Tag: Andrew Robinson

Fight Week: Estrada, R. Gonazlez, Martinez on display in Mexico

A compelling tripleheader featuring Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez is on tap Friday night.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA (40-3, 27 KOs)
VS. CARLOS CUADRAS (39-3-1, 27 KOs)

Juan Francisco Estrada (center) is still on top of his game and adding to his legacy. Dale de la Rey / AFP via Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Estrada’s WBC title
Odds: Estrada 2½-1
Also on the card: Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonzalez, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: Estrada KO 11
Background: Estrada, No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is one of the most-respected fighters in the world and at the peak of his powers at 30. He has won four consecutive fights since he was outpointed by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2018, including a unanimous-decision victory over Sor Rungvisai in the rematch in April of last year. He can box, he can punch, he can do it all. The Mexican has tangled with the athletic Cuadras before, winning a close unanimous decision that was decided by a 10th-round knockdown in 2017. Cuadras, also Mexican, has won three in a row against so-so opposition since losing back-to-back decisions to Estrada and then McWilliam Arroyo. The plan is for Estrada to meet Roman Gonzalez a second time in a title-unification bout, assuming he beats Cuadras and Gonzalez does the same against Israel Gonzalez on this card. Estrada lost a competitive fight with Gonzalez in 2012, when the Nicaraguan was at his peak.

***

ROMAN GONZALEZ (49-2, 41 KOs)
VS. ISRAEL GONZALEZ (25-3, 11 KOs)

Roman Gonzalez had made his Nicaraguan countrymen proud over the years. Al Bello / Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Gonzalez’s WBA title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: R. Gonzalez KO 6
Background: Some believed Gonzalez, formerly No. 1 pound for pound, was finished as an elite fighter when he lost back-to-back fights against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai – the second by brutal knockout — in 2017. He knew better. The big-punching Nicaraguan stopped Moises Fuentes, Diomel Diocos and then-unbeaten titleholder Khalid Yafai to reestablish himself as a force in the 115-pound division even though he’s 33. He appears to be set to face Juan Francisco Estrada a second time in a title-unification bout if things go well for both fighters on this card. Israel Gonzalez, from Mexico, is a capable boxer who has come up short in his biggest fights. He was stopped in 10 rounds by Jerwin Ancajas in a 2018 title fight and losing a clear decision to Yafai later that year. He has won his past two fights, including a quality unanimous-decision victory over Sho Ishida this past December in Japan. The Los Cabos fighter is probably in over his head in this fight.

***

JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. MOISES CALLEROS (33-9-1, 17 KOs)

Julio Cesar Martinez (left) is emerging as an exciting young star. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Flyweight
At stake: Miranda’s WBC title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonazlez, junior bantamweights
Prediction: Martinez KO 4
Background: Martinez is both fun to watch and a talented boxer-puncher who is trained by Eddy Reynoso. The Mexico City product lost his pro debut – a four-round against Joaquin Cruz – but has won all 16 of his subsequent fights (not including one no-contest), including a ninth-round knockout of Cristofer Rosales to win the vacant 112-pound title this past December. He’s coming off a wide decision over previously unbeaten Welshman Jay Harris on Feb. 29 in Frisco, Texas. Martinez was scheduled to face Maximino Flores but Flores had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. Calleros, 31, was stopped by Ryuya Yamanaka in a fight for a vacant strawweight title in 2018 but hasn’t fought at that level since moving up in weight. He has won five consecutive fights against second-tier opposition. Martinez represents a significant step up, which might not bode well for the challenger.

***

SERGEY LIPINETS (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. CUSTIO CLAYTON (18-0, 12 KOs)

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a second-round knockout of Jayar Inson in July of last year. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime
Division: Welterweight
At stake: IBF “Interim” title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Xavier Martinez vs. Claudio Marrero, junior lightweights; Malik Hawkins vs. Subriel Matias, junior welterweights
Prediction: Lipinets UD
Background: Lipinets met his match against Mikey Garcia in 2018, losing a wide decision and his 140-pound title in 2018. The Los Angeles-based native of Kazakhstan then moved up to 147 and has won three in a row, over Erick Bone, Lamont Peterson and Jayar Inson to put himself in title contention at his new weight. He’ll be in prime position to challenge for the IBF title, currently held by Errol Spence Jr., if he wins Saturday. Lipinets is a solid boxer but known more for his pressure fighting and durability. He was scheduled to face Kudratillo Abdukakhorov but the Uzbek had to pull out because of visa issues. Clayton is a 2012 Olympian but largely unproven as a professional. The Montreal fighter has built a gaudy record fighting only in Canada against second-level opposition, including an eighth-round stoppage of Diego Ramirez on Jan. 28 in Toronto. He might be biting off more than he can chew in Lipinets. We’ll learn a lot about him on Saturday.

[lawrence-related id=14107,9585,6725,8548,6728]

Fight Week: Estrada, R. Gonazlez, Martinez on display in Mexico

A compelling tripleheader featuring Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Julio Cesar Martinez is on tap Friday night.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA (40-3, 27 KOs)
VS. CARLOS CUADRAS (39-3-1, 27 KOs)

Juan Francisco Estrada (center) is still on top of his game and adding to his legacy. Dale de la Rey / AFP via Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Estrada’s WBC title
Odds: Estrada 2½-1
Also on the card: Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonzalez, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: Estrada KO 11
Background: Estrada, No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is one of the most-respected fighters in the world and at the peak of his powers at 30. He has won four consecutive fights since he was outpointed by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2018, including a unanimous-decision victory over Sor Rungvisai in the rematch in April of last year. He can box, he can punch, he can do it all. The Mexican has tangled with the athletic Cuadras before, winning a close unanimous decision that was decided by a 10th-round knockdown in 2017. Cuadras, also Mexican, has won three in a row against so-so opposition since losing back-to-back decisions to Estrada and then McWilliam Arroyo. The plan is for Estrada to meet Roman Gonzalez a second time in a title-unification bout, assuming he beats Cuadras and Gonzalez does the same against Israel Gonzalez on this card. Estrada lost a competitive fight with Gonzalez in 2012, when the Nicaraguan was at his peak.

***

ROMAN GONZALEZ (49-2, 41 KOs)
VS. ISRAEL GONZALEZ (25-3, 11 KOs)

Roman Gonzalez had made his Nicaraguan countrymen proud over the years. Al Bello / Getty Images

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Junior bantamweight
At stake: Gonzalez’s WBA title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Moises Calleros, flyweights
Prediction: R. Gonzalez KO 6
Background: Some believed Gonzalez, formerly No. 1 pound for pound, was finished as an elite fighter when he lost back-to-back fights against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai – the second by brutal knockout — in 2017. He knew better. The big-punching Nicaraguan stopped Moises Fuentes, Diomel Diocos and then-unbeaten titleholder Khalid Yafai to reestablish himself as a force in the 115-pound division even though he’s 33. He appears to be set to face Juan Francisco Estrada a second time in a title-unification bout if things go well for both fighters on this card. Israel Gonzalez, from Mexico, is a capable boxer who has come up short in his biggest fights. He was stopped in 10 rounds by Jerwin Ancajas in a 2018 title fight and losing a clear decision to Yafai later that year. He has won his past two fights, including a quality unanimous-decision victory over Sho Ishida this past December in Japan. The Los Cabos fighter is probably in over his head in this fight.

***

JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. MOISES CALLEROS (33-9-1, 17 KOs)

Julio Cesar Martinez (left) is emerging as an exciting young star. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

When: Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Gimnasio TV Azteca, Mexico City
TV: DAZN
Division: Flyweight
At stake: Miranda’s WBC title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, junior bantamweights; Roman Gonzalez vs. Israel Gonazlez, junior bantamweights
Prediction: Martinez KO 4
Background: Martinez is both fun to watch and a talented boxer-puncher who is trained by Eddy Reynoso. The Mexico City product lost his pro debut – a four-round against Joaquin Cruz – but has won all 16 of his subsequent fights (not including one no-contest), including a ninth-round knockout of Cristofer Rosales to win the vacant 112-pound title this past December. He’s coming off a wide decision over previously unbeaten Welshman Jay Harris on Feb. 29 in Frisco, Texas. Martinez was scheduled to face Maximino Flores but Flores had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. Calleros, 31, was stopped by Ryuya Yamanaka in a fight for a vacant strawweight title in 2018 but hasn’t fought at that level since moving up in weight. He has won five consecutive fights against second-tier opposition. Martinez represents a significant step up, which might not bode well for the challenger.

***

SERGEY LIPINETS (16-1, 12 KOs)
VS. CUSTIO CLAYTON (18-0, 12 KOs)

Sergey Lipinets is coming off a second-round knockout of Jayar Inson in July of last year. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime
Division: Welterweight
At stake: IBF “Interim” title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Xavier Martinez vs. Claudio Marrero, junior lightweights; Malik Hawkins vs. Subriel Matias, junior welterweights
Prediction: Lipinets UD
Background: Lipinets met his match against Mikey Garcia in 2018, losing a wide decision and his 140-pound title in 2018. The Los Angeles-based native of Kazakhstan then moved up to 147 and has won three in a row, over Erick Bone, Lamont Peterson and Jayar Inson to put himself in title contention at his new weight. He’ll be in prime position to challenge for the IBF title, currently held by Errol Spence Jr., if he wins Saturday. Lipinets is a solid boxer but known more for his pressure fighting and durability. He was scheduled to face Kudratillo Abdukakhorov but the Uzbek had to pull out because of visa issues. Clayton is a 2012 Olympian but largely unproven as a professional. The Montreal fighter has built a gaudy record fighting only in Canada against second-level opposition, including an eighth-round stoppage of Diego Ramirez on Jan. 28 in Toronto. He might be biting off more than he can chew in Lipinets. We’ll learn a lot about him on Saturday.

[lawrence-related id=14107,9585,6725,8548,6728]

Liam Williams needs less than a round to put Andrew Robinson away

Liam Williams stopped Andrew Robinson with a body shot in the first round of their scheduled 12-round middleweight bout in London.

Liam Williams reinforced his position as mandatory challenger to Demetrius Andrade middleweight title on Saturday.

The Welshman stopped Andrew Robinson with a left hook to the body on 1 minute, 28 seconds into their scheduled 12-round bout at the BT Sport Studio in London.

Both fighters suffered cuts on their heads from an accidental head clash moments before the stoppage.

“I wanted it to go a bit further, but we clashed heads and I saw blood dripping so I thought, ‘I need to end this now before it ends in a technical draw,'” Williams said.

“I’m mandatory challenger for WBO title to fight Demetrius Andrade, and it’s a case of when and where, I will be there. I want my opportunity next.”

Williams (23-2-1, 18 KOs) got the attention of Robinson (24-5-1, 7 KOs) about 10 seconds into the fight, when he seemed to stun the the Englishman with an overhand right hand.

Williams continued to attack but he shifted into another gear after the clash of heads, soon trapping Robinson in a corner and unloading a barrage of hard punches. They were capped by the body shot, which forced Robinson to his knees.

Robinson seemed be getting to his feet a split second be referee Marcus McDonnell reached the count of 10 but it was too late. The fight was stopped.

Williams has now won seven consecutive fights — all by knockout — since back-to-back losses to Liam Smith in 2017, the first because of a cut and the second by a majority decision.

Robinson had won three consecutive fights against second-level opposition going into the fight on Saturday.

Liam Williams needs less than a round to put Andrew Robinson away

Liam Williams stopped Andrew Robinson with a body shot in the first round of their scheduled 12-round middleweight bout in London.

Liam Williams reinforced his position as mandatory challenger to Demetrius Andrade middleweight title on Saturday.

The Welshman stopped Andrew Robinson with a left hook to the body on 1 minute, 28 seconds into their scheduled 12-round bout at the BT Sport Studio in London.

Both fighters suffered cuts on their heads from an accidental head clash moments before the stoppage.

“I wanted it to go a bit further, but we clashed heads and I saw blood dripping so I thought, ‘I need to end this now before it ends in a technical draw,'” Williams said.

“I’m mandatory challenger for WBO title to fight Demetrius Andrade, and it’s a case of when and where, I will be there. I want my opportunity next.”

Williams (23-2-1, 18 KOs) got the attention of Robinson (24-5-1, 7 KOs) about 10 seconds into the fight, when he seemed to stun the the Englishman with an overhand right hand.

Williams continued to attack but he shifted into another gear after the clash of heads, soon trapping Robinson in a corner and unloading a barrage of hard punches. They were capped by the body shot, which forced Robinson to his knees.

Robinson seemed be getting to his feet a split second be referee Marcus McDonnell reached the count of 10 but it was too late. The fight was stopped.

Williams has now won seven consecutive fights — all by knockout — since back-to-back losses to Liam Smith in 2017, the first because of a cut and the second by a majority decision.

Robinson had won three consecutive fights against second-level opposition going into the fight on Saturday.

Fight Week: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Ruben Villa for vacant 126-pound title

Emanuel Navarrete faces Ruben Villa for a vacant 126-pound title on Friday.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in boxing in capsules.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in boxing in capsules.

***

CHARLES CONWELL (12-0, 9 KOs)
VS. WENDY TOUSSAINT (12-0, 5 KOs)

Charles Conwell (pictured) hopes to beat Wendy Toussaint on Wednesday and then fight once more before the end of the year.  Photo courtesy of Showtime

When: Wednesday, Oct. 7
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime (ShoBox)
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: Nothing
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Isaiah Steen vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights; Janelson Figueroa Bocachica vs. Nicklaus Flaz, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Jimmy Williams, welterweights
Prediction: Conwell UD
Background: Conwell, a junior middleweight contender from Cleveland, is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Ramses Agaton on Feb. 8. That was four months after his tragic meeting with Patrick Day, who died from a brain injury four days after Conwell stopped him. The 2016 U.S. Olympian, a talented boxer-puncher, had hoped to take a major step in his career this year but the coronavirus changed his timetable. He plans to fight again before the end of the year and then target the top 154-pounders next year. Toussaint is arguably Conwell toughest test. The Haitian-American isn’t a big puncher but he can box. A lack of experience could be a problem for Toussaint. He and Conwell have the same number of pro fights but Conwell had a much more extensive amateur career. And Toussaint will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-rounder when he faces Conwell.

***

EMANUEL NAVARRETE (32-1, 28 KOs)
VS. RUBEN VILLA (18-0, 5 KOs)

Emanuel Navarette will be fighting for a title in second division when he faces Ruben Villa on Friday. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

When: Friday, Oct. 9
Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
TV: ESPN+
Division: Featherweight
At stake: Vacant WBO title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Joseph Adorno vs. Avery Sparrow, lightweights
Prediction: Navarrete KO 6
Background: Navarrete, a volume puncher with significant power, will be fighting for a title in a second weight class. The Mexican, ranked No. 1 by the WB0, last fought on June 20, when he stopped tough, but overmatched Uriel Lopez in six rounds in his first featherweight fight. He made his breakthrough with back-to-back victories over Issac Dogoe in 2018 and last year. The first was a unanimous-decision victory that gave him is 122-pound title. He won second by 12th-round KO. Navarrete has won 27 consecutive fights since his only setback, a four-round decision to Daniel Argueta in his sixth fight. Villa, ranked No. 2, is a solid opponent. The Salinas, Calif., resident has a strong amateur background and has looked good as a pro. He is stepping up in opposition for this fight, which will be a challenge. However, he might have a size advantage. He has been a 126-pounder his entire career. He is coming off a one-sided decision over Alexei Collado on Jan. 31, which earned him his ranking.

***

LIAM WILLIAMS (22-2-1, 17 KOs)
VS. ANDREW ROBINSON (24-4-1, 7 KOs)

When: Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: BT Sports Studios, London
TV: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
Division: Middleweight
At stake: Williams’ British title
Odds: Williams 30-1
Also on the card: James Metcalf vs. Jack Flatley, super welterweights (for Commonwealth title); Nathan Gorman vs. Richard Lartey, heavyweights; Willy Hutchinson vs. Jose Miguel Fandino, super middleweight
Prediction: Williams KO 9
Background: Williams has been on a roll since losing back-to-back fights to Liam Smith, winning each of his subsequent six fights by knockout. He’s coming off a fifth-round TKO over Alantez Fox in December, which was his biggest post-Liam Smith test. The Welshman is ranked by two of the major sanctioning bodies, No. 2 by the WBO and No. 3 by the WBC, meaning a world title shot is within reach if he continues to win. Robinson is facing by far the biggest challenge of his career, one reason he’s a big underdog. He’s a solid boxer but has minimal punching power. He’s coming off a second-round TKO over Eric Nwankwo in September of last year, his third consecutive victory since he was stopped in six rounds by Mark Heffron in 2018. A victory by the Englishman would be a major upset.

Fight Week: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Ruben Villa for vacant 126-pound title

Emanuel Navarrete faces Ruben Villa for a vacant 126-pound title on Friday.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in boxing in capsules.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in boxing in capsules.

***

CHARLES CONWELL (12-0, 9 KOs)
VS. WENDY TOUSSAINT (12-0, 5 KOs)

Charles Conwell (pictured) hopes to beat Wendy Toussaint on Wednesday and then fight once more before the end of the year.  Photo courtesy of Showtime

When: Wednesday, Oct. 7
Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
TV: Showtime (ShoBox)
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: Nothing
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Isaiah Steen vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights; Janelson Figueroa Bocachica vs. Nicklaus Flaz, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Jimmy Williams, welterweights
Prediction: Conwell UD
Background: Conwell, a junior middleweight contender from Cleveland, is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Ramses Agaton on Feb. 8. That was four months after his tragic meeting with Patrick Day, who died from a brain injury four days after Conwell stopped him. The 2016 U.S. Olympian, a talented boxer-puncher, had hoped to take a major step in his career this year but the coronavirus changed his timetable. He plans to fight again before the end of the year and then target the top 154-pounders next year. Toussaint is arguably Conwell toughest test. The Haitian-American isn’t a big puncher but he can box. A lack of experience could be a problem for Toussaint. He and Conwell have the same number of pro fights but Conwell had a much more extensive amateur career. And Toussaint will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-rounder when he faces Conwell.

***

EMANUEL NAVARRETE (32-1, 28 KOs)
VS. RUBEN VILLA (18-0, 5 KOs)

Emanuel Navarette will be fighting for a title in second division when he faces Ruben Villa on Friday. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

When: Friday, Oct. 9
Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
TV: ESPN+
Division: Featherweight
At stake: Vacant WBO title
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Joseph Adorno vs. Avery Sparrow, lightweights
Prediction: Navarrete KO 6
Background: Navarrete, a volume puncher with significant power, will be fighting for a title in a second weight class. The Mexican, ranked No. 1 by the WB0, last fought on June 20, when he stopped tough, but overmatched Uriel Lopez in six rounds in his first featherweight fight. He made his breakthrough with back-to-back victories over Issac Dogoe in 2018 and last year. The first was a unanimous-decision victory that gave him is 122-pound title. He won second by 12th-round KO. Navarrete has won 27 consecutive fights since his only setback, a four-round decision to Daniel Argueta in his sixth fight. Villa, ranked No. 2, is a solid opponent. The Salinas, Calif., resident has a strong amateur background and has looked good as a pro. He is stepping up in opposition for this fight, which will be a challenge. However, he might have a size advantage. He has been a 126-pounder his entire career. He is coming off a one-sided decision over Alexei Collado on Jan. 31, which earned him his ranking.

***

LIAM WILLIAMS (22-2-1, 17 KOs)
VS. ANDREW ROBINSON (24-4-1, 7 KOs)

When: Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: BT Sports Studios, London
TV: ESPN+ (BT Sport in U.K.)
Division: Middleweight
At stake: Williams’ British title
Odds: Williams 30-1
Also on the card: James Metcalf vs. Jack Flatley, super welterweights (for Commonwealth title); Nathan Gorman vs. Richard Lartey, heavyweights; Willy Hutchinson vs. Jose Miguel Fandino, super middleweight
Prediction: Williams KO 9
Background: Williams has been on a roll since losing back-to-back fights to Liam Smith, winning each of his subsequent six fights by knockout. He’s coming off a fifth-round TKO over Alantez Fox in December, which was his biggest post-Liam Smith test. The Welshman is ranked by two of the major sanctioning bodies, No. 2 by the WBO and No. 3 by the WBC, meaning a world title shot is within reach if he continues to win. Robinson is facing by far the biggest challenge of his career, one reason he’s a big underdog. He’s a solid boxer but has minimal punching power. He’s coming off a second-round TKO over Eric Nwankwo in September of last year, his third consecutive victory since he was stopped in six rounds by Mark Heffron in 2018. A victory by the Englishman would be a major upset.