Tag: Brandon Figueroa

Fighters, trainers make Charlo doubleheader predictions

A Showtime poll reveals that fighters and trainers are split on who them believe will win the featured fights Saturday.

The two featured fights on the pay-per-view card Saturday are about as close as you can get to 50-50 matchups.

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario are both tossups, although the Charlos will be slightly favored by the oddsmakers when they step into the ring at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Consider a poll of boxers and trainers conducted by Showtime. Of 21 polled, 12 predicted Jermall Charlo will defeat Derevyanko (with one predicting a draw). It was 12-8-1. The Jermell Charlo-Rosario poll, with 28 weighing in, was even closer: 15-13 for Charlo.

Here are their picks and comments.

JERMALL CHARLO VS. SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo demonstrated in his fight with Matt Korobov that he has trouble with fighters who can move, box and think in the ring. So that’s what he’s up against with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko lost two close fights to Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin, and it looked like he may have even beaten Golovkin. But in the end, I have Jermall winning this fight by a close decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, former undisputed cruiserweight titleholder and current heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is our guy and has been waiting for a title opportunity like this for a long time. His experience gained against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin have prepared him for victory over Jermall Charlo. Sergiy by unanimous decision.

Nonito Donaire, four-division world titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo gets in there and establishes that he is the ring general, which is key going into a fight with anybody. You put your feet in cement, and you claim the ring and make them adjust to what you’re doing. Sergiy Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but Charlo is a very crafty fighter. And when he smells blood, he goes in on him, knowing how to work a fighter along the ropes and at the same time using the ring. I see him winning by a decision if not by knockout.

Jarrett Hurd, former unified junior middleweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko had a really good fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, and, in fact, I thought he won. I think that he’ll carry that momentum into this fight with Jermall Charlo, winning a unanimous decision.

Erislandy Lara, junior middleweight contender

Charlo UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko likes to come forward, and I think that plays into Jermall Charlo’s hands, who has the power to keep him honest. I just think Jermall is the better fighter with the superior boxing skills and he will come out victorious. Jermall by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.

Tony Harrison, former junior middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Jermall Charlo will win based on his size in a tough fight similar to how Danny Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin did. I know Sergiy Derevyanchenko comes to fight, and I think it’s going to be Charlo’s most difficult fight to date, but I see him winning close, maybe by a split-decision.

Adam Kownacki, heavyweight contender

Draw: This is a difficult fight to pick, and I believe that it can go either way. I know both guys, and they’re each very tough, so I’ll say it’s going to end in a draw.

Danny Roman, former unified junir featherweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko looked very tough against Gennadiy Golovkin, and he really gave him some problems in a fight that a lot of people believe Golovkin lost. Jermall Charlo will have Derevyanchenko applying pressure on him for the entire fight, but I believe that he will use his speed, height and reach to win a split decision.

Brandon Figueroa, junior featherweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: Jermall Charlo’s going to want to go out there and perform at his best against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Charlo has power in both hands, and he’s going to show it. I believe Charlo is going to stop Derevyanchenko by TKO in the 10th.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk, former light heavyweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has great stamina, great conditioning and applies a lot of pressure. I don’t believe that Jermall Charlo will be able to maintain a safe distance for the full 12 rounds. I believe that Sergiy will be the one with his hands raised in the end, either by going the distance and applying constant pressure or winning by stoppage in the later rounds. But either way, I believe that the Ukraine is going to have another world champion.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time titleholder

Charlo UD 12: I think that Jermall Charlo wins against an aggressive fighter in Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whose style plays right into Charlo’s. Derevyanchenko is a pressure fighter, and anytime you get someone who can box, work behind a jab and deliver power like Charlo can, I believe that makes Derevyanchenko an easier target. I see Charlo winning by unanimous decision.

Taras Shelestyuk, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO: Sergiy Derevyanchenko versus Jermall Charlo will be a tough fight. Their two different styles make this fight a hard one for both boxers. I believe that Sergiy will get the victory, but he will need to stop Charlo by knockout or technical knockout. If the fight goes through all rounds, it will be difficult for Sergiy to get a victory on points.

Robert Garcia, trainer of Mikey Garcia

Charlo W 12: I believe that Jermall Charlo will win a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a very good fight. Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but the game-changer is the skills that Charlo possesses, and I believe that he will use them to outbox Derevyanchenko.

Jamal James, welterweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is the stronger fighter, and he has more skill than Sergiy Derevyanchenko as far as speed and general ring savvy as well, so I feel as if it’s going to be a wide decision, if not a knockout win, for him.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar, featherweight contender

Derevyanchenko 12: It’s a tough fight for both Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermall Charlo. I know Derevyanchenko from the amateurs, and he will pull it off in this one. But I believe it’s a 50-50 fight. The best man will come out on top.

Sergey Lipinets, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 8: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has a rugged style, and he’s coming off of a close loss to Gennadiy Golovkin, so we know he’s capable of giving people problems. But I’ve known Derevyanchenko for a long time, and he’s gotten busted up before, and Charlo places his punches really well. So if Derevyanchenko gets caught by a big punch from Charlo in the middle of the fight, it’s going to get nasty, it’s going to be a wrap, and they are going to stop it on cuts in about the eighth round.

Matt Korobov, middleweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is going to win this fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko can put a lot of pressure, but I think Charlo is smart enough to beat Derevyanchenko.

Charles Mooney, trainer of Matt Korobov

Derevyanchenko W 12: Jermall Charlo is trained by Ronnie Shields, who I believe is the best in the business. Charlo’s jab, combinations, reaction time and defensive skills are excellent. But so are Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, and he demonstrated against Gennadiy Golovkin that he has the abilities to dominate this fight. Still, Charlo’s a hittable target, and it takes an aggressive guy like Derevyanchenko to beat him. Charlo doesn’t have the amateur international history that Derevyanchenko has, and Derevyanchenko can really fight, so I’m leaning toward him to win a close one by decision.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of Julian Williams

Charlo UD 12: I think Jermall Charlo is too big for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Jermall’s jab and stature will be a lot to penetrate. Sergiy has more amateur pedigree, so I expect him to score points and hold his own. But I think Jermall’s jab, size and chin will win him the fight. I think Sergiy is vulnerable early and a knockdown will be the difference. Jermall by unanimous decision.

Ivan Redkach, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO 7:  Sergiy Derevyanchenko has never been a champion and he’s extremely hungry and motivated to become one by defeating Jermall Charlo. I really like Charlo as a fighter, and as far as his style, and I have nothing bad to say about it. But I do believe that Sergiy’s pressure will eventually wear down Charlo, and that he will at some point hurt him, not let him off the hook and be able to stop Charlo somewhere in the middle of the fight, maybe in the seventh round.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, light heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a very tough, durable guy whom I know from the amateurs, but Jermall Charlo has a great boxing style. Both fighters have great chins. I believe that it’s going to be a great fight, and I think it’s going to go the distance. But, ultimately, I believe Sergiy will have his hand raised in the end.

***

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JEISON ROSARIO

Errol Spence Jr., welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: I like Rosario as a fighter, but I think Jermell is going to beat him. Rosario has been stopped before. He has been hurt before, and recently Jermell’s been showing knockout power. I feel like if he catches Rosario with a good shot, he could stop him, but I’m going with Charlo by decision.

Shawn Porter

Charlo late-round TKO: I think that Jermell Charlo is going to win this fight against Jeison Rosario. Rosario is on a winning streak, but Charlo has a mean streak, and that energetic persona works for him. Knowing that Rosario has been knocked out before, and when you’re going up against a heavy-hitter who lands straight punches and a nice jab like Charlo, I have to go with Charlo by late-round stoppage in a firefight.

Anthony Dirrell, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Anything can happen, and we know that. Jeison Rosario’s mentality in knocking out Julian Williams was unbelievable. But Rosario’s not a guy who dances around too much, so Jermell’s skills and his beast mentality will get him those belts from Rosario. I believe it will be Jermell by a split decision.

Marcus Browne, former light heavyweight titleholder

Charlo KO 12: Jermell Charlo is on a roll, but Jeison Rosario is a very tough cookie. Jermell has a lot of momentum coming off of his revenge victory over Tony Harrison, and, for that reason, I believe that he is in a zone. Rosario did stop Julian Williams on a night when he brought his “A-game,” and I believe that he can present some issues. But I see a late-round knockout for Jermell. 

Herman Caicedo, trainer Luis Ortiz and Juan Carlos Payano

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is sharper and more powerful with his punches and shows a level of calmness beyond his years. I believe he will defeat Jermell Charlo and maybe even earn a late stoppage.

Chris Colbert, junior lightweight contender

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario will be a tough fight for the first three or four rounds, but that Jermell’s clean power-punching will be too much, and Rosario will get caught with a vicious shot and be knocked out cold.

Nonito Donaire

Charlo KO 8: Jermell Charlo is in against one hell of a fighter in Jeison Rosario, who is big and tough and will make it a dogfight. But I think that over the distance, Jermell will start to catch up to him and win by eighth-round knockout.

Luis Ortiz, heavyweight contender

Rosario W 12: I think that Jeison Rosario will win this fight against Jermell Charlo. Rosario is bigger, stronger, has better punch placement and lands with harder shots. I believe that he will win a decision, if not by early knockout or TKO. It’s a life-changing event, and Rosario won’t waste this opportunity.

Tony Harrison

Charlo UD 12: As much as I don’t like Jermell Charlo, he gained my respect in our two fights. Charlo’s facing a guy in Jeison Rosario who is game and very motivated after knocking out Julian Williams. I think it’s going to be a tight fight, and I think each of them can be hurt at one point, but I see Charlo winning by a unanimous decision.

Jorge Cota, junior middleweight contender

Rosario KO 10: I know both Jeison Rosario and Jermell Charlo because I fought both of them, losing a split decision to Rosario and being knocked out in the third round by Charlo by a punch that I didn’t see coming. But even though my fight went the distance against Rosario, I felt the power of every single punch he threw, whether it was on the arms, the shoulders, the chest, the stomach or the head. I never really felt Charlo’s power until he caught me with that one punch. So with that in mind, I believe that Rosario will do similar damage to Charlo, wearing him down before finally stopping him in around the 10th round.

Erislandy Lara

Charlo KO 11: Jermell Charlo will be too much for Jeison Rosario because he is the better boxer. The fight will be competitive until the later rounds, when Jermell will score a knockout. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Jermell by 11th round knockout.

Sebastian Fundora, junior middleweight contender

Rosario late-round KO: I believe that styles make fights, and that their styles are perfect for one of them to be knocked out. But I think that Jeison Rosario has the edge over Jermell Charlo, and that it will be Rosario who delivers the knockout in the later rounds.

Andre Dirrell, super middleweight

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo will come out of this with a knockout victory over Jeison Rosario, who will bring it. But Jermell will have all the answers and make the adjustment. I’m looking for Jermell to win by ninth or 10th round-knockout.

Danny Roman, former unified junior welterweight titleholder

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a war that I don’t think will go the full 12 rounds. I believe that Rosario will win by 10th-round knockout.

Stephen Edwards

Charlo TKO 6: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison “Banana” Rosario is a tough fight to assess. I think Rosario is the better boxer. Jermell looks like the better boxer because he can use his legs and he has a good jab. But Jermell’s not hard to hit and he’s been out-boxed for long stretches by Tony Harrison, John Jackson and Demetrius Hopkins. Rosario has some skillful moves, except he just comes forward. But Jermell is clutch and he has an elite chin also. I also believe Rosario loses steam after six rounds. So look for Jermell to clip him late in a great fight. Jermell by TKO.

Kenny Porter, trainer of Shawn Porter

Charlo KO 10: I think Jermell Charlo will win this fight by stoppage against Jeison Rosario, and I’m thinking that it will be a knockout in the ninth or 10th round.

Javier Fortuna, former two-division titleholder

Rosario KO 7: I have no doubt that Jeison “Banana” Rosario will defeat Jermell Charlo and make history for the Dominican Republic. I believe that Rosario will do to Charlo what he did to Julian Williams, but that Charlo will be knocked out cold.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of Erickson Lubin

Charlo KO 8: Somebody is getting knocked out in the Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario fight, and I’m picking Charlo to win a shootout. I believe that Charlo’s athleticism will give him the edge over Rosario, and I think he’ll stop Rosario in the eighth round.

Juan Carlos Payano, former bantamweight titleholder

Rosario W 12: I believe that Jeison Rosario is going to win against Jermell Charlo. It’s Jeison’s time, and he won’t waste it. Jeison is bigger and stronger and will walk down Charlo.

Rolando Romero, lightweight contender

Charlo KO 9: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a dogfight over the first half of the fight, but I think that as it goes on, Jermell’s just going to crack him. I think it will be a late-round knockout, probably in the eighth or the ninth. 

Michel Rivera, lightweight contender

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is my pick against Jermell Charlo. From the heart and from the head, Rosario is better at power punching and very poised in all situations. Rosario by decision or by early knockout.

Jesus Ramos, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: I see Jermell Charlo boxing a little smarter than Jeison Rosario and taking him into deep waters with his experience. It’s a been-there-done-that situation for him.

Amilcar Vidal, middleweight prospect

Rosario TKO 10: I believe that Jeison Rosario against Jermell Charlo will be a very entertaining fight, but it’s also the biggest of Rosario’s career. For that reason, I believe that Rosario will be at his best and win by knockout in the later round, perhaps by 10th-round TKO.

Andre Rozier, trainer Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Daniel Jacobs

Rosario W 12: This is a very intriguing bout. Jeison Rosario is a big 154-pounder, as is Jermell Charlo. They both have good punching power. But It will come down to a battle of wills, and I’m seeing the hunger of Jeison being a stronger force. Jeison by decision.

Carlos Negron, heavyweight contender

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo is very skilled, but Jeison Rosario is the harder, sharper puncher. As long as Rosario doesn’t get surprised with a shot, he will win by knockout in the later rounds.

Charles Mooney

Rosario SD 12: If Jermell Charlo’s mind isn’t right, he can leave a lot of openings for Jeison Rosario to capitalize on and walk away with the championships. Rosario’s a tough guy, so I’m leaning toward him to win a tough, close fight by split decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo KO 9: I think that Jeison Rosario may give Jermell Charlo some problems early due to the fact that he’s a big 154-pounder with good power. But I think that Jermell’s general experience, punching power, accuracy and ability to come on in the later rounds will enable him to stop Rosario in the eighth or ninth round. 

Eduardo Ramirez, featherweight contender

Rosario KO 9: Jeison Rosario is a younger, newer champion and more motivated fighter than Jermell Charlo. I have no doubt that he is the stronger, more powerful fighter and that he will win by a late-round knockout.

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Fighters, trainers make Charlo doubleheader predictions

A Showtime poll reveals that fighters and trainers are split on who them believe will win the featured fights Saturday.

The two featured fights on the pay-per-view card Saturday are about as close as you can get to 50-50 matchups.

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario are both tossups, although the Charlos will be slightly favored by the oddsmakers when they step into the ring at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Consider a poll of boxers and trainers conducted by Showtime. Of 21 polled, 12 predicted Jermall Charlo will defeat Derevyanko (with one predicting a draw). It was 12-8-1. The Jermell Charlo-Rosario poll, with 28 weighing in, was even closer: 15-13 for Charlo.

Here are their picks and comments.

JERMALL CHARLO VS. SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo demonstrated in his fight with Matt Korobov that he has trouble with fighters who can move, box and think in the ring. So that’s what he’s up against with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko lost two close fights to Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin, and it looked like he may have even beaten Golovkin. But in the end, I have Jermall winning this fight by a close decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, former undisputed cruiserweight titleholder and current heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is our guy and has been waiting for a title opportunity like this for a long time. His experience gained against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin have prepared him for victory over Jermall Charlo. Sergiy by unanimous decision.

Nonito Donaire, four-division world titleholder

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo gets in there and establishes that he is the ring general, which is key going into a fight with anybody. You put your feet in cement, and you claim the ring and make them adjust to what you’re doing. Sergiy Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but Charlo is a very crafty fighter. And when he smells blood, he goes in on him, knowing how to work a fighter along the ropes and at the same time using the ring. I see him winning by a decision if not by knockout.

Jarrett Hurd, former unified junior middleweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko had a really good fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, and, in fact, I thought he won. I think that he’ll carry that momentum into this fight with Jermall Charlo, winning a unanimous decision.

Erislandy Lara, junior middleweight contender

Charlo UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko likes to come forward, and I think that plays into Jermall Charlo’s hands, who has the power to keep him honest. I just think Jermall is the better fighter with the superior boxing skills and he will come out victorious. Jermall by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.

Tony Harrison, former junior middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Jermall Charlo will win based on his size in a tough fight similar to how Danny Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin did. I know Sergiy Derevyanchenko comes to fight, and I think it’s going to be Charlo’s most difficult fight to date, but I see him winning close, maybe by a split-decision.

Adam Kownacki, heavyweight contender

Draw: This is a difficult fight to pick, and I believe that it can go either way. I know both guys, and they’re each very tough, so I’ll say it’s going to end in a draw.

Danny Roman, former unified junir featherweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko looked very tough against Gennadiy Golovkin, and he really gave him some problems in a fight that a lot of people believe Golovkin lost. Jermall Charlo will have Derevyanchenko applying pressure on him for the entire fight, but I believe that he will use his speed, height and reach to win a split decision.

Brandon Figueroa, junior featherweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: Jermall Charlo’s going to want to go out there and perform at his best against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Charlo has power in both hands, and he’s going to show it. I believe Charlo is going to stop Derevyanchenko by TKO in the 10th.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk, former light heavyweight titleholder

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has great stamina, great conditioning and applies a lot of pressure. I don’t believe that Jermall Charlo will be able to maintain a safe distance for the full 12 rounds. I believe that Sergiy will be the one with his hands raised in the end, either by going the distance and applying constant pressure or winning by stoppage in the later rounds. But either way, I believe that the Ukraine is going to have another world champion.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time titleholder

Charlo UD 12: I think that Jermall Charlo wins against an aggressive fighter in Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whose style plays right into Charlo’s. Derevyanchenko is a pressure fighter, and anytime you get someone who can box, work behind a jab and deliver power like Charlo can, I believe that makes Derevyanchenko an easier target. I see Charlo winning by unanimous decision.

Taras Shelestyuk, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO: Sergiy Derevyanchenko versus Jermall Charlo will be a tough fight. Their two different styles make this fight a hard one for both boxers. I believe that Sergiy will get the victory, but he will need to stop Charlo by knockout or technical knockout. If the fight goes through all rounds, it will be difficult for Sergiy to get a victory on points.

Robert Garcia, trainer of Mikey Garcia

Charlo W 12: I believe that Jermall Charlo will win a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a very good fight. Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but the game-changer is the skills that Charlo possesses, and I believe that he will use them to outbox Derevyanchenko.

Jamal James, welterweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is the stronger fighter, and he has more skill than Sergiy Derevyanchenko as far as speed and general ring savvy as well, so I feel as if it’s going to be a wide decision, if not a knockout win, for him.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar, featherweight contender

Derevyanchenko 12: It’s a tough fight for both Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermall Charlo. I know Derevyanchenko from the amateurs, and he will pull it off in this one. But I believe it’s a 50-50 fight. The best man will come out on top.

Sergey Lipinets, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 8: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has a rugged style, and he’s coming off of a close loss to Gennadiy Golovkin, so we know he’s capable of giving people problems. But I’ve known Derevyanchenko for a long time, and he’s gotten busted up before, and Charlo places his punches really well. So if Derevyanchenko gets caught by a big punch from Charlo in the middle of the fight, it’s going to get nasty, it’s going to be a wrap, and they are going to stop it on cuts in about the eighth round.

Matt Korobov, middleweight contender

Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is going to win this fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko can put a lot of pressure, but I think Charlo is smart enough to beat Derevyanchenko.

Charles Mooney, trainer of Matt Korobov

Derevyanchenko W 12: Jermall Charlo is trained by Ronnie Shields, who I believe is the best in the business. Charlo’s jab, combinations, reaction time and defensive skills are excellent. But so are Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, and he demonstrated against Gennadiy Golovkin that he has the abilities to dominate this fight. Still, Charlo’s a hittable target, and it takes an aggressive guy like Derevyanchenko to beat him. Charlo doesn’t have the amateur international history that Derevyanchenko has, and Derevyanchenko can really fight, so I’m leaning toward him to win a close one by decision.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of Julian Williams

Charlo UD 12: I think Jermall Charlo is too big for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Jermall’s jab and stature will be a lot to penetrate. Sergiy has more amateur pedigree, so I expect him to score points and hold his own. But I think Jermall’s jab, size and chin will win him the fight. I think Sergiy is vulnerable early and a knockdown will be the difference. Jermall by unanimous decision.

Ivan Redkach, welterweight contender

Derevyanchenko KO 7:  Sergiy Derevyanchenko has never been a champion and he’s extremely hungry and motivated to become one by defeating Jermall Charlo. I really like Charlo as a fighter, and as far as his style, and I have nothing bad to say about it. But I do believe that Sergiy’s pressure will eventually wear down Charlo, and that he will at some point hurt him, not let him off the hook and be able to stop Charlo somewhere in the middle of the fight, maybe in the seventh round.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, light heavyweight contender

Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a very tough, durable guy whom I know from the amateurs, but Jermall Charlo has a great boxing style. Both fighters have great chins. I believe that it’s going to be a great fight, and I think it’s going to go the distance. But, ultimately, I believe Sergiy will have his hand raised in the end.

***

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JEISON ROSARIO

Errol Spence Jr., welterweight titleholder

Charlo W 12: I like Rosario as a fighter, but I think Jermell is going to beat him. Rosario has been stopped before. He has been hurt before, and recently Jermell’s been showing knockout power. I feel like if he catches Rosario with a good shot, he could stop him, but I’m going with Charlo by decision.

Shawn Porter

Charlo late-round TKO: I think that Jermell Charlo is going to win this fight against Jeison Rosario. Rosario is on a winning streak, but Charlo has a mean streak, and that energetic persona works for him. Knowing that Rosario has been knocked out before, and when you’re going up against a heavy-hitter who lands straight punches and a nice jab like Charlo, I have to go with Charlo by late-round stoppage in a firefight.

Anthony Dirrell, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo SD 12: Anything can happen, and we know that. Jeison Rosario’s mentality in knocking out Julian Williams was unbelievable. But Rosario’s not a guy who dances around too much, so Jermell’s skills and his beast mentality will get him those belts from Rosario. I believe it will be Jermell by a split decision.

Marcus Browne, former light heavyweight titleholder

Charlo KO 12: Jermell Charlo is on a roll, but Jeison Rosario is a very tough cookie. Jermell has a lot of momentum coming off of his revenge victory over Tony Harrison, and, for that reason, I believe that he is in a zone. Rosario did stop Julian Williams on a night when he brought his “A-game,” and I believe that he can present some issues. But I see a late-round knockout for Jermell. 

Herman Caicedo, trainer Luis Ortiz and Juan Carlos Payano

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is sharper and more powerful with his punches and shows a level of calmness beyond his years. I believe he will defeat Jermell Charlo and maybe even earn a late stoppage.

Chris Colbert, junior lightweight contender

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario will be a tough fight for the first three or four rounds, but that Jermell’s clean power-punching will be too much, and Rosario will get caught with a vicious shot and be knocked out cold.

Nonito Donaire

Charlo KO 8: Jermell Charlo is in against one hell of a fighter in Jeison Rosario, who is big and tough and will make it a dogfight. But I think that over the distance, Jermell will start to catch up to him and win by eighth-round knockout.

Luis Ortiz, heavyweight contender

Rosario W 12: I think that Jeison Rosario will win this fight against Jermell Charlo. Rosario is bigger, stronger, has better punch placement and lands with harder shots. I believe that he will win a decision, if not by early knockout or TKO. It’s a life-changing event, and Rosario won’t waste this opportunity.

Tony Harrison

Charlo UD 12: As much as I don’t like Jermell Charlo, he gained my respect in our two fights. Charlo’s facing a guy in Jeison Rosario who is game and very motivated after knocking out Julian Williams. I think it’s going to be a tight fight, and I think each of them can be hurt at one point, but I see Charlo winning by a unanimous decision.

Jorge Cota, junior middleweight contender

Rosario KO 10: I know both Jeison Rosario and Jermell Charlo because I fought both of them, losing a split decision to Rosario and being knocked out in the third round by Charlo by a punch that I didn’t see coming. But even though my fight went the distance against Rosario, I felt the power of every single punch he threw, whether it was on the arms, the shoulders, the chest, the stomach or the head. I never really felt Charlo’s power until he caught me with that one punch. So with that in mind, I believe that Rosario will do similar damage to Charlo, wearing him down before finally stopping him in around the 10th round.

Erislandy Lara

Charlo KO 11: Jermell Charlo will be too much for Jeison Rosario because he is the better boxer. The fight will be competitive until the later rounds, when Jermell will score a knockout. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Jermell by 11th round knockout.

Sebastian Fundora, junior middleweight contender

Rosario late-round KO: I believe that styles make fights, and that their styles are perfect for one of them to be knocked out. But I think that Jeison Rosario has the edge over Jermell Charlo, and that it will be Rosario who delivers the knockout in the later rounds.

Andre Dirrell, super middleweight

Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo will come out of this with a knockout victory over Jeison Rosario, who will bring it. But Jermell will have all the answers and make the adjustment. I’m looking for Jermell to win by ninth or 10th round-knockout.

Danny Roman, former unified junior welterweight titleholder

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a war that I don’t think will go the full 12 rounds. I believe that Rosario will win by 10th-round knockout.

Stephen Edwards

Charlo TKO 6: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison “Banana” Rosario is a tough fight to assess. I think Rosario is the better boxer. Jermell looks like the better boxer because he can use his legs and he has a good jab. But Jermell’s not hard to hit and he’s been out-boxed for long stretches by Tony Harrison, John Jackson and Demetrius Hopkins. Rosario has some skillful moves, except he just comes forward. But Jermell is clutch and he has an elite chin also. I also believe Rosario loses steam after six rounds. So look for Jermell to clip him late in a great fight. Jermell by TKO.

Kenny Porter, trainer of Shawn Porter

Charlo KO 10: I think Jermell Charlo will win this fight by stoppage against Jeison Rosario, and I’m thinking that it will be a knockout in the ninth or 10th round.

Javier Fortuna, former two-division titleholder

Rosario KO 7: I have no doubt that Jeison “Banana” Rosario will defeat Jermell Charlo and make history for the Dominican Republic. I believe that Rosario will do to Charlo what he did to Julian Williams, but that Charlo will be knocked out cold.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of Erickson Lubin

Charlo KO 8: Somebody is getting knocked out in the Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario fight, and I’m picking Charlo to win a shootout. I believe that Charlo’s athleticism will give him the edge over Rosario, and I think he’ll stop Rosario in the eighth round.

Juan Carlos Payano, former bantamweight titleholder

Rosario W 12: I believe that Jeison Rosario is going to win against Jermell Charlo. It’s Jeison’s time, and he won’t waste it. Jeison is bigger and stronger and will walk down Charlo.

Rolando Romero, lightweight contender

Charlo KO 9: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a dogfight over the first half of the fight, but I think that as it goes on, Jermell’s just going to crack him. I think it will be a late-round knockout, probably in the eighth or the ninth. 

Michel Rivera, lightweight contender

Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is my pick against Jermell Charlo. From the heart and from the head, Rosario is better at power punching and very poised in all situations. Rosario by decision or by early knockout.

Jesus Ramos, welterweight contender

Charlo TKO 10: I see Jermell Charlo boxing a little smarter than Jeison Rosario and taking him into deep waters with his experience. It’s a been-there-done-that situation for him.

Amilcar Vidal, middleweight prospect

Rosario TKO 10: I believe that Jeison Rosario against Jermell Charlo will be a very entertaining fight, but it’s also the biggest of Rosario’s career. For that reason, I believe that Rosario will be at his best and win by knockout in the later round, perhaps by 10th-round TKO.

Andre Rozier, trainer Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Daniel Jacobs

Rosario W 12: This is a very intriguing bout. Jeison Rosario is a big 154-pounder, as is Jermell Charlo. They both have good punching power. But It will come down to a battle of wills, and I’m seeing the hunger of Jeison being a stronger force. Jeison by decision.

Carlos Negron, heavyweight contender

Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo is very skilled, but Jeison Rosario is the harder, sharper puncher. As long as Rosario doesn’t get surprised with a shot, he will win by knockout in the later rounds.

Charles Mooney

Rosario SD 12: If Jermell Charlo’s mind isn’t right, he can leave a lot of openings for Jeison Rosario to capitalize on and walk away with the championships. Rosario’s a tough guy, so I’m leaning toward him to win a tough, close fight by split decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight titleholder

Charlo KO 9: I think that Jeison Rosario may give Jermell Charlo some problems early due to the fact that he’s a big 154-pounder with good power. But I think that Jermell’s general experience, punching power, accuracy and ability to come on in the later rounds will enable him to stop Rosario in the eighth or ninth round. 

Eduardo Ramirez, featherweight contender

Rosario KO 9: Jeison Rosario is a younger, newer champion and more motivated fighter than Jermell Charlo. I have no doubt that he is the stronger, more powerful fighter and that he will win by a late-round knockout.

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Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive vs. Jermall Charlo

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive than usual in his fight with Jermall Charlo on Saturday.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko has vowed to learn from his narrow professional defeats when he fights Jermall Charlo on Saturday in Uncsaville, Conn.

The 34-year-old Ukrainian has come up short in his two biggest fights, dropping a split decision to Daniel Jacobs in October 2018 and then losing on all three scorecards against Gennadiy Golovkin 12 months later at Madison Square Garden.

On both occasions, there were onlookers who felt “The Technician” got a raw deal from the judges. However, when he fights the unbeaten Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Derevyanchenko plans to leave less room for doubt in the eyes of the ringside scorers.

“Jermall Charlo is a tough fight and wonderful fight,” Derevyanchenko said in an Instagram Live session with Premier Boxing Champions.

“Yeah, I’m ready for this fight. I want to put more pressure and be more aggressive, and every round is easy. This is a good opportunity to take a [secondary] belt. I’m so proud to be in this show.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko (right) said added aggression could help him on the scorecards. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Charlo, 30, will be as tough a mountain for Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) to climb as Jacobs and Triple-G were, but he is confident that the third time will be a charm.

“It was a close fight [both times],” Derevyanchenko said of his defeats to Golovkin and Jacobs. “I see the mistakes I made against Golovkin and Jacobs. Jacobs has a good punch, and Golovkin has a good punch. And I think I need more pressure and more push. I have sparring partners that are similar to Charlo.

“Every fighter has power and a good punch. I’m ready. Let’s see on the 26th, let’s do a good fight, and we’ll see who is better. … Every fight I want to [put on a] show when people watch my fights.”

Derevyanchenko has fought into the 12th and final round in four of the five 12-rounders in his professional career while Charlo has gone the distance in two of his last three, so a long battle could be on the cards.

“My career is very long, and I have a good experience,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think it helps me in this fight.”

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Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive vs. Jermall Charlo

Sergiy Derevyanchenko plans to be more aggressive than usual in his fight with Jermall Charlo on Saturday.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko has vowed to learn from his narrow professional defeats when he fights Jermall Charlo on Saturday in Uncsaville, Conn.

The 34-year-old Ukrainian has come up short in his two biggest fights, dropping a split decision to Daniel Jacobs in October 2018 and then losing on all three scorecards against Gennadiy Golovkin 12 months later at Madison Square Garden.

On both occasions, there were onlookers who felt “The Technician” got a raw deal from the judges. However, when he fights the unbeaten Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Derevyanchenko plans to leave less room for doubt in the eyes of the ringside scorers.

“Jermall Charlo is a tough fight and wonderful fight,” Derevyanchenko said in an Instagram Live session with Premier Boxing Champions.

“Yeah, I’m ready for this fight. I want to put more pressure and be more aggressive, and every round is easy. This is a good opportunity to take a [secondary] belt. I’m so proud to be in this show.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko (right) said added aggression could help him on the scorecards. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Charlo, 30, will be as tough a mountain for Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) to climb as Jacobs and Triple-G were, but he is confident that the third time will be a charm.

“It was a close fight [both times],” Derevyanchenko said of his defeats to Golovkin and Jacobs. “I see the mistakes I made against Golovkin and Jacobs. Jacobs has a good punch, and Golovkin has a good punch. And I think I need more pressure and more push. I have sparring partners that are similar to Charlo.

“Every fighter has power and a good punch. I’m ready. Let’s see on the 26th, let’s do a good fight, and we’ll see who is better. … Every fight I want to [put on a] show when people watch my fights.”

Derevyanchenko has fought into the 12th and final round in four of the five 12-rounders in his professional career while Charlo has gone the distance in two of his last three, so a long battle could be on the cards.

“My career is very long, and I have a good experience,” Derevyanchenko said. “I think it helps me in this fight.”

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Luis Nery wants to ‘dominate’ three divisions simultaneously

Luis Nery said he wants to fight at both 118 and 122 pounds for the time being and then add 126 to the mix.

Luis Nery has a clear vision of his future. And to say it looks bright is an understatement.

The Mexican slugger’s immediate future features a showdown with unbeaten Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC 122-pound title on the Sept. 26 pay-per-view card at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

If he wins – and he’s favored to do so – he plans to fight at both 118 and 122, depending upon opportunities. And, as if that weren’t enough, he wants to become a three-division fighter by adding 126 soon.

Yes, Nery thinks big. And, yes, he’s confident.

“At this moment, I want to fight at both 118 and 122-pounds,” Nery said. “There are a lot of great fights to be made in those weight classes. Sometime next year, I want to move up to 126 pounds so that I can dominate all three divisions.”

Luis Nery has left many of his opponents on the canvas, including veteran Juan Carlos Payano here. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

All that said, Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) insists he isn’t looking past Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs).

The product of Tijuana has been training for the first time with Eddy Reynoso across the U.S. border in San Diego, alongside countryman Canelo Alvarez and a growing stable of top fighters.

Nery has no issues with power. “Pantera” (the Panther) is riding an impressive streak of knockouts, which stands at 11 going into Sept. 26. No, he joined forces with Reynoso and Co. to lift the rest of his game to a new level.

“Coach Reynoso has been helping me a lot with my defense,” Nery said. “We’re working on boxing with my hands up and on my accuracy. He’s helping me do everything possible to maximize my power and speed.

“I feel very strong and I’ve been sparring 12 rounds for a while now. I’m extremely ready for September 26 and focused on nothing but that.”

Nery and Alameda were scheduled to fight in March but the fight was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since then Rey Vargas gave up his junior featherweight belt because of an injury, a move that now allows Nery and Alameda to fight for the vacant title. Nery won the WBC 118-pound title by stopping Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2017 and then lost it on the scales before the rematch seven months later.

Nery is taking nothing for granted against Alameda even though his fellow-Mexican is taking a significant step up in opposition.

“I know that Alameda is a tough, undefeated fighter who’s going to leave it all in the ring,” he said. “I know he wants to win, just like me, and I know he’s working every day so that he can perform to his maximum potential. I believe that my speed and my overall talent will make me the winner.

“The postponement has given me even more time to train and prepare for this matchup. I’m 100% ready.”

And then?

“After I win this belt on September 26, I want Brandon Figueroa next,” said Nery, referring to what would be his fellow 122-pound titleholder in Figueroa defeats Damien Vazquez on the same card. “I’m not overlooking Alameda at all, but if I had my choice, me and Figueroa would give the fans a great show my next time in the ring.”

Nery has it all planned out.

 

Luis Nery wants to ‘dominate’ three divisions simultaneously

Luis Nery said he wants to fight at both 118 and 122 pounds for the time being and then add 126 to the mix.

Luis Nery has a clear vision of his future. And to say it looks bright is an understatement.

The Mexican slugger’s immediate future features a showdown with unbeaten Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC 122-pound title on the Sept. 26 pay-per-view card at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

If he wins – and he’s favored to do so – he plans to fight at both 118 and 122, depending upon opportunities. And, as if that weren’t enough, he wants to become a three-division fighter by adding 126 soon.

Yes, Nery thinks big. And, yes, he’s confident.

“At this moment, I want to fight at both 118 and 122-pounds,” Nery said. “There are a lot of great fights to be made in those weight classes. Sometime next year, I want to move up to 126 pounds so that I can dominate all three divisions.”

Luis Nery has left many of his opponents on the canvas, including veteran Juan Carlos Payano here. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

All that said, Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) insists he isn’t looking past Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs).

The product of Tijuana has been training for the first time with Eddy Reynoso across the U.S. border in San Diego, alongside countryman Canelo Alvarez and a growing stable of top fighters.

Nery has no issues with power. “Pantera” (the Panther) is riding an impressive streak of knockouts, which stands at 11 going into Sept. 26. No, he joined forces with Reynoso and Co. to lift the rest of his game to a new level.

“Coach Reynoso has been helping me a lot with my defense,” Nery said. “We’re working on boxing with my hands up and on my accuracy. He’s helping me do everything possible to maximize my power and speed.

“I feel very strong and I’ve been sparring 12 rounds for a while now. I’m extremely ready for September 26 and focused on nothing but that.”

Nery and Alameda were scheduled to fight in March but the fight was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since then Rey Vargas gave up his junior featherweight belt because of an injury, a move that now allows Nery and Alameda to fight for the vacant title. Nery won the WBC 118-pound title by stopping Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2017 and then lost it on the scales before the rematch seven months later.

Nery is taking nothing for granted against Alameda even though his fellow-Mexican is taking a significant step up in opposition.

“I know that Alameda is a tough, undefeated fighter who’s going to leave it all in the ring,” he said. “I know he wants to win, just like me, and I know he’s working every day so that he can perform to his maximum potential. I believe that my speed and my overall talent will make me the winner.

“The postponement has given me even more time to train and prepare for this matchup. I’m 100% ready.”

And then?

“After I win this belt on September 26, I want Brandon Figueroa next,” said Nery, referring to what would be his fellow 122-pound titleholder in Figueroa defeats Damien Vazquez on the same card. “I’m not overlooking Alameda at all, but if I had my choice, me and Figueroa would give the fans a great show my next time in the ring.”

Nery has it all planned out.

 

Brandon Figueroa happy to give Damien Vazquez ‘Mexican War’

Damien Vasquez has said that he plans to make his fight against Brandon Figueroa on Sept. 26 a “Mexican War.” That works for Figueroa.

Damien Vazquez has said that he plans to make his fight against Brandon Figueroa on Sept. 26 a “Mexican War.” That works for Figueroa.

The junior featherweight contender has built his reputation and winning record largely by getting the better of his opponents in toe-to-toe exchanges. If that’s what Vazquez wants, Figueroa said, he’s happy to oblige him.

Figueroa and Vazquez are scheduled to fight on the pay-per-view card featuring the Charlo brothers in Uncasville, Conn.

“I feel like the action fighting has been my style and game plan since day one,” said Figueroa (20-0-1, 15 KOs). “But I obviously believe I’d also have an advantage boxing him at distance. So he can say whatever he wants, I don’t think he’s going to want to go toe-to-toe with me. I can guarantee you he’ll regret that.

“I see this as the biggest opportunity of my career, and Vazquez is standing in my way. This is my chance to show everyone why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”

Brandon Figueroa (left) said Damien Vazquez will regret it if he goes toe-to-toe with him. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Figueroa’s willingness to engage his opponents almost backfired in his most recent fight, a brutal split draw against Julio Ceja on the Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz card on Nov. 23.

Ceja came in a whopping 4½ pounds over the 122-pound limit, which technically made him a junior lightweight. Plus, Figueroa said, he was at less than 100 percent because of minor injuries.

Still, Figueroa, who weighed 122, went through with the fight, which turned into the taxing Mexican War Vazquez described.

“Heading into my last fight, I had some injuries that I was dealing with,” Figueroa said. “But with this pandemic and the quarantine, I got a chance to recover and fully heal. I’ve never had this much time between fights, so I feel great now and I’m prepared for this fight. I’m just anxious to fight at this point.

“I don’t take anything away from Ceja, though. He came to fight. But we learn from every fight. What I took away from it was that even at the worst moment of my career, I didn’t lose. I’m a different fighter now, though. I’m healthy heading into this upcoming fight and I feel like everyone is going to see a different type of Brandon Figueroa.”

And if he beats Vazquez (15-1-1, 8 KOs)?

“At this point, I feel like any fight with me against a top 122-pounder is a great fight,” he said. “I’m willing to mix it up with any of them. I honestly don’t care who wants to fight me, I’ll take any of them to put on a great show for the fans.

“My team knows that as well. So hopefully after September 26 we can make a great fight with any of the other top fighters in my division.”

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Brandon Figueroa happy to give Damien Vazquez ‘Mexican War’

Damien Vasquez has said that he plans to make his fight against Brandon Figueroa on Sept. 26 a “Mexican War.” That works for Figueroa.

Damien Vazquez has said that he plans to make his fight against Brandon Figueroa on Sept. 26 a “Mexican War.” That works for Figueroa.

The junior featherweight contender has built his reputation and winning record largely by getting the better of his opponents in toe-to-toe exchanges. If that’s what Vazquez wants, Figueroa said, he’s happy to oblige him.

Figueroa and Vazquez are scheduled to fight on the pay-per-view card featuring the Charlo brothers in Uncasville, Conn.

“I feel like the action fighting has been my style and game plan since day one,” said Figueroa (20-0-1, 15 KOs). “But I obviously believe I’d also have an advantage boxing him at distance. So he can say whatever he wants, I don’t think he’s going to want to go toe-to-toe with me. I can guarantee you he’ll regret that.

“I see this as the biggest opportunity of my career, and Vazquez is standing in my way. This is my chance to show everyone why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”

Brandon Figueroa (left) said Damien Vazquez will regret it if he goes toe-to-toe with him. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Figueroa’s willingness to engage his opponents almost backfired in his most recent fight, a brutal split draw against Julio Ceja on the Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz card on Nov. 23.

Ceja came in a whopping 4½ pounds over the 122-pound limit, which technically made him a junior lightweight. Plus, Figueroa said, he was at less than 100 percent because of minor injuries.

Still, Figueroa, who weighed 122, went through with the fight, which turned into the taxing Mexican War Vazquez described.

“Heading into my last fight, I had some injuries that I was dealing with,” Figueroa said. “But with this pandemic and the quarantine, I got a chance to recover and fully heal. I’ve never had this much time between fights, so I feel great now and I’m prepared for this fight. I’m just anxious to fight at this point.

“I don’t take anything away from Ceja, though. He came to fight. But we learn from every fight. What I took away from it was that even at the worst moment of my career, I didn’t lose. I’m a different fighter now, though. I’m healthy heading into this upcoming fight and I feel like everyone is going to see a different type of Brandon Figueroa.”

And if he beats Vazquez (15-1-1, 8 KOs)?

“At this point, I feel like any fight with me against a top 122-pounder is a great fight,” he said. “I’m willing to mix it up with any of them. I honestly don’t care who wants to fight me, I’ll take any of them to put on a great show for the fans.

“My team knows that as well. So hopefully after September 26 we can make a great fight with any of the other top fighters in my division.”

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Good, bad, worse: Give Deontay Wilder respect he deserves

Deontay Wilder deserves credit for what he has accomplished even if you’re critical of his boxing skills.

GOOD

One tweet seemed to represent the anti-Deontay Wilder sect after the heavyweight titleholder’s chilling one-punch knockout of Luis Ortiz on Saturday night in Las Vegas: “Wilder is still pure (excrement).”

What does Wilder have to do to cease being excrement?

The Tweeter obviously was referring to Wilder’s perceived lack of elite boxing ability. What about results? Wilder has had 43 heavyweight fights. He has ended 41 of them early, including Bermane Stiverne in their rematch. The only opponent he hasn’t knocked out is Tyson Fury, with whom he drew last December.

Isn’t the objective to win? The man is unbeaten and has successfully defended his title 10 times, which ties Muhammad Ali at No. 5 on the all-time list in a single heavyweight reign. He also moved into No. 7 for total defenses.

And isn’t a second goal to entertain the spectators? The fans love spectacular knockouts and Wilder delivers … again and again and again.

Wilder will never be a great technician. He admits it. If that is something you require to enjoy boxing, then Wilder isn’t for you. If you admire a fighter who wins consistently and provides one thrill after another, enjoy Wilder while you can. He’s 34.

And for the record: He certainly is a good enough boxer. He has the ability to set up his big shots, to position himself at the right distance, to recognize an opportunity and to unload at just the right time. That takes skill.

Wilder said at the post-fight news conference: “I deserve respect.” Yes, he does.

 

BAD

Deontay Wilder’s knockouts should be celebrated on a grander scale than they are now. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

The reported attendance at the Wilder-Ortiz card was 10,000-plus. The capacity at the MGM Grand Garden Arena is around 17,000. And if I had to guess the number of domestic pay-per-view buys it will have generated, I’d say around 350,000.

Those aren’t impressive numbers, which is not a good commentary on Wilder’s popularity.

What’s going on? One theory is that this isn’t a good time of year, with the holidays around the corner, to stage a major fight. That makes sense. Competition from the NFL, college football and the NBA doesn’t help, obviously.

Frankly, fighters aren’t promoted like they used to be. And, who knows, maybe he’d resonate with more sports fans if he fought more often. That just isn’t how it’s done these days.

What’s the point? All of the above is a shame given the excitement Wilder generates. His knockouts should be celebrated in a way that Mike Tyson’s once were because they’re every bit as dramatic.

Again, though, these are different times. Boxing, while perfectly healthy, isn’t as mainstream as it once was. Even a dominating heavyweight champion, as Wilder is becoming, can largely fly under the radar in today’s environment.

Perhaps Wilder will gain more and more traction across a larger landscape with every opponent he puts to sleep going forward. In the meantime, those who are paying attention now are having a blast.

 

WORSE

Brandon Figueroa (left) said Julio Ceja’s extra weight was a factor in their fight. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

The word knowledgeable people use is “unprofessional.”

Luis Nery came in a pound overweight for his scheduled fight against Emmanuel Rodriguez on the Wilder-Ortiz undercard. He was given time to lose the pound but reportedly refused to make an attempt. He subsequently offered Rodriguez money and a rehydration limit but Rodriguez decided that danger exceeded reward and the fight was canceled.

Nery also has failed to make weight in the past. Suggestion: Move up a division.

Julio Ceja failed to make the junior featherweight limit by a whopping 4½ pounds, which technically made him a junior lightweight, for his fight with Brandon Figueroa. Still, Figueroa agreed to go ahead with the fight.

Perhaps that was a mistake. Ceja was an immovable object in the fight, which ended in a controversial draw. Afterward, Figueroa said Ceja’s extra weight was a factor.

“I basically fought a person in a weight class above mine tonight,” Figueroa said. “I’m pretty sure if he weighed 122, it wouldn’t even be a close fight. We have to run the rematch back but he better make the weight.”

Fighters have always pushed the limit on weight, believing they’ll have an edge over their opponents the lower they go. That’s not going to change. Fighters will continue to miss weight.

That said, it might be good idea to follow this plan: One, make weight. Two, in the event that doesn’t happen, try to make the limit within the extra time allotted. And, three, if that doesn’t work, make a reasonable offer when negotiating to step into the ring overweight.

In other words, be professional.

 

Brandon Figueroa and Julio Ceja fight to draw in war

LAS VEGAS – No one should’ve been disappointed with a draw in light of what Brandon Figueroa and Julio Ceja gave on Saturday at the MGM Grand. The junior featherweights didn’t stop throwing punches from beginning to end, producing an astonishing …

LAS VEGAS – No one should’ve been disappointed with a draw in light of what Brandon Figueroa and Julio Ceja gave on Saturday at the MGM Grand.

The junior featherweights didn’t stop throwing punches from beginning to end, producing an astonishing total of roughly 2,800 in a give-and-take war that revealed remarkable durability on the part of both fighters on the Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz card.

Some will argue that Ceja (33-4, 28 knockouts) got the better of the nonstop exchanges in more rounds that Figueroa (20-0-1, 15 KOs) did but two judges didn’t see it that way.

The scores were 115-113 for Figueroa, 116-112 for Ceja and 114-114. When that final score was announced, the crowd booed loudly. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112.

One could argue that Figueroa, a top contender, shouldn’t have gone through with the fight. Ceja missed the 122-pound limit by 4½ pounds, which technically made him a junior lightweight.

Perhaps that’s one reason he was so resilient. Figueroa hit the Mexican with everything he had and then some but Ceja was never fazed and never stopped throwing punches. Of course, Figueroa was just as durable as his bigger foe, also taking significant shots but never giving ground.

Ceja came into the fight with consecutive knockout losses, to Franklin Manzanilla and Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Also, Eduardo Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) stopped Leduan Barthelemy (15-1-1, 7 KOs) at 2:59 of Round 4 in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

The boxers had fought to a split-decision draw in September 2017.

On Saturday, Ramirez, from Mexico, quickly took control of the fight. By the final round, he was punching the one-time star amateur from Cuba at will. And he ended matters with a straight left that sent Barthelmy staggering backward and then down on his back.

He got up but the referee determined that he couldn’t continue.