Welterweight contender Cody Crowley outworked Abel Ramos to win a majority decision Saturday in Las Vegas.
Hard work often produces good results.
Welterweight contender Cody Crowley proved that once again against Abel Ramos, pressuring Ramos from beginning to end to win a majority decision on the David Benavidez-Caleb Plant show Saturday in Las Vegas.
The officials scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112, eight rounds to four.
Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs) pinned Ramos (27-6-2, 21 KOs) against the ropes and fired away round after round, simply outworking his more-experienced opponent.
Ramos also had success in a competitive fight, finding openings to land many of the cleanest shots of the fight.
That was particularly obvious in Round 11, in which Ramos landed a right hand that appeared to force Crowley to touch the canvas for a knockdown. However, a ringside official ruled before the start of Round 12 that the glove hadn’t hit the mat.
In the end, the fight seemed to come down to math: Crowley landed more punches, which generally wins fights.
The fight was billed as a WBC title eliminator. Crowley is ranked No. 3, Ramos No. 6.
Welterweight contender Cody Crowley outworked Abel Ramos to win a majority decision Saturday in Las Vegas.
Hard work often produces good results.
Welterweight contender Cody Crowley proved that once again against Abel Ramos, pressuring Ramos from beginning to end to win a majority decision on the David Benavidez-Caleb Plant show Saturday in Las Vegas.
The officials scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112, eight rounds to four.
Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs) pinned Ramos (27-6-2, 21 KOs) against the ropes and fired away round after round, simply outworking his more-experienced opponent.
Ramos also had success in a competitive fight, finding openings to land many of the cleanest shots of the fight.
That was particularly obvious in Round 11, in which Ramos landed a right hand that appeared to force Crowley to touch the canvas for a knockdown. However, a ringside official ruled before the start of Round 12 that the glove hadn’t hit the mat.
In the end, the fight seemed to come down to math: Crowley landed more punches, which generally wins fights.
The fight was billed as a WBC title eliminator. Crowley is ranked No. 3, Ramos No. 6.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant made weight for their pay-per-view fight Saturday in Las Vegas and took more verbal shots at one another.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant on Friday made weight for their 168-pound pay-per-view fight Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and took advantage of one last opportunity to exchange trash talk.
Benavidez came in at 166.8 pounds, 1.2 under the division limit. Plant weighed 167.2.
Their obligatory stare down didn’t last long but it was dramatic. They were jawing back and forth when Plant stuck a finger in his opponent’s face, prompting Benavidez to push Plant backward.
At that point personnel on stage stepped between the fighters and separated them.
“We were just exchanging pleasantries, telling each other how much we like each other,” Plant said sarcastically during his interview. “He’s been talking a lot, saying how much he’s going to whoop my ass and this and that.
“We’re going to see tomorrow. You know what’s up.”
Benavidez then interjected something from across the stage. Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) responded, “Shut up.”
“He tried to put his finger on my face,” Benavidez said. “I had to push his ass back. But he knows what’s up. When his [handlers] have to pick him up off the f—ing ground when he’s bleeding all that blood ….
“We’re ready for tomorrow, 100 percent ready.”
Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) was asked about coming in well below the division limit.
“It’s speaks for itself,” he said. “I’ve been on weight the whole week. And I”m ready. I’m ready to take this mother—er’s head off.”
The weights for the other fights on the pay-per-view portion of the card are as follows:
Jesus Ramos (153.2) vs. Joey Spencer (153.2), junior middleweights.
Jose Valenzuela (134.0) vs. Chris Colbert (134-6), lightweights.
Cody Crowley (145.2) vs. Abel Ramos (146.0), welterweights.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant made weight for their pay-per-view fight Saturday in Las Vegas and took more verbal shots at one another.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant on Friday made weight for their 168-pound pay-per-view fight Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and took advantage of one last opportunity to exchange trash talk.
Benavidez came in at 166.8 pounds, 1.2 under the division limit. Plant weighed 167.2.
Their obligatory stare down didn’t last long but it was dramatic. They were jawing back and forth when Plant stuck a finger in his opponent’s face, prompting Benavidez to push Plant backward.
At that point personnel on stage stepped between the fighters and separated them.
“We were just exchanging pleasantries, telling each other how much we like each other,” Plant said sarcastically during his interview. “He’s been talking a lot, saying how much he’s going to whoop my ass and this and that.
“We’re going to see tomorrow. You know what’s up.”
Benavidez then interjected something from across the stage. Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) responded, “Shut up.”
“He tried to put his finger on my face,” Benavidez said. “I had to push his ass back. But he knows what’s up. When his [handlers] have to pick him up off the f—ing ground when he’s bleeding all that blood ….
“We’re ready for tomorrow, 100 percent ready.”
Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) was asked about coming in well below the division limit.
“It’s speaks for itself,” he said. “I’ve been on weight the whole week. And I”m ready. I’m ready to take this mother—er’s head off.”
The weights for the other fights on the pay-per-view portion of the card are as follows:
Jesus Ramos (153.2) vs. Joey Spencer (153.2), junior middleweights.
Jose Valenzuela (134.0) vs. Chris Colbert (134-6), lightweights.
Cody Crowley (145.2) vs. Abel Ramos (146.0), welterweights.
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.
Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.
The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.
That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.
It doesn’t get better than that.
And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.
I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.
Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.
Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.
BAD
Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter
“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”
Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.
The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.
And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.
Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.
Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.
The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.
And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.
WORSE
Isaac Cruz came out the gate swinging 👀 #CruzGamboa
Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.
Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.
Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.
And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.
I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.
At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.
Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.
The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.
That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.
It doesn’t get better than that.
And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.
I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.
Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.
Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.
BAD
Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter
“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”
Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.
The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.
And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.
Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.
Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.
The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.
And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.
WORSE
Isaac Cruz came out the gate swinging 👀 #CruzGamboa
Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.
Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.
Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.
And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.
I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.
At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.
Cody Crowley continues to demonstrate that he’s a legitimate welterweight contender. The Canadian southpaw, coming off an upset of top-rated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, outworked a courageous, but faded version of Josesito Lopez en route to a …
Cody Crowley continues to demonstrate that he’s a legitimate welterweight contender.
The Canadian southpaw, coming off an upset of top-rated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, outworked a courageous, but faded version of Josesito Lopez en route to a unanimous-decision victory on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
The official scores were 99-90, 98-91 and 98-91. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-90 for Crowley, nine rounds to one.
Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) was true to his form, fighting behind his jab and outworking his opponent with a variety of punches to the head and body from beginning to end.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) kept himself in the fight in the early rounds with punishing body shots, which undoubtedly got Crowley’s attention.
Joseito Lopez (left) was game but couldn’t withstand the attack of Cody Crowley. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter)
However, by Round 6, the 37-year-old Southern Californian began to fade. His work rate declined, he went down from a light hook in Round 8 and started to take a beating.
His trainer, Robert Garcia, threatened between rounds to stop the bout to protect his fighter but Lopez did just enough to go the distance in what might be his last fight.
It’s no secret why Crowley can maintain the pace he does.
“I just train hard,” he said. “I give 110 percent every single day.”
Crowley is ranked in the Top 15 by three of the four major sanctioning bodies, No. 6 by the WBO. His time is coming slowly but it appears to be coming.
“I believe I’m one of the best in the world,” he said. “… I have to continue beating whoever is placed in front of me. And eventually I’m going to get my shot.”
Cody Crowley continues to demonstrate that he’s a legitimate welterweight contender. The Canadian southpaw, coming off an upset of top-rated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, outworked a courageous, but faded version of Josesito Lopez en route to a …
Cody Crowley continues to demonstrate that he’s a legitimate welterweight contender.
The Canadian southpaw, coming off an upset of top-rated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, outworked a courageous, but faded version of Josesito Lopez en route to a unanimous-decision victory on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
The official scores were 99-90, 98-91 and 98-91. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-90 for Crowley, nine rounds to one.
Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) was true to his form, fighting behind his jab and outworking his opponent with a variety of punches to the head and body from beginning to end.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) kept himself in the fight in the early rounds with punishing body shots, which undoubtedly got Crowley’s attention.
Joseito Lopez (left) was game but couldn’t withstand the attack of Cody Crowley. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter)
However, by Round 6, the 37-year-old Southern Californian began to fade. His work rate declined, he went down from a light hook in Round 8 and started to take a beating.
His trainer, Robert Garcia, threatened between rounds to stop the bout to protect his fighter but Lopez did just enough to go the distance in what might be his last fight.
It’s no secret why Crowley can maintain the pace he does.
“I just train hard,” he said. “I give 110 percent every single day.”
Crowley is ranked in the Top 15 by three of the four major sanctioning bodies, No. 6 by the WBO. His time is coming slowly but it appears to be coming.
“I believe I’m one of the best in the world,” he said. “… I have to continue beating whoever is placed in front of me. And eventually I’m going to get my shot.”
