Tag: Duke Ragan

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for U.S., rogue judge

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for the U.S and a rogue judge.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Sometimes it doesn’t matter much whether you win or lose.

Welterweight Eimantas Stanionis had enough time to make a statement against 40-year-old Luis Collazo even though their fight was cut short and ruled a no-decision as a result of a clash of heads Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Stanionis, a 26-year-old from Lithuania, looked like a legitimate contender by pounding his game, but overmatched opponent from the opening bell to the moment their heads collided in the fourth round, which ended the fight because Collazo couldn’t continue.

The fight was declared a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds but we saw what we saw: an efficient offensive machine who landed damaging shots at a remarkable rate of accuracy. Indeed, Collazo, who has a good chin, might’ve been fortunate that the fight ended as early as it did because he was destined to take a prolonged beating.

We shouldn’t read too much into Stanionis’ strong performance. After all, Collazo is at the end of career. However, the New Yorker still has some fight in him and remains crafty. And Stanionis had his way with him for as long as the fight lasted.

Can Stanionis compete with the best 147-pounders in the world? I don’t know. It’s difficult to imagine him beating the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao and a few other top welterweights. He’s not as quick, athletic or dynamic as they are.

At the same time, relentless and intelligent pressure from a good fighter like Stanionis can make the life of any opponent difficult. I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to win a coveted title sometime in the near future.

The only thing I know for sure is that he’s earning the right to give it a try.

***

BAD

I wrote last week that we should be encouraged by the performance of the American boxers in the Olympics. They won four medals (three silver and a bronze), their best output since the 2000 Games in Sydney.

That said, an 0-3 record in gold medal matches was disappointing.

Featherweight Duke Ragan came the closest to becoming Olympic champion, losing a 3-2 split decision to Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee. Lightweight Keyshawn Davis, perhaps the U.S.’ best hope, fell by a 4-1 split decision to quick, talented Andy Cruz of Cuba. And super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. lost a 5-0 unanimous decision to hulking Bakhodir Jalolov.

A victory be just one of them would’ve given the U.S. its first men’s gold medal since Andre Ward in the 2004 Olympics, 17 years ago. Claressa Shields won back-to-back gold in the 2012 and 2016 women’s competitions.

Again, the four medals — including a bronze by women’s welterweight Oshae Jones — were encouraging. However, those of us hoping for a just a little more will have to wait until the 2024 Paris Games.

The good news is that some good professionals will emerge from the Games. My favorite was Davis, who is already 3-0 as a pro. He didn’t win the gold but he lived up to the hype. He has natural gifts, plenty of skill and poise, qualities that should lead to a successful career in the paid ranks.

I can’t wait to see how he develops.

***

WORSE

The scoring in the Gabriel Maestre-Mykal Fox fight on the Stanionis-Collazo card was disturbing on the surface but got worse the more we learned.

Fox, a tall, athletic welterweight, outboxed Maestre and put him down in what seemed certain to be a one-sided victory for the late replacement. The judges somehow saw it differently, handing Maestre a 115-112, 114-113, 117-110 unanimous decision and the WBA “interim” title.

The 117-110 score, from judge Gloria Martinez-Rizzo, was particularly disturbing. And it wasn’t just the fact that she gave Maestre nine of the 12 rounds, which reflects horribly on her and the WBA.

According to a report on BoxingScene.com, Martinez-Rizzo has posted racist tweets. In one, she refers to former First Lady Michelle Obama as “monkey face.” Fox, who is black, reportedly responded to the tweets: “Wow, I was never gonna win on her card.”

Only in boxing.

After the fight and the ensuing public outcry, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza promised to conduct an investigation of the scoring and indicated that a rematch is possible. That’s the least that can be done for Fox, who turned in the performance of his career.

And we can only hope that we never see Martinez-Rizzo sitting ringside at any fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22341,22337,22333,22322,22316,22301,22256]

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for U.S., rogue judge

Good, bad, worse: Eimantas Stanionis sharp, no Olympic gold for the U.S and a rogue judge.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Sometimes it doesn’t matter much whether you win or lose.

Welterweight Eimantas Stanionis had enough time to make a statement against 40-year-old Luis Collazo even though their fight was cut short and ruled a no-decision as a result of a clash of heads Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Stanionis, a 26-year-old from Lithuania, looked like a legitimate contender by pounding his game, but overmatched opponent from the opening bell to the moment their heads collided in the fourth round, which ended the fight because Collazo couldn’t continue.

The fight was declared a no-decision because it didn’t go four full rounds but we saw what we saw: an efficient offensive machine who landed damaging shots at a remarkable rate of accuracy. Indeed, Collazo, who has a good chin, might’ve been fortunate that the fight ended as early as it did because he was destined to take a prolonged beating.

We shouldn’t read too much into Stanionis’ strong performance. After all, Collazo is at the end of career. However, the New Yorker still has some fight in him and remains crafty. And Stanionis had his way with him for as long as the fight lasted.

Can Stanionis compete with the best 147-pounders in the world? I don’t know. It’s difficult to imagine him beating the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao and a few other top welterweights. He’s not as quick, athletic or dynamic as they are.

At the same time, relentless and intelligent pressure from a good fighter like Stanionis can make the life of any opponent difficult. I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to win a coveted title sometime in the near future.

The only thing I know for sure is that he’s earning the right to give it a try.

***

BAD

I wrote last week that we should be encouraged by the performance of the American boxers in the Olympics. They won four medals (three silver and a bronze), their best output since the 2000 Games in Sydney.

That said, an 0-3 record in gold medal matches was disappointing.

Featherweight Duke Ragan came the closest to becoming Olympic champion, losing a 3-2 split decision to Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee. Lightweight Keyshawn Davis, perhaps the U.S.’ best hope, fell by a 4-1 split decision to quick, talented Andy Cruz of Cuba. And super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. lost a 5-0 unanimous decision to hulking Bakhodir Jalolov.

A victory be just one of them would’ve given the U.S. its first men’s gold medal since Andre Ward in the 2004 Olympics, 17 years ago. Claressa Shields won back-to-back gold in the 2012 and 2016 women’s competitions.

Again, the four medals — including a bronze by women’s welterweight Oshae Jones — were encouraging. However, those of us hoping for a just a little more will have to wait until the 2024 Paris Games.

The good news is that some good professionals will emerge from the Games. My favorite was Davis, who is already 3-0 as a pro. He didn’t win the gold but he lived up to the hype. He has natural gifts, plenty of skill and poise, qualities that should lead to a successful career in the paid ranks.

I can’t wait to see how he develops.

***

WORSE

The scoring in the Gabriel Maestre-Mykal Fox fight on the Stanionis-Collazo card was disturbing on the surface but got worse the more we learned.

Fox, a tall, athletic welterweight, outboxed Maestre and put him down in what seemed certain to be a one-sided victory for the late replacement. The judges somehow saw it differently, handing Maestre a 115-112, 114-113, 117-110 unanimous decision and the WBA “interim” title.

The 117-110 score, from judge Gloria Martinez-Rizzo, was particularly disturbing. And it wasn’t just the fact that she gave Maestre nine of the 12 rounds, which reflects horribly on her and the WBA.

According to a report on BoxingScene.com, Martinez-Rizzo has posted racist tweets. In one, she refers to former First Lady Michelle Obama as “monkey face.” Fox, who is black, reportedly responded to the tweets: “Wow, I was never gonna win on her card.”

Only in boxing.

After the fight and the ensuing public outcry, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza promised to conduct an investigation of the scoring and indicated that a rematch is possible. That’s the least that can be done for Fox, who turned in the performance of his career.

And we can only hope that we never see Martinez-Rizzo sitting ringside at any fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22341,22337,22333,22322,22316,22301,22256]

Olympics: Duke Ragan comes up short against Russian in gold medal match

Olympics: American Duke Ragan came up just short against Russian Albert Batyrgaziev in the featherweight gold medal match in Tokyo.

Duke Ragan fell just short in his bid to become the U.S.’ first Olympic gold medal winner since 2004.

Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee defeated Ragan by a 3-2 split decision in the featherweight championship match early Thursday Eastern Time in the U.S., meaning the Cincinnati fighter had to settle for the silver medal in Tokyo.

Batyrgaziev, a lanky southpaw, used volume punching to keep Ragan on the defensive in the first two rounds, both of which the Russian won on four of five cards. The American landed some eye-catching shots but couldn’t keep pace with his opponent.

Then, fighting with more urgency, he matched Batyrgaziev punch for punch – and then some — to win the third round on four of five cards.

However, it was too late for Ragan. Three judges had Batyrgaziev winning, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28, while two scored it for Ragan, 29-28 and 29-28.

Had Ragan gotten the nod, he would’ve been the first American Olympic champion since Andre Ward 17 years ago.

Batyrgaziev and Ragan are both 23 and in the early stages of their professional careers, to which they will now return.

Now it’s up to lightweight Keyshawn Davis and super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. to end the U.S. gold medal drought in the Olympics.

Davis will face Hovhannes Bachkov of Armenia in the semifinals early Friday ET. Torrez will face No. 1-seeded Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan in the gold medal match early Sunday ET. Jalolov is the reigning amateur World Champion.

[lawrence-related id=22256,22252,22239,22217]

Olympics: Duke Ragan comes up short against Russian in gold medal match

Olympics: American Duke Ragan came up just short against Russian Albert Batyrgaziev in the featherweight gold medal match in Tokyo.

Duke Ragan fell just short in his bid to become the U.S.’ first Olympic gold medal winner since 2004.

Albert Batyrgaziev of the Russian Olympic Committee defeated Ragan by a 3-2 split decision in the featherweight championship match early Thursday Eastern Time in the U.S., meaning the Cincinnati fighter had to settle for the silver medal in Tokyo.

Batyrgaziev, a lanky southpaw, used volume punching to keep Ragan on the defensive in the first two rounds, both of which the Russian won on four of five cards. The American landed some eye-catching shots but couldn’t keep pace with his opponent.

Then, fighting with more urgency, he matched Batyrgaziev punch for punch – and then some — to win the third round on four of five cards.

However, it was too late for Ragan. Three judges had Batyrgaziev winning, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28, while two scored it for Ragan, 29-28 and 29-28.

Had Ragan gotten the nod, he would’ve been the first American Olympic champion since Andre Ward 17 years ago.

Batyrgaziev and Ragan are both 23 and in the early stages of their professional careers, to which they will now return.

Now it’s up to lightweight Keyshawn Davis and super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. to end the U.S. gold medal drought in the Olympics.

Davis will face Hovhannes Bachkov of Armenia in the semifinals early Friday ET. Torrez will face No. 1-seeded Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan in the gold medal match early Sunday ET. Jalolov is the reigning amateur World Champion.

[lawrence-related id=22256,22252,22239,22217]

Olympics: Duke Ragan reaches gold medal match, Keyshawn Davis into semis

Olympics: Duke Ragan reached the gold medal match and Keyshawn Davis moved into the semis in another strong day for the U.S.

The American boxers continue to roll at the Tokyo Olympics.

Featherweight Duke Ragan defeated Samuel Takyi of Ghana 4-1 Monday evening U.S. time to reach the gold medal match, which will take place late Wednesday U.S. time. His opponent had not been determined at the time this was posted.

No American man has won gold since Andre Ward in 2004.

And lightweight Keyshawn Davis outpointed Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee 4-1 in the quarterfinals, thereby guaranteeing himself at least a bronze medal. He’ll face Hovhannes Bachkov of Armenia in the semifinals late Thursday U.S. time.

The U.S. is now guaranteed four medals, the most since it won two silver and two bronze in the 2000 Games.

Ragan had to rally to beat Takyi. The 23-year-old Cincinnati fighter, who is 4-0 as a pro, lost the first round on three of the five cards but won four of five in Rounds 2 and 3 to emerge with a split-decision victory.

The scores for Ragan were 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28. Takyi won on one card 29-28.

Davis, from Norfolk, Va., had an up-down-up fight. He won the first round on four of five cards, lost the second on all five and swept the third round to win 29-28 on four cards and lose by the same score on one.

Next up for the U.S. is super heavyweight Richard Torrez and women’s welterweight Oshae Jones in semifinal matches late Tuesday. Torrez will face Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan while Jones will take on Gu Hong of China.

Olympics: Duke Ragan reaches gold medal match, Keyshawn Davis into semis

Olympics: Duke Ragan reached the gold medal match and Keyshawn Davis moved into the semis in another strong day for the U.S.

The American boxers continue to roll at the Tokyo Olympics.

Featherweight Duke Ragan defeated Samuel Takyi of Ghana 4-1 Monday evening U.S. time to reach the gold medal match, which will take place late Wednesday U.S. time. His opponent had not been determined at the time this was posted.

No American man has won gold since Andre Ward in 2004.

And lightweight Keyshawn Davis outpointed Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee 4-1 in the quarterfinals, thereby guaranteeing himself at least a bronze medal. He’ll face Hovhannes Bachkov of Armenia in the semifinals late Thursday U.S. time.

The U.S. is now guaranteed four medals, the most since it won two silver and two bronze in the 2000 Games.

Ragan had to rally to beat Takyi. The 23-year-old Cincinnati fighter, who is 4-0 as a pro, lost the first round on three of the five cards but won four of five in Rounds 2 and 3 to emerge with a split-decision victory.

The scores for Ragan were 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28. Takyi won on one card 29-28.

Davis, from Norfolk, Va., had an up-down-up fight. He won the first round on four of five cards, lost the second on all five and swept the third round to win 29-28 on four cards and lose by the same score on one.

Next up for the U.S. is super heavyweight Richard Torrez and women’s welterweight Oshae Jones in semifinal matches late Tuesday. Torrez will face Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan while Jones will take on Gu Hong of China.

Good, bad, worse: U.S. faring well in Olympics, Canelo needs new foe

Good, bad, worse: The U.S. has fared well in Olympics, Jonathan Rice had a big night, and Canelo Alvarez suddenly needs a new foe.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Oshae Jones (left) is one of three Americans who are guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the Olympics. AP Photo / Themba Hadebe

Those who have followed the fortunes of U.S. boxers in recent Olympics know that the Americans have struggled.

The U.S. has won only eight medals total in the past four Games, including three by women since they joined the Olympic family in 2012. Yes, the heady days of the 1976 Olympics (seven medals) and 1984 (11 medals) seem like ancient history.

That’s why the relative success of the current team has been encouraging. As of this writing, the U.S. is guaranteed three medals and have a good chance to clinch a fourth in Tokyo.

The four medals would be the most for Americans since the 2000 Games, when they won two silver and two bronze. That seems to indicate that the U.S. program is moving in the right direction, albeit to a modest degree.

The four U.S. boxers in question are super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr., lightweight Keyshawn Davis, featherweight Duke Ragan and women’s welterweight Oshae Jones. Here’s what’s next for them:

  • Torrez, from Tulare, Calif., became the first U.S. super heavyweight to win a medal since Riddick Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 Games. He will face Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan in the semifinals late Tuesday U.S. time.
  • Davis, from Norfolk, Va., will take on Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee in a quarterfinal match late Monday U.S. time.
  • Ragan, from Cincinnati, will face Samuel Takyi of Ghana in the semis on Tuesday evening U.S. time.
  • And Jones, from Toledo, Ohio, will fight Gu Hong of China in her semifinal bout late Tuesday U.S. time.

Davis, a gold medal favorite, has a good chance of defeating Mamedov to give the U.S. four guaranteed medals, which would equal the 2000 Games. And if at least two of the four become Olympic champion, that would be the most gold medals won by the U.S. since they took home three in 1988.

Yes, there’s reason to be optimistic going into the medal rounds.

***

BAD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KETP8LB4ADs&t=2s

Michael Coffie’s bad is Jonathan Rice’s good.

The then-unbeaten Coffie was on a roll going into their heavyweight fight Saturday in Newark, N.J., having stopped his last three opponents. That included a brutal third-round stoppage of Darmani Rock in January.

Coffie has little experience, though. The former U.S. Marine turned professional at 31 and has only 30-plus fights – amateur and pro – under his belt. One wondered whether that would catch up to him at some point.

It did on Saturday.

Rice, a late replacement for Gerald Washington, entered the fight having lost his previous two bouts and six overall but he fought like a man who is hungry to make his mark with the ability to pull it off.

Quick and athletic for his size, Rice overwhelmed Coffie, picking him apart with long, hard punches until the favorite going into the fight could take no more in Round 5.

That’s called taking advantage of an unusual opportunity. Rice is still a few steps from becoming a legitimate title contender but he stopped an unbeaten prospect on national television, which is a step in the right direction.

He might have the ability to make some noise if he lets his hands go as he did on Saturday, which is something that was lacking in previous fights.

Coffie? The 35-year-old can’t magically gain the fundamental foundation he lacks but you can bet he won’t give up. He’ll use his setback as a painful learning experience and come back for more.

***

WORSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_bIQkmMZkg

I don’t know if this is “worse” or “good.”

Canelo Alvarez appeared to be all but set to face Caleb Plant in a 168-pound title-unification fight on Sept. 18, but negotiations broke off last week and the fight is dead.

There goes Alvarez’s desire to become undisputed super middleweight champion. And Plant, the IBF champ, loses out on a dream fight against a pound-for-pound powerhouse and a huge payday.

The fight was compelling and I believe Plant had a chance to win. At the same time, Alvarez had all the advantages.

Now what?

Alvarez’s team reportedly has been in contact with 175-pound titleholder Dmitry Bivol, who doesn’t have a fight in the works. The Russian would presumably defend his belt against Alvarez, although they could fight at a catch weight.

Another question is the date. Alvarez will be motived to fight on Mexican Independence Day weekend, but that’s only six-plus weeks away, which allows both parties limited time to prepare.

Still, that matchup seems to be the best option for Alvarez at the moment. And almost everyone would agree that Bivol is a tougher opponent than Plant for the Mexican star.

Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) is bigger, stronger, more experienced at an elite level and simply better than Plant, as he has demonstrated in victories over Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr.

Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) knocked out Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds to win a 175-pound title in 2019 but he had a difficult time until the stoppage and Kovalev was past his prime. Bivol, 30, presents a stiffer challenge.

Indeed, Alvarez could lose to Bivol, which is a positive. Fans want to see the pound-for-pounder face a genuine threat.

[lawrence-related id=22217,22210,22201,22168,22214]

Good, bad, worse: U.S. faring well in Olympics, Canelo needs new foe

Good, bad, worse: The U.S. has fared well in Olympics, Jonathan Rice had a big night, and Canelo Alvarez suddenly needs a new foe.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Oshae Jones (left) is one of three Americans who are guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the Olympics. AP Photo / Themba Hadebe

Those who have followed the fortunes of U.S. boxers in recent Olympics know that the Americans have struggled.

The U.S. has won only eight medals total in the past four Games, including three by women since they joined the Olympic family in 2012. Yes, the heady days of the 1976 Olympics (seven medals) and 1984 (11 medals) seem like ancient history.

That’s why the relative success of the current team has been encouraging. As of this writing, the U.S. is guaranteed three medals and have a good chance to clinch a fourth in Tokyo.

The four medals would be the most for Americans since the 2000 Games, when they won two silver and two bronze. That seems to indicate that the U.S. program is moving in the right direction, albeit to a modest degree.

The four U.S. boxers in question are super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr., lightweight Keyshawn Davis, featherweight Duke Ragan and women’s welterweight Oshae Jones. Here’s what’s next for them:

  • Torrez, from Tulare, Calif., became the first U.S. super heavyweight to win a medal since Riddick Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 Games. He will face Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan in the semifinals late Tuesday U.S. time.
  • Davis, from Norfolk, Va., will take on Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee in a quarterfinal match late Monday U.S. time.
  • Ragan, from Cincinnati, will face Samuel Takyi of Ghana in the semis on Tuesday evening U.S. time.
  • And Jones, from Toledo, Ohio, will fight Gu Hong of China in her semifinal bout late Tuesday U.S. time.

Davis, a gold medal favorite, has a good chance of defeating Mamedov to give the U.S. four guaranteed medals, which would equal the 2000 Games. And if at least two of the four become Olympic champion, that would be the most gold medals won by the U.S. since they took home three in 1988.

Yes, there’s reason to be optimistic going into the medal rounds.

***

BAD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KETP8LB4ADs&t=2s

Michael Coffie’s bad is Jonathan Rice’s good.

The then-unbeaten Coffie was on a roll going into their heavyweight fight Saturday in Newark, N.J., having stopped his last three opponents. That included a brutal third-round stoppage of Darmani Rock in January.

Coffie has little experience, though. The former U.S. Marine turned professional at 31 and has only 30-plus fights – amateur and pro – under his belt. One wondered whether that would catch up to him at some point.

It did on Saturday.

Rice, a late replacement for Gerald Washington, entered the fight having lost his previous two bouts and six overall but he fought like a man who is hungry to make his mark with the ability to pull it off.

Quick and athletic for his size, Rice overwhelmed Coffie, picking him apart with long, hard punches until the favorite going into the fight could take no more in Round 5.

That’s called taking advantage of an unusual opportunity. Rice is still a few steps from becoming a legitimate title contender but he stopped an unbeaten prospect on national television, which is a step in the right direction.

He might have the ability to make some noise if he lets his hands go as he did on Saturday, which is something that was lacking in previous fights.

Coffie? The 35-year-old can’t magically gain the fundamental foundation he lacks but you can bet he won’t give up. He’ll use his setback as a painful learning experience and come back for more.

***

WORSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_bIQkmMZkg

I don’t know if this is “worse” or “good.”

Canelo Alvarez appeared to be all but set to face Caleb Plant in a 168-pound title-unification fight on Sept. 18, but negotiations broke off last week and the fight is dead.

There goes Alvarez’s desire to become undisputed super middleweight champion. And Plant, the IBF champ, loses out on a dream fight against a pound-for-pound powerhouse and a huge payday.

The fight was compelling and I believe Plant had a chance to win. At the same time, Alvarez had all the advantages.

Now what?

Alvarez’s team reportedly has been in contact with 175-pound titleholder Dmitry Bivol, who doesn’t have a fight in the works. The Russian would presumably defend his belt against Alvarez, although they could fight at a catch weight.

Another question is the date. Alvarez will be motived to fight on Mexican Independence Day weekend, but that’s only six-plus weeks away, which allows both parties limited time to prepare.

Still, that matchup seems to be the best option for Alvarez at the moment. And almost everyone would agree that Bivol is a tougher opponent than Plant for the Mexican star.

Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) is bigger, stronger, more experienced at an elite level and simply better than Plant, as he has demonstrated in victories over Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr.

Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) knocked out Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds to win a 175-pound title in 2019 but he had a difficult time until the stoppage and Kovalev was past his prime. Bivol, 30, presents a stiffer challenge.

Indeed, Alvarez could lose to Bivol, which is a positive. Fans want to see the pound-for-pounder face a genuine threat.

[lawrence-related id=22217,22210,22201,22168,22214]

Olympics: U.S.’ Richard Torrez Jr., Duke Ragan win to earn at least bronze

Olympics: American boxers Richard Torrez Jr. and Duke Ragan won their fights to earn at least bronze medals in the Tokyo Games.

The U.S. men had an impressive day in Olympic boxing.

Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. and featherweight Duke Ragan won their matches in the quarterfinals to guarantee themselves at least a bronze medal, the third Americans to do so thus far. They join women’s welterweight Oshae Jones, who earned a spot in the semis earlier.

Torrez overcame a slow start and a cut to outpoint Cuban Dainier, who had defeated Torrez in the 2019 Pan American Games. The resident of Tulare, Calif., lost the first round on the cards of four of the five judges but picked up his pace and outworked a fading Dainier the rest of the way to win a 4-1 split decision early Sunday U.S. time.

Four judges had Torrez winning 29-28, one scored it for Pero by the same score.

The U.S.’ Duke Ragan (left) earned at least a bronze medal by outpointing Kurt Walker of Ireland. Andrew P. Scott / USA TODAY Sports

Thus, Torrez becomes the first U.S. super heavyweight to win a medal since Riddick Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 Games.

Next up for Torrez is Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan in the semifinals late Tuesday U.S. time.

Meanwhile, Ragan, from Cincinnati, defeated Irishman Kurt Walker by a 3-2 split decision late Saturday night U.S. time.

Ragan, fighting behind a stiff jab, got off to a quick start by winning the opening round on all five cards and then held off a gallant effort from Walker, who fought Rounds 2 and 3 with a bad cut over his right eye.

All five judges had scores of 29-28, three of which went to Ragan, who will face Samuel Takyi of Ghana in the semis on Tuesday evening U.S. time.

Also coming up for the Americans: Keyshawn Davis of Alexandria, Va., will face Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee in a quarterfinal match late Monday U.S. time; and Jones faces Gu Hong of China in her semifinal bout late Tuesday U.S. time.

[lawrence-related id=22210,22201,22191,22181,22178,22175,22161,22155]

Olympics: U.S.’ Richard Torrez Jr., Duke Ragan win to earn at least bronze

Olympics: American boxers Richard Torrez Jr. and Duke Ragan won their fights to earn at least bronze medals in the Tokyo Games.

The U.S. men had an impressive day in Olympic boxing.

Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. and featherweight Duke Ragan won their matches in the quarterfinals to guarantee themselves at least a bronze medal, the third Americans to do so thus far. They join women’s welterweight Oshae Jones, who earned a spot in the semis earlier.

Torrez overcame a slow start and a cut to outpoint Cuban Dainier, who had defeated Torrez in the 2019 Pan American Games. The resident of Tulare, Calif., lost the first round on the cards of four of the five judges but picked up his pace and outworked a fading Dainier the rest of the way to win a 4-1 split decision early Sunday U.S. time.

Four judges had Torrez winning 29-28, one scored it for Pero by the same score.

The U.S.’ Duke Ragan (left) earned at least a bronze medal by outpointing Kurt Walker of Ireland. Andrew P. Scott / USA TODAY Sports

Thus, Torrez becomes the first U.S. super heavyweight to win a medal since Riddick Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 Games.

Next up for Torrez is Kamshybek Kunkabayev of Kazakhstan in the semifinals late Tuesday U.S. time.

Meanwhile, Ragan, from Cincinnati, defeated Irishman Kurt Walker by a 3-2 split decision late Saturday night U.S. time.

Ragan, fighting behind a stiff jab, got off to a quick start by winning the opening round on all five cards and then held off a gallant effort from Walker, who fought Rounds 2 and 3 with a bad cut over his right eye.

All five judges had scores of 29-28, three of which went to Ragan, who will face Samuel Takyi of Ghana in the semis on Tuesday evening U.S. time.

Also coming up for the Americans: Keyshawn Davis of Alexandria, Va., will face Gabil Mamedov of the Russian Olympic Committee in a quarterfinal match late Monday U.S. time; and Jones faces Gu Hong of China in her semifinal bout late Tuesday U.S. time.

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