Monday, April 7, 2014

Cunningham Vs. Mansour: Let’s See It Again!




A common storyline that will surface from time to time in the sport of Boxing is a scenario of a veteran fighter or a former world champion, who might appear to be on the downside of their career being pitted against a contender who is on the way up the ranks. Such a scenario was presented as former two-time IBF Cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham entered the ring to face undefeated Heavyweight contender Amir Mansour on April 4th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


For the thirty-seven year old Cunningham, this fight may have been viewed by some as a make it or break it situation for him. Although Cunningham is a former world champion an argument some might make is that he is more known for getting tough breaks in losing a couple of very close decisions throughout his career. Most notably, versus Tomasz Adamek who defeated Cunningham for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship in 2008 and again in their rematch four years later in 2012 as Heavyweights.



Despite suffering some setbacks during his career, Cunningham has also earned a reputation as a well-traveled road warrior who has been willing to fight all over the world. In April of last year, Cunningham met undefeated Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury in what was one of the most exciting and competitive fights in the division in recent years. Cunningham knocked the 6’9 Fury down for the first time in his career in the second round and gave an extremely “Game” effort before being knocked out in the seventh round. It was the first knockout loss for Cunningham in his career.


Although Cunningham has always given his best every time he enters the ring, some might have questioned what was left for Cunningham after losing four of his last five fights. Cunningham however, would rebound by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over journeyman contender Manuel Quezada in December of last year. This would set the stage for Cunningham to face rising undefeated forty-one-year-old contender Amir Mansour.


Mansour, whose career began in 1997, had his career derailed by legal troubles serving nine years in prison for drug possession. It is highly unusual when discussing a forty-one-year-old fighter that you can say that the fighter is a rising contender. Mansour however, is indeed a rising contender who since returning to the ring in 2010 has garnered significant attention.


In his career, Mansour has scored victories over notable opponents including Dominick Guinn, Jason Gavern, and Maurice Harris to win the United States Boxing Association (USBA) title in August of last year. Mansour, who last fought in December of last year scoring a seventh round stoppage of Kelvin Price has registered a career knockout percentage of over 70%.


When the Mansour-Cunningham fight was announced this observer thought it had an element of intrigue. Could Mansour, who entered into the fight with a record of 20-0, with 15 knockouts continue his march up the Heavyweight ranks by defeating a former world champion? Could Cunningham reestablish himself in the Heavyweight division by defeating an undefeated fighter who appeared to be perhaps on the verge of facing a top ten contender in a division that is wide-open?


These questions would be answered as the two entered the ring to do battle at the Liacouras Center. The action began at a tactical pace where both fighters seemed to have periods of effectiveness. Mansour the aggressor, Cunningham seemingly content in the role of counter puncher.


Although the fight was fought early on at a tactical pace, both fighters established a quick pace and were not reluctant to engage. The primary difference in this fight was Cunningham’s ability to make Mansour miss due to his solid lateral movement, despite fighting in close.


Even though Mansour clearly was the harder puncher, I did wonder as this fight progressed whether or not fatigue would become a factor. Mansour was putting a lot behind his punches and over a period of time when a fighter misses with heavily thrown punches, it can have an effect as a fight progresses. Mansour however, does have the power to turn a fight in his favor with one punch. Cunningham was able to win most of the early rounds in large part due to his defense and making when he did land count. Sometimes it is not necessarily who is the more active fighter in terms of punches landed or thrown that determines who wins a fight. The ability to be solid defensively can be and often is crucial when it comes to winning rounds.


I did wonder however, whether or not Cunningham would be able to continue to nullify Mansour’s offense for the full ten round bout. This question that I had in my mind was valid as Mansour would turn the momentum in his favor in round five, knocking down Cunningham with a right hand and dropping him again seconds later. Cunningham was able to survive the round, but suffering two knockdowns in the round likely helped Mansour gain ground on most unofficial scorecards up to that point.


Although the momentum clearly shifted to Mansour in the fifth round, Cunningham as has been the case throughout his career showed his mettle. Cunningham’s ability to be elusive allowed him to clear his head and get back into the fight as he continued to make Mansour miss frequently and looked to counter Mansour’s offense. One thing that stood out to me as I watched this fight was although Mansour clearly brought the fight to Cunningham throughout, an argument could be made that by Mansour putting a lot behind the punches he threw in actuality worked against him due to Cunningham’s ability to make him miss and thus possibly cost him some rounds that most would consider close.


The fight however, was grueling and both fighters gradually wore the effects of a hard-fought battle. Both men would suffer cuts during the course of this fight and I wondered if the fight would go the distance. As the rounds went on Cunningham not only dictated the fight in my mind based on his ability to be elusive, but he was also very effective in mixing his offense to the body and head of Mansour. Even though Mansour clearly had Cunningham in trouble in the fifth round, I wondered whether Mansour’s punching power would be enough for him to win him this fight down the stretch.


Because of the two knockdowns against Cunningham in the fifth round, there may have been some difference of opinion as to who was ahead on the scorecards as the fight went into the late rounds. One of the primary things that I believe worked against Mansour in this fight was not only that he was seemingly putting everything he had into every punch he threw, but he also frequently lunged in with his punches and neglected his jab as a way to set up his offense. This allowed Cunningham to time Mansour as he came forward and allowed him to evade the majority of his offense.


Cunningham regained control the fight down the stretch has Mansour appeared to be exhausted and the more fatigued of the two fighters. Cunningham scored a knockdown of Mansour in the final minute of the tenth and final round and would go on to win a ten round unanimous decision, winning the USBA title and reestablishing himself in the division.


For a fighter like Steve Cunningham who has had some tough breaks and has had to deal with adversity throughout his career, this win was in some ways career defining. Both Cunningham and Mansour proved that they belong in the discussion of Heavyweight contenders and potential future world title challengers.


Some might argue that Cunningham at thirty-seven years old and Mansour at forty-one years old might not have time on their side in terms of positioning themselves for a potential challenge of a world title. Current unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko is scheduled to face Alex Leapai in a title defense later this month.  Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne will face-off in a rematch to determine a new WBC world champion in May. The fact that both Cunningham and Mansour fought like warriors in this fight and are consistently involved in entertaining fights could benefit both in the long-term.

As the Heavyweight division appears to be reemerging as a major focal point in the sport, each fight between prospects, contenders, and former world champions will continue to garner attention. In terms of the near future with several fights already scheduled to take place between top contenders and fights involving portions of the World Heavyweight Championship, the best option for both Cunningham and Mansour in my eyes would be a rematch.


Both fighters gave it everything they had and produced what has to be considered one of the best Heavyweight fights of the year thus far. Why not an encore?


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


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


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






Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Kovalev, Stevenson, And The Changing Landscape Of The Light-Heavyweight Division



It surely looked as though Light-Heavyweight world champions Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson were on a collision course as 2013 came to a close. Two fighters who have established themselves in the same division, at the same time, in a similar manner. Both producing knockouts that have gained the Boxing world’s attention.


The idea of these two emerging stars in the sport being pitted against each other in a world title unification clash is certainly an intriguing storyline. Most storylines however, are known for having intriguing plot twists. The scenario of a potential Kovalev-Stevenson collision would appear to be no exception.


Although most Boxing fans are probably of the opinion that a fight between Kovalev and Stevenson is the most logical option for both fighters at this stage of their careers, sometimes what may appear to have the most logic does not always take place. This is especially true when it comes to the sport of Boxing and certain elements, which might be a factor in determining when or if such a fight might take place.


Even though the groundwork for a potential Kovalev-Stevenson clash appeared to be laid following both fighters successful title defenses on the same card last November, a scenario that I brought up in the days following that card centered around the various political elements in the sport. A dilemma for promoters and television networks is whether or not to put such a fight together as soon as possible, with the assumed goal to sell the fight as a pay-per-view event to Boxing fans.


In all truth and honesty it is a delicate task for promoters and networks to determine when a fight of this magnitude should be made. Of course one of things to consider is the financial incentives that a fight like this would bring to all parties involved. Other things to consider however, are not only what the fight could do for the fighters involved in the short-term, but also where does it leave the fighters involved in the long-term picture in regard to a potential win or loss. It is also important to remember that those involved in the business end of the sport not only invest time, but also over the course of developing fighters invest in those fighters from a financial standpoint.


It is perhaps more important in the long-term picture to make sure that there are options on the table for all parties involved regardless of whom should emerge victorious in a would be “Super-Fight.” Although some may believe that it would be tempting to put together a fight like this as a significant pay-per-view draw as soon as possible, the other thing to consider is whether or not attempting to continue to grow interest in such a fight would perhaps be better in the long-term. 


An argument could be made that some of the most memorable “Super-Fights” are those fights that are built over a significant period of time and in some cases over a period of years. In almost all cases fights that were built up over a period of time left the fighters involved in better positions coming out of the fight in the long-term as it more often than not gives fighters notoriety and increases their marquee value.


Even though following the Stevenson-Kovalev twinbill last November there did not seem to be any roadblocks that would prevent a potential unification bout between the two. It was recently announced that Stevenson will face top Light-Heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara on May 24th. What makes this noteworthy is the fight will be televised by Showtime in the United States.


Both Stevenson and Kovalev have fought their most recent fights on HBO, the main rival of Showtime for many years. The current landscape of the sport at least in terms of where marquee fights are televised in the United States is largely driven by the rivalry between the two networks, which some might argue has both positives and negatives for fighters.


It goes without saying that the sport of Boxing has many detractors who will point out all the negative things that the sport deals with. In this case however, with two of the sport’s big-time players engaged in competition with the goal of trying to put on the best fights possible for the Boxing fans who have always supported the sport in good times and bad is good in the eyes of this observer. The more that there is competition among television networks looking to bring the best and most competitive fights to their audience, the better.


Some could easily say however, that increased competition between networks and promoters could potentially and has in some ways stood in the way of some marquee fights being made. With the news that Stevenson will be facing Fonfara on May 24th on Showtime very much fresh in the minds of Boxing fans and experts alike, Sergey Kovalev entered the ring to defend his WBO Light-Heavyweight world title against undefeated contender Cedric Agnew on March 29th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.


Although Agnew was undefeated going into this fight he was unknown to most. Going into this fight I wondered whether or not all the discussion of the potential fight with Stevenson and the news that some might consider a potential roadblock standing in the way of that fight taking place would have any effect on Kovalev.


Despite a tactical approach and a high defensive guard, Agnew was unable to avoid Kovalev’s power as the champion gradually broke his opponent down, scoring three knockdowns en route to a seventh round knockout. Although Agnew was outgunned in this fight, he does deserve credit for the tactical way he attempted to fight Kovalev and he was successful sporadically with his offense. For Agnew, his effort in this fight could well lead to another opportunity against a top contender in the division down the line.


For the champion Sergey Kovalev his second successful title defense will likely be viewed as a win that will lead to bigger and better things down the road. Kovalev did however, show in this fight that he was not distracted by all the talk of the potential fight with Stevenson perhaps not happening at least in terms of the immediate future.


The attention however, will now focus on Adonis Stevenson as he prepares to face Andrzej Fonfara on May 24th. Will all the attention and discussion surrounding the anticipated potential showdown with Kovalev have any effect on Stevenson in this fight? An interesting question that Boxing fans are likely going to ask as that fight draws closer. The spotlight however, will first shine on IBF champion Bernard Hopkins and WBA champion Beibut Shumenov as they prepare to square off in a unification bout on April 19th in Washington, D. C.


Although much of the attention has focused on Kovalev and Stevenson in recent times with regard to the Light-Heavyweight division it is important to remember that in the current landscape of the division. It’s true both Kovalev and Stevenson are emerging stars and are likely the future of the division. The Light-Heavyweight division still presents one man who not only has skills, but attracts fights on marquee value alone. Bernard Hopkins…


It could be a valid point that no matter the outcome of the Hopkins-Shumenov fight that most would say that Hopkins will likely remain the fighter for whom all fighters in the Light-Heavyweight division will seek an opportunity to fight as long as the forty-nine-year-old future Hall of Famer continues to fight. Hopkins thus far has not indicated any plans to retire in the near future. 
 

Although a fight between Kovalev and Stevenson remains a highly anticipated fight, one could assume that both are likely looking at the perhaps bigger goal. This would be to face the winner of the Hopkins-Shumenov fight and thus look to be in better position in the long-term future.


No matter what happens on April 19th, the landscape of the Light-Heavyweight division will change. As networks and promoters continue to vie to put on the best fights possible for the Boxing fans, some may continue to focus on the negative aspects. This observer chooses to view the division as being on the threshold of a new exciting era. 


Hopkins, Kovalev, Stevenson, and Shumenov all in the mix.  Let’s not forget there are many other contenders and former world champions with Boxing skills and knockout power. The Light-Heavyweight division might be the most explosive division in the sport.

 “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 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Why Khan-Collazo Fight Benefits Both Fighters



When it comes to the Welterweight division there is little doubt that the two main marquee attractions are Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao have been at the top of most pound for pound debates for several years, but more importantly when it comes to the Welterweight and even the Jr. Middleweight divisions both are the big money draws that all opponents vie for an opportunity to fight.


Former world champions Amir Khan and Luis Collazo are no exception. Khan the former unified world Jr. Welterweight champion, who reigned over the division for three years between 2009 and 2012 has become one of the sport’s rising stars. Khan however, has had to deal with adversity that some might argue has derailed his standing among the sport’s pound for pound debates.


Khan, despite suffering some setbacks has shown the ability to persevere. Some will remember Khan suffering a first round knockout loss at the hands of Breidis Prescott in September 2008 in fifty-four seconds. Under circumstances where most would be discouraged and some fighters have found it difficult to bounce back, Khan persevered going on to win the WBA world title in the Jr. Welterweight division by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Andreas Kotelnik in 2009.


Khan went on to successfully defend and partially unify his title with the IBF Jr. Welterweight world title five times before having to deal with further adversity in back-to-back fights with Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia. Khan would lose the IBF portion of his title to Peterson in December 2011 in what was a closely fought battle, but was reinstated as WBA champion after Peterson failed a post-fight drug test as he tested positive for a banned substance. Khan would then face undefeated WBC champion Danny Garcia in July 2012.


In that fight Khan suffered knockdowns in the third and fourth rounds before the fight was stopped in round four. After suffering two setbacks, Khan would again show the ability to bounce back returning to the ring later that year to stop Jr. Welterweight contender Carlos Molina in ten rounds.


In his last fight Khan survived being knocked down in the fourth round to win a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision over former Lightweight world champion Julio Diaz. Although Khan’s rise up the sport’s mythical pound for pound ratings may have been derailed by suffering those setbacks, he is still a star of the sport and should be considered a threat to anyone in the Welterweight division.


As much as Khan’s ability to overcome adversity has become a key component throughout his career, the same holds true for former Welterweight world champion Luis Collazo. As this observer has said in the past Collazo might be more known as a fighter who has had decisions go against him in notable fights throughout his career, despite the fact that he is a former world champion.


Despite losing to Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto, and Shane Mosley on the marquee stage of the sport over the course of his career, Collazo has persevered. After suffering a loss to Freddy Hernandez in 2011, Collazo went on to win three straight fights leading up to his encounter with former Welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz in January of this year. Collazo brought the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion when a perfectly timed counter right hook dropped Ortiz late in the second round.


A sudden and perhaps unexpected knockout win that has reestablished Collazo in the Welterweight division. As I said in covering that fight in January if there was something to take away from that fight that may be inspiring is that perseverance can indeed pay off. Both Amir Khan and Luis Collazo are examples of that.


In addition to being former world champions both Khan and Collazo share something else in common, the desire to not only reach the top of the mountain once again by becoming world champions, but also the desire in wanting a fight against Floyd Mayweather. For a time it appeared as though Khan would get the opportunity to face Mayweather so much so that he pulled out of a scheduled fight against former two-division world champion Devon Alexander.


The potential of a fight between Mayweather and Khan seemed to be somewhat enhanced by an online poll conducted by Mayweather that saw Khan receive more votes than the recently crowned WBA Welterweight world champion and former Khan opponent Marcos Maidana, who Mayweather eventually decided to fight on May 3rd in Las Vegas. Khan however, may have received the next best opportunity as it was announced earlier this week that he will face Collazo on the Mayweather-Maidana undercard.


Although some may feel that Amir Khan was pushed aside by Mayweather opting to face Maidana instead of him, in all truth and honesty Mayweather choosing to face Maidana was the most logical option for Mayweather at this stage of his career. Maidana after all did score a dominant victory over Adrien Broner, Mayweather’s friend who has been called Mayweather’s protege by some in December of last year to win the WBA title. It was only natural to assume after that fight last December that there would be significant demand for Mayweather to face Maidana with the intriguing storyline of whether Maidana could duplicate his performance by defeating Mayweather with the undefeated Mayweather looking to avenge his friend’s defeat.


Mayweather’s choice however, by choosing to fight Maidana now opens the door for another intriguing storyline as both Khan and Collazo have vocally expressed their desire to face him. The fact that now Khan and Collazo will face each other as the co-main event on the Mayweather-Maidana card presents a perfect opportunity for both fighters to make their case to face the winner of that fight. This would seem logical seeing as Collazo is currently ranked third in the world in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) rankings and Khan being ranked number two by the World Boxing Council (WBC).


When you also take into the equation that the three fighters who are currently ranked ahead of Khan and Collazo, Paul Malignaggi and Keith Thurman in the WBA rankings and Luis Carlos Abregu in the WBC rankings all have scheduled fights in the next month. What this amounts to in the often political and often confusing landscape of the sport and it’s rankings is an elimination bout between Khan and Collazo to see who will be in line to face the Mayweather-Maidana winner.


Although I am very much looking forward to providing further analysis about this fight as May 3rd draws closer, an argument should be made that no matter who should emerge victorious between Khan and Collazo, both are likely to be in good position for potential big money fights in the Welterweight division in the long-term picture. A testament for two fighters who have made careers out of their ability to overcome adversity and persevere.


“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 
  

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Touted Fighter Chantel “Gorgeous Babe” Cordova Upset In Bid For World Title Fight


Press Release: March 22, 2014 By Martin Hines and Sundown Entertainment- COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Maria Suarez wanted to give her soon-to-be 16-year old son a wonderful birthday present. On Friday night at the Pueblo Convention Center, she did just that. Suarez (8-0) remained undefeated by hanging tough through six rounds against the home-town favorite, Chantel “Gorgeous Babe” Cordova (12-5-1). Suarez, who supervises her California hometown’s Head Start early education program, impressed the partisan crowd with her aggressive style.


“I got into fighting about seven years ago,” said Suarez. “My son is going to be sixteen tomorrow and I used to take him to the gym when he was eight years old. He fought amateur for awhile, but I’m the one that stuck around and took on this profession. This isn’t even my full-time job. I have a master’s degree, so this is a hobby of mine—this is my passion—I love it!”    


Cordova enjoyed early success as an amateur—winning two national championships and three Golden Gloves titles—but her three-fight win streak came to an end and temporarily set back ambitions for a title fight.

“It does [set me back] a little bit, but you got to move forward and get another win,” said a Cordova, who was surrounded by family and friends. “You just need to get another opportunity. This last one was a setback, but the phone is always ringing. Hopefully, we get back on that trail and get that other “W” and it will lead to a title shot.”


The first bout of the night featured recent local hero, Ronnie Reams, who made quick work of the challenger Kevin Benson (1-3) in a first-round technical knockout (1:56). Days earlier, Reams (4-3) came to the aid of a female victim from further harm, as the kidnapping suspect chased her into the boxing gym where Reams and other boxers were training.


“With this fight, it’s just getting me back into the game, so I wasn’t worried about the fight at all,” said Reams, who avoided injury prior to the fight after the altercation with the kidnapping suspect. “When that event happened, I didn’t know all that was happening to the lady who was kidnapped, but at the same time the guy who was doing it, I tried not to hurt him.”


The next bout did not last much longer as, Izaak Cardona, landed a fierce combination against Robert Brewington, who was making his professional debut. Brewington (0-1) was outmatched by Cardona (6-0) after a round-one technical knockout.


Cardona enjoyed a large following for his first “Friday Night Fights” bout, “My family and friends love to come out and support me, and that gives me a little extra boost in the ring when you hear the roaring of the crowd in there.” In 2011 Cardona barely missed the Olympic Trials by one point at the USA Boxing National Championships. 

      
Other than the main event, one of the most entertaining bouts of the night featured Marcus Dawkins (4-1) against Javier Rodriguez (1-2). Dawkins wore down his opponent over four rounds (1:51), but Rodriguez succumbed after Dawkins landed a straight left hand after an up-jab. “Based on the way I fight, I knew that it was going to at least last a few rounds,” said Dawkins. “I start slow, but once I get going, I’m pretty good.”


Sundown Entertainment is a limited liability company which was started in 2013. The company’s headquarters is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Sundown Entertainment please visit: www.sundownentertainmentllc.com.




Material Courtesy of: Sundown Entertainment Used with permission.



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