Did Benavidez Make A Convincing Argument?

It should be no surprise to anyone who has followed the sport of Boxing for any extended period of time when yours truly says that it is a sport that does not necessarily have a fair structure when it comes to fighters getting the type of opportunities that one could say that they deserve. To be more specific, opportunities that are not only against the top fighters in the sport, but perhaps more importantly, fights that offer the kind of pay days that could be considered life changing.

In recent weeks, the biggest story that has circulated around the sport and by far, the topic most discussed amongst fans and experts alike, has been WBA World Light-Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol’s twelve round unanimous decision over current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Despite a clear victory in retaining his title for the ninth time, Bivol’s victory over Alvarez has no barring at least for now with regard to the Undisputed world championship that Alvarez holds in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division.

In the case of undefeated former two-time WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez, his current standing as tge World Boxing Council's (WBC) number one contender would on the surface make him a potential opponent for Alvarez. What appears on the surface however,  is not always what occurs. For there are some circumstances where a top contender is not included in the potential plans for a fighter in Alvarez’ position.  Unfortunately for Benavidez, he finds himself in such a circumstance as Alvarez is likely to spend the immediate future resuming his rivalry with Gennady Golovkin, where his undisputed championship will be at stake and depending on the outcome of the third fight between the two, then seeking a rematch with Bivol.

While this effectively keeps Benavidez out of the equation, despite his status as a number one contender and former world champion,  what can a fighter in his position do?  Fight on and try to make the best argument possible to hopefully drum up public demand for him to get an opportunity to face a fighter like Alvarez. Such an opportunity presented itself for Benavidez on May 21st when he faced former IBF Middleweight world champion David Lemieux at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ.

Stylistically,  this had the makings of a fan-friendly encounter as both fighters are offensive-minded and have punching power. While no one can dispute Lemieux’ punching power and heart,  it was immediately apparent that Benavidez’ hand speed would simply be too much for him. Benavidez badly staggered Lemieux with a left hook to the head in the first round and proceeded to unleash a flurry of near non-stop punches where Lemieux was barely saved by the bell.

Although it is not necessarily something that one sees in every fight where a fighter barely survives a round, it was not surprising to see Lemieux’: corner tell their fighter that he needed to show something or they were going to stop the fight. Moments into the second round, Lemieux was dropped by an uppercut by Benavidez. Lemieux showing his heart got up from the knockdown and after being told by the referee that he was being given “A short leash,” and as his corner had told him at the end of the first round that he needed to show something, he fought hard and was even able to back Benavidez up periodically against the ropes.

The difference in hand speed, punching power, and Lemieux being unable to get on the inside consistently ultimately would prove to be too much for the former Middleweight world champion to overcome. Benavidez was able to withstand the bursts of offense and aggression that Lemieux was able to dish out before mustering up more combinations of his own, and after a flurry of offense in the third round, the fight was stopped.

While no one can take anything away from the heart David Lemieux showed in this fight, this was a case of a good bigger and stronger fighter besting a good shorter fighter. Even though Lemieux had fought five times at the 168lb. Super-Middleweight limit prior to this fight, and keeping in mind that the overall skillset of David Benavidez was also a factor, Lemieux was simply out gunned in this fight and while his career will likely continue, it may also continue to be an issue for him in facing fighters who will have natural size and a theoretical strength edge over him.

Although David Benavidez made as strong an argument as one might have expected in dominating and stopping David Lemieux, unfortunately for him, he continues to be cast in the role of the odd fighter out of the equation as it was announced this week that despite his loss to Dmitry Bivol and a contract of a third bout with Gennady Golovkin appearing contingent on a victory over Bivol, Saul Alvarez will square off with Golovkin in their third encounter on September 17th. For his part, Alvarez has said that he intends to seek a rematch with Dmitry Bivol after his third bout with Golovkin, which would effectively remove Benavidez from a potential challenge of Alvarez for the foreseeable future.

As we saw with Bivol’s victory over Alvarez however, nothing is truly certain in the sport of Boxing and for now, the best thing and really the only thing David Benavidez can do is try to stay as active as he can and continue to try to drum up support amongst the public for him to get that opportunity and for his promoter, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters to try and secure it at the first available opportunity. Even if that were to come from outside the PBC banner and on a non PBC-affiliated television network. Something that the PBC has been reluctant to allow their fighters to do in the past.

“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

NONITO DONAIRE VS NAOYA INOUE REMATCH TO BE ‘MONUMENTAL’ MOMENT FOR BOXING

 Press Release: By Probellum – LOS ANGELES, MAY 25 – Probellum is honoured to have helped the great Nonito Donaire secure a blockbuster bantamweight rematch with Naoya Inoue – a fight the whole of boxing was calling for. 

Credit: Probellum

Donaire and Inoue combined to produce 2019’s Fight of the Year and will rematch on June 7, at the Super Arena, in Saitama, Japan in one of the biggest contests to be made in the sport.

 

Donaire’s promoter Probellum, led by President Richard Schaefer, has been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to help make this mouth-watering unification match-up a reality.

 

Next month’s rematch between Donaire and Inoue will be promoted by Ohashi Promotion and Teiken Promotions in association with Probellum. 

 

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum said: “To be able to help bring together two of the best fighters in the world for this massive unification fight, is a proud moment for our business.

 

NONITO DONAIRE INTERVIEW - 'I'VE MADE MORE IMPROVEMENTS THAN INOUE'

 

“Probellum launched only eight months ago and has already been a key player in making sure the rematch between Donaire and Inoue becomes a reality.

 

“I am incredibly excited for this fight, so too are Donaire and Inoue and the whole of boxing cannot wait for it.”

 

Inoue edged a remarkable first contest between the pair, winning on the judges’ scorecards after 12 rounds, but Donaire fractured his opponent’s nose and broke his orbital bone, in a brutal fight for the ages. 

 

The Japanese star, who forced his rival to touch down in round 11, holds the WBA ‘Super’ and IBF belts in the 118lbs division but since their 2019 fight, Donaire has responded in legendary fashion, by winning the WBC crown with a fourth-round knockout of Nordine Oubaali.

 

The Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire said: “Our first fight was brutal and amazing, it was a classic, but the rematch is going to be even better.

 

“I am heading into this monumental fight with a new mindset, because the first contest with Inoue was an awakening for me and I now know I can defeat him.

 

“I am incredibly grateful for the work of Richard and Probellum in helping to make this fight a reality because it is not only the fight I wanted, but the one the world wanted as well.

 

“June 7, in Japan, is going to be a special evening for the sport and make no mistake, it will end in a Donaire victory.”

 

Donaire, a future Hall of Fame fighter, joined the Probellum ranks in October last year, not long after the promotional company launched.  

 

The 39-year-old is a four-weight world champion and in winning the WBC bantamweight title in May, broke his own record as the oldest fighter to ever hold a belt in that division.

 

To keep up to date with the latest news on the Donaire vs Inoue rematch, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

 

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

 

Davis-Romero Preview

As most Boxing aficionados know, one of the boots that was supposed to take place last December that was anticipated by some was a Lightweight encounter between undefeated former unified IBF/WBA Jr. Lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis and undefeated Lightweight contender Rolando Romero, which was supposed to take place at the legendary venue then known as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Unfortunately as sometimes happens in Boxing, the bout, which was due to headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View promoted card here in the United States did not come to pass as Romero was withdrawn from the scheduled December 5th date due to out of the ring legal troubles that he had to tend to. This created a situation where Davis, who insisted on keeping the scheduled date, had to opt for a substitute opponent in the form of Isaac Cruz, who took the fight on short notice.

In a somewhat surprising fight given the circumstances and the limited time Cruz had to prepare, the bout turned out to be quite competitive and one may even go as far as to say that Cruz was able to provide Davis with a type of test that he had not had to go through in his career thus far in pressuring Davis for all twelve rounds in losing a hard fought unanimous decision. The victory over Cruz as well as Romero’s now resolved issues outside the ring has provided another opportunity for the two to meet inside the ring, which will take place on May 28th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY in a bout once again scheduled to headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View event.

While some might argue that this is a more anticipated fight simply because of the fact that it did not take place last December and thus curiosity has been elevated now that the bout has been rescheduled,  it is important to keep in mind that there is much on the line for both fighters.  Not only both fighters’ respective undefeated records, not only Davis’ Interim/Regular championship designation in the WBA Lightweight rankings, but more specifically a potential opportunity to face the winner of the June 4th Undisputed Lightweight world championship fight between undefeated world champion George Kambosos and undefeated WBC number one contender Devin Haney.

In terms of the styles that both Davis and Romero will bring into the ring with them,  these are two boxers that are known for their ability to end fights quickly,  but as we saw in Gervonta Davis last bout against Isaac Cruz, he has also shown an ability to adapt and can box when he needs to.  Perhaps much of the focus going into this fight could be on Rolando Romero. 

Despite going into this fight unbeaten in fourteen professional fights and having scored knockouts in  twelve of those bouts, he has yet to be in a fight at this level in the sport against a former world champion that like himself is unbeaten.  In thinking of how Romero can be successful in this fight, this observer thought of the consistent pressure Isaac Cruz was able to put on Davis and how he forced him to fight his fight and to be more specific, fight backing up. While it is indisputable that Cruz' approach against Davis led to considerable success,  it should not be overlooked that as that fight progressed, Davis was able to adapt and in the middle and late rounds had turned the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor. 

As this fight approaches,  this observer feels that there is a possibility of a similar fight being fought here. Much like Cruz, Romero is a fighter that likes to come forward and apply pressure on his opponents. While some may argue that Cruz did let Davis off the hook in the middle and late rounds and that was the circumstance that allowed Davis to get himself into a rhythm and eventually take control of the fight in the latter stages of the bout,  Romero is a fighter that likes to apply pressure, but attack in spurts of offense that can be explosive and difficult for opponents to combat. The question that I have in my mind is whether Davis will look to box tactically as he did against Isaac Cruz, or if he will try to bring the fight to Romero in a similar way as he did in his October 2020 fight against Leo Santa Cruz. A fight that he ended with a brutal knockout.

One aspect that tends to work to Romero’s advantage in terms of attacking in spurts is at times,  he will wait for an opponent to initiate an exchange and look to counter them.  In addition to punching power, like Davis,  Romero has good hand speed so this could present a scenario of a short,  but action-packed fight if Davis chooses to fight fire with fire rather than looking to out box Romero. The advantage Davis will have is he has been a world champion and the element of experience can be an important asset in a fight like this as he has been through situations and types of battles that Romero has yet to experience in his career and has done so against a higher level of opposition. 

Whether or not the winner of this fight will be in line to face the winner of what could be at least two fights between George Kambosos and Devin Haney remains to be seen. As has been the case for many years,  the 135lb. Lightweight division remains a focal point for the entire sport.  If recent history is any indication,  there are some very compelling fights coming up and the commonality between both the Davis-Romero and Kambosos-Haney fights is even the most seasoned of Boxing experts cannot say for sure what might happen.  It is such scenarios that truly make Boxing unique and this observer is simply looking forward to seeing how this will all play out. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Davis vs. Romero takes place on Saturday, May 28th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.  The fight will headline a four-bout pay-per-view card broadcast by Showtime Pay-Per-View in the United States beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $74.95. Contact your local cable/ satellite provider for ordering information or visit: www.sho.com/ppv to learn how to order and stream the event online through the Showtime streaming app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/ platforms/ Smart TVs.

*Check your local listings internationally.

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

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

Metcalf Defeats Lejarraga In Bilbao, Spain

 

Jr. Middleweight contender James Metcalf scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over fellow contender Kerman Lejarraga on Friday night at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain. Despite the crowd being heavily in favor of the local favorite Lejarraga, Metcalf used an effective strategy with an emphasis on lateral movement and counter punching to tactically out box the power punching Lejarraga over the course of the ten round contest. Metcalf appeared to score a knockdown of Lejarraga in round three with a short right hand to the head, but it was ruled that the punch landed on the back of the head of Lejarraga.

 

Although Lejarraga tried in spots to turn the ebb and flow in his favor and did land hard punches on Metcalf periodically, it was Metcalf who remained disciplined and was not baited into a toe to toe battle. Metcalf’s combination punching, and ring generalship ultimately were enough to earn the convincing unanimous decision, despite being in his opponent’s home territory.  Official scores were: 97-94, 96-94, and 96-95 James Metcalf advances to 23-2, with 14 Knockouts. Kerman Lejarraga falls to 34-3, with 26 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle for the vacant European Flyweight championship Jairo Noriega scored a twelve round unanimous decision over multi-time European title challenger Angel Moreno. From the opening bell, Noriega’s hand speed, combination punching, and punching power were simply too much for Moreno to combat. Late in the first round a hard and short right hook to the jaw dropped Moreno, but it was not ruled a knockdown. In round five a left hook to the head did drop Moreno. Despite being tactically outgunned and appearing as though he was on the verge of being stopped the “Game” Moreno hung in there and never stopped trying to turn the fight in his favor in what was his fourth attempt to win the European Flyweight championship. Official scores were:116-110, and 118-109 (On two scorecards) in favor of Noriega. Jairo Noriega advances to 12-0, with 3 Knockouts. Angel Moreno falls to 21-5-3, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Welterweight Jon Miguez scored a sixth round knockout of James Moorcroft. A competitive bout, Miguez’ harder punches dictated the combat though Moorcroft did attempt to fight fire with fire in spots throughout. The effects of the punishment dished out by Miguez to the body and head of Moorcroft gradually took a toll. In round six, a left hook to the body crumbled Moorcroft to the canvas. Moorcroft struggled to get to his feet, but did manage to beat the count. Despite this, his refusal to turn and face the referee when questioned if he was okay to continue resulted in the bout being stopped.  Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of round six. Jon Miguez advances to 17-0, with 8 Knockouts. James Moorcroft falls to 16-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Bantamweight Fran Mendoza pounded out an eight round unanimous decision over Alexander Mejia. An entertaining bout from the outset, Mendoza consistently forced the action and landed several thudding hooks to Mejia’s head. Despite taking punishment that would likely drop most fighters, Mejia hung in there and even landed some solid shots of his own in some heated exchanges in the latter rounds. Official scores were: 80-72, (On two scorecards) and 78-74 in favor of Mendoza. Fran Mendoza advances to 14-0, with 7 Knockouts. Alexander Mejia falls to 18-3, with 7 Knockouts.

 

In a clash of unbeaten Women’s Lightweights Rhiannon Dixon scored a six round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Mahjouba Oubtil. Dixon found a home for her right hand as she frequently landed it to the head of Oubtil throughout the bout. In round three it was a right hand that knocked Oubtil to the canvas. In a strange move, Dixon was deducted a point moments later by the referee for leading with her head, but she was the one wounded by an accidental head clash that opened a cut in her hairline. Despite the cut and the deduction, Dixon continued to press the action and in round six, would score her second knockdown of Outbil to secure the victory. Official scores were: 60-52, 58-53, and 57-54 in favor of Dixon Rhiannon Dixon advances to 5-0, with 0 Knockouts. Mahjouba Oubtil falls to 4-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Jr. Welterweight Saul Luna began the evening by scoring a six round decision over previously undefeated Rikar Urrutia. An interesting clash of styles occurred in this fight as Urrutia stalked Luna for the majority of the bout, but Luna’s slick counter punching cleaver elusiveness and harder punches were enough for him to earn the decision victory. Official scores were: 58-56, (On two scorecards) and 57-57 (Even). Saul Luna advances to 7-2, with 1 Knockout. Rikar Urrutia falls to 5-1, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

With the Boxing world still abuzz over Dmitry Bivol’s twelve round unanimous decision over superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez several weeks ago, a victory that some called an upset due primarily to Alvarez’ standing within the sport, despite Bivol being the unbeaten WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion and the naturally bigger man going into the fight, some were also surprised that Bivol was able to get the decision victory over Alvarez in Las Vegas considering that Alvarez is viewed as the biggest star in the sport and a hot ticket seller in the United States, particularly whenever he competes in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, Bivol simply did what he needed to do, and even with a crowd firmly against him, was able to get the job done.

 

Though on a smaller scale in terms of mainstream attention, James Metcalf followed a similar approach against Kerman Lejarraga from the standpoint of having to go into hostile territory and seemingly taking the crowd influence out of the equation with his tactical Boxing performance. While some may also consider this victory an upset seeing as Lejarraga was seemingly on the verge of a potential world championship opportunity later this year, Metcalf should be given credit for sticking to his fight plan and making it work for him no matter what the circumstances were. Although one of the appeals of the sport of Boxing is to see fighters go toe to toe, there is something to be said when a fighter produces a performance like that one Metcalf was able to put forth in this fight. The type of performance that could well revitalize a career.

 

“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  

Thunderdome 38 Results From Metro City In Perth, Australia

 

In a rematch for the vacant Western Australia State Jr. Middleweight championship, Fano Kori scored a fifth round knockout of Joe McCoy in the main event of Dragon Fire Boxing’s Thunderdome 38 event on Friday night at Metro City nightclub in Perth, Australia. A rematch from one of the best fights of 2021 last December at Thunderdome 37, which received global attention due not only to what was an exciting bout, but also the fact that there was a rare double knockdown in the midst of a battle that saw both fighters score knockdowns of each other before the rarity occurred in what was scored a draw by the official judges. This time, the fight was fought at a more measured pace, which favored Kori who used lateral movement and a consistent jab to control the tempo of the combat. Gradually Kori’s approach visibly frustrated McCoy who became more aggressive as the bout progressed. Unfortunately for McCoy, his aggression played into Kori’s strategy as the bout increasingly became a solid Boxing performance by Kori.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

 

While it seemed that Kori was on his way to what would be a convincing unanimous decision in the scheduled six round bout, he had other ideas. Lat in the fifth round Kori connected with a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the jaw that sent McCoy down for the ten count. McCoy tried to make it to his feet, but was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:32 of round five. Fano Kori advances to 8-5-1, with 5 Knockouts. Joe McCoy falls to 1-1-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a bout for the vacant Australian State Cruiserweight championship, undefeated Glen Austin out boxed veteran Nick Xipolitas over six rounds to win the championship via unanimous decision. Glen Austin advances to 8-0, with 2 Knockouts. Nick Xipolitas falls to 4-13-2, with 1 Knockout.

 

Middleweight Jude Grant successfully made his pro debut by a first round stoppage when his opponent  Paul Gould apparently injured his shoulder when attempting to duck underneath one of Grant’s punch and iy appeared as though Gould's shoulder inadvertently contact with Grant’s chest. The injury was immediately apparent and the bout was stopped due to Gould being unable to continue. Official time of the stoppage was :54 of round one.

 

Light-Heavyweight Daniel Stewart needed just 1:14 to stop Michael Te Pou. A barrage of unanswered punches put Te Pou on the canvas in a corner. Although Te Pou tried to get up the bout was stopped.  *Records for both fighters in this bout are unavailable as of this writing. This article will be updated with the appropriate record information if/when made available. *

 

In a Middleweight bout for the Alan Pond Cup unbeaten prospect Jordan La Ruccia scored a four round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Habib Kheirkhah. Kheirkhah began the fight extremely aggressive and pushed La Rucccia back consistently.  In round two, LaRuccia found his rhythm and began to gradually out box Kheirkhah.  It was late in the round that a short overhand right dropped Kheirkhah and La Ruccia was able to secure the decision victory.  Jordan La Ruccia advances to 3-0, with 1 Knockout. Habib Kheirkhah falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Light-Heavyweights Ahmed Almady and Luke Armstrong fought to an entertaining four round split decision draw to begin their respective careers. From the opening bell tge two fighters traded heavy hooks and the momentum continued to shift between the two in what was a closely fought contest where neither fighter was able to stand out from the other. Luke Armstrong advances to 0-0-1, with 0 Knockouts.  Ahmed Almady advances to 0-0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

 

In a clash of Middleweights making their professional debuts, Josh Izatt scored a four round majority decision over Liam O'Connor. Izatt landed some hard hooks in the first two rounds and was able to withstand a rally by O’Connor in rounds three and four to earn the majority decision to start his career unbeaten.  Josh Izatt advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts.  Liam O’Connor falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

The evening began with two exhibition bouts, in a Middleweight exhibition bout Bahityar Sonyol scored a three round unanimous decision over Daniel Desierto. In a Super-Middleweight exhibition bout, Ryan Daye scored a three round unanimous decision over Joshua Macpherson.

 

The thirty-eighth installment of promoter Tony Tolj’s Dragon Fire Boxing’s popular Thunderdome series continued in what has become a tradition of providing a solid mix of well-matched bouts as well as showcasing fighters at various stages of their respective development. While this card, much like the one that proceeded it last December faced some struggles created in part by the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, the series continues to thrive and this observer has no doubt that another entertaining evening of Boxing featuring some of the best up and coming talent the Australian Boxing scene has to offer will occur when Thunderdome 39 takes place later this year.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Kovalev Takes First Step In Successful Cruiserweight Debut

 

After a lengthy absence from in ring competition, the career of former three-time Light-Heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev resumed at The Forum in Inglewood, CA on May 14^th. While the thirty-nine year old former world champion is not a stranger to the process one goes through following a defeat, this time it was a little different for Kovalev.

Not only was Kovalev coming off of a two and a half year layoff following his knockout loss at the hands of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in November 2019, but for the first time in his career, Kovalev would not be competing as a 175lb. Light-Heavyweight. A division where he has been the cornerstone for much of the last decade. After a career spent in the Light-Heavyweight division, Kovalev chose to move up in weight to the 190lb.-200lb. Cruiserweight division to face undefeated contender Tervel Pulev in a scheduled ten round bout.

The primary question that I had going into this fight was what did Sergey Kovalev have left to give as a fighter. It was after all a logical question to ask about not only a fighter that has had a long career, not only one that was coming off a long hiatus, but more specifically a fighter that had also suffered some severe knockouts along the way as well. Even though Kovalev had been enjoying a career resurgence under the guidance of former two-division world champion and Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt and was holding his own prior to being caught and knocked out by Saul Alvarez, a question like that more often than not should be asked under circumstances like Kovalev’s prior to this fight.

For Tervel Pulev, I felt it was crucial that he look to establish himself early in the fight and test Kovalev out of the gate. To his credit, Pulev began the fight aggressively and did try to impose his will on Kovalev. Despite the lengthy absence out of the ring as well as a delay in the fight taking place due to an issue regarding the gloves of a fighter competing in the final preliminary bout prior to Kovalev and Pulev getting in the ring, Kovalev looked extremely relaxed, perhaps more relaxed than this observer had ever seen him in any fight I have covered in his career. It was not long before Kovalev was able to nullify the aggressive start of Pulev.

The primary weapon Kovalev used to do that was his jab. Not only did Kovalev’s jab help him in establishing distance between himself and Pulev, but he also used variations of it in frequently changing his level of attack from the body to the head as well as beginning and ending combinations he threw with the jab. Although this aspect of Kovalev’s Boxing style had emerged in several fights before his loss to Saul Alvarez and did carry Kovalev to significant success against him before he got caught, it was refreshing to see that Kovalev was still disciplined in his approach and had not forgotten the tactical adjustments that McGirt had brought to his arsenal prior to his hiatus. What was also noticeable was the calm approach McGirt implemented in this fight in returning to Kovalev’s corner.

While there were not much in the way of highlights in this fight in the sense that there were no knockdowns or instances where either fighter appeared to be hurt, if one is a Boxing purist, they should be impressed with Kovalev’s performance in this fight. The consistency of his jab as both a table setter and main course of his offense resulted in Kovalev Boxing his way to a convincing ten round unanimous decision victory.

Although it is hard to really gauge where Kovalev is off of one performance, it is important to keep in mind that this was his first bout in two and a half years. What should be important for Kovalev, which he did touch upon shortly after this fight is that he needs to be active. For his part Kovalev said that he wants to be fighting every three or four months, which tells me that he is not intent on relying strictly off of his name recognition value alone to try and secure a world title shot as a Cruiserweight. If he does continue to perform as he did in this fight against Tervel Pulev however, it will not be long before Sergey Kovalev is back in a world championship fight, perhaps as soon as early 2023.

“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

SUNNY EDWARDS SENDS ‘ONE BILLION PER CENT’ NEXT FIGHT MESSAGE TO WORLD CHAMPION PAUL BUTLER

Credit:Probellum 

Press Release:  By Probellum –

LONDON, MAY 16 – Sunny Edwards is “one billion per cent” serious about challenging new world bantamweight champion Paul Butler. But Edwards, the unbeaten flyweight title holder, doesn’t believe Butler would accept the fight even though ‘Showtime’ would be moving up two weight divisions to make it happen. Edwards said: “If I was Paul Butler, I would stay every possible mile in this world away from me”. Butler has been elevated to full WBO world bantamweight champion after John Riel Casimero was stripped of the belt having contravened weigh-making rules in the build-up to Probellum Liverpool. Jonas Sultan stepped in as the replacement but found Butler in the form of his career as the Ellesmere Port fighter won convincingly on points to take the interim title. In a post on social media last week, Edwards threw his hat in the ring to be the opponent for Butler’s first defence of his WBO crown and the 26-year-old has doubled down on his challenge to the new champion. Yet the IBF king at 112lbs is not convinced Butler, and his team, would be prepared to risk the title in a fight with him. “I am one billion per cent serious about fighting Paul Butler,” said Edwards. “I don't say things that don't mean. Not in boxing, not in my private life. WATCH PAUL BUTLER OUTCLASS JONAS SULTAN EDWARDS VS MARTINEZ ‘AGREED’ LIVE ON AIR “It's a fight I'd be 100% confident with, it would be an inter-Probellum fight, it would be an all-British world title fight, but I couldn't really see it happening, if I'm honest, because if I was Paul Butler, I would stay every possible mile in this world away from me and I think that will be the response. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH SUNNY EDWARDS HERE “I think Paul’s coach, Joe Gallagher, is probably much smarter than that, as well. But it's a fight that I would like, it was never really on my radar until a few months ago when I got dragged into a back and forth on Twitter with his dad. But Paul’s a good fighter, don't get confused.” Edwards has described Butler’s victory over Sultan last month, as a “good win” but believes he would be too much for the bantamweight title holder. “For me, there are levels to boxing,” Edwards said. “It's a fight that would allow me to prove the mindset that I'm willing to go up and down in weights to where the fights make sense." To keep up to date with the latest news on Edwards and Butler, as well as the other fighters in Probellum’s roster, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook   You can also follow our official news, results and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter. NEXT FIGHTS FOR FOSTER AND GEVOR AFTER WBC UPDATE WATCH FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER WITH KO FINISH   Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.   The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.