Talkin Boxing with Billy C’s- Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev Post Fight Thought’s Plus Predictions on Canelo Vs. Smith and More.

Billy C & the crew give their thoughts on AJ-Pulev, the upcoming Canelo-Smith fight, the latest boxing news and much more!

Catch the Recorded Episode Here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_tSaPY5GB0

Watch the Talkin Boxing With Billy C TV & Radio Show by downloading the FiteTV app http://fite.tv/billyc.

Catch our recent and classic episodes anytime on Giniko USA TV https://ginikousa.com/live.php?id=750 or listen on through I-Tunes, Apple and dozens of other Podcast providers worldwide.

Look for Billy C’s book- Tom Molineaux “From Bondage to Baddest Man on the Planet” on
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Smith Jr Starches Alvarez in nine- The Common Man is not So Common Anymore

At the MGM Grand Bubble in Las Vegas, Top Rank hosted en event on ESPN+ headlined by former WBO light heavyweight title holder Eleider Alvarez and former title challenger Joe Smith Jr in a WBO elimination bout. The nights co-feature would be between former WBA middleweight belt holder Rob Brant and middleweight “Boxcino” finalist Vitalii Kopylenko.

On paper the main event was intriguing and while most predicted a wide points win for the former title holder. The difference between Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol who completely dominated Smith is, Alvarez normally has a low punch output. That low punch output would surely allow Smith to make it a dogfight.

The only question looming for most was “Can Alvarez avoid that Joe Smith right hand so many other fighters have fallen to including Bernard Hopkins?”

We seen a different version of Joe Smith Jr on Saturday, as with his previous bout against Jesse Hart we seen the newly incorporated stiff jab in Smith’s repertoire. There was also added combination punching to the body and the two along with Smiths power paid dividends.

When Alvarez would get on his toes and attempt to score points from the outside, Smith would cut the ring off and use his own jab followed by a right hand downstairs to slow Alvarez down. As rounds passed anytime Alvarez adjusted his approach in an attempt to frustrate Smith, He found Joe keeping in sync one at all times.

A thunderous right hand in the ninth round followed by a jab that landed flush on Alvarez’s chin would detach him from his senses. While referee Tony Weeks counted Alvarez did attempt to get up and continue but he was clearly out of it forcing Tony Weeks to wave the contest off.

With the win Joe Smith Jr now the WBO mandatory improved to Joe Smith Jr 26-3(21), Eleider Alvarez now stands at 25-2(13).

In 2016 when Joe Smith Jr stopped Bernard Hopkins, sending him through the ropes and into retirement most thought it was a case of “One Fight Too Many” for Hopkins. When Smith suffered two lopsided losses afterwards to Sullivan Barrera and Dmitry Bivol that opinion was reinforced for many. Having two wins in 2020 over superior boxers where Smith brought not only that power he is known for but added  boxing technique.

I think its safe to say while Joe Smith Jr still embraces his “Common Man” persona, he is no longer a common fighter and the light heavyweight division just got that much more exciting because of it.

In the co-feature former WBA middleweight belt holder Rob Brant overwhelmed and defeated Vitalii Kopylenko via RTD 5. With the win Brant imrpoved to 26-2 (18) while Vitalii Kopylenko now stands at 28-3 (16).

On the undercard one of boxing’s busiest fighters, Middleweight Clay Collard in his eighth fight since September of 2019 scored a second round TKO over Maurice Williams. With the win Collard improved to 9-2-3(4) while Maurice Williams drops to 7-2(3).

In Undercard bouts

Super Lightweight-Julian Rodriguez 20-0(12) def. Anthony Laureano 13-1(4) via TKO 1

Super Middleweight- Wendy Toussaint 12-0(5) def. Isiah Jones 9-3(3) via UD 8

Bantamweight- Robert Rodriguez 9-0-1(5) def. Abel Soriano 10-1(7) via TKO 1

Super Lightweight- Israel Mercado 8-0(7) def. Adrian Valdovinos 5-1-1(4) via UD 6

Featherweight- Duke Ragan 1-0(1) def. Luis Alvarado 1-2 via TKO 1

CasKilla upsets The First Lady to claim female supremacy

Saturday Live on DAZN from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cecilia Braekhus the undisputed female welterweight champion of the world, attempted to make a record  twenty fifth title defense when she faced WBA/WBC junior welterweight title holder Jessica McCaskill. In the co-feature undefeated junior middleweight Israil Madrimov took on Eric Walker in a WBA title eliminator. It was a night of surprise and history being made just not the fighters most predicted.

When the main event between Braekhus and McCaskill started, most assumed we would see a fleet footed Braekhus using her jab to control the tempo yet it was an aggressive McCaskill that placed Braekhus on the defensive. As the middle rounds approached, McCaskill slowed slightly allowing  Braekhus to gain control of the fight by boxing behind her jab and landing combinations. When the championship rounds began McCaskill was able to once again able to gain momentum as she traded blows with Braekhus. In the tenth and final round Braekhus controlled the pace while McCaskill  looked to land a fight ending punch, the tow would throw punches until the final bell.

When scores were read Judges seen it 95-95, 97-93 97-94 with the 97-93 and 97-94 scores in favor of Jessica McCaskill. With the win Jessica McCaskill improved to 9-2 (3) and is now not only the WBA/WBC junior welterweight female champion but new undisputed female welterweight  champion of the world. The first lady Cecilia Braekhus with her first loss now stands at 36-1(9), I am sure we can expect a rematch between these two fighters before the end of 2020.

In the co-feature Junior Middleweight Israil Madrimov improved to 6-0 (5) when he outpointed Eric Walker over twelve rounds. It was a night where Eric Walker brought in as an opponent for the undefeated Madrimov fought the best fight of his career, Walker was out-landing and making Madrimov very uncomfortable for the first half of the contest. In the seventh Madrimov regained control of the bout, he would drop Walker in the  ninth with a left hand that referee Gary Ritter ruled an accidental foul. Its not clear what Ritter was seeing when he declared Madrimov hit Walker with his shoulder, it was a clear punch that dropped Walker but he was given five minutes to recover and that decision could of cost Madrimov the win.

When Walker was able to continue the break did little to help him regain the fights momentum as Madrimov continued dominating. In the twelfth and final round Madrimov scored another knockdown that was ruled correctly then continued to dominate until the final bell.  With the win Israil Madrimov improved to 6-0(5) while Eric Walker now stands at 20-2(9).

In Undercard action

Super Lightweight- Shakhram Giyasov 10-0(9) def. Wiston Campos 31-8-6(19) via KO 3

Featherweight-Raymond Ford 6-0(2) def. Eric Manriquez 7-11-1(3) via UD 6

Middleweight-Nikita Ababiy 9-0(6) def. Jarvis Williams 8-3-1(5) via UD 6

Ortiz Jr defeats Vargas in DAZN return

Friday Night Boxing returned to DAZN live from Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio in California, with a Golden Boy Promotions event. In the main event red hot prospect Vergil Ortiz Jr took on Samuel Vargas co-featured by middleweights Shane Mosley Jr and Jeremy Ramos.

The highly anticipated main event between Vergil Ortiz Jr and Samuel Vargas delivered in several ways, we were able to see the power of Ortiz while Samuel Vargas performed better than most thought he would. The contest started with Vargas pressing the action landing to the body of Ortiz hoping it would pay off later in the fight. In the third and forth rounds Ortiz punished Vargas with huge right hands followed up by combinations that rocked Vargas several times.

We would see some success from Vargas in the fifth, he pushed forward catching Ortiz with jabs and hooks while smothering Ortiz’s offense. When round six began Ortiz had slowed his pace setting Vargas up by using angles to land his power shots. It would appear as though Vargas was going down from an Ortiz rally in round six but Vargas used veteran tactics tackling Ortiz to halt his momentum.

The onslaught of Ortiz continued throughout the seventh until referee Jack Reiss  stepped in and stopped the contest at 2:58 of round seven. With the win Vergil Ortiz Jr improved to 16-0 (16) while Samuel Vargas drops to 31-6-2 (14).

This was not Vergil Ortiz Jr best performance when compared to his previous outings if judged by those stoppages. The fact it was his first time past six rounds against an opponent who knows how to survive in tough situations, we can expect to see a better version of Vergil Ortiz Jr in his next outing. We need to give Samuel Vargas credit for his toughness and heart, most fighters would of folded under half the attack we witnessed from Ortiz Friday night.

The nights co-feature was a middleweight contest between Shane Mosley Jr and Jeremy Ramos. It was a legitimate effort from Ramos but Mosley controlled the fight with his jab and straight right hands winning by wide unanimous decision by scores of 79-73 and 80-72 twice. With the win Shane Mosley Jr improved to 16-3 (9) while Jeremy Ramos now stands at 11-9(4).

In a ladies junior flyweight contest, Seniesa Estrada needed just seven seconds to dispatch replacement opponent Miranda Adkins. While Adkins was less experienced and had never faced an opponent near the level of Estrada it was as impressive a KO as any male fight on the card. With the win Seniesa Estrada improved to Seniesa Estrada 19-0(8) while Miranda Adkins drops to 5-1(5).
In an eight round bantamweight affair, undefeated Super Bantamweight prospect Hector Valdez defeated veteran Josue Morales. It was a one sided affair despite Morales efforts,  the natural ability of  Valdez was too much as he cruised to a unanimous decision win by scores of 80-72, 80-72 and 79-73. With the win Hector Valdez improved to 13-0(8) while Josue Morales now stands at 11-12-4(1).

Opening the card would be welterweight prospect Evan Anthony Sanchez taking on veteran Issouf Kinda. This was a fairly close contest in terms of punches thrown and landed, Sanchez showed his inexperience at times getting caught with counter hooks but he adjusted well. In the fifth Sanchez scored a knockdown then used his physical advantages to keep Kinda on the back-foot en-route to scoring a unanimous decision.

With the win Evan Anthony Sanchez improved to 8-0(6) while Issouf Kinda now stands at 18-5(7).

Well boxing fans we now have professional boxing in two states Las Vegas and California. There is a full schedule for August can we say boxing is back and has beaten the pandemic?

Mayer dominates Joseph Collard scores a stoppage in Vegas

Tuesday night on ESPN live from the MGM Grand “Bubble” in Las Vegas Top Rank Hosted an edition of their “Summer Series” headlined by former Olympian Mikaela Mayer taking on  Helen Joseph.

In what was the very first female main event promoted by Top Rank on ESPN former Olympian Mikaela Mayer put on a dominant performance against the former world title challenger Helen Joseph. It was an impressive display of boxing ability from Mayer who kept Joseph at range using her jab and footwork.
There were some moments for Helen Joseph who applied pressure and threw big hooks but the adjustments would be made by Mayer to halt that momentum.

While Joseph didn’t stop trying even after her corner admonished her between rounds nine and ten, the speed, timing and accuracy of Mayer proved too much in the end giving her a wide unanimous decision win by scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91.

With the win Mikaela Mayer improved to 13-0 (5) while Helen Joseph now stands at 17-5-2 (10).

In the co-feature “Cassius” Clay Collard scored his fourth win of 2020 when he stopped Lorawnt T Nelson in the second round.
It was a fast start by Collard who attacked from opening bell, using a noticeably improved jab since his last outing in June Collard kept Nelson moving backwards while absorbing shots. The straight right hands of Collard would put Nelson down once in the first and twice in round two before referee Celestino Ruiz halted the contest.

With the win Clay Collard improved to 7-3-3(3) while Lorawnt T Nelson now stands at 5-4(4).

In other action

Lightweight- Ruben Cervera 12-2(10) def. Clay “Third Degree” Burns 9-9-2(4) via UD 6

Super Middleweight- Javier Martinez 1-0() def. Jonathan Burrs 2-2() via UD 4

Takam defeats Forrest in Vegas

On Thursday July 9th live from the MGM Grand Bubble in Las Vegas Top Rank hosted another edition of their “Summer Series” headlined by former world title Challenger Carlos Takam and in the co-feature undefeated Carlos Castro took on Cesar Juarez.

The main event was a dreadfully boring affair as former heavyweight title challenger Carlos Takam took on Jerry Forrest. In this fight neither man seemed to be able to get out of first gear. It was the movement and activity of Takam that would win the night but not without some adversity as he suffered a cut over his left eye which slowed his output later in the contest.

When scores were read Max DeLuca seen it 96-94, Patricia Morse Jarman 97-93 and Dave Moretti 98-92 all in favor of Carlos Takam.

With the win Carlos Takam improved to 39-5-1(28) while Jerry Forrest drops to 26-4(20). In his post fight interview Carlos Takam stated getting his head fully into the contest with quarantine, training restrictions and all the other Covid-19 restrictions was difficult.
In a featherweight co-feature undefeated Carlos Castro improved to 26-0(11) after he stopped former world title challenger Cesar Juarez in the fourth round. With the loss Juarez now stands at 25-9 (19).
Super Featherweights Joshafat Ortiz and Joshua Orta fought to a competitive six round distance, when scores were read judges Adalaide Byrd and Tim Cheatham seen it 58-56 for Ortiz while Dave Moretti had it 57-57. With the win Joshafat Ortiz improved to 8-0(4) while Joshua Orta now stands at 6-1(2).

At middleweight Donte Stubbs improved to 7-1(2) when he upset formerly undefeated Fred Wilson Jr 6-1-2(2) by unanimous decision, scores read 58-53 twice and 58-54 all in favor of Donte Stubbs.

In off air action welterweight Corey Champion improved to 2-3(2) when he stopped Peter Cortez 2-2(1) in the first round. The fighters traded knockdowns before Champion was able to drop Cortez twice more before referee Robert Hoyle halted the contest.

EBF ROCK x PUNCH4PARKINSONS Charity Event

EBF ROCK x PUNCH4PARKINSONS Charity Event   July 11 in Salem, N.H.

SALEM, N.H. (July 6, 2020) — Everybody Fights (EBF ROCK) and Punch4Parkinson’s (P4P) have jointly announced a partnership to host the EBF ROCK X PUNCH4PARKINSONS charity event Saturday, July 11, at the new location (303 South Broadway) of EverybodyFights in Salem, New Hampshire. This fundraiser event will benefit P4P and Alzheimer’s research. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are closely tied, both are neurological disorders that deteriorate the brain. “It’s been difficult for me to put this into words,” EBF ROCK Owner/Operator Chris DaVeiga explained. “On May 6th, we lost my father, Raul R. DaVeiga. While it was ultimately due to COVID-19, my dad was actually taken from us, mentally/emotionally, a few years ago due to advanced Alzheimer’s and Dementia. “Dad had been in a long-term care facility for the last two years, as his condition deteriorated to the point where he needed constant care. In the days after dad’s passing, his nurses called to check in with us and shared that he was a favorite patient of theirs. He was never angry or unruly, instead he was always smiling and dancing. “When we visited him, we saw glimpses of recognition in his eyes; as quickly as we saw it, it just as soon disappeared. Alzheimer’s and Dementia is such an ugly disease.  Since we were only able to hold private services for dad, we wanted to find another way to honor him. We recently partnered with Ryan Roach and his Punch4parkinson’s charity to co-host our EBF ROCK X PUNCH4 PARKINSONS event. We want to help knockout Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Punch 4 Parkinson’s is specifically dedicated to studying the effects of one-on-one boxing training, along with hand-and-eye coordination drills for Parkinson’s patient-Punch 4 Parkinson’s is a charitable organization that funds one-on-one boxing lessons to help combat Parkinson’s Disease. To learn more please visit www.punch4parkinsons.com. EBF ROCK x Punch4Parkinons charity event will run 5 rounds of BAGS classes. Thirty-minute classes, held between 10 a.m./ET and 3 p.m. ET, are limited to 10 fighters per class. There will also be a live DJ and vendors. Participants may add to their fundraising by creating a Facebook donation page under P4P or directly through the P4P website www.punch4parkinsons.com   INFORMATION:   WEBSITES: www.everybodyfights.com/rock, www.punch4parkinsons.com FACEBOOK: /EverybodyFights ROCK, /Punch4Parkinsons TWITTER: @punch4Parkinsons, @RoachRyan INSTAGRAM: @punch4Parkinsons, @RyanRoach82, @everybodyfights_rock

Zepeda defeats Castaneda, Lopez upsets Vences in Vegas.

Live Tuesday night from the Bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Top Rank Boxing on ESPN brought us a four fight broadcast featuring former two time world title challenger Jose Zepeda taking on Kendo Castaneda in the main event and in the co-feature Super Featherweight Andy Vences took on Luis Alberto Lopez Vargas.

In the main event former world title challenger Jose Zepeda took on once beaten Kendo Castaneda in a ten round affair.

It was a dominate performance by Zepeda in terms of displaying his boxing ability, he started out using his jab to keep Castaneda  from finding his range and fighting close while he landed combinations. As rounds passed Castaneda baffled on how to close the distance would bore forward with hands held high in hopes he could wear out the more skilled Zepeda.

In rounds seven through nine Castaneda did manage to close the gap and get his best work of the night accomplished as he landed hard shots to the body of Zepeda. In the final round Zepeda boxed off the back-foot using his jab to keep Castaneda from getting in close, the contest ended in a similar fashion to how it began with Zepeda using his jab to keep Castaneda from getting close.

When the final scores were read judges seen it 97-93 and 98-92 twice in favor of Jose Zepeda who  improved to 33-1(25) while Kendo Castaneda drops to 17-2(8).

The nights co-feature would be a Super Featherweight contest between Andy Vences and Luis Alberto Lopez Vargas. This contest was competitive from the start, while Vences was the favorite Lopez the fighter from Mexico didn’t come for a payday as he took the fight to Vences from opening bell. In the sixth Lopez had Vences hurt severely and possibly saved by the bell, the luck of Vences didn’t improve in round seven when he suffered a cut above his left eye that allowed Lopez continue pressuring Vences.

The superior boxing ability of Vences allowed him to take back control of the contest, Vences boxed off the back-foot whole using his jab to control the tempo. When the scores were read Judges would see it differently scoring it 96-94 once for Vences and 96-94 twice for Lopez.

With the split decision win Luis Alberto Lopez Vargas improved to 21-2(11) while Andy Vences after suffering the second loss of his career now stands at 23-2-1 (12).

In a ten round lightweight contest undefeated Andres Cortes took on Alejandro Salinas. It was an action packed affair from the opening bell with Salinas dominating the early rounds using pressure and volume. A knockdown scored by Salinas in round four changed the tempo of this contest. Once Cortes was up he adjusted and boxed smart avoiding exchanges with Salinas while dealing with a nasty cut caused by an
accidental headbutt.

When scores were read judges seen it 76-75 79-73 and 77-74 all in favor of Andres Cortes who improved to 13-0(7).

Making his second ESPN appearance in thirty days bantamweight “Mr” Gabrial Muratalla, the preschool teacher from Fontana, California scored a  four round unanimous decision over tough Sergio Lopez.

It would be the first time Muratalla went the distance in his short career, Lopez pressuring throughout forced Muratalla who is usually a KO artist to box more and prove he can do more than just punch.

The final scores would read 39-37 and 40-36 twice in favor of Gabrial Muratalla who improved to 4-0 (3) while Sergio Lopez drops to 4-6-3.

In Undercard Action Off Air

Welterweight-Genaro Gamez 10-1(7) def. Reymond Yanong 11-6-1(9) via KO 1

Lightweight-Eric Puente 3-0 def. Diego Elizondo 2-2-2 via MD 4

On the Talkin Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio Show 4/5/2020- Mythical Match-ups- Floyd Mayweather versus Boxings “Fab Four”‘

With the Covid-19 Pandemic going on and boxing at a standstill Talking Boxing with Billy C and team had a little fun placing Floyd Mayweather Jr against boxing’s “Fab 4”,

How did  “Money” and “Pretty Boy” Floyd fare against “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns, Roberto “Manos De Piedra” Duran and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler?

Watch and see who Billy C, Daxx Kahn, Alex Pierpaoli and Sal Cenicola picked to come out ahead and then who the “Title Bout” boxing simulator picked in its best of 100 faceoff

Watch Here-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwSEYHrx5g0

Joining Billy C on a regular basis is Sal “Rocky” Cenicola, Daxx Khan, Alex Pierpaoli and the most interesting collection of different guests ever assembled.

Watch the Talkin Boxing With Billy C TV & Radio Show on Giniko USA TV, Fight TV,  Holyfield TV, DirectTV, Comcast, Amazon,  Google, ITunes and major streaming platforms worldwide.

Watch LIVE daily from 8-10 am EST via http://WWW.BillyCBoxing.com YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/TalkinBoxing or Download our app at http://fite.tv/billyc.

Look for Billy C’s book- Tom Molineaux “From Bondage to Baddest Man on the Planet” on
http://www.Amazon.com  http://www.BarnesandNoble.com or Kindle

Vincenzo “American Nightmare” Carita one question answered

It takes a huge amount of courage for a person to make that ring walk and perform in front of a crowd, if doing so was easy we would have more professional fighters than fans. While we have to admire those brave enough to do so even if just once, it’s those who make the walk for a second time that have every trainer, cutman, promoter, reporter and analyst asking boxing’s “Million dollar question”.

“Do we have ourselves a fighter or just someone who wants to fight?”

In my thirty years involved with this sport, the name of that fighter be it just before his debut or after his 10^th win who admitted “There will be a time I come up short or deal with adversity that forces me rethink my career” to my knowledge doesn’t exist.

That moment while no fighter wants to think about it, will happen and when it does boxing’s “Million dollar question” gets its answer.

On May 5th 2005, when cruiserweight Vincenzo “American Nightmare” Carita stopped Derrick Osborne at 2:08 of round one in his pro debut, it didn’t take a second ring walk for those present to ask that “Million dollar question”.

When Carita scored his fourth stoppage in as many fights on March 17th 2006, word about this twenty one year old come forward fighter with dynamite in his hands had started spreading. So did the amount of people asking that “Million dollar question”, eight months later Carita faced fellow unbeaten fighter Chris McInerney and was stopped on cuts in round two after being dropped in the first.

As time passed and no word on a Carita return to the ring, the name Vincenzo Carita slowly stopped being mentioned in boxing circles. It seemed the “Million dollar question” had been answered Carita was just another guy who “Wanted to fight”.

In late March of 2017 while checking my emails, I open a press release from Rivera promotions about an upcoming show and while familiar with names of most fighters on the card one left me scratching my head. So I jump online and sure enough it was the same Vincenzo Carita who had been making noise on the upper east coast a decade ago.

Even more surprising Carita (Now a full time court officer in Brockton Mass) had been fighting regularly since 2013. While he hadn’t been facing names of note, Carita was not only averaging three fights a year but traveling far as Mexico and Trinidad.

So OK Carita has been active but after a seven year layoff with a career away from the sport any boxing person is going to wonder “Is this guy really dedicated or did he just get another itch to step in a ring?”

Then my million dollar question gets answered a few weeks ago when learning Vincenzo Carita brought in Jason Bailey as his trainer. If you’re not familiar with Bailey he is a no nonsense trainer who comes from a boxing family and selective with who if anyone he will work with.

In his time under the highly regarded Pedro Diaz,  Bailey worked with Cuban standouts Yan Barthelemy, Yuriorkis Gamboa and former pound for pound ranked Guillermo Rigondeaux to name a few.

With a seven year layoff to reevaluate his career inside boxing, returning on the low and averaging three fights a year since 2013, a new no nonsense trainer in his corner. I think the new “Million Dollar Question” surrounding Carita is “How far can he go from here”?

Only a “Fighter” comes back with that kind of dedication some just take a little longer than others.