Video: Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey on Friday made weight for Saturday’s 140-pound fight in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey on Friday made weight for their junior welterweight fight Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) weighed 139.8 pounds, .2 under the division limit. Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) came in at 138.8.
Commey, a former 135-pound titleholder from Ghana, is fighting for the first time as a full-fledged 140-pounder. This will be Pedraza’s sixth bout as a junior welterweight. The Puerto Rican won major belts at 130 and 135.
The fight is particularly significant for both boxers because they are coming off losses, Pedraza a unanimous decision against Jose Ramirez in March and Commey a wide decision against Vasiliy Lomachenko last December.
In the co-feature, heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, will face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a scheduled eight-round bout. Anderson weighed 241.4, Rovcanin 230.6.
Video: Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey on Friday made weight for Saturday’s 140-pound fight in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey on Friday made weight for their junior welterweight fight Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) weighed 139.8 pounds, .2 under the division limit. Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) came in at 138.8.
Commey, a former 135-pound titleholder from Ghana, is fighting for the first time as a full-fledged 140-pounder. This will be Pedraza’s sixth bout as a junior welterweight. The Puerto Rican won major belts at 130 and 135.
The fight is particularly significant for both boxers because they are coming off losses, Pedraza a unanimous decision against Jose Ramirez in March and Commey a wide decision against Vasiliy Lomachenko last December.
In the co-feature, heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, will face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a scheduled eight-round bout. Anderson weighed 241.4, Rovcanin 230.6.
Jose Pedraza vs. Richard Commey: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey will face off in a battle of former titleholders on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
JOSE PEDRAZA (29-4, 14 KOS) VS. RICHARD COMMEY (30-4, 27 KOS)
Richard Commey (left) was outclassed by Vasiliy Lomachenko in his most-recent fight. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT (main card) (main event later in show)
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma
TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Jared Anderson vs. Miljan Rovcanin, heavyweights; Efe Ajagba vs. Jozsef Darmos, heavyweights; Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Canedo, heavyweights
Prediction: Pedraza UD
Background: Pedraza and Commey are both 30-somethings trying to rebound from losses and remain in the hunt for a major title. Pedraza, a 33-year-old former two-division (130 and 135) beltholder, was competitive against talented Jose Ramirez but lost a unanimous decision in his most-recent fight in March. That setback snapped a winning streak at three fights. The Puerto Rican lost his lightweight title to Vasiliy Lomachenko by a one-sided decision in 2018. He is known for his excellent skill set and experience in big fights. Commey is a former lightweight champ with elite punching power who is moving up to 140 pounds for this fight. He’s coming off a wide unanimous decision loss to Lomachenko last December, the 35-year-old Ghanaian’s second defeat in his past three fights. He was knocked out in two rounds by Teofimo Lopez in December 2019. He stopped Jackson Marinez in six rounds between those fights. Also on the card, hot heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, is scheduled to face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a 10-round bout.
Jose Pedraza vs. Richard Commey: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey will face off in a battle of former titleholders on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
JOSE PEDRAZA (29-4, 14 KOS) VS. RICHARD COMMEY (30-4, 27 KOS)
Richard Commey (left) was outclassed by Vasiliy Lomachenko in his most-recent fight. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT (main card) (main event later in show)
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma
TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Jared Anderson vs. Miljan Rovcanin, heavyweights; Efe Ajagba vs. Jozsef Darmos, heavyweights; Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Canedo, heavyweights
Prediction: Pedraza UD
Background: Pedraza and Commey are both 30-somethings trying to rebound from losses and remain in the hunt for a major title. Pedraza, a 33-year-old former two-division (130 and 135) beltholder, was competitive against talented Jose Ramirez but lost a unanimous decision in his most-recent fight in March. That setback snapped a winning streak at three fights. The Puerto Rican lost his lightweight title to Vasiliy Lomachenko by a one-sided decision in 2018. He is known for his excellent skill set and experience in big fights. Commey is a former lightweight champ with elite punching power who is moving up to 140 pounds for this fight. He’s coming off a wide unanimous decision loss to Lomachenko last December, the 35-year-old Ghanaian’s second defeat in his past three fights. He was knocked out in two rounds by Teofimo Lopez in December 2019. He stopped Jackson Marinez in six rounds between those fights. Also on the card, hot heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, is scheduled to face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a 10-round bout.
Jose Pedraza is well aware that he can’t afford another loss. He faces Richard Commey on Saturday.
Jose Pedraza knows the importance of his fight against Richard Commey on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The former two-division titleholder has lost his two biggest fights at junior welterweight, wide decisions against Jose Zepeda in 2019 and Jose Ramirez this past March. He can’t afford another disappointment if he hopes to realize his goal of winning a belt in a third division.
Commey is in a similar position going into his first fight as a full-fledged 140-pounder. He lost a decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko in December.
“Same as Richard, I’m coming off a loss,” Pedraza said at the final news conference before the fight. “I’m looking for a big win and to stay among the top names in the division.”
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) was on a roll going into the fight with Ramirez.
The slick 33-year-old Puerto Rican rebounded from the loss to Zepeda by easily outpointing Mikkel LesPierre and Javier Molina, and stopping Julian Rodriguez in eight rounds. He seemed to be at his best.
He was competitive against Ramirez but he said he didn’t push himself hard enough in the fight, which the former 140-pound champ won by a score of 116-112 on all three cards. Lesson learned.
“I believe I need to be more active, to be more offensive in this fight,” he said.
Of course, aggression could also lead him into trouble. Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) is one of the biggest punchers in the business.
Pedraza said he’ll be ready for the Ghanaian’s power and anything else he brings to the ring.
“He has a strong right hand,” Pedraza said. “He’s a strong fighter that punches hard with both hands, and we have that in the game plan, so we’re going to be working on that. I’m expecting a tough fight against a strong fighter.”
“… A big win on Saturday against a great fighter like Richard Commey will put me a step closer to a world title opportunity,” he went on. “That’s what we’re looking for.”
Jose Pedraza is well aware that he can’t afford another loss. He faces Richard Commey on Saturday.
Jose Pedraza knows the importance of his fight against Richard Commey on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The former two-division titleholder has lost his two biggest fights at junior welterweight, wide decisions against Jose Zepeda in 2019 and Jose Ramirez this past March. He can’t afford another disappointment if he hopes to realize his goal of winning a belt in a third division.
Commey is in a similar position going into his first fight as a full-fledged 140-pounder. He lost a decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko in December.
“Same as Richard, I’m coming off a loss,” Pedraza said at the final news conference before the fight. “I’m looking for a big win and to stay among the top names in the division.”
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) was on a roll going into the fight with Ramirez.
The slick 33-year-old Puerto Rican rebounded from the loss to Zepeda by easily outpointing Mikkel LesPierre and Javier Molina, and stopping Julian Rodriguez in eight rounds. He seemed to be at his best.
He was competitive against Ramirez but he said he didn’t push himself hard enough in the fight, which the former 140-pound champ won by a score of 116-112 on all three cards. Lesson learned.
“I believe I need to be more active, to be more offensive in this fight,” he said.
Of course, aggression could also lead him into trouble. Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) is one of the biggest punchers in the business.
Pedraza said he’ll be ready for the Ghanaian’s power and anything else he brings to the ring.
“He has a strong right hand,” Pedraza said. “He’s a strong fighter that punches hard with both hands, and we have that in the game plan, so we’re going to be working on that. I’m expecting a tough fight against a strong fighter.”
“… A big win on Saturday against a great fighter like Richard Commey will put me a step closer to a world title opportunity,” he went on. “That’s what we’re looking for.”
Richard Commey will start a new chapter of his career as junior welterweight when he faces Jose Pedraza on Saturday.
Maybe a move to a new division is what Richard Commey needs.
The big puncher from Ghana will make his debut as a full-fledged 140-pounder against fellow veteran Jose Pedraza on Saturday evening in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
He had success at 135 – winning a world title when he stopped Isa Chaniev in two rounds three years ago – but he has lost two of his last three fights, albeit against top opposition.
He lost his belt by second-round knockout to Teofimo Lopez in December 2019, stopped Jackson Marinez in his comeback fight 14 months later and was easily outpointed by Vasiliy Lomachenko this past December.
The 35-year-old will continue his quest to win another major belt as a junior as a bigger man.
“I am really looking forward to this fight,” he told RingTV.com. “It’s an opportunity for one of us to make a big statement in the 140-pound division.”
The going won’t be easy.
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) also is a former titleholder and known for his excellent skill set. If Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) gets past the Puerto Rican, an abundance of elite 140-pounders would await him.
“It is a deep division, but so was lightweight,” he said. “That doesn’t worry me. If you want to be the best, you have to challenge the best. I have been competing at lightweight all my career, over 11 years now.
“My team and I feel this is the right time to step up in weight and try to become a two-weight world champion.”
He knows he faces a stiff test Saturday at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
“I have the upmost respect for Pedraza, not only as a fighter but as a human being,” he said. “He conducts himself very well, and I’ve never seen or heard him being disrespectful to anyone.
“I look forward to sharing the ring with him. He is a very good technician and has a very high boxing IQ, so I will have to bring my ‘A’ game to be victorious. I do believe we will give the fans a treat and I can’t wait.”
Richard Commey will start a new chapter of his career as junior welterweight when he faces Jose Pedraza on Saturday.
Maybe a move to a new division is what Richard Commey needs.
The big puncher from Ghana will make his debut as a full-fledged 140-pounder against fellow veteran Jose Pedraza on Saturday evening in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
He had success at 135 – winning a world title when he stopped Isa Chaniev in two rounds three years ago – but he has lost two of his last three fights, albeit against top opposition.
He lost his belt by second-round knockout to Teofimo Lopez in December 2019, stopped Jackson Marinez in his comeback fight 14 months later and was easily outpointed by Vasiliy Lomachenko this past December.
The 35-year-old will continue his quest to win another major belt as a junior as a bigger man.
“I am really looking forward to this fight,” he told RingTV.com. “It’s an opportunity for one of us to make a big statement in the 140-pound division.”
The going won’t be easy.
Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs) also is a former titleholder and known for his excellent skill set. If Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) gets past the Puerto Rican, an abundance of elite 140-pounders would await him.
“It is a deep division, but so was lightweight,” he said. “That doesn’t worry me. If you want to be the best, you have to challenge the best. I have been competing at lightweight all my career, over 11 years now.
“My team and I feel this is the right time to step up in weight and try to become a two-weight world champion.”
He knows he faces a stiff test Saturday at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
“I have the upmost respect for Pedraza, not only as a fighter but as a human being,” he said. “He conducts himself very well, and I’ve never seen or heard him being disrespectful to anyone.
“I look forward to sharing the ring with him. He is a very good technician and has a very high boxing IQ, so I will have to bring my ‘A’ game to be victorious. I do believe we will give the fans a treat and I can’t wait.”
Fight Week: Jose Pedraza will face Richard Commey in a battle of former titleholders Saturday on ESPN.
FIGHT WEEK
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey will face off in a battle of former titleholders on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
JOSE PEDRAZA (29-4, 14 KOS) VS. RICHARD COMMEY (30-4, 27 KOS)
Richard Commey (left) was outclassed by Vasiliy Lomachenko in his most-recent fight. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
When: Saturday, Aug. 27
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT (main card) (main event later in show)
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma
TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Jared Anderson vs. Miljan Rovcanin, heavyweights; Efe Ajagba vs. Jozsef Darmos, heavyweights; Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Canedo, heavyweights
Prediction: Pedraza UD
Background: Pedraza and Commey are both 30-somethings trying to rebound from losses and remain in the hunt for a major title. Pedraza, a 33-year-old former two-division (130 and 135) beltholder, was competitive against talented Jose Ramirez but lost a unanimous decision in his most-recent fight in March. That setback snapped a winning streak at three fights. The Puerto Rican lost his lightweight title to Vasiliy Lomachenko by a one-sided decision in 2018. He is known for his excellent skill set and experience in big fights. Commey is a former lightweight champ with elite punching power who is moving up to 140 pounds for this fight. He’s coming off a wide unanimous decision loss to Lomachenko last December, the 35-year-old Ghanaian’s second defeat in his past three fights. He was knocked out in two rounds by Teofimo Lopez in December 2019. He stopped Jackson Marinez in six rounds between those fights. Also on the card, hot heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, is scheduled to face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a 10-round bout.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
Ernesto Mercado vs. Alfredo Blanco, lightweights, Costa Mesa, California (FITE)
SATURDAY
KSI vs. Swarmz, cruiserweights, London (DAZN Pay-Per-View)
Fight Week: Jose Pedraza will face Richard Commey in a battle of former titleholders Saturday on ESPN.
FIGHT WEEK
Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey will face off in a battle of former titleholders on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN+).
JOSE PEDRAZA (29-4, 14 KOS) VS. RICHARD COMMEY (30-4, 27 KOS)
Richard Commey (left) was outclassed by Vasiliy Lomachenko in his most-recent fight. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
When: Saturday, Aug. 27
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT (main card) (main event later in show)
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma
TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Jared Anderson vs. Miljan Rovcanin, heavyweights; Efe Ajagba vs. Jozsef Darmos, heavyweights; Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Canedo, heavyweights
Prediction: Pedraza UD
Background: Pedraza and Commey are both 30-somethings trying to rebound from losses and remain in the hunt for a major title. Pedraza, a 33-year-old former two-division (130 and 135) beltholder, was competitive against talented Jose Ramirez but lost a unanimous decision in his most-recent fight in March. That setback snapped a winning streak at three fights. The Puerto Rican lost his lightweight title to Vasiliy Lomachenko by a one-sided decision in 2018. He is known for his excellent skill set and experience in big fights. Commey is a former lightweight champ with elite punching power who is moving up to 140 pounds for this fight. He’s coming off a wide unanimous decision loss to Lomachenko last December, the 35-year-old Ghanaian’s second defeat in his past three fights. He was knocked out in two rounds by Teofimo Lopez in December 2019. He stopped Jackson Marinez in six rounds between those fights. Also on the card, hot heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, is scheduled to face Miljan Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Serbia in a 10-round bout.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
Ernesto Mercado vs. Alfredo Blanco, lightweights, Costa Mesa, California (FITE)
SATURDAY
KSI vs. Swarmz, cruiserweights, London (DAZN Pay-Per-View)
