BOXINGTALK

G. Leon

Scott Shaffer
Stephen Edwards
Benny Henderson jr.
Bert Sugar

Ray Campbell
Darren Nichols
Christian Schmidt
Socrates Palmer
Doveed Linder
Matthew Goldstein
Rob Soucy
Tommy Canez
Mike Walters
The Nonpareli Hilario
Michael Herron
Cara Castronuova
Alonzo Benezra
Michael Gonzalez
Cory Rapacz
Wyatt Johnston
Ramon Rodriguez
Hector Linares
Dontae Williams
Alex Stone

Tim Schluter
Dan Rodkewich
Tiffany Leon
Jenny Nichols

Rick Pineda

JANUARY 19, 2019

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE DOMINATES AKAVOV, WHOM MERCANTE CHEATS OUT OF GOING DISTANCE!
By Justin Hackman

Demetrius Andrade TKO12 Artur Akavov: In a WBO middleweight title fight, Artur Akavov was simply in over his head tonight as fellow southpaw Demetrius Andrade controlled the action from the opening bell. The size differential was apparent as Andrade, the far bigger man, used his reach to his advantage, establishing pace and distance with his pinpoint jab and array of power shots upstairs and down that Akavov simply could not compete with. Andrade never gave Akavov the same look twice, working angles and hooking off the jab. Akavov was breathing from his mouth by mid-way through the second round, face reddening. The reportedly heavy hands of Akavov had little effect on Andrade, as he landed a strong uppercut on the inside square on Andrade’s chin at the end of Round 3. Andrade took the shot and seemed to be no worse for wear, as in Round 4, Andrade once again capitalized on his long reach, athleticism, and speed as though the punch never landed. The rhythmic dominance continued in Rounds 5 through 7, with Akamov visibly bothered to the body, protecting his right side from Andrade’s unyielding body onslaught. Round 8 had a “white flag” type of feel--while Akavov gamely took Andrade’s shots, he seemed emotionally drained and defeated going into the final third of the fight. But seemingly out of nowhere like a Phoenix rising, Akavov exploded with a three-punch combination, landing flush on Andrade. Moving backward for the first time in the fight, Andrade took another combination shortly thereafter by the pursuing Akamov. By the round’s conclusion, Andrade had a thing or two to ponder going into the final three rounds. It was bad timing though shortly thereafter for Akamov, as the beginning of Round 10 saw him cut and bloodied, the result of a headbutt as ruled by referee Arthur Mercante Jr. The crimson torrent painted half of Akamov’s face. Andrade seized the opportunity and returned to supremacy winning the 10th easily. In Round 11, we witnessed a relatively moderate pace by the rangier champion, perhaps foreseeing a final round KO. Indeed the stoppage came at the time of at 2:36 of the last round (which will no doubt be questioned by many). A furious Akavov deserved to see the final bell as he was not wobbled and did not appear to be any immediate danger. A fighter's well-being should always be the focus by the referee, as he is the first line of defense against serious injury. Mercante's desire to protect Akavov is commendable, but he might have out-thought himself tonight getting a bit trigger-happy. The stoppage however should not be the focus as Andrade was relentless and impressive throughout the fight, and Akavov showed tremendous grit and heart. He can return to Russia with his head high despite falling to 19-3 (8 KO). Andrade improves to 27-0 (16 KO). The future remains bright for Demetrius Andrade. Source: DAZN

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JANUARY 19, 2019

OSCAR RIVAS RALLIES TO SCORE TWELFTH ROUND KNOCKOUT OVER JENNINGS
By G. Leon

Oscar Rivas TKO12 Bryant Jennings: World class heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings (24-3 14KO) used his overall experience and superior craft to thoroughly outbox undefeated slugger Oscar Rivas...for eleven rounds. Jennings was sticking and moving throughout the opening round, but fought a closer range starting in round two. Rivas didn't let his hands go enough and when he did his punches were wide and sloppy. Over the first half of the fight, it was difficult to find a round where Rivas (26-0 18KO) landed more than a handful of punches. Jennings was consistent with his jab and when Rivas did find some success in the later rounds landing a few body shots, he decided not to follow up with anything. And then it happened, Rivas landed a one-two that sent Jennings into the ropes where he landed several punches and a forearm to send Jennings to the canvas. Jennings beat the count, but didn't throw another punch as another barrage of unanswered blows ended the fight moments later. Going into the last round Boxingtalk had Jennings ahead 108-100 giving him nine of the first eleven rounds. Official time of stoppage was 0:54. Source: ESPN+

JANUARY 19, 2019

SHOCKER: CANO STOPS LINARES IN OPENING ROUND
By Justin Hackman

Pablo Cesar Cano TKO1 Jorge Linares: Moving up in weight, it was clear that Jorge Linares could not handle the power of junior welterweight Cano as he went down from the very first straight right hand that landed. Linares beat the count and appeared to have his wits about him. He did his best to move away from Cano, but could not evade the power punches. Stalking, Cano landed another heavy right hand over the lazy jab of Linares putting him down for the second time. Beating the count once again, Linares appeared to be in serious trouble at this point, displaying nearly no punch resistance. Amidst a combination, it was a left hook from Cano that put Linares down for the third time. He beat the count again, and although the fight continued, the end was imminent at this point. Linares was unsteady and wobbling backward when the referee then wisely called a halt to the shocking upset. Journeyman Pablo Cesar Cano improves to 32-7 (22 KOs) while Linares drops to 45-5 (28 KOs). It’s been a nice career for Linares, but after being knocked out for the fifth time, this one being the biggest red flag of them all, it might be time to hang up the gloves. Source: DAZN