Tag: conor benn

Weekend Review: Zhilei Zhang has blossomed, Joe Joyce has wilted

Weekend Review: Zhilei Zhang has blossomed at 40 years old while Joe Joyce has wilted at 38.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Zhilei Zhang

Zhang didn’t come out of nowhere. The 40-year-old southpaw from China was a silver medalist in the 2008 Olympics and has been a consistent winner as a professional over the past decade. However, when he drew with limited Jerry Forrest in February 2021, he seemed to have hit his ceiling. Then, three fights later, he pushed rising contender Filip Hrgovic surprisingly hard last August to pump new life into his career as he approached 40. And now he has back-to-back knockout victories over once-top contender Joe Joyce, the latter a spectacular one-punch stoppage Saturday in Joyce’s hometown of London. Just like that he became a bona-fide contender for the titles of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Can he beat one of the champions? Probably not. His victories over Joyce were as much the result of Joyce’s limitations as Zhang’s ability. Fury and Usyk are a level above. At the same time Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) is exactly where he wants to be: He has earned the right to fight for a major world title, which is the goal of every prize fighter. He deserves a great deal of credit.

BIGGEST LOSER
Joe Joyce

Joe Joyce couldn’t recover from a brutal right hook.  Stephen Pond / Getty Images

Joyce, 38, said during the post-fight news conference that his decision to face Zhang in April was too big of a risk given that he was the WBO’s mandatory challenger to Usyk’s belt at the time. No it wasn’t. If Joyce was what he was supposed to be – a genuine threat to anyone – he should’ve defeated a fringe contender who drew with Forrest and lost to Hrgovic, southpaw stance or no southpaw stance. The fact is he isn’t what he was supposed to be. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist combined size and strength with some ability to win consistently against second-tier opposition to create an aura of formidability, perhaps peaking with a victory over past-his-best Joseph Parker last September. Then the peaking Zhang exposed his limitations – twice. Joyce is big and strong but he’s slow and his skills are solid at best, which isn’t good enough against the best in the division. Joyce mentioned former foe Daniel Dubois as a potential comeback opponent, which makes sense given that both are coming off KO losses. Retirement might be a better option if his goal remains to win a major title. That’s a long shot as things stand now.

RABBIT PUNCHES

Gifted 140-pound contender Richardson Hitchins’ victory over Jose Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs) on Saturday night in Florida wasn’t thrilling but it was convincing. The 25-year-old New Yorker outclassed a rugged veteran in what was billed as his toughest test to date, winning a near shutout decision on national television. Good night’s work. Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) will be a difficult opponent for any of the top junior welterweights. … Conor Benn (22-0, 14 KOs) returned to the ring after 17 months away on the Hitchins-Zepeda card, defeating Rodolfo Orozco by a one-sided decision in a 10-round 154-pound fight. Benn shouldn’t have been allowed to fight, although it’s complicated. Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene ahead of his scheduled fight with Chris Eubank Jr. last fall, which led to his suspension. He was cleared by the U.K.’s National Anti-Doping Panel. However, that ruling was appealed by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping, which seems to leave Benn’s case in limbo. Florida officials should’ve backed British officials. The top agencies must stick together to control cheating.

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Weekend Review: Zhilei Zhang has blossomed, Joe Joyce has wilted

Weekend Review: Zhilei Zhang has blossomed at 40 years old while Joe Joyce has wilted at 38.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Zhilei Zhang

Zhang didn’t come out of nowhere. The 40-year-old southpaw from China was a silver medalist in the 2008 Olympics and has been a consistent winner as a professional over the past decade. However, when he drew with limited Jerry Forrest in February 2021, he seemed to have hit his ceiling. Then, three fights later, he pushed rising contender Filip Hrgovic surprisingly hard last August to pump new life into his career as he approached 40. And now he has back-to-back knockout victories over once-top contender Joe Joyce, the latter a spectacular one-punch stoppage Saturday in Joyce’s hometown of London. Just like that he became a bona-fide contender for the titles of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Can he beat one of the champions? Probably not. His victories over Joyce were as much the result of Joyce’s limitations as Zhang’s ability. Fury and Usyk are a level above. At the same time Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) is exactly where he wants to be: He has earned the right to fight for a major world title, which is the goal of every prize fighter. He deserves a great deal of credit.

BIGGEST LOSER
Joe Joyce

Joe Joyce couldn’t recover from a brutal right hook.  Stephen Pond / Getty Images

Joyce, 38, said during the post-fight news conference that his decision to face Zhang in April was too big of a risk given that he was the WBO’s mandatory challenger to Usyk’s belt at the time. No it wasn’t. If Joyce was what he was supposed to be – a genuine threat to anyone – he should’ve defeated a fringe contender who drew with Forrest and lost to Hrgovic, southpaw stance or no southpaw stance. The fact is he isn’t what he was supposed to be. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist combined size and strength with some ability to win consistently against second-tier opposition to create an aura of formidability, perhaps peaking with a victory over past-his-best Joseph Parker last September. Then the peaking Zhang exposed his limitations – twice. Joyce is big and strong but he’s slow and his skills are solid at best, which isn’t good enough against the best in the division. Joyce mentioned former foe Daniel Dubois as a potential comeback opponent, which makes sense given that both are coming off KO losses. Retirement might be a better option if his goal remains to win a major title. That’s a long shot as things stand now.

RABBIT PUNCHES

Gifted 140-pound contender Richardson Hitchins’ victory over Jose Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs) on Saturday night in Florida wasn’t thrilling but it was convincing. The 25-year-old New Yorker outclassed a rugged veteran in what was billed as his toughest test to date, winning a near shutout decision on national television. Good night’s work. Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) will be a difficult opponent for any of the top junior welterweights. … Conor Benn (22-0, 14 KOs) returned to the ring after 17 months away on the Hitchins-Zepeda card, defeating Rodolfo Orozco by a one-sided decision in a 10-round 154-pound fight. Benn shouldn’t have been allowed to fight, although it’s complicated. Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene ahead of his scheduled fight with Chris Eubank Jr. last fall, which led to his suspension. He was cleared by the U.K.’s National Anti-Doping Panel. However, that ruling was appealed by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping, which seems to leave Benn’s case in limbo. Florida officials should’ve backed British officials. The top agencies must stick together to control cheating.

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‘Manny Pacquaio has agreed to fight Conor Benn,’ according to advisor

“Manny Pacquaio has agreed to fight Conor Benn,” his advisor Sean Gibbons said.

Manny Pacquiao evidently is serious about making a comeback at 44.

Sean Gibbons, the future Hall of Famer’s advisor, said his client has agreed to face 147-pound contender Conor Benn and is waiting to hear back from Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter.

No date or potential site has been mentioned.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) hasn’t taken part in a sanctioned bout since August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas and later ‘retired.’ He took part in an exhibition with DK Yoo this past December.

“Senator Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Conor Benn,” Gibbons told PlanetSport.com. “Do me a favor, call Eddie Hearn. The ball is in his court. Senator Manny Pacquiao is happy to fight Conor Benn.”

Pacquiao turned to politics after walking away from boxing, falling short in his bid to become president of the Philippines in May of last year.

Gibbons said it was around the time of the Yoo event that Pacquiao expressed an interest in fighting again.

“He retired for a minute to run for president of the Philippines, where he took a respectful third place,” Gibbons told ESPN last month. “And after that he felt that his retirement was due to running for president, and now that [he wasn’t elected], he wants to fight again and feels like he can do it at the highest level.”

A fight with Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) would be complicated.

The son of retired champion Nigel Benn was scheduled to face fellow Englishman Chris Eubank Jr. on Oct. 8 but the event was cancelled after Benn tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended.

The WBC ultimately cleared him of intentionally breaking the rules. However, he remains suspended in the U.K., a ruling that likely means the fight would have to take place overseas.

Hearn acknowledged last month that Benn has been in talks with Pacquiao for some time.

“We are in the process of selecting Conor Benn’s next opponent and have been in active talks with Manny Pacquiao’s team,” Hearn told ESPN. “We have had multiple site offers to stage the event and are looking to make an official announcement on Conor’s next fight.”

Pacquiao also has expressed an interest in fighting Kell Brook if he can’t lure Benn into the ring.

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‘Manny Pacquaio has agreed to fight Conor Benn,’ according to advisor

“Manny Pacquaio has agreed to fight Conor Benn,” his advisor Sean Gibbons said.

Manny Pacquiao evidently is serious about making a comeback at 44.

Sean Gibbons, the future Hall of Famer’s advisor, said his client has agreed to face 147-pound contender Conor Benn and is waiting to hear back from Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter.

No date or potential site has been mentioned.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) hasn’t taken part in a sanctioned bout since August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas and later ‘retired.’ He took part in an exhibition with DK Yoo this past December.

“Senator Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Conor Benn,” Gibbons told PlanetSport.com. “Do me a favor, call Eddie Hearn. The ball is in his court. Senator Manny Pacquiao is happy to fight Conor Benn.”

Pacquiao turned to politics after walking away from boxing, falling short in his bid to become president of the Philippines in May of last year.

Gibbons said it was around the time of the Yoo event that Pacquiao expressed an interest in fighting again.

“He retired for a minute to run for president of the Philippines, where he took a respectful third place,” Gibbons told ESPN last month. “And after that he felt that his retirement was due to running for president, and now that [he wasn’t elected], he wants to fight again and feels like he can do it at the highest level.”

A fight with Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) would be complicated.

The son of retired champion Nigel Benn was scheduled to face fellow Englishman Chris Eubank Jr. on Oct. 8 but the event was cancelled after Benn tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended.

The WBC ultimately cleared him of intentionally breaking the rules. However, he remains suspended in the U.K., a ruling that likely means the fight would have to take place overseas.

Hearn acknowledged last month that Benn has been in talks with Pacquiao for some time.

“We are in the process of selecting Conor Benn’s next opponent and have been in active talks with Manny Pacquiao’s team,” Hearn told ESPN. “We have had multiple site offers to stage the event and are looking to make an official announcement on Conor’s next fight.”

Pacquiao also has expressed an interest in fighting Kell Brook if he can’t lure Benn into the ring.

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Junkie Drawer: Conor Benn cleared by WBC, Ryota Murata retires

Junkie Drawer: Conor Benn has been cleared by the WBC after his failed drug test. Meanwhile, Ryota Murata has announced his retirement.

Editor’s note: This new version of Junkie Drawer will be a vehicle to report the news of the day in bite sized portions.

Did Conor Benn simply eat tainted eggs?

The British welterweight has been reinstated by the WBC, which ruled that the consumption of eggs might’ve caused his failed drug test before his scheduled fight against rival Chris Eubank Jr. last October.

Benn had trace amounts of the fertility drug Clomiphene in his system. Clomiphene, which can raise testosterone levels, evidently is sometimes used to increase egg production in hens.

The WBC said in a statement: “Mr. Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding.”

The Benn-Eubank fight was canceled and Benn was removed from the WBC rankings. The son of former champion Nigel Benn was reinstated as a result of the sanctioning body’s latest ruling.

“The WBC shall include Mr. Benn in its ratings during the period immediately following the issuance of its ruling,” the statement read. “Mr. Benn’s position in the WBC Ratings shall be based solely on his merit and the customary factors the WBC Ratings Committee apply to rating boxers.”

Benn also lost his boxing license in the U.K. after his failed test. He reportedly has yet to regain it pending further investigation.

***

Ryota Murata, the 2012 Olympic champion from Japan, said he’s retiring from boxing at 37 years old.

Murata won the middleweight gold medal in the London Games to cap a long amateur career in which he reportedly had a record of 119-18, making him a star in his native country.

He went on to have a successful professional career, becoming a contender only a few years after making his debut.

Murata hit his peak when the WBA elevated him from “regular” to “super” champion after Canelo Alvarez vacated the sanctioning body’s actual championship.

The Tokyo resident tried to unify but was stopped in nine rounds by Gennadiy Golovkin last April in Saitama. That was his most recent fight.

“Inside my head I’m thinking, ‘That was my last [fight],’” Murata said, according to Kyodo News. “I just haven’t been able to announce it [until now], but that’s how I’m thinking personally.”

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Junkie Drawer: Conor Benn cleared by WBC, Ryota Murata retires

Junkie Drawer: Conor Benn has been cleared by the WBC after his failed drug test. Meanwhile, Ryota Murata has announced his retirement.

Editor’s note: This new version of Junkie Drawer will be a vehicle to report the news of the day in bite sized portions.

Did Conor Benn simply eat tainted eggs?

The British welterweight has been reinstated by the WBC, which ruled that the consumption of eggs might’ve caused his failed drug test before his scheduled fight against rival Chris Eubank Jr. last October.

Benn had trace amounts of the fertility drug Clomiphene in his system. Clomiphene, which can raise testosterone levels, evidently is sometimes used to increase egg production in hens.

The WBC said in a statement: “Mr. Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding.”

The Benn-Eubank fight was canceled and Benn was removed from the WBC rankings. The son of former champion Nigel Benn was reinstated as a result of the sanctioning body’s latest ruling.

“The WBC shall include Mr. Benn in its ratings during the period immediately following the issuance of its ruling,” the statement read. “Mr. Benn’s position in the WBC Ratings shall be based solely on his merit and the customary factors the WBC Ratings Committee apply to rating boxers.”

Benn also lost his boxing license in the U.K. after his failed test. He reportedly has yet to regain it pending further investigation.

***

Ryota Murata, the 2012 Olympic champion from Japan, said he’s retiring from boxing at 37 years old.

Murata won the middleweight gold medal in the London Games to cap a long amateur career in which he reportedly had a record of 119-18, making him a star in his native country.

He went on to have a successful professional career, becoming a contender only a few years after making his debut.

Murata hit his peak when the WBA elevated him from “regular” to “super” champion after Canelo Alvarez vacated the sanctioning body’s actual championship.

The Tokyo resident tried to unify but was stopped in nine rounds by Gennadiy Golovkin last April in Saitama. That was his most recent fight.

“Inside my head I’m thinking, ‘That was my last [fight],’” Murata said, according to Kyodo News. “I just haven’t been able to announce it [until now], but that’s how I’m thinking personally.”

[lawrence-related id=33158,33140,29251]

Chris Eubank Jr.: First Liam Smith on Saturday, then back to Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr.: First Liam Smith on Saturday, then a long-awaited showdown with Conor Benn.

Chris Eubank Jr. has a curious take on Conor Benn.

On one hand, Eubank told The Guardian that Benn should be banned from boxing after he failed a drug test this past October, which scuttled their scheduled meeting. On the other hand, Eubank still wants to fight domestic rival.

Eubank is first scheduled to face Liam Smith in a 12-round 160-pound fight Saturday at AO Arena in Manchester, England (DAZN).

“If you’re going to talk about setting an example to kids and the next generation of fighters, then, yes, absolutely I would say a ban [is appropriate],” he told the newspaper. “The selfish side of the coin, which is where I’m a fighter who wants to be in huge fights and get my hands on this kid for what he’s done, doesn’t want a ban.”

Benn allegedly tested positive for Clomifene, a fertility drug for women that reportedly can increase testosterone levels in men, more than a week for the fight.

Eubank, who was told immediately, agreed to go through with the fight after Benn told him that the allegations were “bull—-.” However, it fell apart after the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction it.

Eubank dismissed Benn as a “great f—ing actor” after learning that Benn allegedly failed another drug test a few months earlier. Now their rivalry is more personal than ever.

“Yeah, the fight is twice as big,” he said. “We would need a stadium with 60,000 instead of the O2 [Arena in London]. Does he deserve that kind of payday after being caught with illegal substances? Probably not. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to give up that payday.

“And, now, it’s personal. It’s not just about upholding the family legacy. I now actually don’t like this kid. He’s done wrong by me. So he’s lost all his privileges and bartering power. There are no weight clauses now. There are no rehydration limits. There are no 50% splits.

“Everything’s in my court now. I’m the only fight people want to see him in.”

Of course, Eubank (32-2, 23 KOs) must get past Smith first. And that’s not a given.

Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) is a former 154-pound titleholder who has won three consecutive fights since losing a decision to rising junior middleweight contender Magomed Kurbanov in May 2021, including a 10th-round TKO of Jessie Vargas last April.

Most observers believe that Smith has a legitimate chance to win the fight. Eubank respects his fellow Englishman but also is confident.

“He’s a former world champion and you have to always respect that,” Eubank said. “I also don’t think he would be taking the fight if he didn’t think he could win. But if I fight at 50% of what I’m capable of doing I’ll win.

“That’s how superior I believe I am to him.”

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Chris Eubank Jr.: First Liam Smith on Saturday, then back to Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr.: First Liam Smith on Saturday, then a long-awaited showdown with Conor Benn.

Chris Eubank Jr. has a curious take on Conor Benn.

On one hand, Eubank told The Guardian that Benn should be banned from boxing after he failed a drug test this past October, which scuttled their scheduled meeting. On the other hand, Eubank still wants to fight domestic rival.

Eubank is first scheduled to face Liam Smith in a 12-round 160-pound fight Saturday at AO Arena in Manchester, England (DAZN).

“If you’re going to talk about setting an example to kids and the next generation of fighters, then, yes, absolutely I would say a ban [is appropriate],” he told the newspaper. “The selfish side of the coin, which is where I’m a fighter who wants to be in huge fights and get my hands on this kid for what he’s done, doesn’t want a ban.”

Benn allegedly tested positive for Clomifene, a fertility drug for women that reportedly can increase testosterone levels in men, more than a week for the fight.

Eubank, who was told immediately, agreed to go through with the fight after Benn told him that the allegations were “bull—-.” However, it fell apart after the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction it.

Eubank dismissed Benn as a “great f—ing actor” after learning that Benn allegedly failed another drug test a few months earlier. Now their rivalry is more personal than ever.

“Yeah, the fight is twice as big,” he said. “We would need a stadium with 60,000 instead of the O2 [Arena in London]. Does he deserve that kind of payday after being caught with illegal substances? Probably not. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to give up that payday.

“And, now, it’s personal. It’s not just about upholding the family legacy. I now actually don’t like this kid. He’s done wrong by me. So he’s lost all his privileges and bartering power. There are no weight clauses now. There are no rehydration limits. There are no 50% splits.

“Everything’s in my court now. I’m the only fight people want to see him in.”

Of course, Eubank (32-2, 23 KOs) must get past Smith first. And that’s not a given.

Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) is a former 154-pound titleholder who has won three consecutive fights since losing a decision to rising junior middleweight contender Magomed Kurbanov in May 2021, including a 10th-round TKO of Jessie Vargas last April.

Most observers believe that Smith has a legitimate chance to win the fight. Eubank respects his fellow Englishman but also is confident.

“He’s a former world champion and you have to always respect that,” Eubank said. “I also don’t think he would be taking the fight if he didn’t think he could win. But if I fight at 50% of what I’m capable of doing I’ll win.

“That’s how superior I believe I am to him.”

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Good, bad, worse: Sebastian Fundora’s instinct to brawl, Benn-Eubank debacle

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD I’m one of those who wonders whether Sebastian Fundora should use his height and reach more than he does. The 6-foot-5 junior middleweight’s nature is to fight toe-to-toe, which has worked for him. He …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

I’m one of those who wonders whether Sebastian Fundora should use his height and reach more than he does.

The 6-foot-5 junior middleweight’s nature is to fight toe-to-toe, which has worked for him. He remained undefeated after outpointing Carlos Ocampo on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The fact is he’s an excellent inside fighter in spite of his lean frame and long arms. One could ask: If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Well, giving up his length advantage gives his opponents a chance to get close enough to him to land punches. Ocampo lost a one-sided decision but did his best work when Fundora engaged him inside.

By contrast, I thought Ocampo was helpless when Fundora fought at range behind his jab and threw power punches, as he did in the last two rounds. I can see him dominating opponents with that tactic if he perfects it. He could be a 154-pound, left-handed version of Wladimir Klitschko.

I think he needs to work on landing his jab more than he does; he connected on 16% of them against Ocampo, according to CompuBox. And he has to follow with straight lefts, right hooks and other power punches, which he didn’t do early.

Fundora’s father-trainer Freddy Fundora agrees at least to some extent: The younger Fundora said he and dad worked on fighting at range during training camp for the Ocampo fight. So they might be moving in that direction.

In the end, Fundora’s instinct is to brawl, to please the fans who are hungry for action. That probably won’t change. That said, his best course might be to switch back and forth – from brawling to boxing – depending on the circumstances.

 

BAD

Kudos to the British Boxing Board of Control for refusing to sanction the Conor Benn-Chris Eubank Jr. fight after Benn’s “A” sample tested positive for a banned substance, after which it was postponed.

Benn’s handlers complained that he wasn’t given due process by the BBBofC, an allegation that will be sorted out over time.

The bottom line was this: Benn failed a drug test conducted by a reputable agency, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. The BBBofC made the responsible decision by pulling its support.

What about Benn’s “B” sample, which typically confirms the initial finding? Organizers would’ve been remiss to allow the fight to proceed in the off chance the second sample is negative.

I hate the fact that promoter Eddie Hearn refused to embrace the BBBofC’s decision but I have to give credit to him and his partners for deciding not to find an outside body to sanction the fight, which they probably could’ve done.

I won’t speculate on their true motives but they collectively made the decision that was best for the sport.

And, finally, there’s Benn. Surprise, surprise: He swears he’s a clean fighter even though Clomifene – a female fertility drug that can boost testosterone – was found in his body. Almost every athlete in his position says the same thing; it means next to nothing. He could face suspension.

The Benn-Eubank debacle was bad for boxing for obvious reasons but it would’ve been a lot worse had the fight taken place.

 

WORSE

Boxing lost a legend in Eder Jofre.

The Hall of Famer from Brazil, who died last week at 86, was arguably the greatest 118-pounder of all time, No. 1 pound-for-pound for a time in the 1960s and certainly the best boxer his country has ever produced.

Jofre was a brilliant boxer with fight-stopping power and he was durable, which is how he was able to compile a record of 72-2-4 (50 KOs) in his long career.

He went undefeated from 1957 to 1965, starting his career with a record of 47-0-3. Between 1960 and 1965 he won a version of the bantamweight and then the undisputed world championship and was essentially untouchable.

That is until he ran into his nemesis and fellow Hall of Famer, Fighting Harada of Japan, who handed him his first loss (a split decision) in 1965 and then did it again (a unanimous decision) the following year.

That appeared to be the end of Jofre’s career, as he “retired” at 30 after the second setback against Harada.

Then, after three years away, he put together one of the greatest comebacks ever.

The then-33-year-old returned as a featherweight in 1969 and reeled off 25 victories in as many fights, winning the WBC 126-pound title by decision over Jose Legra at 37 years old in the process.

If there was any doubt about his greatness before his comeback, there definitely wasn’t afterward.

Jofre was one of the best to ever do it. RIP, champ.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Fundora, ranked No. 1 by the WBC, has earned the right to face the winner of the January fight between undisputed champion Jermell Charlo and Tim Tszyu. Could he beat Charlo, who I expect to prevail of Tszyu? I doubt it. Charlo is one of the best in the business. However, as I’ve said in the past, I wouldn’t put anything past Fundora. He has innate resolve that makes him difficult for anyone to defeat. I hope he gets his chance. … Middleweight contender Carlos Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) was the star of the show on the Fundora-Ocampo card Saturday. The Dominican, a complete fighter, overwhelmed a good, strong opponent in Juan Macias Montiel (23-6-2, 23 KOs) en route to a third-round knockout. Could he beat the top 160-pounder, Jermall Charlo? I wouldn’t be shocked if he did. He has the tools – speed, power, all-around ability – to become a pound-for-pounder. … Junior bantamweight titleholder Fernando Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) proved his one-sided victory over Jerwin Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) in February was no fluke, as he did it again on the Fundora-Ocampo card. I wouldn’t pick Martinez to beat some of his 115-pound rivals, including Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez. But his relentless pressure would be hell for anyone. He’s the real deal.

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Good, bad, worse: Sebastian Fundora’s instinct to brawl, Benn-Eubank debacle

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD I’m one of those who wonders whether Sebastian Fundora should use his height and reach more than he does. The 6-foot-5 junior middleweight’s nature is to fight toe-to-toe, which has worked for him. He …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

I’m one of those who wonders whether Sebastian Fundora should use his height and reach more than he does.

The 6-foot-5 junior middleweight’s nature is to fight toe-to-toe, which has worked for him. He remained undefeated after outpointing Carlos Ocampo on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The fact is he’s an excellent inside fighter in spite of his lean frame and long arms. One could ask: If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Well, giving up his length advantage gives his opponents a chance to get close enough to him to land punches. Ocampo lost a one-sided decision but did his best work when Fundora engaged him inside.

By contrast, I thought Ocampo was helpless when Fundora fought at range behind his jab and threw power punches, as he did in the last two rounds. I can see him dominating opponents with that tactic if he perfects it. He could be a 154-pound, left-handed version of Wladimir Klitschko.

I think he needs to work on landing his jab more than he does; he connected on 16% of them against Ocampo, according to CompuBox. And he has to follow with straight lefts, right hooks and other power punches, which he didn’t do early.

Fundora’s father-trainer Freddy Fundora agrees at least to some extent: The younger Fundora said he and dad worked on fighting at range during training camp for the Ocampo fight. So they might be moving in that direction.

In the end, Fundora’s instinct is to brawl, to please the fans who are hungry for action. That probably won’t change. That said, his best course might be to switch back and forth – from brawling to boxing – depending on the circumstances.

 

BAD

Kudos to the British Boxing Board of Control for refusing to sanction the Conor Benn-Chris Eubank Jr. fight after Benn’s “A” sample tested positive for a banned substance, after which it was postponed.

Benn’s handlers complained that he wasn’t given due process by the BBBofC, an allegation that will be sorted out over time.

The bottom line was this: Benn failed a drug test conducted by a reputable agency, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. The BBBofC made the responsible decision by pulling its support.

What about Benn’s “B” sample, which typically confirms the initial finding? Organizers would’ve been remiss to allow the fight to proceed in the off chance the second sample is negative.

I hate the fact that promoter Eddie Hearn refused to embrace the BBBofC’s decision but I have to give credit to him and his partners for deciding not to find an outside body to sanction the fight, which they probably could’ve done.

I won’t speculate on their true motives but they collectively made the decision that was best for the sport.

And, finally, there’s Benn. Surprise, surprise: He swears he’s a clean fighter even though Clomifene – a female fertility drug that can boost testosterone – was found in his body. Almost every athlete in his position says the same thing; it means next to nothing. He could face suspension.

The Benn-Eubank debacle was bad for boxing for obvious reasons but it would’ve been a lot worse had the fight taken place.

 

WORSE

Boxing lost a legend in Eder Jofre.

The Hall of Famer from Brazil, who died last week at 86, was arguably the greatest 118-pounder of all time, No. 1 pound-for-pound for a time in the 1960s and certainly the best boxer his country has ever produced.

Jofre was a brilliant boxer with fight-stopping power and he was durable, which is how he was able to compile a record of 72-2-4 (50 KOs) in his long career.

He went undefeated from 1957 to 1965, starting his career with a record of 47-0-3. Between 1960 and 1965 he won a version of the bantamweight and then the undisputed world championship and was essentially untouchable.

That is until he ran into his nemesis and fellow Hall of Famer, Fighting Harada of Japan, who handed him his first loss (a split decision) in 1965 and then did it again (a unanimous decision) the following year.

That appeared to be the end of Jofre’s career, as he “retired” at 30 after the second setback against Harada.

Then, after three years away, he put together one of the greatest comebacks ever.

The then-33-year-old returned as a featherweight in 1969 and reeled off 25 victories in as many fights, winning the WBC 126-pound title by decision over Jose Legra at 37 years old in the process.

If there was any doubt about his greatness before his comeback, there definitely wasn’t afterward.

Jofre was one of the best to ever do it. RIP, champ.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Fundora, ranked No. 1 by the WBC, has earned the right to face the winner of the January fight between undisputed champion Jermell Charlo and Tim Tszyu. Could he beat Charlo, who I expect to prevail of Tszyu? I doubt it. Charlo is one of the best in the business. However, as I’ve said in the past, I wouldn’t put anything past Fundora. He has innate resolve that makes him difficult for anyone to defeat. I hope he gets his chance. … Middleweight contender Carlos Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) was the star of the show on the Fundora-Ocampo card Saturday. The Dominican, a complete fighter, overwhelmed a good, strong opponent in Juan Macias Montiel (23-6-2, 23 KOs) en route to a third-round knockout. Could he beat the top 160-pounder, Jermall Charlo? I wouldn’t be shocked if he did. He has the tools – speed, power, all-around ability – to become a pound-for-pounder. … Junior bantamweight titleholder Fernando Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) proved his one-sided victory over Jerwin Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) in February was no fluke, as he did it again on the Fundora-Ocampo card. I wouldn’t pick Martinez to beat some of his 115-pound rivals, including Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez. But his relentless pressure would be hell for anyone. He’s the real deal.

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