Friday, March 6, 2015

NBC Set To Bring Boxing Back To Primetime




For many years Boxing was a mainstay on broadcast television with networks such as NBC, ABC, and CBS all featuring the sweet science as part of each network’s respective sports programming. As the sport became more geared toward premium cable networks such as HBO and Showtime, as well as the medium of pay-per-view television over the years things gradually changed and Boxing gradually became almost nonexistent on broadcast television.


In recent years however, there has been a gradual shift to bring Boxing back to broadcast television as both NBC and CBS have featured cards on their respective networks. NBC in particular has reestablished itself as a player in the sport, regularly televising fight cards both on its NBC Sports Network as well as periodically featuring cards on the main NBC Network.


This weekend NBC will do something that it has not done since May 20, 1985. Televise a Boxing card on the main NBC Network in primetime. On that night nearly thirty years ago then undefeated IBF Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes went fifteen grueling rounds against Carl “The Truth” Williams in defense of his crown. In what was a competitive fight from start to finish, Holmes overcame a determined effort from Williams to retain his title via fifteen round unanimous decision.


Now almost two months shy of the thirtieth anniversary of that fight, Boxing will once again take center stage in primetime with the debut of the “Premier Boxing Champions” series on Saturday night. The first installment of the series will feature a doubleheader at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.


In the co-feature former three-division world champion Adrien Broner will do battle against former world title challenger John Molina Jr. Broner, who has won world titles in the Jr. Lightweight, Lightweight, and Welterweight divisions will be fighting for the third time since losing the WBA Welterweight world championship to Marcos Maidana in December 2013. Since the loss to Maidana, Broner moved down in weight from the 147lb. Welterweight division to the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division and has won his last two fights over contenders Carlos Molina and in his last fight over Emanuel Taylor.


Broner, who is currently rated number three in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and number four by the World Boxing Council (WBC) could be in line for a potential title shot if he is able to get past John Molina Jr. Molina, will go into the fight having lost three of his last five fights and one might argue is in a must win situation if he hopes to remain a contender. In his last two fights, Molina was stopped in an exciting battle against top contender Lucas Matthysse in April of last year, and dropped a ten round unanimous decision to former Lightweight world champion Humberto Soto last September.


Despite suffering some setbacks during his career including being stopped in his one world title shot against Antonio DeMarco in September 2012, Molina has a crowd pleasing style and comes to win. The key to this fight in my mind will be whether or not Molina can deal with the hand speed and accurate counter punching of Adrien Broner. It is logical to assume that Molina’s best chance for success in this fight is to implement a similar approach to what Marcos Maidana was able to do against Broner. Maidana consistently pressured Broner and was able to dominate the fight with his power punches, scoring two knockdowns of Broner in winning a convincing unanimous decision.


While it could logical to assume that Molina will look to be aggressive and pressure Broner, one could  equally assume that Broner will be looking to counter Molina. It will be interesting to see if Broner elects to let his hands go more or choose to execute his offense off of counter punch opportunities. A problem previous Broner opponents have had in addition to his hand speed is his ability to be extremely accurate with his offense along with solid defense. If however, Broner is overlooking Molina it could prove to be a mistake.


In the main event of this card undefeated Welterweight contender Keith Thurman will face former three-time world champion Robert Guerrero. Thurman, who is unbeaten in twenty-four professional fights with twenty-one knockouts has become a fighter to watch in the talent stacked Welterweight division. In his last fight Thurman scored a twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten contender Leonard Bundu last December.


In Robert Guerrero Thurman arguably faces his toughest test to date. Guerrero has been one of the top fighters in the sport for several years winning world titles in the Featherweight and Jr. Lightweight divisions. Guerrero will be fighting for the second time following his loss in a failed attempt at a fourth world title in his fight with Floyd Mayweather in May 2013. In his last fight in June of last year, Guerrero scored a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision over a “Game” Yoshihiro Kamegai. For twelve rounds Guerrero and Kamegai went to war in what was one of the most exciting fights of 2014.


Now Guerrero prepares for what could be another war against Keith Thurman. This is a fight that I feel could go either way. Both fighters can box and both have shown a willingness to stand and go toe to toe with their opponents. Guerrero is six years the senior of Thurman and has more experience. By the same token, Guerrero in thirty-seven professional fights has been through wars in his career and one could wonder as he approaches his thirty second birthday later this month if those battles have begun to take a toll on him as he prepares to face a fighter with a near 85% career knockout percentage in the twenty six-year old Keith Thurman.


In addition to two exciting fighters being pitted against each other, this fight may also have an impact as it could determine who will face the winner of the scheduled May 2nd Welterweight unification bout between WBC/WBA Welterweight world champion Floyd Mayweather and WBO champion Manny Pacquiao. Thurman, who currently holds interim/regular champion status in the WBA’s Welterweight ratings would theoretically be in line to face the winner of that fight should it take place if he is able to get past Guerrero. For Guerrero meanwhile a victory for him could lead to a potential rematch with Mayweather or a fight with Pacquiao. With much of the Boxing world focused on Mayweather-Pacquiao, the stakes of this fight between Thurman and Guerrero are very high.


In the bigger picture the “Premier Boxing Champions” series just may be the start of big-time Boxing once again being showcased on a regular basis on broadcast television. The series, which will involve NBC, CBS, Spike TV, and Bounce TV has already generated buzz. The debut of the “Premier Boxing Champions” series may open a new era for the Boxing world and ultimately the Boxing fans.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


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


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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Possible Jr. Featherweight Box Off? Bring It On!






In recent years the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division has had two fighters, who have been the division’s central figures. The unified WBA/WBO Jr. Featherweight world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBC champion Leo Santa Cruz. Rigondeaux, undefeated in fifteen professional fights is widely considered the number one fighter in the division. An argument can be made that if Rigondeaux is the number one fighter in the division, Leo Santa Cruz could be considered 1-A as Santa Cruz, undefeated in thirty professional fights has won world titles in two different weight divisions.


While some might talk of a potential unification bout between Rigondeaux and Santa Cruz to determine who is the best fighter at 122lbs., there is another fighter who has emerged as a player in the division. The undefeated IBF world champion Carl Frampton. Frampton, a former European and Commonwealth Jr. Featherweight champion won the IBF world championship in September of last year in scoring a dominant twelve round unanimous decision in his rematch with Kiko Martinez. Frampton’s second victory over Martinez not only earned him a world title, but also established him as a player in the division.


Frampton’s first title defense came on February 28th against top contender and IBF mandatory challenger Chris Avalos at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The champion used solid lateral movement and hand speed to consistently beat Avalos to the punch. What impressed me about Frampton’s performance in addition to how well he used his lateral movement was the accuracy of his offense. Frampton was able to land crisp combinations on the challenger and more or less dictated how the fight was fought from the opening bell. Frampton’s systematic attack gradually took a toll on Avalos and ultimately resulted in a fifth round stoppage for the champion.


Simply put it was a dominant performance by a world champion in his first title defense. The win over Avalos has potentially set the stage for some interesting fights in the Jr. Featherweight division. A scenario that this observer has thought of since Frampton’s stoppage of Avalos could result in the potential for full unification of the Jr. Featherweight division.


In addition to Rigondeaux, Santa Cruz, and Frampton there is another fighter who like them is undefeated. Scott Quigg. Quigg is undefeated in thirty-two professional fights and currently holds interim/regular champion status in the WBA’s Jr. Featherweight ratings. Although this would theoretically give Quigg an opportunity to challenge Guillermo Rigondeaux for his unified world title, a fight that has gained significant interest is a potential battle between Quigg and Frampton.


A fight between Frampton, who is now undefeated in twenty professional fights and who has stopped five of his last seven opponents inside the distance  up against Quigg, who has stopped three of his last four opponents is certainly intriguing. A fight between the two would definitely be a draw in the United Kingdom and would also be a fight that would draw the interest of Boxing fans here in the United States. Quigg, who last fought in November of last year scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Hidenori Otake has scored twenty-two knockouts in his thirty wins as a professional. In comparison to Quigg, Frampton has scored fourteen knockouts in his twenty career wins. Both fighters have registered career knockout percentages of nearly 70% and a fight between the two would be a battle between two highly skilled fighters who can box and have shown the ability to end fights early.

What could result in full unification of the Jr. Featherweight division is if Frampton, Quigg, Rigondeaux, and Santa Cruz were to take part in what would amount to be a two fight box off where the winners would face each other for the undisputed Jr. Featherweight world championship. It is important to remember that a fight between Frampton and Quigg has not been signed, nor has a potential fight between Rigondeaux and Santa Cruz.


This observer however, believes the possibility of the potential fights taking place is certainly realistic. If a box off involving the four were to take place it would bring arguably the four top fighters of the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division together to determine an undisputed champion. It is something that would be a positive for the sport. Bring it on!


“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 
 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Boxing Returns To Beaumont,Texas




Press Release: February 23, 2015- By L.O.E.F Promotions and Majestic Raven Entertainment

“We are planning on changing the boxing landscape in the Golden Triangle”- Allen Jaco, L.O.E.F President


On April 11th, League Of Extraordinary Fighters known as L.O.E.F Promotions will be presenting Boxing Shootout at the Montagne Center on the campus of Lamar University. The card is scheduled to feature and highlight several local fighters. “We are planning on changing the boxing landscape in the Golden Triangle.” Says Allen Jaco, President of L.O.E.F. “There hasn't been a show in this area in so long and our plan is to out on numerous shows for the fans”.


The card was originally scheduled for January 17th, but was postponed due to fighters pulling out last minute and other issues. “It really pained us to have to postpone the show. We did everything we could to get enough fighters for commission approval, but we just couldn't get it. But we are going full steam ahead with our inaugural show in April.”


 Weigh-ins for the event will take place April 10th and doors open for Boxing Shootout at 5:30pm on the 11th.

Material Courtesy of: L.O.E.F Promotions and Majestic Raven Entertainment Used with Permission.

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

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Is Cotto Next For Golovkin?





The latest chapter in the career of undefeated unified the WBA/IBO Gennady Golovkin came when he defended his title against top contender and two-time world title challenger Martin Murray on Saturday night at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco. As has been asked of previous Golovkin opponents, the question heading into this fight was whether or not Murray could find an answer to avoid the consistent pressure style and punching power of the champion.


In the early rounds of this bout Murray was able to have success in landing punches to the head and body of the champion. Murray’s success was also complemented by his high defensive guard and ability to avoid being a stationary target, as well he was able to tie Golovkin up and not allow the champion to execute much offense on the inside. This however, did not deter the champion, who showed patience and proved that he had the advantage in terms of punching power when he was able to land.


What was a competitive fight in the first three rounds would begin to shift in the champion’s favor in round four. Golovkin began to land more frequently in round four and was able to score the first of two knockdowns in the round by dropping Murray with a right hook to the body. Murray showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown, but was floored for a second time with another right hand to the body by the champion. Murray again arose from being knocked down and the fight continued.


Following the fourth round, Golovkin’s systematic attack to the body and head of Murray became the story of the fight. Despite not being able to keep the champion off of him for extended periods of time, Murray remained very “Game” and attempted to return offense while being on the defensive. Murray’s punches simply did not have the power behind them to discourage Golovkin from coming forward.


A right hand to the head sent the challenger down for the third time in the closing seconds of round ten. Murray once again was able to get up from the knockdown and survived the round. The beating administered to Murray at the hands of Gennady Golovkin would come to an end as Referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight after Murray was hurt by a flush right hand on the ropes fifty seconds into the eleventh round.


The victory for Golovkin earned him his thirteenth successful title defense and his nineteenth consecutive knockout. The question coming out of this fight remains the same as Golovkin’s previous title defenses, who can withstand the constant pressure and punching power of a fighter who has become one of the sport’s hottest stars.


Although much of the discussion in regard to the Middleweight division has centered around the circumstances surrounding the now vacant IBF Middleweight world championship, an intriguing storyline has become what may indeed turn out to be a historic championship reign for Gennady Golovkin. Golovkin now having successfully defended his title thirteen times is one successful title defense away from tying the mark of fourteen successful defenses set by Carlos Monzon, who reigned atop the Middleweight division from 1970-1977.


As Golovkin continues to win talk of him challenging the all-time Middleweight record for successful title defenses set by Bernard Hopkins, who reigned as Middleweight champion from 1995-2005 successfully defending his title twenty times will increase. An interesting question however, is who will be Golovkin’s opponent for title defense number fourteen?


This observer believes with WBO champion Andy Lee preparing to defend his title against undefeated former WBO champion Peter Quillin in April and with the status of the IBF Middleweight championship remaining for the moment uncertain, the most viable option for Golovkin would be a unification bout with WBC champion Miguel Cotto. What makes the idea of Cotto-Golovkin more appealing beyond a fight between two fighters with exciting styles is that it would be a unification bout that could be mandated by the World Boxing Council (WBC). This is due to Golovkin being designated as having interim status in the WBC’s Middleweight ratings per his defeat of top contender Marco Antonio Rubio last October, despite Golovkin already being a unified world champion. 


Although I believe in this case the WBC’s interim designation to be a moot point, it may serve a purpose if a fight between Cotto and Golovkin cannot be made between the fighters and their camps. Theoretically Cotto the WBC champion could be mandated to fight Golovkin. It is certainly a unique scenario that has not been seen before, but it would put the WBC into an interesting position of possibly mandating a unification bout to take place if the fight is not made otherwise.


A fight between Miguel Cotto and Gennady Golovkin would certainly generate significant interest of Boxing fans and experts alike. It’s too soon to tell whether or not a fight between Cotto and Golovkin may be on the horizon, but a fight between the two is the best possible option for both fighters, in my opinion.


Even though the discussion coming out of Gennady Golovkin’s stoppage of Martin Murray is what will be next for the champion, what should not be overlooked is the bravery of Murray. For eleven rounds Murray gave it everything he had against a champion, who has only one goal “Seek and Destroy.” Despite taking an awful beating throughout the fight, Murray never stopped trying to find a way to turn things in his favor and remained determined right up until the fight was stopped.


Martin Murray more than proved his mettle in this fight and remains a top contender in the division. Murray deserves every bit of credit he receives for the courageous performance he put forth in defeat.


“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