Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue delivered impressive victories Saturday in Japan.
Japanese fighters had a big night Saturday in Tokyo.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue all took significant steps in their careers by delivering convincing victories at Kokugikan Arena.
Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs) knocked out Alexandro Santiago (28-4-5, 14 KOs) in six rounds to take the Mexican’s IBF 118-pound title, giving Nakatani a major belt in a third division.
Nakatani controlled the fight from the outset, outclassing the new champion. Santiago had upset Nonito Donaire to win the WBC belt in his previous fight.
Tanaka left no doubt that he was the better man against Christian Bacasegua, winning a one-sided decision to capture a vacant 115-pound title. He’s now a four-division titlist in only 21 fights.
Bacasegua (22-5-2, 9 KOs) got off to a strong start but Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs) found a grove around the third round and never looked back.
And Inoue (19-1, 5 KOs), the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, knocked out former beltholder Jerwin Ancajas (34-4-2, 23 KOs) in the first defense of his 118-pound title.
Ancajas, once a rising star, is now 1-3 in his last four fights.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue delivered impressive victories Saturday in Japan.
Japanese fighters had a big night Saturday in Tokyo.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue all took significant steps in their careers by delivering convincing victories at Kokugikan Arena.
Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs) knocked out Alexandro Santiago (28-4-5, 14 KOs) in six rounds to take the Mexican’s IBF 118-pound title, giving Nakatani a major belt in a third division.
Nakatani controlled the fight from the outset, outclassing the new champion. Santiago had upset Nonito Donaire to win the WBC belt in his previous fight.
Tanaka left no doubt that he was the better man against Christian Bacasegua, winning a one-sided decision to capture a vacant 115-pound title. He’s now a four-division titlist in only 21 fights.
Bacasegua (22-5-2, 9 KOs) got off to a strong start but Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs) found a grove around the third round and never looked back.
And Inoue (19-1, 5 KOs), the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, knocked out former beltholder Jerwin Ancajas (34-4-2, 23 KOs) in the first defense of his 118-pound title.
Ancajas, once a rising star, is now 1-3 in his last four fights.
Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Alexandro Santiago is scheduled to defend his 118-pound title against two-division champ Junto Nakatani on a stacked card Saturday in Tokyo.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Alexandro Santiago is scheduled to defend his 118-pound title against two-division champ Junto Nakatani on a stacked card Saturday in Tokyo.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
Fight Week: Edgar Berlanga will face Padraig McCrory in Orlando. Meanwhile, three title fights will be featured on a card in Tokyo.
FIGHT WEEK
Edgar Berlanga will face fellow unbeaten contender Padraig McCrory on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. On the same day, in Tokyo, Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani highlights a stacked card.
EDGAR BERLANGA (21-0, 16 KOs)
VS. PADRAIG MCCRORY (18-0, 9 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Berlanga 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ***
Also on the card: Andy Cruz vs. Brayan Zamarripa, lightweights; Shakhram Giyasov vs. Pablo Cesar Cano, welterweights; Antonio Vargas vs. Jonathan Rodriguez, bantamweights; Yankiel Rivera vs. Andy Dominguez, flyweights
Background: Berlanga continues on his path toward showdowns with the biggest names at 168 pounds. The New York slugger’s days of early knockouts are behind him but he has continued to win, claiming decision victories in his last five fights. He last fought in June, when he struggled with the movement of Jason Quigley but put the Irishman down four times to win a unanimous decision. That was his only fight last year. He is among those targeting undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but has also expressed interest in fighting fellow unbeaten contender Jaime Munguia and veteran Gabriel Rosado. He’s ranked in the Top 11 by all four major sanctioning bodies, as high as No. 5 by the WBO. McCrory is a 35-year-old contender from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He’s unbeaten but is taking a significant step up in opposition on Saturday, which is why he’s a significant underdog. McCrory is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Steed Woodall last August in Belfast. He’s ranked No. 3 by the WBA – ahead of No. 8 Berlanga – and No. 13 by the IBF.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
TUESDAY
Ardreal Holmes Jr. vs. Marlon Harrington, junior middleweights, Detroit (DAZN)
FRIDAY
Gor Yeritsyan vs. Quinton Randall, welterweights, Santa Ynez, California (UFC Fight Pass)
Wendy Toussaint vs. Mpondu Kalunga, junior middleweights, Huntington, New York (StarBoxing.TV)
SATURDAY
Josue Francisco Aguero vs. Francisco Javier Lucero, junior lightweights, Buenos Aires, Argentina (TyC Sports)
Fight Week: Edgar Berlanga will face Padraig McCrory in Orlando. Meanwhile, three title fights will be featured on a card in Tokyo.
FIGHT WEEK
Edgar Berlanga will face fellow unbeaten contender Padraig McCrory on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. On the same day, in Tokyo, Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani highlights a stacked card.
EDGAR BERLANGA (21-0, 16 KOs)
VS. PADRAIG MCCRORY (18-0, 9 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Berlanga 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ***
Also on the card: Andy Cruz vs. Brayan Zamarripa, lightweights; Shakhram Giyasov vs. Pablo Cesar Cano, welterweights; Antonio Vargas vs. Jonathan Rodriguez, bantamweights; Yankiel Rivera vs. Andy Dominguez, flyweights
Background: Berlanga continues on his path toward showdowns with the biggest names at 168 pounds. The New York slugger’s days of early knockouts are behind him but he has continued to win, claiming decision victories in his last five fights. He last fought in June, when he struggled with the movement of Jason Quigley but put the Irishman down four times to win a unanimous decision. That was his only fight last year. He is among those targeting undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but has also expressed interest in fighting fellow unbeaten contender Jaime Munguia and veteran Gabriel Rosado. He’s ranked in the Top 11 by all four major sanctioning bodies, as high as No. 5 by the WBO. McCrory is a 35-year-old contender from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He’s unbeaten but is taking a significant step up in opposition on Saturday, which is why he’s a significant underdog. McCrory is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Steed Woodall last August in Belfast. He’s ranked No. 3 by the WBA – ahead of No. 8 Berlanga – and No. 13 by the IBF.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
TUESDAY
Ardreal Holmes Jr. vs. Marlon Harrington, junior middleweights, Detroit (DAZN)
FRIDAY
Gor Yeritsyan vs. Quinton Randall, welterweights, Santa Ynez, California (UFC Fight Pass)
Wendy Toussaint vs. Mpondu Kalunga, junior middleweights, Huntington, New York (StarBoxing.TV)
SATURDAY
Josue Francisco Aguero vs. Francisco Javier Lucero, junior lightweights, Buenos Aires, Argentina (TyC Sports)
We wanted to remind you who comprises our Great Eight and present the single fighter we believe is the biggest threat to each man.
Who are the best boxers in each of the original eight weight classes? Check out Boxing Junkie’s new “Great Eight” feature.
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Welcome back to the Great Eight, the best fighters in each of the original eight weight classes – heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight.
Our list has been frozen for lack of action as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but the boxing gears are turning and the sport is expected to restart next month.
With that in mind, we wanted to remind you who comprises our Great Eight and – for the purposes of this post – present the single fighter we believe is the biggest threat to each man on our elite-of-the-elite list.
Remember: The heavyweight division includes cruiserweights, light heavyweight includes super middleweights, middleweight includes junior middleweights … all the way down to flyweight, which includes junior flyweights and strawweights.
Here we go.
HEAVYWEIGHT
Anthony Joshua had reason to be pleased with himself after embarrassing Andy Ruiz Jr. in their rematch. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Champion: Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs)
Biggest threat: Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs). The emphatic nature of Fury’s seventh-round knockout victory over Deontay Wilder in February seems to have eliminated Wilder as a serious threat, although one never knows because of his punching power. That leaves fellow Briton Anthony Joshua as the only man who could challenge Fury. Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the world by stopping Joshua last June, raising questions about his toughness, but Joshua bounced back to easily outpoint Ruiz in their rematch in December. We would favor Fury to beat Joshua but the latter has the tools to give our champion some trouble. Oleksandr Usyk? Too small.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Dmitriy Bivol (left, against Lenin Castillo) could give Artur Beterbiev all kinds of trouble. Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA
Champion: Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs)
Biggest threat: Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs). Beterbiev proved in his 10th-round knockout of Oleksandr Gvozdyk in October that his combination of ability and strength is likely to overwhelm even an elite opponent. The potential problem here is that Bivol seems to be better Gvozdyk. Beterbiev’s fellow Russian doesn’t have tremendous punching power but he has baffled one opponent after another with his special skill set. If he can handle Beterbiev’s unusual strength and ability to hurt his opponents – a big “if” – he might be able to take down the most dominating fighter among 175- and 168-pounders.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Canelo Alvarez (left) would be favored to beat Gennadiy Golovkin if they met a third time. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports
Champion: Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs)
Biggest threat: Gennadiy Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs). Triple-G might the only threat to Alvarez here. It’s difficult to imagine the Mexican star fighting anyone else at 160 pounds, as he seems to be transitioning into a super middleweight. And who knows? Even a third fight between them could take place at a catch weight between 160 and 168. Let’s assume that they’ll meet a third time at 160, though. Most knowledgeable observers say Golovkin is in decline at 38, an opinion based on so-so performances against Steve Rolls and Sergey Derevyanchenko. We would favor the younger, fresher Alvarez, too. However, we’re not willing to write off an old warrior who will be motivated to demonstrate that he remains formidable. Triple-G is a real threat.
WELTERWEIGHT
A fight between Errol Spence Jr. (right, against Shawn Porter) and Terence Crawford is necessary to determine the best welterweight. AP Photo / Ringo H.W. Chiu
Champion: Terence Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs)
Biggest threat: Errol Spence Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs). Will we ever see the dream welterweight matchup? The feeling here is that Crawford is the slightly better, more-dynamic fighter of the two but Spence makes up for that infinitesimal disadvantage with an edge in natural size, although Crawford might be stronger than many realize. This is essentially a 50-50 fight, meaning Spence would be a bona fide threat to Crawford’s position here. We can only hope that it happens soon. For the record: Others in a deep division – including Shawn Porter and Manny Pacquiao – also are a threat to Crawford, just not to the extent Spence is.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Teofimo Lopez (right, against Richard Commey) has the ability to push the great Vasiliy Lomachenko. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Champion: Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs)
Biggest threat: Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs). The beauty of this entry is that Lomachenko and Lopez are en route to a meeting before the end of the year. Lomachenko (our No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound) is the best boxer in the world. And while the Ukrainian has had only 15 pro fights, he had a zillion as a decorated amateur. That means he’d have an advantage over Lopez in terms of experience, too. The Honduran-American shouldn’t be overlooked, though. He has an impressive skill set built on his own solid amateur foundation, is an excellent athlete, has one-punch knockout power and has a killer’s mentality. He’s a genuine threat to the 32-year-old Lomachenko.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Does Shakur Stevenson have enough seasoning to challenge Gary Russell Jr.? Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Champion: Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs)
Biggest threat: Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs). Russell hasn’t had what might be described as a defining victory even though he turns 32 on June 5, but we have a good idea of what he brings to the ring. The 2008 U.S. Olympic has a sound fundamental foundation and possibly the fastest hands in the sport, which can overwhelm his opponents. We’d favor Russell to beat anyone between 122 and 126 pounds. Stevenson might push him, though. He, too, is quick, athletic and a former U.S. Olympian. He won a silver medal in 2016. Stevenson’s obvious deficiency is a lack of experience. He’s only 22 and has never faced anyone near Russell’s level. We’d learn a great deal about Stevenson if this fight happened. Leo Santa Cruz? We think he’s finished at 126.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Juan Francisco Estrada (left, against Victor Mendez) is a threat to Naoya Inoue if he can handle his strength. John McCoy / Getty Images
Champion: Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs)
Biggest threat: Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3, 27 KOs). Nonito Donaire proved in defeat that the gifted Inoue is human, although he battled through injuries to beat the tough veteran by a unanimous decision in November and preserve his place among the best in the sport. Fellow 118-pounders Guillermo Rigondeaux and John Riel Casimero might have the ability to push Inoue but his biggest threat currently fights at 115. Estrada is a superb all-around boxer who has proven himself over and over again against elite opposition on big stages. He definitely has the ability to threaten Inoue. The question would be size. Could the Mexican move up to 118 and handle a beast like Inoue? That could determine the winner.
FLYWEIGHT
Moruti Mthalane (right, against Masayuki Kuroda) still has the goods at 37. Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images
Champion: Kosei Tanaka (15-0, 9 KOs)
Biggest threat: Moruti Mthalane (39-2, 26 KOs). Tanaka announced that he plans to move up to 115 pounds, which means he isn’t likely to fight again in our flyweight-junior flyweight-strawweight division. However, we’re going to wait for him to sign a contract to fight at 115 before removing him. The next best – and certainly the most proven – at 112 and below is Mthalane, the 37-year-old South African. Mthalane hasn’t lost since he was stopped by a prime Nonito Donaire 2008 and seems to be as good as ever even at an advanced age. We’d favor a gifted young fighter like Tanaka over Mthalane but one never knows when it comes to a crafty veteran. One could also make a case for unbeaten junior flyweight Ken Shiro as the best of the bunch.
Trainer Eddy Reynoso wants flyweight titleholder Julio Cesar Martinez to unify at 112 pounds and then move up to 115.
Is flyweight titleholder Julio Cesar Martinez a threat to Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez at junior bantamweight? His trainer, Eddy Reynoso, thinks so.
Martinez, an under-the-radar little man from Mexico, appeared to win a 112-pound title last August when he stopped Charlie Edwards in three rounds only to have the result declared a no-contest because he punched Edwards while he was down.
No problem. Martinez (16-1, 12 KOs) scored a ninth-round knockout of Cristofer Rosales four months later to win the vacant championship and successfully defended against Jay Harris in February.
Reynoso would like to see his 25-year-old protege unify against either Moruti Mthalane or Kosei Tanaka at 112 pounds and then move up to 115.
Julio Cesar Martinez earned a unanimous-decision victory over Jay Harris in the first defense of his flyweight title. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA
In Reynoso’s opinion, the sky is the limit with Martinez.
“He’s very disciplined,” Reynoso said in the second episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Spanish-language series “Peleamundo.” “He shows all the characteristics of a typical Mexican fighter. He likes to fight. He likes to train and more than anything, he’s a star.
“In such few fights he’s already won a world championship and I believe if he keeps on the same path, he’s going to do great things because he’s a good fighter who’s very fond of learning, he’s very technical. He’s there. He’s a great champion.
Reynoso went on: “He’s charismatic, he’s brave, he’s a very strong fighter for the division. He has lots of endurance. He’s not scared. Whatever fight you put him in, he’ll fight. He’s different than the other fighters. He has a few things to learn, but we’re going to vary the training to get him more technically sound fight by fight.”
Reynoso also likes Martinez’s demeanor.
“He’s always laughing and smiling,” he said. “He turns the fights into like a circus. He’s very positive. You never see him angry. He’s a very hard working, smiling, laughing, positive fighter.”
And, Reynoso added, Martinez is just getting started.
“We’re going to keep him at flyweight and try to defend and unify with Tanaka or Mthalane,” he said. “… We’re getting harder fights little by little. We’ll move up to 115 pounds to fight Estrada, [Carlos] Cuadras, Chocolatito, there’s so many good fighters. And I believe it’s step by step. We’ll keep him at featherweight then move up to super featherweight.”
The second episode of “Peleamundo” will hit Matchroom’s YouTube channel on Sunday. Welterweight contender Jessie Vargas is the host.
Boxing Junkie staffers are trying to have some fun while the sport is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the questions fans love to ask even amid a busy schedule is, “Who would win if …?” With that in mind, we decided to create …
Boxing Junkie staffers are trying to have some fun while the sport is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the questions fans love to ask even amid a busy schedule is, “Who would win if …?” With that in mind, we decided to create our own “Who Wins?” feature, in which we pit a single fighter against each of five potential opponents and indicate who we believe would win the fights.
In this installment of Who Wins?, our staffers’ give their takes on how Sor Rungvisai would do against Juan Francisco Estrada (in a third fight), Roman Gonzalez (also for the third time), Nayoa Inoue, Kazuto Ioka and Kosei Tanaka. We then tally Sor Rungvisai’s record in those fights and present our standings.
Sor Rungvisai, a huge puncher, was already an accomplished champion when he first outpointed and then stopped the great Roman Gonzalez in back-to-back fights in 2017, making him a major player among little fighters worldwide.
We want to acknowledge that the choice of possible opponents is subjective. We’re looking for the best possible but also realistic foes for our featured boxers. One caveat: We won’t consider promotional and managerial rivalries that often stand in the way of the best matchups. And we’re operating under the assumption that none of our featured boxers will fight with ring rust as result of their forced coronavirus-related layoff.
The plan is to work our way down our pound-for-pound list each day. That means our featured fighter tomorrow will be No. 15 Leo Santa Cruz.
So here goes: Sor Rungvisai vs. his five potential opponents.
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SOR RUNGVISAI (47-5-1, 41) VS. ESTRADA (40-3, 27 KOs)
Juan Francisco Estrada (left, against Victor Mendez) is 1-1 against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. John McCoy/Getty Images)
Rosenthal: A third fight between these two warriors is a no-brainer. Estrada rallied in the first fight to make it close but came up short. Sor Rungvisai, who inexplicably fought mostly from an orthodox stance, did the same in a losing cause in the rematch. Part III? Estrada, 29, has the more recent victory and momentum while Sor Rungvisai, 33, might have leveled off. Estrada by a close, but clear decision.
Frauenheim: Estrada lost a majority decision to Sor Rungvisai, then beat him by unanimous decision14 months later, both at 115. Estrada learned enough in the first fight to make the right adjustments. In the rematch, he figures to have learned even more. Estrada, unanimous decision.
Nam: Although Sor Rungivsai committed a grave tactical error in their rematch – the decision to go orthodox instead of his natural southpaw stance for more than three quarters of the bout – he ended up giving Estrada a run for his money the last few rounds. The third fight is closer if Sor Rungvisai relies on his natural instincts. Estrada will come out much the same, firing on all cylinders. But the Thai fighter has one of the better chins in the game and eventually he’ll wear out Estrada. Sor Rungvisai by close decision.
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SOR RUNGVISAI VS. GONZALEZ (49-2, 41 KOs)
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (right) seems to have Roman Gonzalez’s number. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
Rosenthal: Gonzalez’s victory over Kal Yafai was impressive but let’s not get carried away. Yafai isn’t Sor Rungvisai. And Gonzalez isn’t quite the fighter he was. Sor Rungvisai knocked Gonzalez out cold the last time they met. Gonzalez will probably make adjustments and could be more competitive but it still won’t end well for him. Sor Rungvisai by late KO.
Frauenheim: All of the momentum is with Sor Rungvisai. He scored a majority decision over Gonzalez in March, 2017. He knocked him out six months later in Carson, California. Gonzalez was at his best at flyweight. The physical Sor Rungvisai is stronger at junior bantamweight. Sor Rungvisai, late-round stoppage.
Nam: If Gonzalez can steer clear of getting waylaid by Sor Rungvisai’s right hook, he has a decent chance of notching a decision. That doesn’t seem likely, though, given Sor Rungvisai’s superiority in size, power and perhaps most of all his chin. If Gonazlez can’t hurt Sor Rungvisai, he will be hardpressed to hear the final bell. Morever, Gonzalez’s pressure-fighting style does should create plenty of openings for Sor Rungvisai. Sor Rungvisai by late stoppage.
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SOR RUNGVISAI VS. INOUE (19-0, 16 KOs)
Nonito Donaire (left) proved that Naoya Inoue is human. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP via Getty Images
Rosenthal: Sor Rungvisai had one of the most impressive streaks in boxing in 2017 and 2018, stopping Roman Gonzalez twice and outpointing Juan Francisco Estrada in consecutive fights. He hasn’t done much since, beating two journeymen and then losing a decision to Estrada in their rematch. The ability and the power still lurk, though. If he could carry that power from 115 to 118, he’d have a chance against Inoue. In the end, though, Inoue’s szie and superior skill set wins the day. Inoue by clear decision.
Frauenheim: Other than his Fight of the Year battle with Nonito Donaire, Inoue’s toughest fight could be Sor Rungvisai. He’s strong. Physicality isn’t exactly a word, but Sor Rungvisai defines it. He could hurt Inoue, who has the skill to elude him. He’s athletic enough to move and smart enough to adjust, all enough for Inoue to win a split decision.
Nam: If Sor Rungvisai demonstrates that his cast iron chin can hold up at 118 pounds, he will give Inoue some trouble. He’ll push the pace and throw left hand haymakers as Inoue tries to maneuver around the ring and land his potshots. Without the skillset to match Inoue’s, Sor Rungvisai will end up taking a lot of punishment. Inoue by decision.
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SOR RUNGVISAI VS. IOKA (25-2, 14 KOs)
Kazuto Ioka has the all-around skills and heart to give Sor Rungvisai trouble. Bherouz Mehri / AFP via Getty Images
Rosenthal: Ioka is a well-schooled, fleet boxer-puncher who can compete with anyone at his weight. Sor Rungvisai is no exception. Ioka will do well early, sticking, moving, perhaps building up a lead on the cards. But the stronger Sor Rungvisai will wear him down and ultimately pull away to win a close decision.
Frauenheim: Ioka has power along with foot and hand speed. He’s resilient. He’s 2-0 since losing a debatable split decision to Donnie Nietes. But resilience might not be enough against Sor Rungvisai’s overall strength. Sor Rungvisai, late-round stoppage.
Nam: Ioka has been able to carve up mid-level fighters by working behind his jab and mixing in hard body shots. He’s a solid technician. Alas, that won’t be enough against the Sor Rungvisai, who is is bound to find a home for his hard left and rights. Sor Rungivisai by late stoppage.
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SOR RUNGVISAI VS. TANAKA (15-0, 9 KOs)
Japan’s Kosei Tanaka (left against Jonathan Gonzalez) is one of the most gifted young fighters in the world. Jiji Press / AFP via Getty Images
Rosenthal: Tanka, 24, has accomplished so much in a short time for a reason: He’s one of the most talented young fighters in the world. He has good fundamentals, a high boxing IQ and unusual dynamism. Sor Rungvisai has edges in experience and punching power but very often the more-gifted fighter emerges victorious. And that’s Tanaka, who wins by a close decision.
Frauenheim: Tanaka is an emerging star. He’s 24, nine years younger than Sor Rungvisai. He has nine KOs on his 15-0 resume. He faces a mandatory challenge for a 112-pound belt from Ioka. He has all of the momentum, enough leverage to keep a bout vs. Sor Rungvisai in Japan. Tanaka, unanimous decision.
Nam: Tanaka’s mobility and boxing ability is going to win him some of the early rounds, but the young Japanese titleholder propensity for trading will undo him in the end. Recall that Sho Kimura, a hardscrabble but unremarkable fighter, was able to land plenty of leather on Tanaka in their 2018 barnburner. Tanaka is going to be swallowing a lot of flush left hands. Sor Rungivsai by decision.
Tyson Fury disassembled Deontay Wilder on Saturday to reclaim a major title and leave no doubt that he is the best active heavyweight.
Who are the best boxers in each of the original eight weight classes? Check out Boxing Junkie’s new “Great Eight” feature.
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Thank you, Tyson Fury. You made our job easy.
The “Gypsy King” disassembled Deontay Wilder on a dramatic Saturday night in Las Vegas to reclaim a major title and leave no doubt whatsoever — at least in our collective opinion — that he is the best heavyweight in the world.
Thus, the colorful and remarkably skillful Englishman supplants Wilder as the heavyweight champ in Boxing Junkie’s Great Eight feature, in which we determine the best boxer in each of the original eight weight classes — heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight.
It’s difficult to imagine that anyone will have a problem with our decision but hardened cynics are out there.
They might point to Anthony Joshua, who holds three of the four recognized sanctioning-body titles. We roll our collective eyes at that notion. Joshua had his behind handed to him by chubby underdog Andy Ruiz Jr. two fights ago, losing his belts in the process, before rebounding with an uninspiring points victory in the rematch.
We feel that Joshua is still rebuilding what he lost in the first fight with Ruiz, if that’s even possible.
And think about what Fury has done. He stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing seemingly untouchable Wladimir Klitschko to become the heavyweight champion in 2015 only to leave the sport to battle his inner demons for a few years.
Then, after losing about 150 pounds of blubber, he comes back (probably too soon) and outboxes Wilder in the opinion of most observers but has to settle for a draw in 2018. And, finally, with a new trainer and a new, aggressive style, he pummels and then stops his then-unbeaten rival in less than seven full rounds.
That’s legendary stuff.
The only remaining argument against Fury is that a victory over Wilder is overrated because Wilder is a crude boxer who has only one weapon, his big right hand.
We don’t buy that. Forty-one of Wilder’s 42 victories have come by knockout. He doesn’t have the skill set of, say, Fury, but that punching power ends up being the deciding factor in virtually all of Wilder’s fights. And, in this case, Fury just didn’t allow it to play a role in the outcome.
Brilliant performance, exceptional fighter. Fury arguably is the best big man since countryman Lennox Lewis was at the top of his game a generation ago.
Check out our Great Eight below.
HEAVYWEIGHT – Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT – Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs)
