Tag Archives: ESPN

Posted on 10/15/2021

“I don’t think I get the respect, but it is what it is. These boxing people are never going to be happy. You know, I’m the type of fighter that’s always going to express myself. I want to fight the best the top guys win or lose. And people don’t see that. They just see a loss and it’s over, but, they don’t see who I fought. They just think I’m a bum, but it is what it is. I’m here to fight the best, win, lose, or draw. ” – Joet Gonzalez

Joet Gonzalez aims to put the best of his abilities together as he challenges Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO featherweight title. A showdown with the potential to be all action will further excite an already talent-filled weight class.

His last outing resulted in an exciting victory over Miguel Marriaga by unanimous decision in 2020. A win he is proud of following the loss against Shakur Stevenson in 2019. But of the two, it was the loss that taught the greater lessons.

The loss against Stevenson, especially how it was promoted [taught me the most]. I got a lot of backlash and it is what it is. People, can think what they want or say what they want about me. I know who I am as a person. A lot of people, if they were in my shoes, would take the loss and quit. And especially with that promotion that I had, that backstory, [other] fighters would lose their minds. But I’ve shown the public that I’m here to fight the best and I’m strong-minded. I took on Marriaga and I came on with the victory there. Now again, I’m going to a backyard, you know, territory, three straight fights in a row, and I’m taking on another world champion. I’m just showing the people who I am. 

Ahead of Friday night’s clash at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Gonzalez spoke to BoxingInsider.com. Speaking candidly, Gonzalez discussed the challenge at hand, what the loss against Stevenson taught him, and unappreciative fight fans.

Navarrete vs Gonzalez takes place Friday, Oct 15 at the Pechanga Arena San Diego. The bout will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 5:30 PDT

Posted on 10/18/2020

By: Hans Themistode

From the moment Teofimo Lopez came onto the scene, he warned every and anyone that would listen. Or, at least his father did. The braggadocios elder Lopez screamed from the mountain tops that his son was ready to take over the world.

On several occasions, he predicted exactly what would happen. “My son will be a champion in his 15th fight,” said Lopez. Sr. “And he’s going to be undisputed in 16.” Many laughed of course, but now, the only one laughing is Lopez Sr.

Lopez and Vasiliy Lomachenko marched their way through an empty arena and met dead center in the middle of the ring for their undisputed lightweight title fight. The only difference was once they got there, Lopez began throwing punches immediately while Lomachenko played defense.

At first, Lomachenko seemed to be downloading his opponent’s information to use later in the fight. But as the seconds ticked by and then the minutes and then the rounds, it was clear that Lomachenko was far more tentative than ever before.

The 23 year old Brooklyn native not only had a clear power advantage but he also seemingly had the edge in every other category. He pushed his man back, used angles and won the exchanges on both the outside and inside. In short, Lopez outboxed the one fighter many believed was impossible to do so.

With the first half of their contest turning into a one sided showing in favor of the 23 year old, Lomachenko finally showed up. The Ukrainian native found the angles that he became known for and used them to land shots at will on his younger man.

With everything going his way, Lopez looked befuddled as to where he could turn that would provide him with a safety zone from Lomachenko’s onslaught. In the ninth round, all of the momentum was behind the unified champion. The once energized legs of the younger man began fading underneath him as he languished on the ropes. A right hand by Lomachenko punctuated the round as Lopez stumbled at the end of the bell.

With no reprieve in sight, and both his defense and energy failing him, Lopez turned to the one thing that was working for him on the night. His offense. The pugnacious knockout artist made Lomachenko pay each and every time he came inside. That in turn, made the 32 year old cautious yet again.

The final round turned into an all out fight. Lopez pointed his gloves to the canvas and screamed at his man to end their contest the right way. Lomachenko had no issue with his request and the two traded heavy shots.

When the final bell rang, the body language of both fighters told the story. Lopez ran around the ring happy as can be while Lomachenko stood quietly in his corner until the scorecards were read. The Ukrainian was right to look dejected as the scorecards came back wide in Lopez’s favor. The final tally was as followed: 116-112, 119-109 and 117-111 all in favor of Lopez.

With no rematch clause attached to their original contract, Lopez expressed a desire to look for new challenges.

“Maybe I’ll face the two time email champ Devin Haney next,” said Lopez following his victory. Regardless of what he chooses to do, his options are endless at this point.

Posted on 10/18/2020

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Teofimo Lopez

No one believed in Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) coming into his matchup against the best fighter in the world in Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) but that didn’t stop him from going out there tonight and taking what he believed belonged to him.

The Brooklyn native cruised to a fairly one sided decision and rightfully so. The 23 year old pushed the pace early on and closed the show strong. It was a terrific performance by the surly knockout artist as he becomes the first undisputed champion at 135 pounds.

Edgar Berlanga vs Lanell Bellows

Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs) is a scary, scary young man. The super middleweight prospect scored the 15th straight first round knockout of his career. The unfortunate soul that matched up with this time around was journeymen Lanell Bellows (20-6-3, 13 KOs).

After the first hard shot landed, it was all over as Bellows was immediately cut and hurt. He was then battered around the ring until the referee stepped in to put a stop to the onslaught.

Josue Vargas vs Kendo Castaneda

Josue Vargas (18-1, 9 KOs) made it look entirely too easy against veteran super lightweight contender Kendo Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs).

The two clashed at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

From the offset, Vargas looked smooth boxing on the outside and hitting his opponent whenever he wanted. The normally light hitting Bronx, New York native floored his man in the second round. Castaneda however, bounced back up and kept on moving forward.

As the rounds ticked by Castaneda found himself digging a deeper and deeper hole on the judges scorecards. Just when it seemed as though the 22 year old would have everything his way, Castaneda landed a right hand that had his man visibly hurt in the seventh round. Vargas opted to stay away from his man for the remainder of the round and attempted to clear his head once the bell rang. Luckily for him, he did just that as he came out for the eighth round, appearing as though nothing ever happened.

For the remainder of their contest, Vargas was simply too good and too slick for his opponent and punished him over and over again. As the final bell rang, Vargas left no doubt who was victorious on the night. The scorecards were lopsided as ever and following ten dominant rounds, the New York native called for matches against the top contenders in his weight class. A request that might just happen in 2021.

Jose Enrique Durantes Vivas vs John Moralde

Jose Enrique Durantes Vivas (20-1, 11 KOs) was in no mood for a protracted night out.

The 26 year old wasted absolutely no time in running right through his opponent tonight in John Moralde (23-4, 13 KOs). After a quick opening round knock down, Vivas pounded his man into dust and forced the referee to step in to end things early.

Quinton Randall vs Jan Carlos Rivera

With two undefeated records on the line, Jr middleweight prospect Quinton Randall (7-0, 2 KOs) made sure his was kept intact.

The 30 year old Houston native gave a one sided drubbing to fellow prospect Jan Carlos Rivera (4-1, 4 KOs). It was an easy night for Randall as he simply had too much experience and skills for his younger opponent. The scorecards were as followed: 59-55 and two scores of 58-56 all in favor of Randall.

Jahi Tucker vs Charles Garner

After a quick win his pro debut, Jahi Tucker (2-0, 1 KOs) picked up the second victory of his career just one month later. In the process he took away the undefeated record of Charles Garner (1-1, 0 KOs).

The 17 year old in Tucker did whatever he wanted to his man, whenever he wanted. After four rounds of fairly one-sided action, the Queens, New York product cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

Posted on 10/17/2020

Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs) is a scary, scary young man. The super middleweight prospect scored the 15th straight first round knockout of his career. The unfortunate soul that matched up with this time around was journeymen Lanell Bellows (20-6-3, 13 KOs).

After the first hard shot landed, it was all over as Bellows was immediately cut and hurt. He was then battered around the ring until the referee stepped in to put a stop to the onslaught.

Posted on 10/17/2020

Josue Vargas (18-1, 9 KOs) made it look entirely too easy against veteran super lightweight contender Kendo Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs).

The two clashed at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. From the offset, Vargas looked smooth boxing on the outside and hitting his opponent whenever he wanted. The normally light hitting Bronx, New York native floored his man in the second round. Castaneda however, bounced back up and kept on moving forward.

As the rounds ticked by Castaneda found himself digging a deeper and deeper hole on the judges scorecards. Just when it seemed as though the 22 year old would have everything his way, Castaneda landed a right hand that had his man visibly hurt in the seventh round.

Vargas opted to stay away from his man for the remainder of the round and attempted to clear his head once the bell rang. Luckily for him, he did just that as he came out for the eighth round, appearing as though nothing ever happened.

For the remainder of their contest, Vargas was simply too good and too slick for his opponent and punished him over and over again. As the final bell rang, Vargas left no doubt who was victorious on the night. The scorecards were lopsided as ever and following ten dominant rounds, the New York native called for matches against the top contenders in his weight class. A request that might just happen in 2021.

Posted on 10/17/2020

Jose Enrique Durantes Vivas (20-1, 11 KOs) was in no mood for a protracted night out.

The 26 year old wasted absolutely no time in running right through his opponent tonight in John Moralde (23-4, 13 KOs). After a quick opening round knock down, Vivas pounded his man into dust and forced the referee to step in to end things early.

Posted on 10/17/2020

With two undefeated records on the line, Jr middleweight prospect Quinton Randall (7-0, 2 KOs) made sure his was kept intact.

The 30 year old Houston native gave a one sided drubbing to fellow prospect Jan Carlos Rivera (4-1, 4 KOs). It was an easy night for Randall as he simply had too much experience and skills for his younger opponent. The scorecards were as followed: 59-55 and two scores of 58-56 all in favor of Randall.

Posted on 10/17/2020

After a quick win his pro debut, Jahi Tucker (2-0, 1 KOs) picked up the second victory of his career just one month later. In the process he took away the undefeated record of Charles Garner (1-1, 0 KOs).

The 17 year old in Tucker did whatever he wanted to his man, whenever he wanted. After four rounds of fairly one-sided action, the Queens, New York product cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

Posted on 10/09/2020

By: Sean Crose

The 31-1 featherweight Emanuel Navarrete faced off against the18-0 Ruben Villa inside the bubble at that MGM Grand in Las Vegas Friday evening. At stake was the vacant WBO featherweight title. The bout was aired live on ESPN, and was presented by Top Rank Promotions.

The opening round saw Navarrete swinging a bit wildly at times. When he did land in the last thirty seconds of the round, however, Villa hit the mat. Beating the count, Villa was able to survive the first. The awkward Navarrete continued to reach with his punches in the second. Villa, however, was unable to control the tempo. By the third, Villa seemed to have found his comfort zone and was employing better ring generalship than he had previously.

Navarrete was able to drop Villa again in the fourth. Villa had been doing well, but Navarrete was too powerful for his best shots not to be effective. Once again, Villa was able to get up and survive the round. Navarrete took to hunting his man in the fifth, then continued to steamroll along in the sixth. By the seventh it was clear to anyone who was watching that Navarrete’s hands were just too heavy for Villa.

Still, Villa’s footwork kept him from harm in the eighth. Villa would have to do something truly impressive, however, if he were to somehow win the fight. Navarrete continued to throw wildly in the ninth, clearly feeling that he needed to do nothing more. Villa was seemingly able to take the tenth with aggressive punching and effective footwork.

The eleventh was a close, high octane three minute fight. The final round saw Navarrete stalk his man the same as he had stalked Villa through much of the fight. After the final bell, the judges ruled it for Navarrete by scores of 115-111, 114-112, and 114-112, allowing Navarrete to walk away with the WBO belt.

Posted on 10/03/2020

Both Kingsley Ibeh (5-1-1, 4 KOs) and Guido Vianello (7-0-1, 7 KOs) gave it everything they had tonight at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There was no interest from either man in slipping or dodging punches as they appeared only interested in one thing. Banging it out in the middle of the ring.

For the vast majority of their contest that’s exactly what they did. But unfortunately for the pair of heavyweight giants, the judges couldn’t give the nod to either of them as they ruled it a majority draw.

Posted on 10/03/2020

With his undefeated record on the line, Frevian Gonzalez Robles (4-0, 1 KOs) took care of business at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas Nevada.

His opponent on the night in Carlos Marrero (2-4-1, 0 KOs) simply had no answers and was easily dealt with.

Posted on 10/03/2020

Mitchell Sipe (1-0, 1 KO) traded in his low kicks for jabs to the face.

In what was his professional debut in the boxing ring, the former MMA fighter made quick work of James Barnes (1-1, 1 KO).

Within the first few seconds of the very first round, Sipe sent his man to the deck. Barnes may have gotten back to his feet, but he was a beaten fighter as Sipe pounded his man until the referee was given no choice but to stop the contest.

Posted on 10/03/2020

Haven Brady Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) didn’t take long to show why he was so highly touted as an amateur. The Georgia native dissected Gorwar Karyah (2-2, 2 KOs) over the course of four rounds before ultimately stopping him in the fourth.

Other than a second round point deduction, which occurred due to numerous low blows by Brady Jr., he cruised to an easy win during his pro debut as he pummeled his man in the final round.

Posted on 09/25/2020

By: Sean Crose

The biggest fight that all but the most serious of American boxing fans haven’t even heard of is going down Saturday at the Plazamedia Broadcasting Center in Munich, Germany. For there, Yuniel Dorticos and Mairis Briedis will battle to decide who is the winner of the Cruiserweight World Boxing Super Series, which has been running now for around two years. Covid-19 has, unsurprisingly, pushed back this fight repeatedly. The match will be aired live on ESPN+ here in America starting at 2:30 PM eastern time. The winner will receive the Muhammad Ali trophy and will walk out of the ring in possession of the IBF cruiserweight title belt.

 The 24-1 Dorticos likes to employ an overhand right but has the ability to effectively put his punches together. He can also be particularly damaging with an uppercut. Having won all but two of his 24 victories by knockout, it’s clear the man can turn out the lights. In his single loss, Murat Gassiev was able to take advantage of Dortico’s willingness to stand right in front of an opponent, thus making himself an easy target. The fact that Gassiev was able to finish his man during the last minute of the fight showed that Dorticos’ defense left some things to be desired. Dorticos has won two in a row since that time, however, and was able to outright knock out Andrew Tabiti in his last fight.

Briedis has a good overhand right of his own, one which has allowed him to score highlight reel knockouts. Against Manuel Charr, he also showed that he could lay out someone who was moving him back (A lesson for Charr – if someone wants to shake hands, shake hands.). Yet Oleksandr Usyk showed what a nuanced defense could do against Briedis, as he made himself responsible for Briedis’ only loss to date.

Frankly, this has the makings of a very entertaining fight. In fact, it has the makings to be the most entertaining bout in a very boxing-heavy weekend. When one considers the level of matchup Dorticos-Briedes is, that’s really saying something. Ultimately, I think this is all going to come down to the little things. This is the sort of scenario where one small mistake can lead to either man being counted out by the referee. Each fighter really has to bring his A- game and not get lazy in there. Consistency in the ring will be the key to victory for both men. 

Posted on 09/20/2020

Jose Pedraza vs Javier Molina

Jose Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs) looked dominant tonight as he pitched a near shut out against Javier Molina (22-3, 9 KOs).

Nearly every second of their contest was dictated by Pedraza and he left little doubt as to who the better fighter was.

After 12 rounds which saw the Puerto Rican native pound his man’s face in, he left the ring with a unanimous decision victory. The scorecards were as followed: 99-91 and two scores of 98-92 all in favor of Pedraza.

Efe Ajagba vs Jonathan Rice

Heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs) was given high praise from promoter Bob Arum once he signed to Top Rank, but he didn’t exactly live up to the hype, although he easily defeated Jonathan Rice (13-6-1, 9 KOs) at the MGM Grand Conference Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The aforementioned Rice spent the majority of his career as a journeymen and proved why tonight. He seldom threw punches but when he did, he found a home for a looping right hand.

Simply put, Ajagba did not look like the highly touted prospect that many pegged him out to be. Despite that, he did walk away with the unanimous decision victory.

Robeisy Ramirez vs Felix Caraballo

Robeisy Ramirez (5-1, 3 KOs) continues to put the shocking loss in his pro debut behind him. The Cuban native made it look easy as he trampled all over Felix Caraballo (13-3-2, 9 KOs).

If you managed to tune in to the first round, then that was all you needed to see. Each and every round was virtually the same as Ramirez cruised all night long.

Bryan Lua vs Luis Norambuena

Bryan Lua (6-0, 3 KOs) decided to give the judges the night off. 

The undefeated lightweight prospect handed Luis Norambuena (4-7-1, 0 KOs) his third straight loss as he pounded the 28 year old via second round stoppage. 

Jahi Tucker vs DeAndre Anderson

While most 17 year olds are cramming for future tests, newly turned pro Jahi Tucker (1-0, 1 KO) was busy acing his in the ring. 

The Queens, New York native made a successful debut tonight at the MGM Grand Conference in Las Vegas Nevada. 

His opponent on the night In DeAndre Anderson (1-2, 0 KOs) stood absolutely no chance and was pummeled in the first round. 

Kasir Goldston vs Isaiah Varnell

Kasir Goldston (1-0, 0 KOs) may only be 17 years of age, but he looked poised and under control in his boxing debut tonight. 

His opponent may have been much older in the 30 year old Isaiah Varnell (3-3, 2 KOs), but there was nothing he could do as Goldston toyed with him while cruising to a unanimous decision victory.