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!

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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

Povetkin Starches Whyte in five, Taylor outpoints Persoon.

Live from the Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, United Kingdom, Matchroom Boxing broadcast a five fight card on DAZN. The main event would be a heavyweight contest between WBC silver belt holder Dillian Whyte and former WBA title holder Alexander Povetkin. The nights co-feature was a rematch between undisputed female lightweight champion Katie Taylor and former WBC champion Delfine Persoon.

The nights main event was certainly a shocker, when Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin entered the ring most observers were sure Whyte was too young and too big for the fading former WBA champion. As the contest started nothing changed their minds as Povetkin who was smaller tried to outwork Whyte yet none of his punches seemed to have an effect. Whenever Whyte landed a punch Povetkin was driven back and appeared shaken up.

It was a slow pace and as rounds went by Povetkin looked even older than his 40 years of age, in the fourth round he was dropped twice from single blows by Whyte neither appearing overly hard. As the fifth began it seemed as though Whyte only needed to land one more clean punch to end the night. As Whyte walked in on Povetkin looking to land that punch, Povetkin let loose an uppercut that landed and put Whyte on his back out cold.

With the upset win, Alexander Povetkin improved to 36-2-1 (25) while Dillian Whyte drops to 27-3(18). Having claimed the WBC silver and vacant WBC Diamond championships, Alexander Povetkin is now in line to face the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder after their third meeting sometime this fall.

The nights co-feature was a rematch between undisputed female lightweight champion Katie Taylor and former WBC champion Delfine Persoon. This bout was a little bit of unfinished business from their 2019 bout in which Taylor lifted Persoon’s WBC title via a disputed majority decision en-route to becoming the undisputed champion at 135 pounds.

The two fighters started right where they left off, Persoon pushing the pace and Taylor using her superior boxing ability. It was a rugged pace set by Persoon, she would end up with a swollen cheek and bloody nose early but it never slowed her tempo. In the middle rounds Taylor looked a little fatigued but she weathered the storm using her jab and footwork. There would not no time for either fighter to rest as Persoon only had one mode but her accuracy suffered for her volume of work. When the contest was over judges favoring Taylor’s boxing ability and footwork over Persoon’s volume, official scores read  98-93 and 96-94 twice in favor of Katie Taylor who improved to 16-0 (6). This would only be the second loss of Persoon’s career she now stands at 44-3(18).

Welterweights Luther Clay and Chris Kongo faced off for the WBO global title, early on Clay pushed the pace and attacked Kongo but would be slowed down by Kongo’s jabs. As the rounds wore on Clay found himself outside the end of Kongo’s jabs and absorbing body shots that slowed him considerably.

Once Kongo was in control he broke Clay down and dropped him in the ninth round before referee Victor Loughlin stopped the bout at request of Clay’s corner.

With the win Chris Kongo now the WBO global welterweight champion improved to 13-2(5) while Luther Clay drops to 13-2(5).

In other bouts

Super Middleweights Jack Cullen 18-2-1(9) and Zak Chelli 7-1-1 (3) fought to an eight round split draw.

Heavyweight- Alen Babic 4-0(4) def. Shawndell Terell Winters 13-4(12) via TKO 2.

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

Mikael Lawal joins BOXXER

Undefeated cruiserweight Mikael Lawal has signed a multi-fight deal with promotional company BOXXER.
Lawal (12-0, 7KOs) who won Ulitmate Boxxer 4 in July 2019 with some eye-catching performances has committed his long-term future to BOXXER by signing a multi-fight deal.

The Nigerian born British fighter who is currently ranked sixth in the UK has an incredible rags-to-riches story, from growing up in poverty in his native Lagos and having to deal with the heartbreaking death of his mother. Since moving to London, Lawal has defied all odds and has found boxing as his solace and a platform to change his life.

BOXXER fought off stiff competition to land the cruiserweight prospect, securing his signature ahead of some of the UK’s top promoters.

The 25-year-old who trains out of Stonebridge Boxing Club in Wembley and has sparred Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk in the past shared his delight in signing for BOXXER:

“It’s a big break for me, having this type of backing behind me with what I can do, it can take me to the next level.” said Lawal.

“The fresh faces and being something new attracted me, I’ve fought and won one of their events too, so I know them. There’s a lot of guys that have been in the game for a while and they can take advantage of fighters and not give their fighters their due diligence so it’s nice to team up with something new, something fresh.”

STAR BOXING ADDS IRISH AMATEUR STANDOUT TONY BROWNE

Standout Irish amateur TONY BROWNE is set to go pro after signing a promotional agreement with Hall of Fame Promoter JOE DEGUARDIA and Star Boxing.

Star Boxing adds to its talented stable another young Irish prospect after announcing late last week the signing of undefeated Irish super lightweight RYAN O’ROURKE (3-0).

The move ends the decorated amateur chapter of Browne’s career who was listed at #4 on Ireland’s amateur pound for pound list.  Browne represented Ireland internationally, medaling at The Chemistry Cup (World Cup), the Eindhoven Box Cup and a slew of several Irish National Titles.

While Browne who will be campaigning at super middleweight, has had no shortage of professional experience having sparred around the world with some of the best to do it, including Chris Eubank Jr., in his preparation for his bout against James DeGale.

Browne currently trains with Steven O’ Rourke in Inchicore alongside his now stablemate, Ryan O’Rourke.  Browne is managed by Conor Slater of Slater Consulting.  Browne will look to make his pro-debut closer to home in the coming months, with a fight date likely to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing commented, “It is great to welcome Tony to the team. He is one of the most exciting amateurs in world boxing and his pedigree speaks for itself.  We believe he is well suited to the pro game and I look forward to seeing him progress.”Tony Browne added, “I’m delighted to have finally turned pro. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and this opportunity that has presented itself is one I had to grab with both hands.  People have always said I’m suited for the pro game, so I’m raring to show that I am.  A big thanks to my team Steven and Conor and of course to Joe and everyone at Star Boxing for this amazing opportunity.  I’m looking forward to getting started.  I haven’t turned pro just to make up the numbers or to win just a couple of belts, I want to be world champion and leave a legacy.  That’s my goal.”

STAR BOXING SIGNS UNDEFEATED BRAZLIAN SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT MICHEL DA SILVA

OE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING continues adding talent to its roster, this time in the form of undefeated Brazilian, super bantamweight, MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (13-0 12KO’s). Da Silva has no issue bringing the pain as he is currently riding a ten-fight knockout streak.

With all 13 of his fights taking place in his native Brazil, signing with Hall of Fame Promoter, Joe DeGuardia, Da Silva hopes to make a splash in the United States in the near future.

The 122 lb slugger began his boxing career at the age of 12, aspiring to be like his father, Aluisio Da Silva, who was a former boxer. At 15, Da Silva had his first amateur bout, and shortly thereafter participated in the World Championship in Liverpool England with the Brazilian boxing team. Finishing with 52 wins in 59 amateur fights, Da Silva turned to the professional ranks at the age of just 18.

Da Silva had this to say about signing with Star Boxing, “I want to thank Star Boxing for the amazing opportunity! I will work hard to achieve my biggest dream of becoming a World Champion! You can bet that that the world will witness me in some amazing fights!”

“On behalf of Michel Da Silva and the whole Team, I want to thank Star Boxing for the opportunity given,” said Da Silva’s manager, MARCEL TSHIYOYO. “I really do believe in Michel and I know he will reach his dreams of becoming world champion! We are ready to seize the opportunity!”

Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA, believes that “Michel has a fan friendly come forward style with immense power, especially in the super bantamweight division. We are looking forward to working with him.”

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?

Valdez stops Velez in ten, Berlanga scores 14th straight KO win in Vegas

Live from Las Vegas Tuesday July 21st, Top Rank broadcast a five fight card on ESPN from the MGM Grand Bubble, headlined by former WBO Featherweight title holder Oscar Valdez taking on Jayson Velez. There would also be appearances by four highly touted undefeated prospects, plus former super bantamweight title holder Isaac Dogboe made his first appearance since being deconstructed by Emanuel Navarrete in back to back fights over a year ago.

In his second appearance at Super Featherweight, Oscar Valdez had a tough outing against a bigger Jayson Velez who controlled the action early with his jab and volume. It would not be until a right hook dropped Velez in the fifth did we see Valdez begin having success. While Valdez won the fifth round due to the late knockdown, Velez continued controlling the action up until the ninth.

A marginal low blow landed by Velez in round nine prompted referee Tony Weeks to deduct a point which changed the fights tempo. Once the point was deducted Valdez seeming invigorated began fighting like a man who needed a stoppage to win. A strong finish in round nine, followed by a fast start in the tenth by Valdez would put Velez on the back foot. A big right hook from Valdez at 2:23 of round ended the contest.

With the win Oscar Valdez improved to Oscar Valdez 28-0 (22) while Jayson Velez suffering his first career stoppage loss now stands at 29-7-1 (22).

While a mega fight with WBC super featherweight title holder Miguel Berchelt is looming for Valdez, most who observed Tuesday night felt  this version of Oscar Valdez would not be a threat to the WBC champion. In his post fight interview Valdez also stated he needed to work on a few things before that fight can take place.

In a short but sensational Super Middleweight contest, undefeated Edgar Berlanga needed just one minute and two seconds to dismantle Eric Moon. When the bell sounded Berlanga took his time, walked Moon down, caught him on the ropes and landed two right hooks to end the affair.

With the win Edgar Berlanga improved to 14-0 (14) while Eric Moon now stands at 11-3 (6). In his post fight interview when asked about his future and when he will be ready for a title shot Berlanga  replied. “I am looking forward to fighting for a title but I am not in a rush I am young and still learning, I want to be a complete fighter when the opportunity arrives.”

In featherweight action former WBO Super Bantamweight title holder Issac Dogboe took on veteran Chris Avalos. This was the first time since losing his rematch against Emanuel Navarrete in May of 2019 Dogboe had stepped inside a ring for action. It was a solid performance by Dogboe who showed improvements made since working with new trainer Barry Hunter.  We seen him take his time use, a double jab to close the distance and once in close rip hard body shots that hurt Avalos.  A change from the Dogboe who normally rushes in careless and risk absorbing two punches to land one.

With the win Isaac Dogboe improved to 21-2(15) while Chris Avalos now stand at 27-8(20).

In a battle of undefeated female flyweights, Kim Clavel and Natalie Gonzalez delivered a high paced eight rounds of action. On paper with both having solid amateur backgrounds, it would appear to be an evenly matched contest. Once the bell rang Clavel put on a boxing clinic, using a solid jab and sensational footwork she prevented Gonzalez from having success. It was not for lack of effort from Gonzalez, she just could not overcome the natural ability of Clavel who won by scores of 80-72 on all three cards.

With the win Kim Clavel improved to 12-0(2) suffering her first loss Natalie Gonzalez is now 6-1(1).

Making his second appearance at the MGM Grand Bubble this month, super lightweight prospect Elvis Rodriguez scored a second round stoppage over Dennis Okoth. The first round was a feeling out process between the two fighters then in round two, Rodriguez seeing his opening, landed a right hand that sent Okoth crumbling to the canvas. When referee Tony Weeks began to count, he looked at the glazed over eyes of Okoth and wisely halted the action.

With the win Elvis Rodriguez improved to 8-0-1 (8) while Dennis Okoth now stands at 4-4-1(2).

All in all it was a solid night of action as boxing gains momentum in its return.

“El Diamante” and “The Real Big Baby” score KO wins in Vegas

Live Thursday night from the Bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Top Rank Boxing on ESPN brought us a four fight broadcast,. The main event was originally to be headlined by Miguel Marriaga taking on Mark John Yap but due to Yap missing the contracted 128 lb limit by over eight pounds, Felix Verdejo versus undefeated Will Madera was bumped to the headliner. Also cancelled was the welterweight contest between Ector Madera and Adrian Valdovinos along with the Alexis del Bosque versus John Vincent Moralde lightweight contest due to covid positive testing.

The nights main event between lightweights Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo and Will Madera would last just under a round, most expected a tough contest some even an upset but it was the pressure and experience of Verdejo that prevailed. While Madera started out looking to box with Verdejo and drag him into later rounds where he felt Verdejo faded, pressure a stiff jab and uppercut landed by Felix Verdejo sent Madera to the canvas ending his night at 2:59 of round one.

With the win Felix Verdejo improved to 27-1(17) while Will Madera suffering his first loss now stands at 15-1-3(8).

It was an impressive showing for Verdejo who in his post fight interview stated a desire to face Vasyl Lomachenko and possibly avenge his loss from their amateur meeting at the 2012 Olympics. With Lomachenko having business this fall against Teofimo Lopez Verdejo will have to wait on that opportunity but his performance reminded viewers he is a serious threat to anyone at 135.

The being pushed into a main event after Mark John Yap missed weight, change in methods of training and what a fighter is allowed to do while in Vegas during quarantine might of been a factor in how Madera performed. I expect him to learn from this  experience and come back a better fighter in his return.

In the nights co-feature Red Hot American Heavyweight prospect Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson improved to 5-0 (5) after scoring a first round stoppage over Hector Perez. This was the fifth fight in nine months and second in just over a month for the twenty year old Anderson, like most I expected him to have bright future in this sport and possibly a future champion. With the loss Hector Perez now stands at 7-3 (3).

In a featherweight contest Martinio Jules out boxed a game Aleem Jumakhonov over the eight round distance. While Jumakhonov pressed the action and had his moments of success. The skill set of Jules prevented Jumakhonov from planting his feet and landing anything significant enough to maintain momentum in his favor. When final scores were read judges seen it 76-76 and 78-74 twice for Martinio Jules.

With the win Martinio Jules improved to 10-0 (4) while Aleem Jumakhonov
now stands at 8-3-2(4).

In the opening contest lightweights Kenny Davis Jr and Eduardo Sanchez faced off over a four round distance. It was a back and forth affair with plenty of action, Sanchez seemed to be the stronger fighter early while Davis Jr came on later.

There would be a knockdown scored by Davis Jr in the third when he landed a body shot, a point deduction took place in the fourth when Davis lost his mouth piece for the second time. When the scores were announced judges seen it 37-37 and 38-36 twice in favor of Kenny Davis Jr who improved to 3-2-1 while Eduardo Sanchez drops to 2-3.