Rey Vargas is confident he’ll become a two-division titleholder against champion Mark Magsayo on July 9 in San Antonio.
Rey Vargas doesn’t like being called a former champion.
After all, no one took the unbeaten Mexican’s 122-pound title in the ring. He was out for two-plus years – in part because of a broken leg suffered on a training run – and then returned as a 126-pounder.
Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) sees his challenge of featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) on July 9 in San Antonio (Showtime) as a battle of champions.
“I have a right to fight for the world title,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “I’m not a former champion. This is champion vs. champion, period. I definitely feel I’m where I’m supposed to be right now.”
Rey Vargas (left) gave a vintage performance against Leonardo Baez this past November. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports
Vargas picked up where he left off at 122 in his first fight at 126, using his long jab and sharp power shots – including many to the body – to easily outpoint Leonardo Baez in November.
The victory placed him first in line to face the winner of the January fight between then-WBC titleholder Gary Russell Jr. and Magsayo, which the latter won by a majority decision.
Vargas expected the long-reigning Russell to win that fight but gives Magsayo full credit for his victory even though the now-former champion fought with an injured shoulder. As Vargas said, Magsayo “did what he had to do.”
Now Vargas has to do what he has to do.
He said he will build upon his performance against Baez, his first fight since he outpointed Tomoki Kameda in July 2019. He expects to be even better after shedding rust and fighting for the second time at his new weight.
“I do think I’ve been able to work to improve based on my previous fight,” he said. “Magsayo is a tougher opponent than my previous one. At the same time … I’m tougher than him. I know what I’m capable of when I step into the ring.”
And Magsayo’s upset of Russell might’ve been a break for Vargas, who looks forward to facing an aggressive opponent who won’t be hard to find.
Indeed, things might be falling his way after his frustrating hiatus from the sport.
“Russell is a good fighter,” he said. “He’s sneaky, more technical in a way. Magsayo is more direct. He will stand there and exchange punches with you. That’s better for me than the alternative. And it’s why I think this will be an explosive, entertaining fight.
“We’re both powerful, both not afraid to stand in there and deliver punches. Be ready for fireworks.”
Brandon Figueroa said he expects to be a better fighter after moving up to 126 pounds.
Brandon Figueroa says you’ll see a stronger, more versatile fighter when he faces Carlos Castro on the Mark Magsayo-Rey Vargas card July 9 in San Antonio (Showtime).
Figueroa, a bruising pressure fighter, gave Stephen Fulton hell in a 122-pound title-unification bout but ended up on the wrong end of a close, arguably controversial decision in November. That’s one reason he wants to bring more into the ring at The Alamodome.
“I looked for the guy (Fulton) for 12 rounds, put pressure on him, and it still didn’t mean anything,” he told Boxing Junkie. “I need to be a little smarter, more patient. I love to brawl, love to get in and mix it up, to work the body.
“I just definitely have to consider everything, a little bit of defense, a little bit of speed, a little bit of boxing, a little bit of brawling. I guess that’ll be my next style.”
Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) also has a new weight. His fight with Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) is a WBC 126-pound title eliminator, meaning the victor becomes a candidate to face the title fight between the champion Magsayo and Vargas.
One advantage the 5-foot-9 Figueroa seemed to have over his opponents at 122 was natural size and strength. Could he lose that edge at 126?
The 25-year-old Texan is certain that he won’t. If anything, he said, he’ll be stronger because he’ll be fighting at a more natural weight for his growing body.
The move up in weight has been in the works for more than a year.
“We were talking about moving up to 126 before the [Luis] Nery fight [in May of last year], way before him,” said Figueroa, who stopped Nery to win his title. “Squeezing into 122 put a lot of strain on my body, a lot of stress, even though I made weight. I’m very disciplined when it comes to dieting and making weight but it was getting hard.
“I’m happy now letting my body grow to its maximum potential. … I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I feel strong, explosive. I feel amazing. I just can’t wait to get in there and make a statement.”
Castro is no pushover. He gave Nery a tougher-than-expected time in a split-decision loss in February.
Figueroa is favored to win, however. If he does, he’ll push hard for a shot at whomever has his hand raised in the Magsayo-Vargas fight.
He lost his title in a fight he believes he did enough to win. He wants to be a champion again.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “The plan always is to fight the best. I was ready [to fight for a title] as soon as I got to 126. I just want another belt around my waist. I know doing so will be great for my legacy, being able to do it again at 126.”
Brandon Figueroa said he expects to be a better fighter after moving up to 126 pounds.
Brandon Figueroa says you’ll see a stronger, more versatile fighter when he faces Carlos Castro on the Mark Magsayo-Rey Vargas card July 9 in San Antonio (Showtime).
Figueroa, a bruising pressure fighter, gave Stephen Fulton hell in a 122-pound title-unification bout but ended up on the wrong end of a close, arguably controversial decision in November. That’s one reason he wants to bring more into the ring at The Alamodome.
“I looked for the guy (Fulton) for 12 rounds, put pressure on him, and it still didn’t mean anything,” he told Boxing Junkie. “I need to be a little smarter, more patient. I love to brawl, love to get in and mix it up, to work the body.
“I just definitely have to consider everything, a little bit of defense, a little bit of speed, a little bit of boxing, a little bit of brawling. I guess that’ll be my next style.”
Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) also has a new weight. His fight with Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) is a WBC 126-pound title eliminator, meaning the victor becomes a candidate to face the title fight between the champion Magsayo and Vargas.
One advantage the 5-foot-9 Figueroa seemed to have over his opponents at 122 was natural size and strength. Could he lose that edge at 126?
The 25-year-old Texan is certain that he won’t. If anything, he said, he’ll be stronger because he’ll be fighting at a more natural weight for his growing body.
The move up in weight has been in the works for more than a year.
“We were talking about moving up to 126 before the [Luis] Nery fight [in May of last year], way before him,” said Figueroa, who stopped Nery to win his title. “Squeezing into 122 put a lot of strain on my body, a lot of stress, even though I made weight. I’m very disciplined when it comes to dieting and making weight but it was getting hard.
“I’m happy now letting my body grow to its maximum potential. … I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I feel strong, explosive. I feel amazing. I just can’t wait to get in there and make a statement.”
Castro is no pushover. He gave Nery a tougher-than-expected time in a split-decision loss in February.
Figueroa is favored to win, however. If he does, he’ll push hard for a shot at whomever has his hand raised in the Magsayo-Vargas fight.
He lost his title in a fight he believes he did enough to win. He wants to be a champion again.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “The plan always is to fight the best. I was ready [to fight for a title] as soon as I got to 126. I just want another belt around my waist. I know doing so will be great for my legacy, being able to do it again at 126.”
Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas and Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight the Showtime/PBC spring and summer schedule.
Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions announced its spring and summer schedule today.
It features nine events spread over five months, including two title-unification main events and 21 undefeated fighters.
Here are the nine cards:
Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha
Date: March 26 / Minneapolis Division: Junior middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, will be making his U.S. debut against the 2012 U.S Olympian in a battle of junior middleweight contenders. Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) is on the cusp of becoming a star. Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs), who has fallen short in his biggest fights, is in a do-or-die situation. Also fighting: Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, junior welterweight (142 pounds).
Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora
Date / location: April 9 / Las Vegas Division: Junior middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has surged back to prominence by winning six in a row since he was stopped by Jermell Charlo in 2017. Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs), a 6-foot-6 154-pounder who loves to fight inside, faces his biggest test in this fight. The winner should fight for a title next. Also fighting: Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, junior middleweights; Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, junior middleweights.
Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas Date / location: April 16 / Arlington, Texas At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC, and Ugas’ WBA titles Background: This matchup with unify three of the four major 147-pound titles. Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) bounced back from his car accident to outpoint Danny Garcia in December 2020 only to then suffer a detached retina. He says he’s 100% now. Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) retired Manny Pacquiao by decision last August. Also fighting: Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, junior welterweights.
Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano II
Date / location: May 14 / Los Angeles Division: Junior middleweight At stake: Charlo’s IBF, WBA and WBC, and Castano’s WBO titles Background: Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) will be attending to unfinished business after fighting to a spirited draw this past July in San Antonio. Most observers see this as a 50-50 fight between arguably the two best 154-pounders, which is appropriate because it’s for the undisputed championship. Also fighting: Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, welterweights.
David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux
Date / location: May 21 / Phoenix Division: Super middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), a two-time titleholder, will be a significant favorite in this battle between two of the biggest punchers pound-for-pound in the sport. They have a combined 58 knockouts in 68 victories. Lemieux (43-4, 36 KOs) will be fighting to remain an elite fighter. Also fighting: Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, junior middleweight.
Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero
Date / location: May 28 / Brooklyn, New York Division: Lightweight At stake: No major titles Background: Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) was supposed to have fought Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) last December but was pulled from the card amid sexual assault allegations, for which he ultimately wasn’t charged. Davis survived a scare in a close decision over Romero’s replacement Isaac Cruz. Romero KO’d Anthony Yigit in July.
Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Danny Roman
Date / location: Division: Junior lightweight At stake: Fulton’s WBC and WBO titles Background: This is a matchup of two outstanding technicians. Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs) eked out a majority decision over brawler Brandon Figueroa in November. Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs) bounced back from a disputed split-decision loss to titleholder Murodjon Akhmadalive by outpointing Juan Carlos Payano and Ricardo Espinoza Franco. Also fighting: David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights.
Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki
Date / location: June 18 / Houston Division: Middleweight At stake: Charlo’s WBC title Background: Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) was in talks to face Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia but neither fight materialized, leaving him with Sulecki (30-2, 11 KOs). Charlo is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel in June. Sulecki, a Pole, has won twice since he was shutout by Demetrius Andrade in 2019.
Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas
Date / location: July 9 / San Antonio Division: Featherweight At stake: Magsayo’s WBC title Background: Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) won his belt by defeating long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. by a majority decision in January. Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder who will be fighting for his first 126-pound title.
Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas and Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight the Showtime/PBC spring and summer schedule.
Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions announced its spring and summer schedule today.
It features nine events spread over five months, including two title-unification main events and 21 undefeated fighters.
Here are the nine cards:
Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha
Date: March 26 / Minneapolis Division: Junior middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, will be making his U.S. debut against the 2012 U.S Olympian in a battle of junior middleweight contenders. Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) is on the cusp of becoming a star. Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs), who has fallen short in his biggest fights, is in a do-or-die situation. Also fighting: Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, junior welterweight (142 pounds).
Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora
Date / location: April 9 / Las Vegas Division: Junior middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has surged back to prominence by winning six in a row since he was stopped by Jermell Charlo in 2017. Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs), a 6-foot-6 154-pounder who loves to fight inside, faces his biggest test in this fight. The winner should fight for a title next. Also fighting: Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, junior middleweights; Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, junior middleweights.
Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas Date / location: April 16 / Arlington, Texas At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC, and Ugas’ WBA titles Background: This matchup with unify three of the four major 147-pound titles. Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) bounced back from his car accident to outpoint Danny Garcia in December 2020 only to then suffer a detached retina. He says he’s 100% now. Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) retired Manny Pacquiao by decision last August. Also fighting: Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, junior welterweights.
Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano II
Date / location: May 14 / Los Angeles Division: Junior middleweight At stake: Charlo’s IBF, WBA and WBC, and Castano’s WBO titles Background: Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) will be attending to unfinished business after fighting to a spirited draw this past July in San Antonio. Most observers see this as a 50-50 fight between arguably the two best 154-pounders, which is appropriate because it’s for the undisputed championship. Also fighting: Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, welterweights.
David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux
Date / location: May 21 / Phoenix Division: Super middleweight At stake: No major titles Background: Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), a two-time titleholder, will be a significant favorite in this battle between two of the biggest punchers pound-for-pound in the sport. They have a combined 58 knockouts in 68 victories. Lemieux (43-4, 36 KOs) will be fighting to remain an elite fighter. Also fighting: Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, junior middleweight.
Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero
Date / location: May 28 / Brooklyn, New York Division: Lightweight At stake: No major titles Background: Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) was supposed to have fought Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) last December but was pulled from the card amid sexual assault allegations, for which he ultimately wasn’t charged. Davis survived a scare in a close decision over Romero’s replacement Isaac Cruz. Romero KO’d Anthony Yigit in July.
Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Danny Roman
Date / location: Division: Junior lightweight At stake: Fulton’s WBC and WBO titles Background: This is a matchup of two outstanding technicians. Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs) eked out a majority decision over brawler Brandon Figueroa in November. Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs) bounced back from a disputed split-decision loss to titleholder Murodjon Akhmadalive by outpointing Juan Carlos Payano and Ricardo Espinoza Franco. Also fighting: David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights.
Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki
Date / location: June 18 / Houston Division: Middleweight At stake: Charlo’s WBC title Background: Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) was in talks to face Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia but neither fight materialized, leaving him with Sulecki (30-2, 11 KOs). Charlo is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel in June. Sulecki, a Pole, has won twice since he was shutout by Demetrius Andrade in 2019.
Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas
Date / location: July 9 / San Antonio Division: Featherweight At stake: Magsayo’s WBC title Background: Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) won his belt by defeating long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. by a majority decision in January. Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder who will be fighting for his first 126-pound title.
5 best active Mexican fighters. Is Jaime Munguia on the list?
The best active Mexican fighter is Canelo Alvarez, who tops many pound-for-pound lists. No one can question the superstar’s place among his countrymen.
But who is next best? And who would round out the Top 5? And is Jaime Munguia, who fights D’Mitrius Ballard Saturday, on the list?
Those questions aren’t easy to answer given the depth of talent south of the U.S. border, where only soccer is more popular than the sweet science. Mexico probably produces more elite fighters than any country other than the U.S.
Still, in this special feature, Boxing Junkie has endeavored to give you the best five fighters from Mexico and a list of the next five.
So here we go (in reverse order).
5. Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs)
The former junior middleweight champ has to be on the list. The 25-year-old native of Tijuana has always had pop in his punches, as his knockout percentage indicates. He’s also evolving as a boxer, which isn’t good news for his middleweight rivals. And while he doesn’t have a resume worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, he is building a solid list of victims. He has already beaten Sadam Ali (to win his title), Liam Smith, Tureano Johnson, Kamil Szeremeta and Gabriel Rosado even though he’s really just getting started. The jury is still out on what Munguia can accomplish but he seems to have the tools to succeed on the highest level. And he should continue to get better with experience.
4. Leo Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs)
Is Santa Cruz declining? That’s a reasonable question. He’s 33, an age when some fighters begin to fade. And he was brutally knocked out by Gervonta Davis in his penultimate fight, which put a instantaneous halt to any momentum he had. However, it might be too soon to write him off. First, his resume is impressive. He has won titles in four divisions and beaten a long list of elite opponents along the way. He bounced back from the Davis setback to shut out Keenan Carbajal on Feb. 5, which was a sign of life. And he plans to move back down to 126, where he should be particularly strong if he can make the weight comfortably. Let’s hold off writing his boxing obituary.
3. Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs)
The dynamic boxer-puncher from Sonora claimed his career-defining victory by outboxing and then knocking out the feared Miguel Berchelt in 10 rounds to win a 130-pound title in February of last year, which lifted him to a new level of respect. Before that, he held a major 126-pound title for more than three years. Valdez’s reputation took a hit when he tested positive for a banned substance yet was allowed to defend his title against Robson Conceicao in September but there is no denying his unusual all-around ability. And remember: The top man on this list also tested positive for a PED.
2. Juan Francisco Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs)
Estrada is probably the closest to Alvarez in terms of both ability and accomplishments. The two-division titleholder from Sonora is a superb boxer-puncher, as he has demonstrated repeatedly at an elite level. Among those he has defeated: Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovanni Segura, Carlos Cuadras (twice), Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. That’s a who’s who of the best little men of a generation. And he proved to be particularly effective in rematches, avenging losses to future Hall of Famers Sor Rungvisai and Gonzalez. Estrada might not be quite as good or accomplished as the more-celebrated Alvarez but he’s truly a great fighter.
Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs)
The undisputed super middleweight champion has accomplished too much to debate his place at the top of this list. The fact is he’s one of the best Mexican fighters of all time. He has turned himself into a complete fighter, one who can outbox you to win a wide decision or knock you out in brutal fashion. He has beaten a list of elite opponents that is longer than any rival in the sport, including Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev. He has won titles in four divisions, which is impressive even if you think belts are overrated. And he has gotten progressively better over the years, which is a testament to his work ethic. Alvarez deserves the respect he receives.
6-10 (in alphabetical order): Isaac Cruz (proved himself in loss to Davis), Julio Cesar Martinez (fights Gonzalez next month), Emanuel Navarrete (needs a few more big wins), Gilberto Ramirez (has done nothing but win), Rey Vargas (almost was No. 5 here).
5 best active Mexican fighters. Is Jaime Munguia on the list?
The best active Mexican fighter is Canelo Alvarez, who tops many pound-for-pound lists. No one can question the superstar’s place among his countrymen.
But who is next best? And who would round out the Top 5? And is Jaime Munguia, who fights D’Mitrius Ballard Saturday, on the list?
Those questions aren’t easy to answer given the depth of talent south of the U.S. border, where only soccer is more popular than the sweet science. Mexico probably produces more elite fighters than any country other than the U.S.
Still, in this special feature, Boxing Junkie has endeavored to give you the best five fighters from Mexico and a list of the next five.
So here we go (in reverse order).
5. Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs)
The former junior middleweight champ has to be on the list. The 25-year-old native of Tijuana has always had pop in his punches, as his knockout percentage indicates. He’s also evolving as a boxer, which isn’t good news for his middleweight rivals. And while he doesn’t have a resume worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, he is building a solid list of victims. He has already beaten Sadam Ali (to win his title), Liam Smith, Tureano Johnson, Kamil Szeremeta and Gabriel Rosado even though he’s really just getting started. The jury is still out on what Munguia can accomplish but he seems to have the tools to succeed on the highest level. And he should continue to get better with experience.
4. Leo Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs)
Is Santa Cruz declining? That’s a reasonable question. He’s 33, an age when some fighters begin to fade. And he was brutally knocked out by Gervonta Davis in his penultimate fight, which put a instantaneous halt to any momentum he had. However, it might be too soon to write him off. First, his resume is impressive. He has won titles in four divisions and beaten a long list of elite opponents along the way. He bounced back from the Davis setback to shut out Keenan Carbajal on Feb. 5, which was a sign of life. And he plans to move back down to 126, where he should be particularly strong if he can make the weight comfortably. Let’s hold off writing his boxing obituary.
3. Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs)
The dynamic boxer-puncher from Sonora claimed his career-defining victory by outboxing and then knocking out the feared Miguel Berchelt in 10 rounds to win a 130-pound title in February of last year, which lifted him to a new level of respect. Before that, he held a major 126-pound title for more than three years. Valdez’s reputation took a hit when he tested positive for a banned substance yet was allowed to defend his title against Robson Conceicao in September but there is no denying his unusual all-around ability. And remember: The top man on this list also tested positive for a PED.
2. Juan Francisco Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs)
Estrada is probably the closest to Alvarez in terms of both ability and accomplishments. The two-division titleholder from Sonora is a superb boxer-puncher, as he has demonstrated repeatedly at an elite level. Among those he has defeated: Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovanni Segura, Carlos Cuadras (twice), Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. That’s a who’s who of the best little men of a generation. And he proved to be particularly effective in rematches, avenging losses to future Hall of Famers Sor Rungvisai and Gonzalez. Estrada might not be quite as good or accomplished as the more-celebrated Alvarez but he’s truly a great fighter.
Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs)
The undisputed super middleweight champion has accomplished too much to debate his place at the top of this list. The fact is he’s one of the best Mexican fighters of all time. He has turned himself into a complete fighter, one who can outbox you to win a wide decision or knock you out in brutal fashion. He has beaten a list of elite opponents that is longer than any rival in the sport, including Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev. He has won titles in four divisions, which is impressive even if you think belts are overrated. And he has gotten progressively better over the years, which is a testament to his work ethic. Alvarez deserves the respect he receives.
6-10 (in alphabetical order): Isaac Cruz (proved himself in loss to Davis), Julio Cesar Martinez (fights Gonzalez next month), Emanuel Navarrete (needs a few more big wins), Gilberto Ramirez (has done nothing but win), Rey Vargas (almost was No. 5 here).
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD We can use different criteria to illustrate the magnitude of Canelo Alvarez’s accomplishments. The Mexican star has won major titles in four divisions, which is a standard barometer of greatness. It’s …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
We can use different criteria to illustrate the magnitude of Canelo Alvarez’s accomplishments.
The Mexican star has won major titles in four divisions, which is a standard barometer of greatness. It’s not my favorite, though. Alphabet titles mean little when there are almost 100 of them. And it seems everyone is a multiple-division beltholder these days.
Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion and sixth male undisputed champ in any division in the four-belt era by stopping Caleb Plant in the 11th round Saturday in Las Vegas.
That’s a heady accomplishment given how rare it is. And in our dreams there would be only one champion in each division, as there once was. This is as close as we’re going to get to that.
“Undisputed” has its limitations, too, though. It’s based on the whims of the sanctioning bodies, who generally rank fighters in manner that benefits them the most in terms of the bottom line. Merit isn’t always the primary factor.
The best approach to appreciate the accomplishments of Alvarez is to simply consider his opponents and the fact he has beaten them consistently.
He has taken down one highly rated foe after another over the past decade, rarely opting for stay-busy or transitional fight against pushovers. That’s what Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio did on the road to greatness.
Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev might be the best of Alvarez’s victims but the list is a lot longer than that. He has by far the best resume in boxing today.
Alvarez failed to have his hand raised only four times, a draw against long-forgotten Jorge Juarez in his fifth fight, a one-sided decision against all-time great Mayweather and a disputed draw in his first fight against Golovkin, a future Hall of Famer.
Becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion is an achievement that should be celebrated but Alvarez has been doing special things for a long time.
***
BAD
It’s important to keep Alvarez’s victory on Saturday in perspective. AP Photo / Steve Marcus
There’s nothing “bad” about Alvarez’s victory over Plant but we should keep it in perspective.
Alvarez didn’t just defeat Roy Jones Jr. or Bernard Hopkins. He beat Plant, a good, athletic boxer who had little experience on an elite level and can’t punch, which made his mission almost impossible.
And there’s certainly nothing bad about Alvarez’s pursuit of history. He isn’t satisfied with mundane accomplishments. And there’s nothing mundane about becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion.
However, we should keep that in perspective, too. We must take into account the fighters he beat to achieve that lofty goal: Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Plant, all three of whom are good, but limited fighters.
Again, I understand why Alvarez choose to fight them; He wanted to make do something that would stand out. None were much of a threat to him, though. And don’t we want the best fighters to face genuine threats as much as possible?
I would rather Alvarez have faced Gennadiy Golovkin a third time, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo instead. He wouldn’t have become “undisputed” but he would’ve faced more-significant challenges, which is more important to me.
We must appreciate Alvarez’s general approach to selecting opponents. He has faced one ranked foe after another over the past decade. At the same time, his emphasis on collecting titles – which mean less than ever – has its drawbacks.
The good news is that he could still fight Benavidez and Charlo. Golovkin? Not likely.
***
WORSE
Caleb Plant endured a difficult night but he’ll be back. AP Photo / Steve Marcus
Plant has nothing to be ashamed of. He gave a solid performance against one of the best in the business.
The athletic Tennessean frustrated Alvarez in the first half of the fight with his elite level boxing ability, particularly his elusiveness. The winner was still trying to chase him down in the middle rounds.
Alas, Alvarez’s relentless pressure – including damaging body work — gradually broke down Plant and set up the dramatic knockout in the 11th round, a devastating fate for a proud fighter who had such big expectations.
And it wasn’t close on the cards through 10 rounds. Alvarez led 98-92 (eight rounds to two), 97-93 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie had it 98-92 for Alvarez.
A key problem for Plant was his lack of punching power. If you can’t keep Alvarez honest with hard shots (a la Gennadiy Golovkin), you have to be a boxing wizard (a la Floyd Mayweather) to beat him.
Plant is a good boxer but he’s not that good, which is why he was about an 8-1 underdog (average of multiple outlets) going into the fight.
This undoubtedly is a difficult time for Plant, who had never tasted defeat as a professional and genuinely believed he’d have his hand raised. However, the setback isn’t the end of the world for him.
Again, he lost to a truly great fighter. No shame in that. He arguably performed better than super middleweight counterparts Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders, which confirmed that he belonged in the ring with Alvarez.
And he isn’t the type to give up. He has overcome some personal tragedies, which tells you something about his mental toughness. He’ll bounce back from Saturday’s setback, too.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Rey Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) had been away for more than two years before he fought Leonardo Baez (21-5, 12 KOs) on the Alvarez-Plant card. I had forgotten how good he is. The former 122-pound titleholder used his unusual length and ability to pick apart his fellow Mexican and win a near-shutout decision in his first fight as a full-fledged 126-pounder. Vargas is ranked No. 1 by the WBC, whose champion is Gary Russel Jr. I’d pick Russel to win that fight but Vargas would be a live underdog. He’s really good. … Anthony Dirrell (34-3-2, 26 KOs) delivered the punch of the night at the MGM Grand, a monstrous right uppercut that instantaneously destroyed Marcos Hernandez (15-5-2, 3 KOs) in the third round of their super middleweight fight. I don’t know whether the 37-year-old former two-time titleholder will get a shot at one more major belt but he made a strong case that he’s a viable option. … Junior welterweight contender Elvis Rodriguez (12-1-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from his upset loss to Kenneth Sims Jr. in May, stopping capable Juan Pablo Romero (14-1, 9 KOs) in five rounds on the Alvarez-Plant card.
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD We can use different criteria to illustrate the magnitude of Canelo Alvarez’s accomplishments. The Mexican star has won major titles in four divisions, which is a standard barometer of greatness. It’s …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
We can use different criteria to illustrate the magnitude of Canelo Alvarez’s accomplishments.
The Mexican star has won major titles in four divisions, which is a standard barometer of greatness. It’s not my favorite, though. Alphabet titles mean little when there are almost 100 of them. And it seems everyone is a multiple-division beltholder these days.
Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion and sixth male undisputed champ in any division in the four-belt era by stopping Caleb Plant in the 11th round Saturday in Las Vegas.
That’s a heady accomplishment given how rare it is. And in our dreams there would be only one champion in each division, as there once was. This is as close as we’re going to get to that.
“Undisputed” has its limitations, too, though. It’s based on the whims of the sanctioning bodies, who generally rank fighters in manner that benefits them the most in terms of the bottom line. Merit isn’t always the primary factor.
The best approach to appreciate the accomplishments of Alvarez is to simply consider his opponents and the fact he has beaten them consistently.
He has taken down one highly rated foe after another over the past decade, rarely opting for stay-busy or transitional fight against pushovers. That’s what Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio did on the road to greatness.
Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev might be the best of Alvarez’s victims but the list is a lot longer than that. He has by far the best resume in boxing today.
Alvarez failed to have his hand raised only four times, a draw against long-forgotten Jorge Juarez in his fifth fight, a one-sided decision against all-time great Mayweather and a disputed draw in his first fight against Golovkin, a future Hall of Famer.
Becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion is an achievement that should be celebrated but Alvarez has been doing special things for a long time.
***
BAD
It’s important to keep Alvarez’s victory on Saturday in perspective. AP Photo / Steve Marcus
There’s nothing “bad” about Alvarez’s victory over Plant but we should keep it in perspective.
Alvarez didn’t just defeat Roy Jones Jr. or Bernard Hopkins. He beat Plant, a good, athletic boxer who had little experience on an elite level and can’t punch, which made his mission almost impossible.
And there’s certainly nothing bad about Alvarez’s pursuit of history. He isn’t satisfied with mundane accomplishments. And there’s nothing mundane about becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion.
However, we should keep that in perspective, too. We must take into account the fighters he beat to achieve that lofty goal: Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Plant, all three of whom are good, but limited fighters.
Again, I understand why Alvarez choose to fight them; He wanted to make do something that would stand out. None were much of a threat to him, though. And don’t we want the best fighters to face genuine threats as much as possible?
I would rather Alvarez have faced Gennadiy Golovkin a third time, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo instead. He wouldn’t have become “undisputed” but he would’ve faced more-significant challenges, which is more important to me.
We must appreciate Alvarez’s general approach to selecting opponents. He has faced one ranked foe after another over the past decade. At the same time, his emphasis on collecting titles – which mean less than ever – has its drawbacks.
The good news is that he could still fight Benavidez and Charlo. Golovkin? Not likely.
***
WORSE
Caleb Plant endured a difficult night but he’ll be back. AP Photo / Steve Marcus
Plant has nothing to be ashamed of. He gave a solid performance against one of the best in the business.
The athletic Tennessean frustrated Alvarez in the first half of the fight with his elite level boxing ability, particularly his elusiveness. The winner was still trying to chase him down in the middle rounds.
Alas, Alvarez’s relentless pressure – including damaging body work — gradually broke down Plant and set up the dramatic knockout in the 11th round, a devastating fate for a proud fighter who had such big expectations.
And it wasn’t close on the cards through 10 rounds. Alvarez led 98-92 (eight rounds to two), 97-93 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie had it 98-92 for Alvarez.
A key problem for Plant was his lack of punching power. If you can’t keep Alvarez honest with hard shots (a la Gennadiy Golovkin), you have to be a boxing wizard (a la Floyd Mayweather) to beat him.
Plant is a good boxer but he’s not that good, which is why he was about an 8-1 underdog (average of multiple outlets) going into the fight.
This undoubtedly is a difficult time for Plant, who had never tasted defeat as a professional and genuinely believed he’d have his hand raised. However, the setback isn’t the end of the world for him.
Again, he lost to a truly great fighter. No shame in that. He arguably performed better than super middleweight counterparts Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders, which confirmed that he belonged in the ring with Alvarez.
And he isn’t the type to give up. He has overcome some personal tragedies, which tells you something about his mental toughness. He’ll bounce back from Saturday’s setback, too.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Rey Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) had been away for more than two years before he fought Leonardo Baez (21-5, 12 KOs) on the Alvarez-Plant card. I had forgotten how good he is. The former 122-pound titleholder used his unusual length and ability to pick apart his fellow Mexican and win a near-shutout decision in his first fight as a full-fledged 126-pounder. Vargas is ranked No. 1 by the WBC, whose champion is Gary Russel Jr. I’d pick Russel to win that fight but Vargas would be a live underdog. He’s really good. … Anthony Dirrell (34-3-2, 26 KOs) delivered the punch of the night at the MGM Grand, a monstrous right uppercut that instantaneously destroyed Marcos Hernandez (15-5-2, 3 KOs) in the third round of their super middleweight fight. I don’t know whether the 37-year-old former two-time titleholder will get a shot at one more major belt but he made a strong case that he’s a viable option. … Junior welterweight contender Elvis Rodriguez (12-1-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from his upset loss to Kenneth Sims Jr. in May, stopping capable Juan Pablo Romero (14-1, 9 KOs) in five rounds on the Alvarez-Plant card.
Rey Vargas easily outpointed overmatched Leonardo Baez on the Canelo Alvarez-Caleb Plant card Saturday in Las Vegas.
A long layoff and transition to a new weight class had no adverse affect on Rey Vargas.
The former WBC 122-pound titleholder, making his debut as a full-fledged 126-pounder, picked apart a game, but overmatched Leonard Baez to win a unanimous decision on the Canelo Alvarez-Caleb Plant card Saturday at the MGM in Las Vegas.
Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) used his long jab and sharp power shots — including many to the body — to keep his fellow Mexican at a distance that was favorable for the taller fighter, who also was the much better boxer.
Baez (21-5, 12 KOs) worked his way inside at times — and landed some solid shots — but he couldn’t do it consistently enough to win rounds. He could take solace only in the fact he survived to hear the final bell.
Thus, the final scores were no surprise: 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90. Boxing Junkie also scored the fight 100-90, a shutout.
Rey Vargas (left) had his way with Leonardo Baez. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports
Vargas hadn’t fought in more than two years, in part because of a broken leg he suffered while on a training run last year. Now, with a featherweight victory under his belt, a title shot could be on the horizon.
Vargas jumped to the top of the WBC rankings by virtue of his former title, which puts him in position to challenge long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr.
