Showing posts with label Showtime Boxing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Showtime Boxing. Show all posts
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Showtime Bantamweight Tournament: Joseph Agbecko vs Abner Mares
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| Courtesy of Showtime Boxing |
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| Courtesy of Ringtv.com |
Wow, I hardly know where to begin. Last night's fight, low blow's and questionable referring aside, was actually pretty good. Lot's of action and a good performance by both fighters, though for the most part the fight was dominated by Abner Mares. Joseph Agbecko, for his part, started coming on in the late rounds, though it was, perhaps, a case of too little too late.
Mares, a bold fighter by nature, immediately took the fight to "King Kong" Agbecko, working the body (and more) with left hooks that would take their toll on Agbecko. Mares showed a good set of whiskers in the fight, especially in the fourth when Agbecko landed his best punch, a right hand flush on Mares' kisser, buckling him. His knees buckled but his will stood and Mares never lost a beat. Mares was simply in better form last night.
Still, you can't get away from the low blows by Mares or the lousy referring by Russell Mora, Agbecko is correct when he says he was fighting both Mares and the referee. It eventually became uncomfortable to watch. I like Mares and I think he is a terrific fighter. It pained me to see him win like this. I don't think it was done intentionally and I do think that some of the low blows were caused by Agbecko holding Mares' head down, some of them were borderline, landing just at or below the belt line. Still, there were just too many actual low blows to ignore and Mares should have had a point or two deducted.
The first knockdown by Mares, of Agbecko, was somewhat questionable but both sides could make a case for it's legitimacy but it was not the worst call I've seen. The second knockdown in the 11th round was too obvious to excuse. Not only was a point not deducted from Mares but it was called a knockdown by the usually competent Mora. That Mora allowed the fouls to continue without a point deduction was inexcusable and beyond belief. It was almost surreal.
I don't know how the fight would have turned out if a point had been taken away from Mares. He might have become more aware and kept his punches up or he might not have, maybe Agbecko would have fought differently not having to worry about being hit low but we'll never know because Mora did not do his job.It was a bad night for everyone, though Mora was not without his own culpability, I couldn't help feel for him when he said, almost pleadingly to Jim Gray, "Hey, don't ruin my night for me". It was definitely a bad night for Agbecko who feels, and rightly so, that he unjustly lost his title. It was a bad night for fight fans at the Hard Rock Casino and at home watching the fight. Mora himself seemed almost puzzled by the questions from Jim Gray. Everyone was cheated out of a good and fair outcome. No pun intended but it was a low blow for boxing last night.
Mares said he would give Agbecko a rematch. Let's hope that he's man of his word and that it happens soon. If ever a fighter deserves an immediate rematch, it's Agbecko.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Brandon Rios KO's Urbano Antillon, Paul Wlliams Loses to Erislandy Lara but gets the "Win"
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| Chris Farina/Top Rank |
By Randy De La O
Kudos to Showtime. Saturday night's fight at the Home Depot Center between WBA Lightweight Champion Brandon Rios and Challenger Urbano Antillon represented everything that is good about boxing; good matchmaking, a real rivalry, two likable opponents, great action -while it lasted - and a definitive, no-nonsense and indisputable win, a spectacular third round knockout of Antillon by Rios. It just doesn't get any better than this. Both fighters had an old school persona about them. Neither guy is afraid to mix it up, both can punch and both can take it. Last night though, Rios just took it better.
Going into the third round, it was still a close fight and living up to everyone's expectations, until Rios landed a right hand that put Antillon on the canvas. He did it again a little later in the round. Antillon got up and was about to resume fighting, until he started to stagger across the ring, prompting referee David Mendoza to halt the fight at 2:49 of the third round.
It's hard not to like a guy like Rios. He never stops fighting but he does get hit a lot. I hope he tightens up his defense, even a little bit. Guys like Rios never come out of the fight game undamaged over the long haul. I don't really expect Rios to fight any other way. It's not in his nature to fight any other way. Rios is my kind of fighter.
Congrats to Carlos Molina on his upset of Kermit Cintron last night. It was his will to win and his big heart that won the fight for him.
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| Photo: Emily Harney |
If the Rios vs Antillon fight showed the best side of boxing, than the Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara fight, at the Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey, showed the worst side. Not so much the fight itself, which, while not spectacular and certainly anti-climatic after watching the Rios vs Antillon fight, was at least a good performance by Lara, who dominated Williams for most of the fight. What was bad, and bad for boxing was the judging. In a fight that was clearly and indisputably won by Lara, the judges awarded the fight to Williams. The judges should be called to the carpet for this fight and than tarred and feathered. Judge Al Bennett had the fight even at 114-114, Judge: Hilton Whitaker III had it115-114 in favor of Williams and Judge: Donald Givens had it116-114 for Williams. .
Williams had absolutely no answer for Lara's left hand. Lara, a southpaw, almost couldn't miss. Kudos to the HBO broadcasting team of Max Kellerman, Bob Papa and Roy Jones Jr. for making it clear that Lara was the real winner of the fight. I don't expect Williams to give Lara a rematch but overall I don't think the "loss" will hurt Lara's career.
Credits:
Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon photo courtesy of ESPN
Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara photo courtesy of Fightnews.com
Friday, July 8, 2011
Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon
By Randy De La O
To borrow a phrase from Mark Twain - sort of - "Rumors of boxing's death are greatly exaggerated". If you don't believe me, just take a look at the talent laden lightweight division. The current Ring ratings have Juan Manuel Marquez as their champion, and rightly so, following in the number one position is Brandon Rios, who also happens to be the WBA Lightweight Champion, and one of boxing's newest and most exciting young fighter. Number two and three in the rankings Humberto Soto (WBC Champion) and Robert Guerrero, followed by John Murray, Michael Katsidis, Miguel Acosta, Paulus Moses, Urbano Antillon, Miguel Vazquez and Antonio De Marco. If that isn't enough, the next division above are the the Super Lightweights/Junior Welterweights (take your pick) with guys like Timothy Bradley, Marcos Maidana, Amir Khan and Eric Morales ready to face any of the lightweights should they decide to move up.
After Eric Morales' outstanding performance against Marcos Maidana, earning a draw that many felt should have been a win for Morales, a fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Morales suddenly seems like a great match up. Of the great Mexican trio of champions, Marquez, Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, only Marquez and Morales have yet to face each other. Maybe it'll happen yet.
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| Urbano Antillon |
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| Brandon Rios |
Saturday's fight has the potential to be a fight of the year, if it lives up to the expectations. These two guys honestly don't like each other. I like both of these guys but my gut says Brandon keeps his title, maybe by knockout. However, as always, may the best man win! The fight will be shown on Showtime. Their weight for Saturday night: Brandon Rios 135 - Urbano Antillon 134.75
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Andre Ward Defeats Arthur Abraham
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| Photos Courtesy of Showtime Boxing |
Andre Ward is starting to grow on me. I haven't exactly been a real big fan of the Super Six Super Middleweight Tournament but Ward has been catching my interest. His wins over Alan Greene and Sakio Bika last year, and then this past weekend's big win against Arthur Abraham has him breaking away from the pack. He will be facing the winner of Carl Froch vs Glen Johnson, who will be fighting June 4, 2011. The fight took place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, just minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. The fight was shown on Showtime Boxing.
Abraham came out aggressively, with a "Peek-A-Boo" style defense and seemed to be getting off to a good start. Ward seemed unable to penetrate Abraham's tight defense, still he kept pumping the jab, while trying to figure out a way in. In the fourth round Ward found his range and with the uppercut and body shots started to get inside Abraham's defense. Once he was in, Ward took control of the fight and gave what has to be the best performance of his career, alternately slugging and boxing, and fighting southpaw at times, and doing all of it welll. It was a championship perrformance by Ward, who seems to be improving and gaining confidence with every fight. Abraham for his part, never stopped trying. He just could not keep up with Ward. By the middle rounds Abraham was tired and frustrated and it showed. Ward won by 12 round decision.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley
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| Photos Courtesy of Showtime Boxing |
By Randy De La O
Years ago, when my father, the late great Andrew De La O was still alive, he would almost always answer the obvious questions with "It's possible but not probable". I have no doubt that would be his answer to "Hey Dad, do you think Mosley can beat Pacquiao?" It would be petty hard to argue with that. A decade ago I would probably say Mosley, without a doubt but it's not 2001, it's 2011 and Mosley is nearing 40 years of age. The odds favor Manny Pacquiao, big time..
That being said, if there is any fighter alive, in or around that weight class, that can find the possibility of beating Pacquiao, it's Sugar Shane Mosley. Manny is great, no doubt. I'm not convinced he can walk on water but he can fight, I''ll give him that. What makes it even microscopically possible is Manny's style and Mosley's quickness. Mosley is a pure fighter and is at his absolute best when the man in front of him chooses to fight. Mosley is still (possibly) quick enough to make that work for him.
I've been accused more than once of thinking with my heart when it comes to the fighters that I like. It's true, I'm not denying it but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm wrong. In this case my head knows better but my heart will still be pulling for Mosley. He's the underdog here and I love an underdog. Plus, Mosley is an L.A. area fighter, a hometown guy and he has a huge heart, maybe the biggest in the game today. I'm hoping to see Mosley win this one. He's what my old trainer Mel Epstein would call " a deserving guy".
When the fight was first announced I was dead set against it, It just seemed too much to ask of Mosley. The fight game can be cruel, crueler than most sports. The reward for a great career is to grow old and be pitted against a younger, stronger fighter than yourself. It's just the way of the sport. Think Muhammad Ali vs Larry Holmes in 1980, Sugar Ray Leonard's 1991 fight with Terry Norris or more recently Oscar De La Hoya's beat down by Manny Pacquiao in 2008 or any number of fights over the years. Very few escape it. Mosley is well aware of the risks. The decision was his to make.
Still, my hope, and it's a slim one, is that Mosley wins big and retires. I know, I know, I'm thinking with my heart again. I can't help it. But hey, anythings possible, right?
Sugar Shane Mosley will be challenging Manny Pacquiao for Pacquiao's WBO Weltereight title, May 7, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be shown on Showtime PPV. As always, may the best man win.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Miguel Acosta vs. Brando Rios - DeMarco vs. Reyes Recap - SHOWTIME Boxing
Showtime Sports presents a recap of Miguel Acosta vs. Brandon Rios. Relive Bam Bam Rios' knockout punch, plus footage from the Antonio DeMarco and Reyes Sanchez fight.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Brandon Rios KO's Miguel Acosta to Take the WBA Lightweight Title
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| Photo Courtesy of Showtime Boxing |
By Randy De La O
Saturday night, at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Brandon Rios did what challengers are supposed to do, he went out and took the title from the champion, Miguel Acosta. In what turned out to be the toughest fight of his career, Rios hung in there after a rough start, made adjustments, came back and stopped Acosta in the 10th round.
In the first few rounds Rios had trouble with Acosta’s speed and range and was hurt more than once, but with dogged perseverance and determination he continued to stalk Acosta, resolute in his belief that he would find a way. Acosta, just as determined showed why he had not lost since 2003, in his last 19 fights. He was out boxing Rios, keeping him at a distance and at times he was out slugging him. When the middle rounds began Rios tightened up his defense, closed the gap and took the fight inside. It paid off. In the six Rios caught the champion with a left and a right but it was a stiff jab that sent him down.
Up until the first knockdown Acosta was in control of the fight. After the knockdown he seemed desperate and it showed in his face and in the way he was fighting. The tide had turned. Rios punching power was beginning to have an affect.
After the knockdown in the eighth, a left hook that caught Acosta as he was backing out of an exchange, the conclusion seemed inevitable. Acosta, a worthy champion, was hurt and Rios was not letting up. Still, it’s a fight and anything can happen. Acosta, showing a champion’s heart fought back but his punches had lost their snap and he was unable to keep Rios at a distance.
The end came in the 10th round when Acosta was caught by a series of punches and crumbled in the corner causing referee Joe Cortez to stop the fight. Brandon Rios was the new WBA Lightweight Champion.
Rios answered any and all questions that may have been asked of him. He showed a huge heart in Saturday night’s fight. He’s no quitter. Even when things were not going his way he never wavered. In boxing we call that Stick-to-it-ive-ness. Rios showed plenty of that. He beat a real champion in Acosta. After the fight there was no arrogance, justifiable pride, yes but no arrogance. He was just happy to be the new champ.
The night belonged to Rios and with this victory, the lightweight division is really heating up. With fellow lightweight champions Juan Manuel Marquez, Humberto Soto and Miguel Vaqzuez all looming as potential opponents, and with guys like John Molina, Robert Guerrero and former champions and legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales in the midst, the future looks bright for Rios and the lightweight division.
Congratulations to Brandon Rios for winning the WBA Lightweight title with an exciting 10th knockout over champion Miguel Acosta and Kudos to Showtime Boxing and Bob Arum for a great fight and great matchmaking.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bernard Hopkins vs Jean Pascal - Ends in a Controversial draw
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Getty Images 2010-12-18 |
By Randy De La O
Sometimes fighter’s career can be defined by one fight. Put in one bad performance after a great career and that is what’s remembered. On the other hand, put in a great trilogy, for the ages, to cap off an otherwise mediocre to fair career and you get a movie made about you, as was the case with Mickey Ward. In Bernard Hopkins case, he is a future “Hall of Fame “ fighter for sure but has never been known as an all out, in your face fighter. Saturday night’s fight with Canadian Jean Pascal changed that perception for me. Hopkins laid it all on the line last night, took a lot of risks, and proved himself a warrior. It was a career defining performance.
The fight, which began at the press conference, continued in the ring. After seemingly winning the first round, Hopkins was dropped by an illegal punch behind the head, one of several Pascal would land during the fight. Referee Michael Griffin, not having the best view, ruled it a knockdown. In the third round Hopkins was again knocked down. This time it was legit. When the fourth round started Hopkins had dug himself into a hole.
Hopkins picked up the pace from the fourth round on. Going to the body, using his jab, and both physically and mentally imposing his will on Jean Pascal, whose own physical strength and will seemed to be shrinking. By the seventh round Pascal had the look of someone that had just realized the he had bitten off more than he could chew. The old man still had a lot of fight left in him. Hopkins wasn’t quite ready to give up the ghost just yet, not by a long shot. Mindful of his legacy and his place in boxing history, Hopkins at 45 years of age fought the fight of his life.
The audience, which was almost a 100% for Pascal, seemed to realize that their man was losing. Hopkins sensed victory and began to fight like a man that was confident of winning the fight, at times mugging and teasing Pascal. Pascal corner seemed desperate and from what I could hear, seemed to think there man was getting the worst of it. Pascal, despite showing fatigue did have his moments during the fight but they were few and far between.
I thought that Hopkins won every round after the third, but a couple were close and could have gone either way. Both fighters came out hard for the twelfth round and it could have gone either way. Overall, Hopkins fought the better fight, threw more punches and landed more. He was more accurate with his punches and never wavered in his plan. He had Pascal flustered and intimidated throughout the fight.
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Getty Images 2010-12-18 |
Claude Paquette scored the fight 113-113, Daniel Van de Wiele also had it even at 114-114 and Steve Morrow scored the fight 112-112. The fight, shown on Showtime Championship Boxing, took place at the Pepsi Coliseum, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Bernard Hopkins vs Jean Pascal
If the press conference for Saturday night's fight between Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal is any indication, Hopkins may have just won the preflight psychological battle over Pascal. There was a brief scuffle over Pascal’s title belt in which Hopkins appeared to dominate and then in the following stare down, Pascal couldn’t or wouldn’t meet Hopkins gaze. Hopkins came off as cool and in control, while Pascal seemed flustered and intimidated. We’ll see how that plays out in the fight.
Hopkins, at 45 years of age, has been through this countless times and has a huge edge in experience, especially in the quality of opponents. But Pascal, at 28, has the advantage of youth. Hopkin’s fights can sometimes seem dull and tedious but he always has a plan and he almost always sticks with it. If Pascal goes into the fight angry it won’t take much for Hopkins to frustrate him. Hopkins knows every trick in the book and my gut feeling is that Hopkins is going to give Pascal a spanking Saturday but the fight will go the distance.
There’s no way tp honestly predict what will happen but if hard work counts for anything Hopkins should be in great shape. Hopkins has the height and reach advantage and you can bet your last dollar that he’ll use that advantage to the fullest.
If Hopkins wins, he’ll become the oldest boxer to win a prominent world title, replacing the venerable George Foreman, who recaptured the heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994, twenty years after losing the title to Muhammad Ali in 1974.
I’ll be rooting for Hopkins to win this fight. If he wins it’ll be good for boxing and it’ll be good for us old guys, but win, lose or draw, you can be sure that we are seeing the end of an amazing career and one that has had it’s share of adversity. Someday he can tell his grandkids that no one ever handed him anything on a silver platter, he earned everything the hard way. Can’t fault a man like that.
Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal will fight on Satursay night at the Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Both the WBC light heavyweight title and the International Boxing Organization light heavyweight title will be at stake. The fight will be Shown on Showtime Championship Boxing.
As always, let the best man win.
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| Photo and weights courtesy of Fightnews.com |
By Dave Spencer at the scale
Photos: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Bernard Hopkins 174.6 vs. Jean Pascal 174.10
(WBC light heavyweight championship)
Paul Malignaggi 148.8 vs. Michael Lozada 148.6
Peter Quillin 164.14 vs. Martin Desjardins 164.5
Pier Olivier Cote 138.12 vs. Cesar Soriano 138.12
Tyson Fury 268.14 vs. Zack Page 212.3
Kevin Bizier 148.10 vs. Ronnie Warrior 149.2
Daniel Jacobs 164.12 vs. Jesse Orta 164.10
Eric Martel Bahoeli 239.4 vs. Ruben Rivera 261.5
Mikael Zewski 157.3 vs. Leonardo Rojas 159.9
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Abner Mares Humbles Vic Darchinyan and Amir Kahn Beats Marco Maidana
Last night was the first time I've seen Abner Mares fight. The kid is unbelievable. In the first fight of Showtime's Bantamweight Tournament, taking place at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, Mares beat Vic Darchinyan in a absolutely thrilling battle. It was no easy task for Mares who fought through adversity from the onset, including a clash of heads that resulted in a large gash above the left eye, on the hairline, a flash knockdown in the second round, a point taken away for a low blow, and an incompetent referee that allowed Darchinyan to get away with several fouls during the fight. Several of the low blows were cause by Darchinyan who continually pulled Mares head down.
Darchinyan, ever the bully met someone who refused to be bullied. Mares took the fight to Darchinyan like a seasoned veteran and imposed his will and heart on Darchinyan, who for the first time displayed some good boxing ability. my guess is, he didn't have what it takes to stand up to Mares. Mares fought with a Chavez like determination. There have been so many great fights over the last couple of months. No one has impressed me like Abner Mares.
I can honestly say that I have never liked Vic Darchinyan. I think he is an arrogant loudmouth but you can add cry baby to the list now. I thought Pernell Whitaker was a whiner back in the day but this guy takes the cake. He blamed his loss on referee Bobby Howard, the same referee who let him get away with everything during the fight and took a point away from Mares. Darchinyan liked to boast that no Mexican could beat him, well, last night he got his ass whupped good, by a Mexican. I love it when justice is served. Mares won a split decision.
Over at HBO, at the Mandalay Bay Casino, Las Vegas, there were two contrasting fights. In the first fight there were no surprises, as Victor Ortiz, trying hard to erase the memory of his "fight: with Marcos Maidana, took a half step back in a dismal showing against Lamont Peterson. They fought to a draw. The less said about the fight, the better.
Kahn for his part was following his game plan, using his speed and combinations but nothing would deter Maidana who was relentless in his pursuit of Kahn. In the middle rounds Maidana took control of the fight, almost stopping Kahn at one point, but Kahn, determined to prove that he had a sturdy chin fought on. Kahn had built an early lead but still it wasn't a sure bet going into the last round. I'm not 100% sure Kahn won that last round but he won their fight by unanimous decision. Both men proved their mettle last night.
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