Tag: Jeremias Ponce

Weekend Review: Tommy Fury gets last laugh against Jake Paul

Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.

 

BIGGEST LOSER

Jake Paul had to process his first loss as a boxer. Francois Nel / Getty Images

Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II

Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.

 

BIGGEST WINNER III

Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.

 

MOST AGELESS

Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.

[lawrence-related id=35911,35908,35900,35884,35875,35864]

Weekend Review: Tommy Fury gets last laugh against Jake Paul

Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.

 

BIGGEST LOSER

Jake Paul had to process his first loss as a boxer. Francois Nel / Getty Images

Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II

Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.

 

BIGGEST WINNER III

Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.

 

MOST AGELESS

Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.

[lawrence-related id=35911,35908,35900,35884,35875,35864]

Subriel Matias stops Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win title

Subriel Matias stopped Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound title Saturday in Minneapolis.

Subriel Matias is no longer just a knockout artist. He’s also a champion.

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican stopped Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound title — his first major belt — Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis.

Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch. Ananyan had outpointed him in their first fight.

The bout on Saturday was fought at a torrid pace and was close for four-plus rounds, making it look like a potential Fight of the Year candidate early.

The tall, lanky Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out at the opening bell like a demon, throwing punches nonstop as Matias did all he could fend off the Argentine.

However, by Round 2, Matias began firing back at a similar pace in what evolved into a toe-to-toe brawl that was even on the scorecards after four rounds.

The problem for Ponce is that Matias’ punches were doing more damage than his, which evidently wore him down as the end of Round 5 was approaching.

With around 20 seconds remaining in the frame, Matias, in high gear, landed a flurry of punches capped with a hard body shot that put Ponce onto the canvas.

Ponce was able to get up and make his way back to his corner. He seemed to be fit to continue but his trainer decided the fighter had taken enough punishment and had the referee stop the fight.

Matias said afterward that he expected to stop Ponce in the middle of the fight.

“We worked really hard 10 months, really hard in the gym. I came here to win,” he said through a translator.

Ponce was asked afterward why his handlers ended the fight.

“My corner knows me better than me,” he said through a translator. “It’s better to take precaution a minute to early than a minute to late. But I wanted to continue.”

He went on: “I know Subriel Matias is a tough fighter, a strong fighter. He did hit me with that shot. I went down and lost stability a little bit. I did recuperate but just a little too late.”

Matias said going into the fight that he would like to fight WBC beltholder Regis Prograis next, which would be a bigger challenge for the new champ. But he demonstrated for the 19th time on Saturday that he’s a threat to anyone.

Subriel Matias stops Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win title

Subriel Matias stopped Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound title Saturday in Minneapolis.

Subriel Matias is no longer just a knockout artist. He’s also a champion.

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican stopped Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound title — his first major belt — Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis.

Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch. Ananyan had outpointed him in their first fight.

The bout on Saturday was fought at a torrid pace and was close for four-plus rounds, making it look like a potential Fight of the Year candidate early.

The tall, lanky Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out at the opening bell like a demon, throwing punches nonstop as Matias did all he could fend off the Argentine.

However, by Round 2, Matias began firing back at a similar pace in what evolved into a toe-to-toe brawl that was even on the scorecards after four rounds.

The problem for Ponce is that Matias’ punches were doing more damage than his, which evidently wore him down as the end of Round 5 was approaching.

With around 20 seconds remaining in the frame, Matias, in high gear, landed a flurry of punches capped with a hard body shot that put Ponce onto the canvas.

Ponce was able to get up and make his way back to his corner. He seemed to be fit to continue but his trainer decided the fighter had taken enough punishment and had the referee stop the fight.

Matias said afterward that he expected to stop Ponce in the middle of the fight.

“We worked really hard 10 months, really hard in the gym. I came here to win,” he said through a translator.

Ponce was asked afterward why his handlers ended the fight.

“My corner knows me better than me,” he said through a translator. “It’s better to take precaution a minute to early than a minute to late. But I wanted to continue.”

He went on: “I know Subriel Matias is a tough fighter, a strong fighter. He did hit me with that shot. I went down and lost stability a little bit. I did recuperate but just a little too late.”

Matias said going into the fight that he would like to fight WBC beltholder Regis Prograis next, which would be a bigger challenge for the new champ. But he demonstrated for the 19th time on Saturday that he’s a threat to anyone.

Subriel Matias plans to power his way to his first world title

Subriel Matias plans to power his way to his first world title against Jeremias Ponce on Saturday in Minneapolis.

Subriel Matias said that Artur Beterbiev is the active fighter he admires most.

It’s no wonder. Beterbiev, the light heavyweight champion, has scored knockouts in all 19 of his fights. Matias is 18-1, with 18 knockouts. And he avenged his only loss, a decision against Petro Ananyan, by stoppage.

In other words, Matias brings unusual power into the most important fight of his career Saturday in The Armory in Minneapolis, where he faces Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title (Showtime).

“I take pride in the fact that I don’t let three judges sitting at ringside dictate my fate or result of my work,” he told me and co-host Kenneth Bouhairie on The PBC Podcast through a translator. “I had to go through that once, and I didn’t like it.

“I’m going to do everything in my power to resolve the fight with my fists rather than the cards.”

Matias had bounced back with a victory after his tragic meeting with Maxim Dadashev, who died from a brain injury days afterward, when he first ran into Ananyan on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder II card in February 2020.

The Puerto Rican performed well early in the fight but went down in the seventh round and faded down the stretch, which seemed to indicate that his fitness was lacking. Ananyan ended up with a close, but unanimous decision.

Matias evidently learned his lesson, however. He knocked out unbeaten fighters – Malik Hawkins and Batyrzhan Jukembayev – in his next two fights to set up a rematch with Ananyan in his last fight, in January of last year.

This time he outboxed, outworked and ultimately stopped his rival in nine rounds to earn a shot at the title.

“I learned the value of discipline,” Matias said of his loss. “It made me mature. I had to realize you can’t go into a fight being cocky, thinking that you’re better than somebody with having the discipline to back it up. …

“I learned not to underestimate anybody no matter how good, no matter what they’re record is.”

Matias isn’t underestimating Ponce (30-0, 20 KOs), a tall, lanky, but powerful contender from Argentina who is making his U.S. debut.

The Buenos Aires native doesn’t have the knockout record of Matias but his long, whipping punches have produced stoppages in his last three fights and four out of his last five. He’s a genuine threat to anyone in the division, including Matias.

“Ponce is tough and he possesses a unique style,” Matas said. “I would compare him to Marcos Maidana, who’s shocked the boxing world plenty of times. I don’t see a lot of people similar to him in boxing nowadays.

“Ponce is a great fighter, and I respect both him and Argentina. But my goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”

Naturally.

[lawrence-related id=27555]

Subriel Matias plans to power his way to his first world title

Subriel Matias plans to power his way to his first world title against Jeremias Ponce on Saturday in Minneapolis.

Subriel Matias said that Artur Beterbiev is the active fighter he admires most.

It’s no wonder. Beterbiev, the light heavyweight champion, has scored knockouts in all 19 of his fights. Matias is 18-1, with 18 knockouts. And he avenged his only loss, a decision against Petro Ananyan, by stoppage.

In other words, Matias brings unusual power into the most important fight of his career Saturday in The Armory in Minneapolis, where he faces Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title (Showtime).

“I take pride in the fact that I don’t let three judges sitting at ringside dictate my fate or result of my work,” he told me and co-host Kenneth Bouhairie on The PBC Podcast through a translator. “I had to go through that once, and I didn’t like it.

“I’m going to do everything in my power to resolve the fight with my fists rather than the cards.”

Matias had bounced back with a victory after his tragic meeting with Maxim Dadashev, who died from a brain injury days afterward, when he first ran into Ananyan on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder II card in February 2020.

The Puerto Rican performed well early in the fight but went down in the seventh round and faded down the stretch, which seemed to indicate that his fitness was lacking. Ananyan ended up with a close, but unanimous decision.

Matias evidently learned his lesson, however. He knocked out unbeaten fighters – Malik Hawkins and Batyrzhan Jukembayev – in his next two fights to set up a rematch with Ananyan in his last fight, in January of last year.

This time he outboxed, outworked and ultimately stopped his rival in nine rounds to earn a shot at the title.

“I learned the value of discipline,” Matias said of his loss. “It made me mature. I had to realize you can’t go into a fight being cocky, thinking that you’re better than somebody with having the discipline to back it up. …

“I learned not to underestimate anybody no matter how good, no matter what they’re record is.”

Matias isn’t underestimating Ponce (30-0, 20 KOs), a tall, lanky, but powerful contender from Argentina who is making his U.S. debut.

The Buenos Aires native doesn’t have the knockout record of Matias but his long, whipping punches have produced stoppages in his last three fights and four out of his last five. He’s a genuine threat to anyone in the division, including Matias.

“Ponce is tough and he possesses a unique style,” Matas said. “I would compare him to Marcos Maidana, who’s shocked the boxing world plenty of times. I don’t see a lot of people similar to him in boxing nowadays.

“Ponce is a great fighter, and I respect both him and Argentina. But my goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”

Naturally.

[lawrence-related id=27555]

Fight Week: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, Floyd Mayweather exhibition take center stage

Fight Week: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury and a Floyd Mayweather exhibition highlight a busy weekend of boxing.

FIGHT WEEK

Subriel Matias and Jeremias Ponce will fight for a vacant 140-pound title but a Floyd Mayweather exhibition and the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury fight are stealing all the headlines.

SUBRIEL MATIAS (18-1, 18 KOS)
VS. JEREMIAS PONCE (30-0, 20 KOS)

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Armory, Minneapolis
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant IBF title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Matias 4-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Elvis Rodriguez vs. Joseph Adorno, junior welterweights; Jamal James vs. Alberto Palmetta, welterweights
  • Prediction: Matias KO 8
  • Background: This matchup between offense-minded warriors should be pleasing to the fans. Matias is uber-aggressive and has the power necessary to succeed with that style, as all of his victories have come by knockout. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican met his match when he was narrowly outpointed by Petros Ananyan but dropped and stopped Ananyan in the ninth round of their rematch in January of last year. That was Matias’ most-recent fight, meaning he has been out of the ring for 13 months. Ponce isn’t quite as aggressive as Matias but he also has a seek-and-destroy style, using his length (he’s 5-foot-11) to deliver whipping shots to the head and body. And while he doesn’t have the concussive power of Matias he has stopped his last three opponents and four of his last five. Ponce’s last three fights have taken place in Europe, including a third-round knockout of journeyman Achiko Odikadze in his most-recent outing last April in Germany. He will be making his U.S. debut on Saturday. Neither Matias nor Ponce has fought for a major world title.

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. AARON CHALMERS

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: O2 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($29.99)
  • At stake: Exhibition
  • Background: Mayweather will be taking part in his sixth exhibition and making his debut in the U.K. The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was scheduled to face Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison but Harrison pulled out because of an injury. Enter Chalmers, a British reality television star and former MMA competitor (5-2) with one boxing match, a decision over journeyman Alexander Zeledon at middleweight last June in Liverpool. He appeared on the shows “Geordie Shore” and “Ex on the Beach.” Mayweather’s exhibitions: Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, Logan Paul in 2021, Don Moore last May, Mikuru Asakura in September and Deji Olatunji in November. He last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to run his record to 50-0.

 

JAKE PAUL (6-0, 4 KOS) VS. TOMMY FURY (8-0, 4 KOS)

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($49.99)
  • Division: Catch weight (185 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Paul 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Ilunga Makabu vs. Badou Jack, cruiserweights (for Makabu’s WBC title)
  • Prediction: Paul KO 4
  • Background: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury is finally happening after some starts and stops. Both men are good athletes with some ability but remain rank beginners. Indeed, this event is on pay-per-view because of their massive followings, not their accomplishments. Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, has had success against a retired NBA player (Nate Robinson) and former MMA fighters, including a clear unanimous decision over 47-year-old Anderson Silva in an eight-rounder this past October. Paul made a big splash when he rendered Tyrone Woodley unconscious with a monstrous overhand right in their rematch in December 2021, which preceded the Silva fight. Fury, the half brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, can be described as the first boxer that Paul will have faced but his opposition has been hand-picked. He is well known as a reality TV star in the U.K.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY

  • Manuel Gallegos vs. Richard Vansiclen, super middleweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBox TV).

THURSDAY

  • John Ramirez vs. Luis Padilla, junior bantamweights, Indio, California (DAZN).

FRIDAY

  • Jason Sanchez vs. Andy Beltran, junior lightweight, Rio Rancho, New Mexico (FITE).
  • Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Jesus Martinez, bantamweights, Hialeah, Florida (no TV in U.S.).

SATURDAY

  • Dina Thorslund vs. Debora Anahi Lopez, bantamweights (for Thorslund’s WBO title), Holstebro, Denmark (no TV in U.S.).
  • Lewis Ritson vs. Ohara Davies, junior welterweights, Newcastle, England (no TV in U.S.)

SUNDAY

  • Nestor Bravo vs. Jair Valtierra, junior welterweights, Orlando, Florida (CBS Sports Network).

[lawrence-related id=35776,35692,35647,35276]

 

Fight Week: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, Floyd Mayweather exhibition take center stage

Fight Week: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury and a Floyd Mayweather exhibition highlight a busy weekend of boxing.

FIGHT WEEK

Subriel Matias and Jeremias Ponce will fight for a vacant 140-pound title but a Floyd Mayweather exhibition and the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury fight are stealing all the headlines.

SUBRIEL MATIAS (18-1, 18 KOS)
VS. JEREMIAS PONCE (30-0, 20 KOS)

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Armory, Minneapolis
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
  • At stake: Vacant IBF title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Matias 4-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Elvis Rodriguez vs. Joseph Adorno, junior welterweights; Jamal James vs. Alberto Palmetta, welterweights
  • Prediction: Matias KO 8
  • Background: This matchup between offense-minded warriors should be pleasing to the fans. Matias is uber-aggressive and has the power necessary to succeed with that style, as all of his victories have come by knockout. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican met his match when he was narrowly outpointed by Petros Ananyan but dropped and stopped Ananyan in the ninth round of their rematch in January of last year. That was Matias’ most-recent fight, meaning he has been out of the ring for 13 months. Ponce isn’t quite as aggressive as Matias but he also has a seek-and-destroy style, using his length (he’s 5-foot-11) to deliver whipping shots to the head and body. And while he doesn’t have the concussive power of Matias he has stopped his last three opponents and four of his last five. Ponce’s last three fights have taken place in Europe, including a third-round knockout of journeyman Achiko Odikadze in his most-recent outing last April in Germany. He will be making his U.S. debut on Saturday. Neither Matias nor Ponce has fought for a major world title.

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. AARON CHALMERS

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: O2 Arena, London
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($29.99)
  • At stake: Exhibition
  • Background: Mayweather will be taking part in his sixth exhibition and making his debut in the U.K. The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was scheduled to face Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison but Harrison pulled out because of an injury. Enter Chalmers, a British reality television star and former MMA competitor (5-2) with one boxing match, a decision over journeyman Alexander Zeledon at middleweight last June in Liverpool. He appeared on the shows “Geordie Shore” and “Ex on the Beach.” Mayweather’s exhibitions: Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, Logan Paul in 2021, Don Moore last May, Mikuru Asakura in September and Deji Olatunji in November. He last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to run his record to 50-0.

 

JAKE PAUL (6-0, 4 KOS) VS. TOMMY FURY (8-0, 4 KOS)

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 26
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
  • TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($49.99)
  • Division: Catch weight (185 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Paul 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Ilunga Makabu vs. Badou Jack, cruiserweights (for Makabu’s WBC title)
  • Prediction: Paul KO 4
  • Background: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury is finally happening after some starts and stops. Both men are good athletes with some ability but remain rank beginners. Indeed, this event is on pay-per-view because of their massive followings, not their accomplishments. Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, has had success against a retired NBA player (Nate Robinson) and former MMA fighters, including a clear unanimous decision over 47-year-old Anderson Silva in an eight-rounder this past October. Paul made a big splash when he rendered Tyrone Woodley unconscious with a monstrous overhand right in their rematch in December 2021, which preceded the Silva fight. Fury, the half brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, can be described as the first boxer that Paul will have faced but his opposition has been hand-picked. He is well known as a reality TV star in the U.K.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY

  • Manuel Gallegos vs. Richard Vansiclen, super middleweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBox TV).

THURSDAY

  • John Ramirez vs. Luis Padilla, junior bantamweights, Indio, California (DAZN).

FRIDAY

  • Jason Sanchez vs. Andy Beltran, junior lightweight, Rio Rancho, New Mexico (FITE).
  • Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Jesus Martinez, bantamweights, Hialeah, Florida (no TV in U.S.).

SATURDAY

  • Dina Thorslund vs. Debora Anahi Lopez, bantamweights (for Thorslund’s WBO title), Holstebro, Denmark (no TV in U.S.).
  • Lewis Ritson vs. Ohara Davies, junior welterweights, Newcastle, England (no TV in U.S.)

SUNDAY

  • Nestor Bravo vs. Jair Valtierra, junior welterweights, Orlando, Florida (CBS Sports Network).

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