitions of making his foray in the sport a legitimate Boxing career. Paul would score three knockdowns of Robinson in a round and a half, all of which came as a result of right hands to the head and the last of which resulted in what yours truly called on social media a scary knockout as Robinson fell face first on the canvas.

 

In the days since this event took place, I have seen some direct criticism towards Robinson for his performance in this fight. This observer will not be among those armchair quarterbacks who will criticize for the sake of being critical. The fact is no one really knows what type of training in preparation Robinson went through before stepping in the ring. It does however, underscore how dangerous Boxing and by extension all combat sports can be even for the most seasoned professional fighters.

 

 As someone who has covered the sport for most of his life and has unfortunately seen tragedies occur, I was legitimately concerned for Nate Robinson’s well-being after seeing this knockout. Although we do not know if this will end up being a one-off appearance for Robinson in the Boxing ring, he is not the first nor will he likely be the last notable athlete from another sport to attempt a foray into combat sports. Robinson should be given credit for the bravery he showed by getting in the ring, but as other athletes who have attempted to cross over into Boxing and other combat sports have found out through the years, it is not always a given that success will follow them into a different sport and this should serve as another example as to why if one chooses to enter into combat sports, they need to be fully committed to it because unfortunately the dangers can and often do outweigh the rewards and if one is not prepared when they get in the ring, the outcome can be tragic. Fortunately for Nate Robinson, he was able to leave the ring under his own power and hopefully will not suffer any long-term effects from the knockout he suffered at the hands of Jake Paul.

 

Perhaps some of the criticism that has been directed at the Tyson-Jones exhibition in the event itself is rooted in the fact that the event was offered on a pay-per-view basis for $49.95. While this observer has long been critical and will continue to be of the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view as long as said model remains in the sport of Boxing, I will not be as critical in this instance because this event was “A Curiosity” that featured not only two legends in exhibition, not only featured some professional bouts, but also featured many musical performances as well. Although some may have expected more from this, yours truly feels that if this was not a one-time only event and if the Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League concept is to go on beyond this point, this pay-per-view event might have been a way to test the waters.

 

With much of the Boxing world now focused on subscription-based streaming options rather than pay-per-view, perhaps future events could be featured on networks like DAZN, ESPN+, or a cable/satellite network such as Showtime, especially with Mike Tyson saying that his goal for this concept is to further humanitarian causes. As long as the fighters who participate in these “Legends” exhibitions are as healthy when they are done participating as they were before they enter the ring and safety guidelines are followed, why be critical of what could be a good thing for fighters who may not want to actively compete in the sport, but still want to participate in be involved?

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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