ShoBox 2/17/2021 Results From Uncasville, CT

 

In a battle of undefeated Welterweight prospects, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica scored a hard-fought ten round majority decision over previously unbeaten Mark Reyes Jr. on Wednesday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The bout, which was the main event of the latest edition of Showtime Sports’ popular ShoBox: The New Generation series saw both men willing to exchange heavy punches from the outset. While it appeared for a time that it was unlikely that the fight would go the distance due to the pace and blows each fighter landed, the reality became that it was a closely fought battle where neither man was able to sustain momentum for significant periods of time. Both however, were able to have their share of moments in landing hard hooks on each other throughout. 

 

Perhaps a sign of each fighter’s frustration began to show as the fight progressed as the two men periodically exchanged words and both were warned periodically for questionable tactics by Referee Danny Schiavone. What was a competitive fight from start to finish saw Figueroa Bocachica get the nod of two of three official judges making him the winner by majority decision. Official scores were: 95-95, (Even), and 97-93, 96-94 in favor of Figueroa Bocachica. Janelson Figueroa Bocachica advances to 17-0, with 11 Knockouts. Mark Reyes Jr. falls to 14-1, with 12 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight prospect Vladimir Shishkin scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over Sena Agbeko. Despite being cut above the right eye in the second round from a right hand from Agbeko, Shishkin consistently forced the action over the ten round bout, consistently had Agbeko backing up, and did not seem affected by Agbeko’s punches excluding the cut that gradually worsened as the fight progressed, but ultimately did not become a factor in the outcome of the fight. Official scores were: 98-92, and 100-90 (On two scorecards) in favor of Shishkin. Vladimir Shishkin advances to 12-0, with 7 Knockouts. Sena Agbeko falls to 23-2, with 18 Knockouts.

 

 

Lightweight Abraham Montoya scored a hard fought eight round majority decision over previously undefeated Alejandro Guerrero. In a fight fought at an extremely high pace from start to finish. Montoya pounded out the decision victory throwing over one thousand total punches in the eight round bout that saw plenty of back and forth action with Montoya outworking Guerrero as the fight progressed. Official scores were 76-76 (Even), and 79-73, 77-75 in favor of Montoya. Abraham Montoya advances to 20-2-1, with 14 Knockouts. Alejandro Guerrero falls to 12-1, with 9 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight prospect Timur Kerefov scored a first round knockout of previously undefeated Fernando Farias. A hook to the body brought an end to the fight at 2:32 of round one. Timur Kerefov advances to 10-0, with 5 Knockouts. Fernando Farias falls to 10-1-2, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Overall, this edition of ShoBox, which was promoted by Salita Promotions left a bit of unanswered questions in two of the four bouts as one might argue that both the Montoya-Guerrero and Figueroa Bocachica-Reyes bouts could have gone either way and both bouts are likely to see rematches at some point due to how competitive each fight was. Two fights that will join the long list of competitive battles to have aired throughout the twenty-year history of the ShoBox: The New Generation series and it would not surprise this observer to see the potential rematches showcased on a future installment of the series.

 

“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

 

 

The Comeback of Richard Commey

Originally, the premise of this column was to concern the fallout of the anticipated clash for the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship between top contenders Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov, which was to take place on February 13^th at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV. As we seem to be reminded on a daily basis however, the sport of Boxing is one that is truly unpredictable. A statement that carries even more significance in the midst of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. Unfortunately, it was revealed as covered here on The Boxing Truth®️ last week, that Maxim Vlasov had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus just days before the scheduled twelve round world championship bout and that would subsequently force the fight between he and Smith to be postponed. 

 

While this subsequently took the main event of the scheduled card out of the equation, the fight that stepped into the main event position also carried an interesting storyline. This observer is of course speaking of the story of former IBF Lightweight world champion Richard Commey. As some may recall, the thirty-three year old Commey won the IBF world championship in the 135lb. Lightweight division in February 2019 with a third round knockout over Isa Chaniev. Commey successfully defended the title once over former world champion Ray Beltran in June of that year via twelve round unanimous decision. This was the set up for his title defense against the unbeaten “Knockout Artist “ Teofimo Lopez in December 2019. Commey saw his title reign come to an end in that fight being dropped with a flush right hook in the second round and subsequently finished with a follow-up barrage.

 

The third loss for Commey in thirty-one career bouts was the first time he had been stopped in his career. Although a fighter suffering a knockout loss in the sudden way that Commey did against Lopez can create a bit of a misconception amongst particularly casual Boxing fans as to how good a fighter might be, in reality, the sudden ending of that fight was a case of a world champion simply getting caught and it could have easily been a reverse scenario. Sometimes all a fighter needs is one punch and on that night it was Lopez who was able to land it.

 

Under circumstances where the sport is able to operate normally, it would be logical to question how long it would be before Commey would return to the ring. While there are some fighters who will look to rush back into the ring quicker than others after suffering a knockout loss, an argument should be made that in the case of Richard Commey, one year of inactivity due largely to the COVID-19  crisis provided him the appropriate time to recover fully from that loss. 

 

The question going into Commey’s bout against Jackson Marinez in my eyes was not whether there would be a difference in Commey physically, but if he would be tentative and not as willing to engage in exchanges of offense. What I mean by this is Commey did get caught by one punch in his fight against Teofimo Lopez and even though the knockout did not come as a result of him suffering prolonged punishment over a period of time, it can still create a scenario where a fighter might be more cautious after suffering a knockout than they were prior. The other term that is often used to describe this under those kind of circumstances is whether the fight will be “Gun Shy” and not as willing to let their hands go as they might have been before.

 

In Jackson Marinez, Commey faced a fighter who was a veteran of twenty professional bouts coming into the fight with a record of 19-1, with 7 Knockouts. While this statistic gave the former world champion an edge in terms of overall experience as he entered the ring with a record of 29-3, with 27 Knockouts, one aspect of Marinez’ record that stood out to me was that he had a career knockout percentage of just over 30% compared to Commey’s over 80%. Although this indicated that Marinez was not a fighter known for punching power as evidenced in his only having seven knockouts in his nineteen career wins, it gave an indication in my view that the intention beyond looking for a confidence boost for Commey, was also to try and get some rounds in. After all, in addition to his coming off of a knockout loss, Commey was also coming off over a year of inactivity and one could argue that it is just as important or perhaps more important for a fighter to work off what is known as “Ring Rust” from a long stretch of inactivity as it is for a fighter to hopefully return to their winning ways following a loss.

 

While the question of whether Commey would be tentative early on in this fight was answered almost immediately upon the bout beginning with a definitive no as he looked to apply pressure on Marinez, Marinez was elusive and showed early that he could make the former champion miss. As the fight progressed, Marinez continued to use lateral movement to try and evade Commey as he pressed forward, but gradually Commey’s power began to show itself and he began landing punches including hooks and right hands with more consistency.

 

Although Marinez had an edge in lateral movement and seemingly in hand speed, he could not land anything to discourage Commey from coming forward. In simple terms, he could not get the respect of the former world champion. This in addition Commey’s punching power set the stage for the conclusion of the fight in round six. 

 

Commey’s aggression had only continued to increase as this fight progressed and the sixth round world be no different as he increasingly found openings to land his right hand to the head of Marinez. It was a right hand while Marinez was against the ropes that would send Marinez down late in the round. Marinez showed his heart by getting up from the knockdown, but with his opponent badly hurt, Commey pressed forward landing another flush right hand to the head sending Marinez down and out on the canvas.

 

At the end of the day, this fight was able to accomplish both the task of getting the “Ring Rust” off as well as provide the type of confidence restoring victory for Commey that should put him right back in the mix amongst the top fighters in the 135lb. Lightweight division. One such fighter who was there in attendance at the MGM Grand Conference Center to support Richard Commey was the man who took the IBF world championship from him. A man who is now the Undisputed world champion in the Lightweight division. Teofimo Lopez.

 

While it is certainly possible that there might be a potential rematch between Lopez and Commey down the line, Lopez himself said shortly after he beat Commey to become a world champion that the roles could have easily been reversed and showed his respect for Commey in the process. In a highly competitive Lightweight division where anyone could realistically vie for the position Lopez currently holds, it is refreshing to see fighters show each other the respect all fighters deserve for the risk they all take each and every time they step into the ring to compete. Boxing may not always be benefited by acts of “Class” like the type shown between Richard Commey and Teofimo Lopez and may unfortunately garner more attention for the negatives of the sport, but the respect shown between these two one time and perhaps future opponents is something all involved in Boxing can learn from.

 

“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

 

 

  

Diaz And Rakhimov Fight To Majority Draw In Indio, CA

 

In a battle for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Jr. Lightweight championship, former champion Joseph Diaz and undefeated contender Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov fought to a highly competitive twelve round majority draw on Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA. Diaz, who was the IBF world champion prior to the bout, lost his crown on the weight scale  on the day prior to the fight due to coming in nearly four pounds over the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight limit. This created a scenario where the championship was only on the line for Rakhimov, who came in under the Jr. Lightweight limit. 

 

For twelve rounds, the two fighters engaged in a tactical, but entertaining battle that saw the ebb and flow of the combat shift several times throughout. Diaz was most effective during periods where he took the initiative and got his punches off first. This was not a consistent pattern throughout the fight however, as Rakhimov had several rounds where he was able to keep the former world champion on the defensive and land combinations highlighted by some effective body work. Diaz was able to seemingly regain the momentum in the late rounds and at the conclusion of the twelve round world championship bout the near even combat that took place in the ring resulted in a majority draw on the official scorecards as two of three official judges scored the fight identically 114-114, while the third judge felt Diaz had done enough to win by a narrow margin of seven rounds to five or 115-113 in points. The draw leaves the IBF world championship at 130lbs. vacant. Joseph Diaz advances to 31-1-1, with 15 Knockouts. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov advances to 15-0-1, with 12 Knockouts.

 

 

Also On This Card:

 

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight contender Brian Castano successfully made the transition from top contender to world champion by scoring a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Patrick Teixeira to win the world championship. Castano applied nearly relentless pressure on Teixeira from the opening bell and never really allowed the champion the space to get himself into a consistent rhythm as he outworked and out fought Teixeira over the twelve round distance to earn a convincing unanimous decision and the WBO crown. Official scores were 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111 all in favor of Brian Castano. Brian Castano advances to 17-0-1, with 12 Knockouts. Patrick Teixeira falls to 31-2, with 22 Knockouts.

 

Super-Middleweight Shane Mosley Jr. scored a fifth round stoppage over a very “Game” Cristian Olivas. Mosley was very tactical in his approach Boxing behind a consistent jab, using lateral movement, and mixing his offense to the head and body. It was the work Mosley did with his jab that caused accumulated swelling of Olivas’ right eye and this is what ultimately led to the fight being stopped at the end of round five as Olivas’ right eye was nearly swollen shut. Shane Mosley Jr. advances to 17-3, with 10 Knockouts. Cristian Olivas falls to 20-8, with 17 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Featherweight contender Ronny Rios scored a lopsided ten round unanimous decision over Oscar Negrete. The story of this fight was Rios’ poise and consistency in knowing when to let his hands go as well as making his work to Negrete’s body the focal point of his offense as he outworked Negrete over ten rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 100-90, (On two scorecards) and 99-91 in favor of Ronny Rios. Ronny Rios advances to 33-3, with 16 Knockouts. Oscar Negrete falls to 19-3-2, with 7 Knockouts. 

 

Unbeaten Light-Heavyweight prospect Bektemir Melikuziev scored a third round stoppage over Morgan Fitch. Melikuziev systematically broke Fitch down with steady pressure and power punches. Melikuziev was credited with a knockdown in round three when his glove seemed to touch the canvas. This was followed by Fitch going down a second time from what appeared to be a low blow, but the fight was stopped by Referee Jack Reiss as Fitch seemed to not want to continue. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round three. Bektemir Melikuziev advances to 7-0, with 6 Knockouts. Morgan Fitch falls to 19-5-1, with 8 Knockouts.

 

Lightweight Dalis Kaleiopu successfully made his professional debut by scoring a thir round knockout over Eduardo Sanchez. Official time of the stoppage was was :48 of round three. Dalis Kaleiopu advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Eduardo Sanchez falls to 2-4, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Featherweight Azat Hovhannisyan scored an eighth round stoppage of Enrique Bernache. Official time of the stoppage was :35 of round eight. Azat Hovhannisyan advances to 19-3, with 16 Knockouts. Enrique Bernache falls to 24-13, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Featherweight Victor Morales remained unbeaten by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Guerrero. Official scores were: 80-72 (On all three official scorecards) in favor of Victor Morales. Victor Morales advances to 14-0, with 7 Knockouts. Rodrigo Guerrero falls to 26-10-2, with 16 Knockouts.

 

The main takeaway from this card, which was promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, in this observer’s eyes is there will likely be s second chapter to the story of Joseph Diaz and Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov after such a closely fought battle that neither fighter emerged as standing out clearly from the other. Perhaps a question that should be asked is whether this fight might take place in the 135lb. Lightweight division given the difficulty Diaz had in making weight for this fight, whether Diaz will want to attempt to make 130lbs. again to attempt to regain his championship, or even perhaps if former champion Tevin Farmer, who Diaz beat for the IBF world championship in one of the best fights of 2020 might enter the equation if Diaz chooses to enter the Lightweight division going forward.

 

As Boxing continues to deal with the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, it is uncertain as to how quickly this question might be answered and how long the IBF Jr. Lightweight world championship will remain vacated. Despite the ongoing circumstances, there remains no shortage of compelling stories for Boxing fans to keep an eye on as 2021 progresses. This story is certainly among them.

 

“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

 

 

 

 

UPSET: Lara KO’s Warrington In 9

 

In a stunner Featherweight contender Mauricio Lara scored a devastating ninth round stoppage over previously undefeated former IBF Featherweight world champion Josh Warrington on Saturday night at the Wembley Arena in London, England. Lara, who was viewed as a significant underdog against Warrington, who only recently relinquished his world championship, found that he was the stronger of the two fighters early as he frequently found openings to land hard thudding hooks to the head on Warrington. In round four, Lara nearly ended the fight when he dropped the former world champion hard with a combination highlighted by a left hook to the head. Warrington was able to beat the count on very unsteady legs, but was allowed to continue and miraculously made it out of the round, despite appearing to be out on his feet.

 

From this point in the fight on, Warrington did not appear to be recovered and continued to take vicious punishment. Although the former champion showed tremendous heart by trying to fight on, Lara’s harder punches were clearly the story of this fight. Lara brought an end to the fight in brutal fashion by dropping Warrington with right hook to the body followed by a flush left hook to the head. The fight was immediately stopped as Warrington was out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was :54 of round nine. Mauricio Lara advances to 22-2, with 15 Knockouts. Josh Warrington falls to 30-1, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Also On This Card:

 

Jr. Lightweight Zelfa Barrett scored a controversial twelve round unanimous decision over former IBF Jr. Featherweight world champion Kiko Martinez. Martinez consistently applied pressure on Barrett throughout and seemed to be the effective aggressor as well. Barrett had some success in catching Martinez as he came forward particularly during the second half of the fight. Barrett suffered a cut over the right eye due to an accidental clash of heads in round seven. Despite the appearance of what might have been a close fight down the stretch, all three judges scored the fight in favor of Barrett by wide margins at the conclusion of the bout. Official scores were: 118-111, (On two scorecards) and 116-113 in favor of Barrett. Zelfa Barrett advances to 25-1, with 15 Knockouts. Kiko Martinez falls to 41-10-2, with 29 Knockouts.

 

In a battle for the vacant British Featherweight championship, Leigh Wood scored a devastating ninth round stoppage of previously unbeaten Reece Mould. At times a tactical Boxing match, other times a give and take battle, the two fighters had no reluctance to engage each other from the outset. In round three, Mould appeared to show he was the harder puncher of the two as he staggered Wood with a left hook to the head and appeared to have him in trouble. Wood would turn the ebb and flow in his favor however, in round four with a combination to the body followed by an uppercut to the head that sent Mould down to the canvas. Mould would show an ability to recover, got up from the knockdown, and seemed to be in a position where he was back in the fight in the middle rounds. In round nine however, Wood would bring the fight to a sudden conclusion when he connected with a perfectly timed flush counter left hook to the head that sent Mould down for a second time. Although Mould was able to get up, he was compromised and seeing he had his opponent in trouble, Wood pressed forward and landed a follow-up combination to the head that sent Mould down for a third and final time in scary fashion forcing the bout to be immediately stopped. 

 

Despite the brutal way the stoppage came, Mould was able to leave the ring under his own power. Official time of the stoppage was 1:03 of round nine. Leigh Wood advances to 24-2, with 14 Knockouts. Reece Mould falls to 13-1, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Rising Jr. Welterweight prospect Dalton Smith scored a dominant third round stoppage over a “Gane”, but overmatched Ishmael Ellis. From the opening bell, Smith forced Ellis on the defensive and displayed a full range of offense throughout. After three rounds of one-sided combat, the corner of Ellis had seen enough and stopped the fight shortly after the end of round three to prevent their fighter from further punishment. Dalton Smith advances to 7-0, with 6 Knockouts. Ishmael Ellis falls to 11-4, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Featherweight  Ivan “Hopey” Price remained undefeated with a one-sided six round decision over late substitute Daniel Mendoza. For the entire six round bout, Price used his 5’10 height and counter punching to get the better of the 5’5 Mendoza, who was unable to get anything effective done on the inside and simply could not land anything significant from distance. Official score from Referee Robert Williams was 60-54 in favor of Price. Ivan Price advances to 4-0, with 1 Knockout. Daniel Mendoza falls to 11-12, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Featherweight prospect Ibrahim Nadim scored a six round decision over veteran Jonny Phillips to begin the evening and advance his record to 3-0. Official score from Referee Robert Williams was 60-55 in favor of Nadim. Ibrahim Nadim advances to 3-0, with 0 Knockouts. Jonny Phillips falls to 5-6, with 2 Knockouts.

 

This card, which was the first for promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in 2021 proves the saying that this observer has said many times over the years is indeed true. “Anything Can Happen At Any Given Time In The Sport Of Boxing, And That Is What Makes It So Great.”

 

Here you had a card featuring prospects, one British championship bout, a little controversy, and ultimately a shocker in the main event in a lightly regarded contender scoring a devastating knockout over one of the best fighters in the world, who due to the political elements of the sport chose to relinquish his world championship in the weeks prior to this fight. Josh Warrington’s status as one of the top fighters in the 126lb. Featherweight division will certainly be impacted off of this knockout loss to Mauricio Lara, but while others may focus on what may have gone wrong both before and during the fight, no one can take away from the heart he showed in this fight. 

 

As someone who is always looking out in the best interest of the sport and the fighters that compete in it however, I feel the fight should have been stopped in the fourth round as it was clear in my view that Warrington was out on his feet and while one can never take away from a fighter’s courage, sometimes a fighter needs to be protected from themselves and the punishment Warrington sustained after the fourth round including the brutal knockout in round nine was unnecessary. You never want to see a fighter take one punch too many. 

 

“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

 

Warrington-Lara Weights From London

  

The official weigh-in for Saturday’s Boxing card promoted by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing took place earlier today in London, England . Weights for the entire card taking place at the Wembley Arena, which will be headlined by a twelve round Featherweight bout between Josh Warrington and Mauricio Lara and will be televised globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN are as follows .

 

Main Event: Featherweight – 12Rds.

 

Josh Warrington 125 1/2lbs. vs. Mauricio Lara 125lbs.

 

Vacant British Featherweight championship – 12Rds. 

 

Leigh Wood 125 1/4lbs. vs. Reece Mould 125 3/4lbs.

 

Featherweight – 6Rds.

 

Ibrahim Nadim 123 1/4lbs. vs. Jonny Phillips 123 3/4lbs.

 

Jr. Lightweight – 12Rds. 

 

Zelfa Barrett 128 3/4lbs. vs. Kiko Martinez 128 1/4lbs.

 

Jr. Welterweight – 10Rds. 

 

Dalton Smith 142 1/2lbs. vs. Ishmael Ellis 138 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Featherweight – 6Rds. 

 

Ivan Price 122 1/2lbs. vs. Daniel Mendoza 122 1/2lbs.

 

Warrington vs. Lara takes place tomorrow (Saturday, February 13^th) at Wembley Arena in London, England. The entire card can be seen globally excluding the United Kingdom on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 2PM ET/11AM 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 Arena beginning at 7PM (Local UK Time). For more information about Sky Sports including schedules, list of Sky Sports channels, and availability in your area please visit: www.SkySports.com.

 

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

 

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

 

 

UPDATE: Vlasov Tests Positive For COVID-19: Bout With Smith Postponed

 

In an update to the preview that was released here on the website this morning, it has been announced by promoter Bob Arum and his promotional company Top Rank, Inc. that Light-Heavyweight contender Maxim Vlasov has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and his scheduled bout with Joe Smith Jr. on Saturday, February 13^th has been postponed in accordance with COVID-19 protocols set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). The bout, which was for the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship was to serve as the main event for Top Rank’s scheduled card televised here in the United States on sports cable network ESPN and its digital subscription streaming network ESPN+ taking place without spectators at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

 

Although the Smith-Vlasov bout will no longer take place on Saturday night, the remainder of the card as of this writing will proceed as scheduled with the new headline bout being a ten round Lightweight bout between former IBF Lightweight world champion Richard Commey and Jackson Marinez. As of this writing, there is no word on when the Smith-Vlasov bout might be rescheduled. We will keep readers updated on any developments as they become available.

 

Unless circumstances change such as further cancellations, we here at The Boxing Truth®️ intend to provide some coverage of this card as well as other action scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 13^th. Stay tuned. “And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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

Smith-Vlasov: The Beginning Of A New Era For The Light-Heavyweight Division?

 

Much of the last decade in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division was largely dominated by former three-time Light-Heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev, who ultimately served as a central figure for the division over that period of time. In recent times however, Kovalev has been more known for what he has been involved in outside the ring including recently testing positive for a banned substance, which forced the cancellation of his scheduled January 30^th bout with Bek Melkuziev. With the future of Kovalev very much uncertain, the Light-Heavyweight division appears to be embarking on a new era as top contenders Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov will meet on February 13^th at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV for the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship. A crown, which Kovalev held three times and one that has been vacant since his loss to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in November 2019. With Alvarez choosing to relinquish the championship to focus on opportunities in the 168 lb. Super-Middleweight division, it has created an opening for Smith and Vlasov to attempt to enter the picture amongst the world champions of the division that are each trying to emerge as its new central focus.

Joe Smith Jr. emerged on the scene in the eyes of many with his knockout victory over future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins in December 2016. While that win did establish Smith as a force to be reckoned with in the Light-Heavyweight division as well as giving him the status as being the only fighter to ever stop Hopkins, doing so in the final fight of Hopkins’ legendary career, he has suffered some setbacks and has not been able to go from top contender to a world champion. Some may recall Smith’s two losses that followed his victory over Hopkins to top contender Sullivan Barrera in 2017 and undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol in 2019. Although Smith lost those fights, he gave a good account of himself in defeat, was not stopped in either of those bouts and has maintained his status as a top contender in the division by compiling two victories in his last two fights over Jesse Hart and scoring a stoppage of former WBO world champion Eleider Alvarez in his last fight in August of last year.

Smith has scored knockouts in twenty-one of his twenty-six career wins compiling a career knockout percentage of nearly 73%. Despite being known for his punching power, Smith has also shown that he can box and has an ability to adapt as a fight progresses. In Maxim Vlasov, Smith will face an opponent, who like him has never been stopped in his career, but a fighter who some might say has not succeeded when he has stepped up in caliber of opposition in his career.

Vlasov will enter this bout with a record of 45-3, with 26 Knockouts compared to Smith’s 26-3, with 21 Knockouts. Even though Vlasov has an experience edge over Smith, it will be Smith who will likely have more recognition going into this fight.

What this fight appears to be in my eyes is an encounter between two boxer/punchers and one might argue that it could end quickly or could easily go the distance. This appears to be one of those bouts that you just do not know what type fight it will be going in.

Despite the experience edge Vlasov has going in, he has lost against fighters such as Isaac Chilemba, Gilberto Ramirez, and more recently, Krzysztof Glowacki in November 2018. Perhaps one advantage Vlasov will have over Smith in addition to experience is several of his bouts took place in the Cruiserweight division and he was able to avenge his loss to Chilemba in a rematch in 2019. Much like Smith, Vlasov will enter on a win streak having won his last three bouts. The questions that I have going into this fight is whether or not Vlasov will be able to deal with the consistent pressure and punching power of Smith for twelve rounds and whether or not he will be able to be elusive and nullify that pressure.

What will lie ahead for the winner of this fight could be some lucrative opportunities against fellow world champions of the division including WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol and unified IBF/WBC world champion Artur Beterbiev. As this observer has often said over the years however, before any talk can take place regarding potential fights that could be made and the various financial figures that are involved, there is business to attend to first for both Joe Smith and Maxim Vlasov.

Who will emerge in what might be the post--Sergey Kovalev era as the next central figure in the Light-Heavyweight division is anyone’s guess, but it sure will be an interesting process to watch as it evolves.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Smith vs. Vlasov takes place on Saturday, February 13th at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV. The card can be seen in the United States on digital subscription streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT. The main event portion of the card will also be simulcast on the linear ESPN main network across cable and satellite providers beginning at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, and smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: plus.espn.com/. For more information about ESPN please visit: www.espn.com. Check your local listings internationally.

 

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

 

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