Category: Premier Boxing Champions

Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number: Pacquiao vs. Broner

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MGM Garden Arena, Las Vegas

Eight-division champ, Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) proved age ain’t nothing but a number when he systematically eliminated Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-4-1, 24KOs), retaining his WBA welterweight belt. Pac-man did not disappoint in his return, after a two-year hiatus from fighting within the states. The sellout crowd of 13,025 was left fully satisfied Saturday night, at the starting bell of what would be a make it or break it event for Adrien Broner.

The bout started with both fighters feeling one another out, Broner connected an uppercut to an unsuspecting Pacquiao. Pac-man returned the favor with a stiff jab and body-shots to close out the round. Round 2, Broner received a stiff warning after he delivered a forearm to Manny’s throat. Round 4 would be the most active for Broner when he countered with impressive back to back hooks. Broner ended the round on a high note keeping the counters solid, causing Pacquiao to miss combos and straight lefts.

By the 5th, Pacquiao picked up the action leading with lefts to the body, then moving upstairs to close out the round. The chase begins as Broner tried to duck and dive away from Pac-Man’s body assault. For the championship rounds, Broner’s defense rested on him escaping his opponent. When Pacquiao finally pin down Broner with solid jabs, the expended “Problem” resorted to landing below the belt.

Manny Pacquiao receives the decisive victory, however, never delivers the stoppage he most certainly sought tonight. Scores were: 117-111, and 116-112 x 2. After the fight,  Manny called out Mayweather for a rematch, but the “Money” man, dashed all hopes of that happening, with Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, saying “He” (Floyd) has nothing else to prove. I’m very happy for him. He’s retired. He has no interest in doing that. It’s not always about the money….what more can the man do?”

Co-Main Event Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne

No one will remember the win. Tonight, the cavernous gape, spewing bright crimson from the center of Badou Jack’s attic, is all that will remain in the memories of onlookers to this most gruesome event.

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The emotions felt as bile rises in complete disgust as Jack’s corner seemingly disregards the internal tissue and muscle  beaming through the canyon now monopolizing his face. One must also not forget the role of the medics and referees. Tony Weeks, in his 698 fight (Boxrec), has stopped fights for much less. So the question is, were those additional 5 rounds worth the health and safety of Badou Jack?

The 2012 Olympian, Marcus Browne (23-0, 16KOs) remains undefeated, securing the WBC (Silver)  light heavyweight title against his Swedish born contemporary, Badou Jack (22-2-3, 13KOs). The bout started slow out the gate with both fighters filling each other out. Browne took advantage of some quick body work in short burst, but nothing spectacular. The middle rounds are more of the same, Jack dashes forward leaving himself open for Browne counters. By the 5th, the bodywork increases for both, with Browne pulling away pointwise as his body contact does the most damage. A clash of heads in the 7th would crack Badou’s middle forehead and become a distraction for the remainder of the fight. Browne would have a point deducted in the 8th round due to a hit after the bell.  Browne outscored and outboxed Jack from the beginning to the end of the fight. Scores were: 117-110, 116-111, and 119-108. After the bout, Jack wrote, “I would like to thank all of the fans for your support! The cut was a nasty one, but I’m fine now, alhamdulillah.”

History repeats itself for Nordine OuBaali (15-0, 11 KOs) as Oubaali extends his Olympic win to a professional title slaughter, over Rau’Shee Warren ( 16-3- 1 NC, 4KOs). Oubaali, 2x Olympian, led with straight penetrating jabs in rapid succession. He would not let his foot off the gas digging to Warren’s middle the entire fight. Warren spent most the fight waiting for an opportunity to set up his jab frustrating his corner and famed trainer Barry Hunter. Oubaali secured the WBC bantamweight title in his 1st US debut, with a unanimous decision win. Score were: 115-123, 116-112, and 117-111

In the nights opening bout, Hugo Ruiz ( 38-4, 31KOs) defeats Alberto Guevara ( 27-4, 12KOs) for the featherweight championship. It should also be noted, Guevara came in on short notice after Jhack Tepora came in overweight and was pulled off the card. Scores were: 100-89, and 99-90 x 2.

PBC on Fox Deontay Wilder KOs Gerald Washington in Round 5

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February 25, 2017

In the knockout that ended it all, the “Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37KOs), remains undefeated, safekeeping the WBC Heavyweight championship belt. Wilder stopped former USC tight and defensive end, Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-1,1, 12KOs) 1:45 into the 5th round. The matchup seemed different from Wilders previous fights, with this opponent not being intimidated by a taller Wilder. With only 25-days to prep for the night’s event, Washington maintained ring generalship, and appeared to be the sharper; more aggressive of the two. Wilder initially seemed to sit on right-hand, giving the fight away as he was stalked and chumped around the ring. The early rounds had a seemingly gassed Wilder, being chipped away, round by round. However, In the blink of an eye, one short right hand to the left of Washington’s skull, ended the fight. Something deep inside Wilder was unleashed in lethal fashion, stunning the Alabama crowd, and Washington, who had a comfortable lead.

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Jarret “Swift” Hurd (20-0, 14KO), captured the vacated IBF junior middleweight belt formerly held by Jermell Charlo. “Swift”, losing the match in the early rounds, narrowed the point spread, chopping his more skilled opponent, Tony Harrison (24-2, 20KOs) down. Hurd, who was down 5-0 on the Fox Sports unofficial scorecard, began digging in his shots, on an apparent washed out Harrison. The bout was waved off 2:24 into the 9th.

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After a career defining loss against Anthony Joshua, back in June of 2016, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (18-1, 16KOs) showed heart coming off the mat to KO undefeated heavyweight prospect, Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-1,14KOs). Ugonoh controlled the first 2 rounds, setting off stiff double- jabs, against a sluggish Breazeale. The 3rd round Breazeale would hit the mat, only to trade positions with Ugonoh. Breazeale would cock his right, sending his contender through the ropes. Referee Jeff Dodson called the bout 50 seconds into the 5th round.

Champion Homecoming Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados 02/18/2017

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Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

The Cintas Center in Cincinatti, Ohio hosted Adrien Broner (33-2-1NC, 24KOs) vs. Adrian Granados (32-1-1NC, 24KOs). The two puglists slugged it out for ten rounds in front of a raucous crowd. Granados started the fight on his toes dipping in and out with pot shots. Broner seemed to time Granados movements to perfection landing visibly unnerving power-shots in Round 2. Broner, after Round 2,  became a one-dimensional fighter due to an injured left hand. However, both fighters constantly traded blows with Broner seemingly landing the more effective shots in the later rounds. The action between the two men left both visibly spent by Round 10. The fight was called for Broner in a split decision 97-93 Broner, 97-93 Granados, and 96-94 Broner.

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Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

After a 16-month layoff, Lamont Peterson (35-3-1, 17KOs) becomes a 2-time world champ after clutching the WBA welterweight title and effectively ending David Avanesyan’s (22-2-1-, 11KOs) reign. The two worked the inside, exchanging back and forth blows. However, Peterson would spread the point gap by chopping away at Avenesyans’ body, exercising merciless, uninhibited force. As the fight progressed, a clear victor began to emerge. In the weirdest move of the night, Avanesyan attempted to tire out “King Pet’s” legs, by lying on Peterson’s back; resulting in Avanesyan being tossed off, falling into a flip. In the end, the Peterson wins the WBA “Regular” Welterweight Championship unanimous decision 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113. He becomes the #1 contender for the winner of the March 4th bout between Garcia vs Thurman.

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Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Third times the charm. Light heavyweight ‘Sir’ Marcus Browne (19-0, 13KOs) let his right jab loose on challenger Thomas ‘Top Dog’ Williams (20-3, 14KOs). The 2nd round saw Browne begin his ascent to victory by sending Williams to the mat. However, “Sir Marcus” would tradeoff the point, by delivering a blow to the back of Williams head, while he was taking a knee. Williams would make friends with the mat for a total of 3 times, contributing to Browne’s one-sided win. The bout closed 42 seconds into the 6th round.

Garcia crushes Vargas; ready for showdown with Thurman

 

Venue: Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, November 12th, 2016

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Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

March’s showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny “Swift” Garcia (33-0, 19KOs) was never in danger as Garcia scored a 7th round stoppage over journeyman, Samuel Vargas (25-3-1, 13KOs).  Garcia controlled the fight from start to finish.  A chopping right hand caused Vargas to perform a backflip that would have done Simone Biles proud. Vargas was able to answer the 10 count but never recovered. Garcia continued to batter Vargas until Vargas’ corner mercifully called an end to the fight in the 7th round.

In a one-sided showcase of boxing dexterity, Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13KOs) sailed to a TKO victory against opponent, Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan (35-4, 18KOs). Hurd’s thudding right hand hit “Jo Jo” to his core, time and time again, never giving the replacement fighter, a chance to set his rhythm.  “Swift” crunched Dan’s “Jo Jos” with a low blow in the 3rd, sending him to his knees in a painstaking display of aggrieved emotion. Dan’s trainer, Howard Grant, put a stop to the punishment, throwing in the towel at 1:08 of the 6th round.

The lightweights took center stage in a bombastic first round of action. Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (31-1-1, 22KOs) delivered a river-rushing assault, out the gate. Within the first minute, he threw a Malay of head and body shots, clearly showing off clinic- sharp poise. Not to be outdone, and before the round would end, Omar Douglas (17-1, 12KOs), discharged a left hook to the body, sending Fortuna to the mat. As the fight progressed, both brawlers would be warned several times to ‘Keep it clean’. Fortuna is constantly seen smothering Douglas’ punches by tying him up. The 7th and 10th rounds, the fighter’s antics leave them both eating gravel, in a tangled mess on the mat. In an eye popping finish, The Dominican rising star, “El Abejon”, would pull out the win. Scores cards: 96-93 x2, 95-94

Bombs Away…Wilder defeats Arreola by TKO in Round 8

When: Saturday evening, July 16, 2016

Venue: Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

Bommmb Squaaaaaaad! The Alabama Summer heat and humidity paled in comparison to the intensity inside the Legacy Arena, Saturday night. The fight shown courtesy of Premiere Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox network featured WBC Heavyweight Champion, Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36KOs) and Los Angeles native Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-5-1, 31KOs).  Wilder showcased a stiff left jab for most of the fight. He landed a fierce right hand which sent Arreola to the canvass in Round 4. Arreola would recover but his nightmare would not come to the end until the eight round when his corner call the fight at the end of Round 8. Wilder later revealed during his post fight interview, he fought Arreola, with broken right hand, and possibly torn bicep.

Erickson the “Hammer” Lubin (16-0 11KOs) maintains his stellar perfect record, after a one-sided win against, Ivan “Terrible” Montero (20-2, 8KOs). Lubin stayed busy during the 8-round matchup, sticking straight shots to the body and keeping the action close. The end of round 4, referee Flynn Gerald, doles out his second warning to Lubin, for low blows. The scores were: 80-72×3

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Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

The Alabama commission reexamines earlier scores, changing a majority draw into a unanimous decision win, for welterweight contender, Felix Diaz (18-1, 8KOs). It seems there was some confusion after referee Keith Hughes deducted a point, in the 10th round after Sammy Vasquez (21-1, 15KOs) lost his mouthpiece, for the third time. The 2008 Olympic Gold medalist (Dominican Republic) Diaz had to prove his fight game is developed enough to stay in the professional arena after an October 2015 loss to Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17KOs). By the third round, Diaz showed more of his Olympic vigor landing substantial combinations against the overmatched Vasquez. The end of round 8 saw Diaz open a huge gash on the Vasquez’s right lip. Although, the punch stats had the fighters landing a similar number of punches, Diaz was more effective as evident by Vasquez’s face. The scores were 96-93, 95-94×2.

Beterbiev scored a knock out over Madera

PBC on ESPN – June 04, 2016

Montreal, Canada

PBC honored the passing of the “greatest” of all time with a touching opening ten-bell count.

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Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

Two time Russian Olympian Artur Beterbiev (10-0, 10KOs) scored a knock out over Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna ( 23-3, 15KOs) in the 4th round of the light heavyweight title bout, at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada. Beterbeiv had his way with the overmatched Maderna. Artur scored 2 knockdowns in Round 2. Beterbeiv would lay in wait for his prey in Round 4 dropping Maderna twice in the 4th round before (Maderna’s) corner threw in the towel. Time was 56 seconds.

Bryant “GoodFella” Perrella (14-0, 13KOs) retains his blemish-free record with a spectacular second round TKO against David Grayton (14-1, 10KOs).
The Floridian maintained accuracy and speed in the opening round, letting himself go, sending a dazed and footloose Grayton tumbling to the mat, 2:19 in the 2nd.

Barthelemy vs Bey June 3, 2016

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Photo Courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

Hard Rock Live Arena Seminole Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

IBF Lightweight Champion, Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (25-0, 13KOs) won via split decision over Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-2-1, 10KOs). Round 2, Bey was credited with a knock down, which upon review was a clash of heads. ‘Kid Blast’ controlled the fight by keeping Bey at arms length. It would seem, Barthelemy would win by unanimous decision. However, this is the world of boxing and in this world nothing is ever that easy. Two judges scored the fight 116-111 and 117-110 for Barthelemy. However, another judge scored the fight 116-111 for Bey,  astounding bemused the crowd.

Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (13-0, 10KOs) won by knock out over Carlos “El Guerrero” Galvan (12-5-1, 11KOs). In the 4th round, Plant landed a hard shot to Galvan’s body, which sent him down for the 10 count.

Bantamweight Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriquez (15-0, 10KOs), clenches bragging rights for his native; Puerto Rico, in a one-sided match up against Alberto Guevara (24-3, 9KOs). Guevara would be on the receiving end of a left eye cut, after an accidental clash of heads in the 4th round. Rodriquez won by unanimous decision. The scores were 99-91, 100-90, and 99-91.