Tag Archives: mexico

Main Event of UFC Fight Night 159 in Mexico City Ends in No Contest

Posted on 09/22/2019

By: Jesse Donathan

All hell broke loose Saturday night immediately following the main event of UFC Fight Night 159 between Yair Rodriguez and Jeremy Stephens that saw the featherweight showdown end in a no contest (NC) after just 15-seconds in due to an eye poke from Rodriguez that unfortunately saw Stephens unable to continue much to the dismay of the fans in Mexico City. Following referee Herb Dean waving the fight off, the crowd immediately began pelting the Octagon with bottles and whatever else they found handy. It was an ugly scene that saw security and event staff form a human shield as they protected the fighters who were immediately ushered into back rooms of the arena with beer and debris raining down over top the entourage.

In comparison to the very respectful crowds regularly found at mixed martial arts events in Japan, or the grateful MMA fans in Australia, the crowds behavior in Mexico City Saturday night was downright disgraceful, with the crowd targeting UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens, the victim of Yair Rodriguez’s eye poke, with derogatory anti-homosexual slurs in the wake of the fight being called off. Stephens, who appeared to have great difficulty opening his left eye as the ring side physician examined him, is reported to have spent $30,000 in the lead up to Saturday nights fight against Yair Rodriguez and arrived in Mexico City well in advance to this weekends contest in order to acclimate himself to the city’s 7, 380 feet above sea level altitude where the thin-air is a known threat to the cardiovascular fitness of the unprepared.

UFC Fight Night 159’s no contest is at least the third such NC this month alone to end due to an inadvertant eye injury, with UFC Fight Night 158’s clash between Todd Duffee and Jeff Hughes ruled a no contest due to an eye poke and Bellator 226’s main event between two-division champion Ryan Bader and Cheick Kongo ruled a no contest after Kongo suffered an accidental eye poke of his own, an incident that nearly sparked a post-fight brawl between Bader and Kongo’s teammate Quinton “Rampage” Jackson who insisted the move was intentional. Though upon instant replay, the ultimate sequence of events remains unclear and open for debate with Bader insisting there was no eye poke at all, a sentiment many fans seem to be in agreement with.

While attending professional sporting events is an increasingly costly affair and the amount of time spent in these arenas, sometimes under less than ideal conditions while waiting for the evenings main event to kick off can lead to anxious and perhaps even contentious situations when unfortunate events such as Saturday nights main even being ruled a NC occur, the behavior of the crowd in Mexico City Saturday night was simply reprehensible and not likely something that is going to be forgotten anytime soon by a mixed martial arts community who revere their fighters and sport with great passion and defensive flare.

More Headlines

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez: What Are the Options for Him Next?

Posted on 12/17/2018

By: Waqas Ali

Mexican superstar and world champion ‘Canelo’ Alvarez delivered a stunning performance when he knocked out Rocky Fielding in three rounds at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

The bout which was attended by over 20,000 spectators in attendance was for Fielding’s WBA ‘Regular’ title which is the minor version of the belt.

British world champion Callum Smith holds the ‘Super’ version of the belt.


Photo Credit: DAZN Twitter Account

Alvarez making his first bout under the 168 pound weight limit/ super-middleweight, started fighting on the inside with Fielding and connecting immense haymakers to the head and body.

Fielding who had the height advantage of 6 feet 1 inches and the reach of 75 inches did not utilise the range and distance of the fight and therefore paid the price.

Each round consisted of a knockdown of Fielding tasting the canvas. Courtesy of body shots.

But now the question remains is what opponent is next for Alvarez (51-1-2)? Is it back to 160 or staying at 168?

Canelo’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, believes his boxer is now fully capable of competing against anyone at middleweight or super middleweight.

Canelo will return to the ring on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Las Vegas.

“Canelo fighting at 168 showed he can fight at either 168 or 160. We’ve already set aside the T-Mobile Arena for Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas. We have no opponent whatsoever – zero. We’re not thinking of nobody,” De La Hoya said.

“We’re going to enjoy the holidays and enjoy our families. After the holidays, as a team, we’ll collectively determine who Canelo is going to fight. Whether it’s 168 or 160, there are plenty of challenges out there for Canelo.”

Should he jump back to 160, one of the opponents which could be a good match up for him in terms of styles and techniques is Demetrius Andrade. His record consists of 26 wins (16 KOs) and zero defeats.

In the amateurs, he defeated future world champions like Keith Thurman, Austin Trout and Daniel Jacobs.

The 30-year-old, who holds the WBO middleweight belt has a great sense of style of being cautionary with his combinations and as a southpaw can be a limit for his conventional opponents on landing their jab. His body movement is a positive asset, considering the fact that he is able to move away from any return shots.

Alvarez has not faced a competitive southpaw with lateral foot movement since Erislandy Lara in July 2014 in which he only landed five jabs out of his 97 landing total. A bout with these two would be interesting.

Another opponent is Daniel Jacobs (35 W, 29 KOs – 2 L). His knockout ratio stands at 78%. Jacobs, who holds the IBF middleweight belt, has great utilisation of speed, power and versatility.

He is able to provide thrilling excessiveness of combinations and has rapid foot movement. Likewise with Andrade, this effect of foot movement, quickness of punches and by keeping the range, can be a great effect on their behalf.

His resume of credible opponents consist of, Ishe Smith, Caleb Truax, Sergio Mora (twice), Peter Quillin, Dmitry Pirog & Gennady Golovkin.

In the 168 division, one of the opponents that could be a good match for him is Gilberto Ramirez. He has an exceptional record of 39 victories with zero defeats.

He is the current WBO super-middleweight title champion and has defended his belt six times. He stands at 6 feet 2 ½ inches with at 75 inch reach.

Ramirez is known for his long reach and power. He’s more of a 12-rounded fighter and is able mix and match up his punches. In his last 10 bouts, eight of them were decision wins and only two by stoppages.

His two notable opponents Arthur Abraham, whom he beat for the title and Jesse Hart twice.

Another opponent is Callum Smith. The Liverpool-born fighter has a record of 25 wins and no defeats.

He’s also tall with a height 6 feet 3 inches and a reach advantage of 78 inches. Smith is known for his active punching ability and body shots. Ironically, body shots are also favouritism of Alvarez’s punching of expertise.

Especially the left hook to the body.

This style of fighting could be compatible between the two, considering the height similarity between Fielding and Smith. It could be a question of, could Alvarez wear down the taller man of Smith? How would they react to each other’s body shots?

His notable opponents that he defeated are Rocky Fielding & George Groves.

The final opponent of my choosing is Gennady Golovkin. There is no need to describe the power and chin of him. An exceptional power ratio of 87% and known for activeness, punching ability, calculating puncher and haymaker hunting.

He had a 23 knockout win streak dating from June 2008 – March 2017.

Both fights with Alvarez were close in their respected styles and performances.

With a potential trilogy with GGG, Alvarez stated:

“For me, I feel like on September 15, I showed that I was best. But it was two great fights and if the people want it, we can make it.”

According to a poll conducted by Editinking, out of 6,700 plus voters 49% of them picked Gennady Golovkin to fight Alvarez and 32% of them picked Daniel Jacobs.

With regards to what Alvarez’s future he stated:

“We’ll have to see. I have to talk to my team, enjoy the holiday and then I’ll talk to my team. But right now, without a doubt, what I want are the best fights.”

More Columns

What About Jorge Juarez? The Man Who Nearly Beat Canelo Alvarez

Posted on 09/13/2017

By: Brian Strahan

Mexico, has its own California. Baja California. A feral peninsula, encompassed by the Pacific Ocean to its west, and the Sea of Cortez to its east. At its tip, bordering that other California, lies Tijuana. A city known in the past as much for its pull of Hollywood celebrities, who could gamble in relative anonymity, as it was for criminality, which eventually, morphed into a city more associated with cultural growth.


Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

It was here that Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez came close to suffering his first professional defeat. An opening flurry of victories as a 15-year-old, came at something of a canter. Similar to the only man who would ever defeat him – Floyd Mayweather Jr – Canelo had a family in his corner. Just not his own. Not far from his modest home in Juanacatlan on the fringes of Guadalajara, his brother Rigoberto introduced him to Chepo and Eddy Reynoso.

From the Julian Magdaleno Gym, were the father and son team trained the flame-haired Canelo, his route was plotted. Impressed by his speed of thought and power, the Reynoso’s didn’t feel, but knew he was ready. Such was his ferocity at the 2005 Junior Nationals, in the southern, busy city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez; no one his age, apart from the foolhardy, wanted to face him.

Turning professional at such a young age, is no big deal in Mexico. Other nations may scoff at the youthful age that boys are thrown in amongst men to fight. But Mexican boxing can point to the robust nature of their success, rooted in the tough start they allow their young boxers. Mexico can boast having more than 150 professional world champions in its pugilistic history. Only the United States can champion a stronger record.

So, there was nothing unorthodox in Canelo facing fellow Mexican Abraham Gonzalez in his first fight; Gonzalez three years his senior. That chasm in physical development, a lot wider in teens then a corresponding chasm for even marginally older boxers. It mattered little, however. A total knock out in the fourth and final round for Canelo.

Little changed for his second fight against Pablo Alvarado, very much his elder at 26. It was, physically and literally, man against boy. Again, an irrelevance. Alvarado lasted two rounds before Canelo ended his night.

The third test of this fledgling career would prove more demanding. Miguel Vazquez – again three years his senior – may have been making his professional debut, but he had genuine potential. Potential that he would go on to fulfill. But this welterweight fight was out of reach for a fighter who would go on to win a multitude of titles. His only defeat in a valiant 2013 unification loss to Mayweather by majority decision. Still though, against Vazquez, Canelo was made work. The split decision went his way.

Pedro Lopez, a month later, didn’t offer a similar challenge. Back in Canelo’s hometown of Guadalajara, Lopez, a fighter from the former colonial city of Tabasco, had little vigour to offer. Another knock out. It would be the beginning of a trend in a career that bore little fruit.

So on to the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana. Perhaps more famed for its seminal Friday night dose of Lucha Libre; the Mexican variant of professional wrestling. With its spirited masks and costumes and comic-book style heroes and villains; it appeals to the masses as a sport and entertainment.

On June 17th, 2006, there was substantially less of the fanfare for the meeting of Canelo and Jorge Juarez. Not that the night itself was sedate. Hector Velazquez, a Tijuana local, and a solid career fighter, was the main draw. After he discarded compatriot Guadalupe Hernandez in a deeply one-sided affair, the crowd simply dispersed.

The undercard, as Canelo and Juarez were, came after the main event. Perhaps not the most carefully structured running order. What it meant was a sparse attendance and a quieter atmosphere, despite Juarez being a local. But three victories from eight against a relative unknown, was not enough to keep seats filled.

Maybe they should have stayed. What was missed was Canelo being tested. That was the function of Juarez. To try the properly strong Canelo against someone who would hold firm. Where some previous opponents had struggled to match his intensity, Juarez used the physicality and experience that came with his 8-year advantage. Canelo tired in the fourth-round bout and Juarez made connections.

If he didn’t quite school him; Juarez was in his element. This was as evenly matched a welterweight contest as there could have been. Juarez would have more defeats than victories up until his retirement in 2011. In 2015 Juarez returned but has had eight defeats on the bounce since.

Still though, the two came together at a time and a night when there was nothing to split them. The triumvirate of judges scored it 37-39, 38-38, 37-39. A one-point difference anywhere along the way could have meant another easily forgotten victory for Canelo. Or it could have meant Juarez being the only person outside of Floyd Mayweather to defeat Canelo in his professional career; to date.

How much relevance it will have on Saturday, who knows? But it has relevance for Juarez. And not because he can dine off a former glory. But because he showed he could match someone who was on his way to becoming one of the world’s best.

More Columns

Don’t Tell Robert “Tito” Manzanarez 15 is Too Young to Turn Pro!

Posted on 05/23/2017

Don’t Tell Robert “Tito” Manzanarez 15 is Too Young to Turn Pro!
By: Ken Hissner

It was 3 months past his 15th birthday when Phoenix, AZ, born (2/17/94) Robert “Tito” Manzanarez turned professional in Los Mochis, Mexico, when he stopped Jose Rosario Lopez in 0:32. At 5:07 he only weighed 110¾ and scored another win just some 8 days later weighing 123¾ but returning to his flyweight weight some 4 weeks later in his third bout.

????????????????????????????????????

Manzanarez was 9-0 in 2010 in 4 round bouts. In 2011 he was 7-0 in all 6 round bouts. In July of 2011 he faced his first opponent with a winning record in Cristian Aguilar, 5-1, scoring a first round knockout which was his eleventh bout weighing 122. It was his second scheduled 6 round bout.

Two fights later Manzanarez defeated Edgar Alfredo Martinez, 6-1, over 6 rounds. He would go onto score 8 straight stoppages after this fight before suffering his first career loss to Alejandro Barrera, 21-11, by stoppage in the 4th round of a scheduled 6 round bout. He would defeat 13 straight winning record opponents after this up until his most recent bout including reversing his loss on November 17th in 2012. He was 5-1 in 2012. He had his first scheduled 8 round bout in June of 2012.

In February of 2013 Manzanarez would be back in the ring starting a 6 straight stoppage wins including a third round knockout over Barrera in a re-match on November 16th 2013. In May of 2013 he had his first scheduled 10 round bout in May and going just 4-0 in 2013. In 2014 he also went 4-0.

In August of 2014 Manzanarez faced Ricardo Castillo, 40-11-1, who in 2009 fought for the IBF World featherweight title which ended in a TD3 and Castillo never got a rematch. Manzanarez stopped Castillo in the third round. In his next bout he won a 10 round decision over Hector Velazquez, 56-23-3, in December.

In 2015 Manzanarez only had 3 bouts with 2 by stoppage. He would come in at 140 in one of these bouts which has been his highest weight as of yet. In 2016 he returned some 4 months later in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds. He knocked out Carlos Joan Jacobs, 20-11-1, in the second round. In his previous bout he turned 21. It would be his only bout in 2016.

It would be another 11 months before Manzanarez would fight again and his first bout outside of Mexico, in the US. On February 17th of 2017 he scored a 4th round knockout with a body shot in a scheduled 8 round bout over former super featherweight champion Gamaliel Diaz, 40-15-3, at the Belasco Theater, in Los Angeles, CA.

Manzanarez 35-1 (28), on May 18th defeated Erick Daniel Martinez, 13-7-1 (7), over 8 rounds at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ, his home state for the first time since turning professional after 7 years of fighting. At 22 he is a name to watch!

More Columns

Canelo and Julio’s Choreographed Debacle

Posted on 05/10/2017

Canelo and Julio’s Choreographed Debacle
By: Ronald Neal Goldman

If you’ve attentively followed the sweet science as long as I, you would know something just wasn’t right in Canelo Alverez’s ridiculously easy shut out of Julio Cesar Chavez in their 12 round non-title bout. In what should have been an intriguing battle between the middleweight superstar, Canelo, and Chavez Jr, (a mere shadow of one of boxing’s authentic Hall of Fame legends, Julio Cesar Chavez) resulted not only in a monumentally disappointing fight, but served as a catalyst in questioning the why and how Alvarez achieved his victory.

IMG_3610

Say what you will about Junior’s less than stellar record as middle or super middleweight, he had been indigenous of Mexican pride when it came to his heritage and legacy: fight to the very end, whatever it takes. In his fight with Sergio Martinez that’s precisely what happened; approaching a lopsided decision in favor of Martinez, Junior cornered Sergio in the ropes and dropped him with a vicious left hook which nearly rewrote boxing history. The Martinez fight, more than anything, was a reflection of Chavez’s credo-never throw in the towel-pun clearly intended. It was Junior’s performance, or more accurately, lack of, that was so out of character in his fight with Canelo.

How was it possible that Chavez was virtually shut out and not being awarded, deservedly so I might add, even one round, unless he was following a script blueprinted by Golden Boy. The showdown between Canelo and GGG had been years in the making and a Canelo loss would have virtually torpedoed a possible billion dollar mega fight. It wasn’t a question of Junior losing, but what is more important was that he would not be winning. This was clearly illustrated by the inordinately few times Chavez had Canelo on the ropes, banging away and then inexorably would stop, not to mention how often when Chavez was cornered by the shorter Canelo and just did nothing. The few times Chavez elected to engage was enough for the suits to placate viewers that there was still some reminisce of what Chavez was capable. Whether Canelo was privy to this ring orchestration is moot. It just it seems somewhat convenient that Golovkin and Canelo was already a done deal with a signed agreement, a specific date emblazoned across the PPV screen, and all that signed, sealed and delivered prior to the Canelo/Chavez show. Were Oscar Dela Hoya and Golden Boy so sure their boy would be victorious? More likely, to save a billion dollar PPV, there’s nothing like contributing couple of million dollars to the Chavez retirement fund.

Ronald Neal Goldman
Professor of English
Touro College and University System

More Columns

Canelo-Chavez: Why We Thought Junior Had a Chance

Posted on 05/09/2017

Canelo-Chavez: Why We Thought Junior Had a Chance
By: Sean Crose

What was it that led so many of us – myself certainly included – to believe Julio Caesar Chavez Junior would make a good showing last Saturday evening against Saul Canelo Alvarez in Vegas? Junior had proven himself to be less than serious about the sport of boxing over the years, after all. Furthermore, he was up against a foe in Alvarez who had a long track record of professionalism and dedication to craft. Again, what were so many of us thinking? Before the self-flagellation begins, let’s step back and look at things objectively. For starters, Canelo had, fairly or not, been looking like less and less the sportsman of late.

IMG_3622

Sure, the red haired star had been a take on all comers sort for a while, but a steady diet of Liam Smiths and Amir Khans appeared to indicate the fighter may have chosen to take a decidedly less ambitious approach in more recent days. Fans are right to wonder when a popular fighter like Canelo pushes off a chance to fight a popular fighter like Gennady Golovkin over and over again. And so, ironically enough, it made sense for some to question whether or not Canelo was taking the craft of boxing as seriously as he once did.

In the meantime, Canelo’s less talented opponent looked to actually – wait for it – be working hard in camp. He was dropping weight, he wasn’t reportedly out partying and he looked to finally be heeding the words of an esteemed trainer (this time around, the man in his corner was the legendary Nacho Beristain). With Canelo possibly playing the role of boxing diva and Junior possibly growing up (albeit belatedly), why wouldn’t people give the son of the great Julio Caesar Chavez a chance of winning? Junior was bigger than Canelo, was handling things like an adult and looked to have something to prove.

Or so we thought. Ultimately, Saturday evening ended up presenting one of the most disappointing fights in recent memory. The only thing that saved the evening, or nearly saved it, was the announcement afterwards that Canelo would finally be facing Golovkin in September. Pondering the whole thing endlessly these past few days, I can’t even assure myself that Junior didn’t try against Canelo, as so many have asserted. It seemed like he simply might have been so badly outclassed that he wasn’t even sure if and when he should throw a punch.

Junior was the underdog, though, and people love underdogs. Even more than that, people love redemption stories, and even a close loss would have redeemed Junior in the eyes of many. It was simply not meant to be, though. Junior embarrassed himself in the ring – whether he meant to or not – then threw the respected Beristain under the bus afterward for the elder gentleman’s fight strategy. Truth be told, the only strategy that would have worked on Saturday would have been Junior entering the ring with an aluminum bat in his hands.

Anything less may well have produced the same result.

More Columns

What did we just watch? Saul Alvarez vs. Julio Chavez Jr. Aftermath

Posted on 05/08/2017

What did we just watch? Saul Alvarez vs. Julio Chavez Jr. Aftermath
By: Kirk Jackson

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 49-1-1 (34 KO’s) destroyed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 50-3-1 (32 KO’s) in a bout marketed as a Mexican Civil-War over Cinco de Mayo weekend.

IMG_3618

In what resembled an obvious mismatch from the opening bell, Alvarez pummeled Chavez Jr. over the course of 12 rounds.

IMG_3616

But why?

How was Alvarez able to seamlessly destroy Chavez Jr. at will after all the hype behind the fight? Where was the retaliation from Chavez Jr.?

What happened to the narrative and stereotype of all Mexicans fighting to the death, leaving it all in the ring?
What we witnessed was a combination of five factors:

Difference in skill/experience –

Alvarez is the more experienced of the two in spite of having relatively the same amount of fights. The difference is world titlists faced; 13 compared to six for Chavez Jr.

Alvarez gained an education fighting the likes of Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, etc., which is a step up compared to guys like Andy Lee, Carlos Molina and Sergio Martinez for Chavez Jr.

Regarding skill, Alvarez has superior upper body movement, foot work, punch-variation, punch accuracy, counter-punching ability and great overall awareness.

In short, Alvarez made the fight look like a sparring match – he even stood up in his corner between rounds.

Difference in weight –

How much did Chavez Jr. sacrifice while cutting weight? His punches lacked snap and his timing was off. It’s unfair to say this is primarily due to weight loss, however it is fair to speculate.

Chavez Jr. attributed his performance to inactivity.

“Canelo is a great fighter, he did his job tonight and the inactivity, it hurt me here tonight,” Chavez Jr. said.

“I always thought he was a good fighter. He just had better timing, a better fighter tonight. The activity helped him and inactivity hindered me.”

The addition of weight for this fight clearly affected Alvarez in a positive way. He looked more energetic and his body responded well to the higher weight.
By most observers, Alvarez was considered huge at 154 lbs. and the last few years Alvarez may have done his body a disservice fighting at that weight.

Alvarez may have also fooled the public for years, killing himself to squeeze down to 154 lbs.

Leading up to the fight against Chavez Jr., Alvarez suggested the preparation during his camp and the sparring in particular helped acclimate to bigger foes.

“I’ve been feeling very good. I’ve been training with sparring partners who are much bigger, who are light heavyweights that are much bigger than me,” he said.
“I’m feeling very comfortable, and very strong. I’m not having to dehydrate as much. I’m still having to go down in weight because I’m above the weight that the fight is scheduled at, but I don’t have to dehydrate totally.”

He looked fresh, like a brand new rejuvenated fighter. Although beating up a punching bag in human form (Chavez Jr.) doesn’t hurt.

Which leads to the next factor…
Speed –

“It was really negative, everything, totally, we did not win a round. It is not possible to cover the sun with a finger, Canelo Alvarez is simply better technically speaking,” Nacho Berstain said to ESPN Deportes.

“I asked him to throw punches, simply to throw punches but he was afraid to throw a jab or a certain combination because he knew that three or four punches would come back in return, and those doubts were born in his head real early and they stayed with him for the entire fight.”

Berstain, the trainer of Chavez Jr. for the fight against Alvarez specified the main problem; speed and technical ability.

We knew entering the fight Alvarez held the advantage of hand speed and foot speed, but the speed and reflexes of Alvarez kept Chavez Jr. passive throughout the fight.

There’s an old adage in boxing, “Speed kills,” and this was not an exception.

Retaliation, the counter-action to an action and then the threat of retaliation is what keeps aggressive fighters at distance.

Speed, timing and the threat of attack is the greatest asset for any counter-puncher.

History/consistency –
There’s another proverb, “A tiger never changes its stripes,” this was another example with Chavez Jr. Not to beat up on the guy (no pun intended), but there is a history of poor training habits and not performing well in big fights.

The fight against Martinez is a prime example, as he lost every round with the exception of the 12th round when he scored a knock down.

History repeated itself this past weekend, with the exception of Chavez Jr. scoring a knock down or landing anything significant.

“I don’t blame the fans for being frustrated with is performance, they are quite right in feeling that way, and I feel the same way too, and he must also be frustrated, his father too, everyone,” said Berstain regarding the fight against Alvarez.

“He should apply himself and he should behave like a boxing pro and success will come to him.”

Professionalism is something Chavez Jr. should continue to practice going forward. An example on a lack of professionalism is his series of failed drug tests in the past.

On February 28th, 2013, Chavez Jr. was suspended for nine months and fined $900,000 (30 percent of his purse) by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for testing positive for marijuana following his loss to Martinez.

It was the second failed test for Chavez Jr., who in 2009 tested positive for a banned diuretic following his bout with Troy Rowland.

Chavez Jr. may be past the failed test issues but there is still a lack of consistency.

Which transitions to the last factor…
Gift and curse of the name –

Chavez Jr. is named after Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. No matter how hard he tries, it’s damn near impossible to live up to or exceed his father’s accomplishments.

Escaping his father’s shadow is a difficult task and something Chavez Jr. struggled with his entire career in spite of the success achieved as a professional and the accomplishments achieved outside the ring as a man.

This comparison is a struggle the children of other famous celebrities deal with as well.

Basketball icon Michael Jordan (Jeffrey and Marcus Jordan) can relate, the children of LeBron James may endure similar comparisons and obstacles well.

Chavez Jr. has lived in his father’s shadow ever since he was a child and it’s an unfair situation to be placed in.
There was often a question of heart and desire regarding Chavez Jr. A question of why is he fighting?

Some suggest he is fighting for the acceptance of his father. Fighting for his father’s approval, his father’s respect and love – which he already appears to have.

Chavez Sr. always appears unconditionally supportive of his son.

But when your motives are in question, when there is a question of identity and what your heart truly wants, in many cases the fighter will not perform to expectations.

Only Chavez Jr. can answer these questions, but this may explain the performances throughout his career and what some critics deem as underachieving.

Because of the name, Chavez Jr. was afforded special opportunities. But because of the name, it was impossible to meet expectations.

More Columns

Canelo vs. Chavez Round by Round Results: Canelo Outclasses Chavez In Route

Posted on 05/07/2017

Canelo vs. Chavez Round by Round Results: Canelo Outclasses Chavez In Route
By: William Holmes

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Canelo Alvarez met in the main event of the night on tonight’s HBO Pay Per View (PPV) card from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The mood in the arena was festive and HBO spent some time hyping the upcoming pay per view bout between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev.

IMG_3610

The Mexican National Anthem was sung by Pepe Aguilar and performed first. Paula Deanda performed the national anthem of the United States.

Julio Cesar Chavez entered the ring first and Canelo Alvarez entered second. The crowd was largely supporting Canelo over Chavez.

The following is a round by round recap of tonight’s main event between two of Mexico’s best boxers.

Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1) vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-3-2); Super Middleweights

Round 1:

Chavez looked significantly bigger than Canelo in the ring. Canelo connects with an early right hand to the body, followed by a jab. Canelo lands a left hook followed by a jab. Chavez barely bocks a right hand and follows it with a right hook to the body. Canelo jabs to the body and misses with a left hook. Canelo lands a left hook to the body. Chavez slips a jab but then eats a right hand to the temple. Canelo lands two straight jabs. Canelo lands another jab. Another jab lands for Canelo. Chavez is short with a jab. Canelo lands a jab. Canelo lands a straight right at the temple of Chavez. Chavez misses with two punches. Both boxers seem tenative to throw combinations.

10-9 Canelo

Round 2:

Neither boxer sat on the stool after the first round. Canelo lands two jabs. Chavez is short with a right hook to the body. Canelo lands an uppercut followed by a good blow to the body. Chavez is short with a right cross but then lands two hooks to the body. Canelo snaps out a shapr jab. Another jab to the body followed by a two punch combination. Chavez lands a left hook to the body followed by a combination with Canelo’s back to the ropes. Canelo lands a three punch combination followed by an uppercut. Canleo lands a lead right uppercut and misses a bomb of a straight right hand. Canelo lands two more right uppercuts followed by a right cross. Chavez connects with a quick jab but then eats one in return. Canelo tags him with another jab. Canelo lands another jab on Chavez. Canelo digs in a hook to the body of Chavez. Canelo lands a reaching jab.

10-9 Canelo; 20-18 Canelo

Round 3:

Canelo presses forward to start the third round and he lands a quick jab. Canelo lands another jab. Tags Chavez with a jab again. Chavez lands a jab. Canelo throws a two punch combination to the head of Chavez. Chavez lands a jab to the body. Canelo lands a jab followed by a right uppercut. Chavez lands a short hook but Canelo follows up with a jab upstairs. Canelo lands a right cross left uppercut combination. Chavez lands a two punch combination but Canelo answers with a combo of his own. Canelo lands another jab. Jab lands for Canelo. Chavez has a welt over his right eye and blood coming from his nose. Canelo lands another jab on Chavez. Chavez lands a two punch combo on Canelo and Canelo fights his way off the ropes with hooks to the body. Canelo lands a left hook to the head of Chavez. Canelo lands another jab. Canelo lands a right cross.

10-9 Canelo; 30-27 Canelo

Round 4:

Canelo opens up the fourth round with a straight right hand. Canelo digs in two hard hooks to the body and follows it with a two punch combo upstairs. Canelo has Chavez fighting backwards and is landing shots at will. Chavez looks lost inside the ring. Canelo snaps another jab at the nose of Chavez. Canelo lands a beautiful two punch combination. Cahvez throws a two punch combo but lands at air. Canelo lands a jab. Chavez lands a short jab but Canelo answers with a right hook to the body. Canelo is landing shots at will. Canelo lands several hard right hands on Chavez. Canelo is just dominating. Canelo bounces two uppercuts off the face of Chavez. Canelo lands a jab on Chavez. Canelo lands another jab. Chavez connects with a two punch combo. Hard jab by Canelo. Another hard jab by Canelo.

10-9 Canelo; 40-36 Canelo

Round 5:

Canelo lands a jab, follows it with another jab. Canelo is showing good head movement as he stalks Chavez. Canelo is in total control. Canelo lands a right cross. Canelo connects with a jab. Chavez is just getting beat up. Canelo lands a vicious right cross. Canelo connects a three punch combination. Canelo lands a hard right uppercut. Chavez lands a jab and a hook to the body. Canelo tags a left hook off the temple of Chavez. Canelo lands a right hook to the body. Canelo lands a jab. Canelo lands another jab. Chavez surprises Canelo with a right cross. Sharp jab by Canelo.

10-9 Canelo; 50-45 Canelo

Round 6:

Canelo looks very confident. Canelo comes out firing and lands a two punch combination. Good right hook to the body by Canelo followed by a right cross upstairs. Two straight jabs by Canelo. Another jab by Canelo. Canelo lands a hard left hook. Canelo digs in another hook to the body. Canelo flicks out another jab. Chavez tryignt o paw at the defenses of Canelo. Canelo with a two punch combination. Chavez is just not letting go. Canelo lands a two punch combination. Chavez has Canelo’s back against the ropes and he throws out some combinations. But he still seems hesitant to exchange with Canelo. Chavez with a right hook to the body. Chavez look intimidated by Canelo.

10-9 Canelo; 60-54 Canelo

Round 7:

Canelo may not have sat down the entire fight. Canelo is imposing his will on Chavez. Canelo moving behind his jab and connects with a good combination. Canelo lands another combination followed by two jabs. Chavez’s left eye is swollen. Chavez lands a combo on Canelo by the ropes. Chavez lands a combo but Canelo fires back. Canelo lands a short right hook. A clean right cross lands for Canelo. Canelo digs in several hard hooks to the body. Chavez lands a right hook to the body of Canelo. Canelo lands a jab followed by a right cross. Canelo throws two wild right hooks. Canelo lands another right cross to the body.

10-9 Canelo; 70-63 Canelo

Round 8:

Chavez’s face is badly swollen. Chavez digs in a right uppercut to the body of Canelo. Canelo blisters a three punch combination off the face of Chavez. Chavez lands a hard combination to Canelo with his back to the ropes. Chavez lands a combo upstairs but Canelo fires back and backs Chavez up. Canelo lands a jab. Canelo with a one two combo. Canelo with a tight jab followed by a hook to the body. Chavez lands a right cross. Canelo lands two straight right crosses followed by a hard body head combo. Canelo with another jab.

10-9 Canelo; 80-72 Canelo

Round 9:

Canelo has clearly won every round so far. Canelo has a hard, hard jab. Chavez bangs a right uppercut off the guard of Canelo. Chavez with a combination to the body on Canelo by the ropes. Chavez throws two hard punches at the guard of Canelo. Chavez lands a short combo and gets warned for a low blow. Chavez digs in a hook and Canelo comes back firing. Canelo digs in a hook to the body followed by a right cross. Canelo digs in another hook to the body followed by a hook to the body. Chavez has Canelo by the ropes but seems hesitant to let his hands go. Canelo is looking to counter Chavez. Canelo lands another jab. He’s in clear control.

10-9 Canelo; 90-81 Canelo

Round 10:

Canelo is imposing his will to start the tenth round. Canelo throws a double jab and lands them both. Canelo lands a hard right hook to the body. Canelo lands a jab and a right cross. This does look like a sparring session for Canelo. Canelo with a double hook combination upstairs. Canelo with a right uppercut. Chavez has barely thrown any punches this round. Canelo lands two straight right uppercuts. Canelo lands a straight right hand. Chavez lands a short jab. Many fans in attendance are starting to boo.
10-9 Canelo; 100-90 Canelo

Round 11:

Chavez badly needs to go for a knockout but he’s not pressing forward or throwing any punches. Many in attendance are booing the action in the ring. Canelo is just continuing to press forward and press the action. Chavez finally throws a two punch combination. Canelo lands a jab to the nose of Chavez. The boos and whistles continue. Chavez is fighting very passively. Canelo lands a good body shot followed by a right cross upstairs.

10-9 Canelo; 110-99 Canelo

Round 12:

Canelo is able to land a punch whenever he wants. Canelo lands a good right uppercut followed by a jab. Many in the crowd are continuing to boo. Canelo lands a right cross followed by a three punch combination. Canelo vs. Chavez Round by Round Results: Canelo Outclasses Chavez In Route lands a short right cross. Canelo snaps out another jab. Chavez is just not throwing combinations. Canelo lands a right hook followed by a two punch combination. Chavez did not take any risks whatsoever in this fight. By the end it resembled a sparring session more than a boxing match.

10-9 Canelo; 120-108 Canelo.

The official scores were 120-108 on all three scorecards.

More Headlines

The Battle of Mexico: Canelo vs. Chavez Jr.

Posted on 05/04/2017

The Battle of Mexico: Canelo v. Chavez Jr.
By: Matthew N. Becher

One of the greatest fan bases in the sport of boxing is, without question, the Mexican people. They have a very rich and deep history associated with the sport and a group of some of the greatest fighters of all time. Most recently the torch bearer was Juan Manuel Marquez, with Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera before him. Pintor, Vargas, De La Hoya, Castillo, the list goes on and on, but the greatest of all time is the indomitable Julio Cesar Chavez.

CaneloChavezArrivals_Hoganphotos5
Photo Credit: Hogan Photos

The Cinco de Mayo weekend has been a very big deal for the past decade in boxing. It is a time to celebrate with a big fight. Oscar De La Hoya had a hold on the first weekend in May for many years, until Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated him and made the date his own. Now the king of México’s big fight day is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Canelo fought his first Cinco de Mayo fight on a PPV undercard (Mayweather v. Cotto), against Shane Mosley and has owned the date for the last 2 years with knockout of the year performances against James Kirkland and Amir Khan.

This year the big date will pit the “A” side Canelo against the son of a legend and a fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. This fight is a big deal, not only because of the enormity of two Mexicans fighting on a Mexican holiday, but because the two truly hate each other and believe they need to win to become the face of Mexican boxing for the next generation.

Canelo is 26 years old and has already shared the ring with some of the greatest fighters of a generation. He has fought 50 times already and has won 48, losing only once to the Floyd Mayweather Jr. His resume includes, Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Angulo, Lara, Cotto and Khan. He is a 4x world champion and looks to be moving up to even bigger and better fights.

Chavez Jr. was the first Mexican fighter to ever win a Middleweight title. He is still relatively young at 31, and has been a professional for 14 years. He has beaten the likes of Zbik, Antonio Rubio, Andy Lee, & Vera. His 2012 defense against Sergio Martinez was an extremely brutal affair, which he lost by decision, almost knocking out Sergio in the final round, and in the long run, hurting Martinez’s knee and ending his career.

Canelo is a hard worker, who came from a family of 7 boys, all professional boxers. He is the youngest and does not respect Chávez’s’ work ethic. Doesn’t believe he is even in the same level as himself and thinks that Chavez Jr. has had everything handed to him, because of his father’s name.

Chavez Jr. believes his father’s legacy continues through him and that Canelo is a scared fighter, since he ducked GGG and handed over his belt. Chavez, who has had some personal problems in the past thinks that Canelo has gone over his head taking a fight at 164.5, against a man who is known for being a heavy handed, bigger, brawler.

In the lead up to the fight it is easy to say that the fans are split down the middle. Many love the new blood and face of Canelo, and see him as the future. But, the name Julio Cesar Chavez does hold a lot of clout in the country and has fans travel in droves to cheer for their man from Culiacan.

The winner of this fight is primed for big things later this year and for the time being, they will be the new King of Mexico.

More Columns

Quienes el Rey? Canelo Alvarez or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.?

Posted on 05/02/2017

Quienes el Rey? Canelo Alvarez or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.?
By: Kirk Jackson

Who is the King of Mexico?

Mexico, a nation historically grand with tremendous boxerspast and present – Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricardo Lopez, Erik Morales, Salvador Sanchez, Lupe Pintor, Daniel Zaragoza, Marco Antonio Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., – the list goes on.

Many terms come to mind when describing the proto-typical Mexican fighter; powerful, gritty, technical and passionate.

To quote Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, “In Mexicao, we don’t fuck around!”

CottoCanelo_Hoganphotos3

While Alvarez may not embody all of the generalizations and traits of the standard Mexican fighter, in this era with all eyes are on Alvarez, he is the torch bearer for Mexican boxing and one of the mainstream stars of boxing period.

As the A-side of any proposed match-up, Alvarez aims to establish himself as Mexico’s boxing king.

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who many perceive as Mexico’s grandest king, undoubtedly ruled the kingdom with iron fists and an iron chin to match during his reign in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., inherited some of his father’s physical attributes, but failed to follow his father’s footsteps as Mexico’s numerouno.

Escaping his father’s shadow is a difficult task and something Chavez Jr. struggled with his entire career in spite of success as a professional. The children of basketball icon Michael Jordan (Jeffrey and Marcus Jordan) can relate.

Alvarez now faces the son of the former king Chavez Jr.,in a highly anticipated, Mexican civil-war this weekend.

A match-up and rivalry years in the making, as both parties appear to have genuine dislike for one another and for what each party represents.

“I’ve always said that when you have two Mexican warriors, people will come out to show their support because they recognize that it’s going to be a great fight, it’s going to be a lot of action, it’s what the people want to see,” said Golden Boy Promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

“I am in this sport, as a promoter, to help the sport grow and these fights are pure emotion.”

Ironically, this match takes place during an Americanized holiday weekend Cinco de Mayo and on American soil.

However many questions underlie the main proposed inquiry; who is the king of Mexico – as Alvarez and Chavez are the two biggest names across the landscape.

Odds reflect on the surface, Alvarez is the betting favorite.For his part, Chavez Jr. prefers to be underestimated.

“They [Alvarez] do not want me to be at my best. They picked me because of my inactivity; I broke my hand, my disregard for training in the gym – but that’s good for me, because we’re going to try to give him a surprise,” Chavez Jr. said in an interview with Boxing Scene.

chavez-jr_1

“I think they took the fight because of that, because they believe that I am not at 100% and that’s a benefit for me.”

Comparing credentials and accoladesAlvarez, is more accomplished as a fighter.

Alvarez is a four-time world champion, possesses a record of 10-1 (6 KO’s) in world title fights and a record of 11-1 (4 KO’s) against former or current world titlists.

Chavez Jr. is the former WBC middleweight champion, possesses a record of 4-1 (2 KO’s) in world title fights and a record of 3-1-1 (1 KO’s) against former world titlists.

While the consensus is Chavez Jr. is outgunned regarding hand speed, punching power, offensive punch versatility, counter-punching, defense, overall skills among other attributes, boxing matches are not won on paper and Chavez Jr. is capable of an upset.

“With the experience I have I’ve come to put on a good fight,” Chavez Jr. said to Sports Addiction.

“It will be hard, difficult. I have confidence that I can get past this commitment and have a good result, a good fight where I can knock him out, beat him like I said I would and I have prepared with that mentality.”

Chavez Jr. acquired the services of legendary trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, along with renownedboxing fitness coach Memo Heredia to assist with preparation for Alvarez.

Even with the services of Beristain and Heredia, defeating Alvarez will be a tall task for Chavez Jr.

“Nacho has the experience, he has the maturity to be able to help Chavez Jr. a lot – but even if you have the best coaches, they will not be able to help you if are not a disciplined fighter, “ says Beristain pupil Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Nacho is a disciplined coach and that injects you a lot of motivation.”

The fight between Alvarez and Chavez Jr. is a tale of two opposing stories and backgrounds. Most boxing fans recognize the name “Chavez” and realize the historic significance behind the name.

Chavez Jr. is the son of legendary Mexican pugilist Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.; an influential hero to fans and fighters alike.Chavez Jr. however, had the impossible task of walking in his father’s shoes; constantly dealing with comparisons and criticisms.

Chavez admittedly not only failed to live up to the bench mark of his father, but to the standards of a champion.

Failed drug tests, weight issues, lack of quality opposition, questionable decisions, etc., drew the ire from many observers; fans and boxing writers alike. Many wondered if Chavez Jr. was the classic example of nepotism gone wrong.

Alvarez descends from a fighting family, with older brothers competing in the professional ranks as well. The youngest of eight children Canelo, achieved the highest level of the profession, becoming world champion four-times over.

Alvarez turned professional at age 15, arguably had a more difficult rise towards the top and wants to remain there.

This fight has significant meaning for both parties. For Chavez, this is a fight for redemption, a fight that will help define his legacy. For Alvarez, this fight is important for his family and his legacy, as well as building towards the proposed match-up with unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.

Golden Boy Promotion’s De La Hoya says we can expect a fight similar to that rivalry on Saturday night.
“Just like the old days, you feel the electricity in the air,” De La Hoya said in describing the significance of this fight.

De La Hoya continued, “There’s animosity toward each other, I can’t really explain it. There’s a lot of pride at stake. They have many years around each other, and you have to go back. Something happened. I don’t know if Canelo triggered it or Canelo triggered it, but they don’t like each other. They genuinely despise each other. In terms of action, I can see this fight unfolding like Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.”

To quote hip-hop legend Nas, “There’s one life, one love, so there can only be one King!”

So who will it be? Alvarez or Chavez?

More Columns

Boxing Insider Interview with Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez: The Next Big Thing

Posted on 04/18/2017

Boxing Insider Interview with Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez: The Next Big Thing
By: Francisco Martinez

Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez a 168lbs southpaw standing 6′ 2” with technical boxing ability along with speed and stamina and not to mention good looks is an easy sell to the public. This coming Saturday April 22nd he’s set to step back into the ring after a lay off do to a hand injury and defend his WBO 168lbs title for the first time against Max Bursak of Germany in a triple header card which will also showcase Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno whom will also defend their versions of the WBO title at 126lbs and 122lbs. All in a stacked Top Rank promotions PPV card at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Ramirez_Lorenzo_espn_140411_001a

BoxingInsider was at hand for the media day at the famed Magnifico Boxing Gym own by 3 time champion, legend Israel El Magnifico Vazquez who’s gym resides in Southgate, Los Angeles as Zurdo Ramirez, Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno worked out in front of the media and fans we managed to get a few quotes from Zurdo as he taped up for his workout and this is what he had to say.

BoxingInsider: “How was training camp?”

Zurdo Ramirez: “Really good, really good, my preparation is done now” says with a big smile on his face.

BoxingInsider: “You look very happy why?”

Zurdo Ramirez: “Because the fight is really close and I’m really happy. One year and 13 days out of the ring and now it’s time to go back”

Zurdo Ramirez was suppose to defend his title on the night Manny Pacquiao soundly defeated Jessie Vargas but Zurdo suffered a hand injury which required surgery and has kept him out of the ring since April of last year. Although not being able to compete Zurdo maintained active while back home in Mazatlan, Mexico where he kept his physical shape in tact by running, swimming and strength and conditioning work. Something trainer’s, father and son Jesus and Hector Zapari feel benefited him greatly being out of the ring from over a year.

BoxingInsider: “So that was on your mind the whole time to step back into the ring?”

Zurdo Ramirez: “Yeah because one year out of the ring and now it’s closer to the fight and I’m really happy”

The bigger picture here lays within the victory of April 22nd if Zurdo Ramirez manages to successfully defend his title the possibility of a showdown with Kazak powerhouse Gennady Golovkin will be explored as both Bob Arum and Tom Loeffler have expressed great interest in this possible match up. One that the boxing community is also hoping for. After his tough earned and controversial victory against Daniel Jacobs Gennady Golovkin and his team went on record that a June fight date versus Billy Joe Sunders was the goal and with a win Gennady would move up to 168lbs as undisputed status was his ultimate vision regardless of the potential Canelo fight they were not gonna wait for him.

Those comments sparked legendary promoter Bob Arum to quickly say Zurdo Ramirez would “destroy” Gennady Golovkin and that he would be looking to make that fight. A fight Zurdo and his team are also hoping for but not over looking their April 22nd assignment. Zurdo assures us that “first thing is first, first thing is April 22nd, Max Bursak and after that like I say doesn’t matter whatever comes. I have the skills, power, everything. I’m really confident about me, myself that’s why I asked for that fight but I need to win this fight (April 22nd)”

Trainer Hector Zapari also confident in Zurdo and likes the idea of a Gennady Golovkin fight “yeah for sure Zurdo is a very complete fighter, yeah, Zurdo beats Golovkin for sure” with Gennady Golovkin now passing up on that June fight date which could have possibly ended up taking place if his home country of Kazakhstan not happening it opens the door for a possible move to 168lbs or he awaits the winner of Saul Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. but given the general opinion that Alvarez will have an easy night this coming May 6th a possible Alvarez vs Golovkin fight is a little sketchy do to the history of their negotiations which have lead to nowhere and can only leave the door open for other possibilities with one of those being Zurdo Ramirez.

Tune in this April 22nd for the Top Rank promotions PPV triple header at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Follow complete coverage leading up to the fight by using #TopRankBoxing

More Columns

Oscar Valdez: The New Generation of Mexican Boxing

Posted on 03/22/2017

Oscar Valdez: The New Generation of Mexican Boxing
By: Francisco Martinez

April 22nd WBO 122lbs champion Oscar Valdez is set to defend his title for the second time as he headlines his first PPV trough Top Rank promotions. An opportunity Oscar Valdez is more than excited for “Right now I’m living the dream. I dream about these moments, being a main event, on great cards, I’m living it right now so I’m enjoying the ride. I’m doing everything with passion, letting everything go on it’s own” and in return everything is going right for the 2 time Mexican Olympian.

-sE5ZtNT

Colombian Miguel Marriaga is the rival who that will meet Oscar Valdez in the other end of the ring in Carson, California at the StubHub Center a venue known for fan friendly match ups and spoilers, potential upsets of the year. Which is what Marriaga is aiming for come this 22nd of April. Having shared the ring with former 126lbs king Nicholas Walters, Marriaga feels that kind of experience with that level of opposition gives him the upper hand over the young fast & powerful Valdez who doesn’t care much for the quality of opposition Marriaga has faced.

“I feel good in the gym. I feel good that I’m doing my work. The people around me they got faith in me and that’s all that matters. I’m a family guy and that’s the most important thing to me to worry about my family and not other people’s opinions about me. Do my job in the gym and do my best to win every fight” direct but humble words from the young 126lbs phenom.

Oscar Valdez has great talent and a very humble approach to when speaking about his position as arguably the best 126lbs fighter today but also spoke his mind at the podium when addressing the media during the official press conference to announce the April 22nd Top Rank PPV triple header “My trainer Manny (Robles) & Edgar Jasso we put in the time and I haven’t seen a manager like Frank (Espinoza) that goes to the gym everyday or Frankie, to see how their boxers are doing so that means a lot to me. We’re not only a team we’re a family. Working with Jessie Magdaleno and also seeing Zurdo Ramirez in the gym we all help each other out. We’re a great team. We know that we’re the face off Mexican boxing right now so we gotta take that very seriously so we work hard, help each other out and we get the job done at the fights”

No doubt on paper Miguel Marriaga looks to be the toughest test for Oscar Valdez to date however Valdez has his own beliefs as to how he approaches not just this fight in particular but all his 21 previous fights leading to this exact one “Like Manny (Robles) says, every fight is more important than the last one. Marriaga, he’s no easy opponent, they don’t exists, an easy opponent. Marriaga, he’s a strong, strong fighter, has a lot of experience inside the ring so I know it’s gonna be a tough fight but that’s why we train hard in the gym so we can win these fights”

Trainer Manny Robles adds this to the conversation “For those people who don’t know Marriaga, Marriaga is a great fighter, he’s a solid fighter, solid contender. This guy can crack, he can come forward. The match up itself is great. Styles make fights, this is a great match up. This is a fight the public should not miss. It’s gonna be a great night of boxing” styles do make fights and this match up is a evenly matched up bout and even better that the venue itself really helps make this fight that much more intriguing being that the StubHub Center is known for its action packed fights and electric atmosphere that can make both rivals more aggressive and abandon their game plans. Just something about the warrior like chemistry the StubHub Center has deeply rooted in it.

In this Top Rank promotions triple header fans will also get Jessie Magdaleno who’s defending his 122lbs WBO title against Brazilian Adielson Dos Santos who’s coming in with 2 consecutive knockouts to a total of 14 K.O.’s in 20 professional fights. Also on the card Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez who is the 168lbs WBO title holder who is matched up with Max Bursak a 38 fight professional from the Ukraine along with the debut of 2016 American Olympian silver medalist Shakur Stevenson who’s hope to bring a knockout and leave with a few of those loyal Mexican fans that will be in attendance at the StubHub Center.

So don’t miss it April 22nd Top Rank promotions PPV triple header live at the StubHub Center that’ll bring you a glimpse of the next generation of Mexican boxing.

Follow all coverage of the fight via #TopRankBoxing

More Columns

Mexican Civil War: Canelo vs. Chavez

Posted on 02/26/2017

Mexican Civil War: Canelo vs. Chavez
By: Francisco Martinez

May 6th at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada Saul Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. are set to collide in a battle being recognized as Mexican Civil War. A war for bragging rights. A war to see who is Mexico’s best fighter today. The popularity of both is a sure hit formula for success. As Golden Boy Promotions boss, Oscar De La Hoya predicts a 1 million pay per view buy estimate when it’s all set and done.

IMG_2835

“The winner of this fight has so much at stake because imagine the loser having to go back to Mexico and answer to all those Mexicans fans that were cheering you on hoping you would win. It’s gonna be difficult so for both guys there’s so much at stake, there’s so much pride and when you have pride involved in a boxing match you’re gonna get a great, great, terrific fight. These guys don’t know how to take a step going backwards and literally and genuinely these guys hate each other. I’m looking forward to it, it’s gonna be an exciting fight”

As for the face of boxing, the cash cow Saul Alvarez who feels the same way about things but is more confident in what’s at stake as he assures its Chavez Jr. opportunity to knock him off the throne. An opportunity he has given him “The people know that I’m the best fighter that’s exists today. He has the possibilities and opportunity to defeat me and become just that, the best”

The mega showdown comes at a catchweight of 164.5lbs Saul Alvarez moving up and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr moving down. Having the chance to ask Alvarez trainer Chepo Reynoso who the weight benefits he simply said “At the end of the day, they’ll both fight so where’s the advantage? The winner gets to move forward. You can already smell the great fight that it’s going to be on May 6th”

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. also faces a $1 million penalty fine for every pound he comes over. Making it one of the most hefty fines in boxing in recent memories. Both fighter’s egos clashed on live television in a small argument that led to a hand shake in a high stakes bet, winner takes all including both the purses sending shockwaves through out the boxing community. Just how solid is this bet? Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. had this to say.

“You know when I found out about this bet I didn’t agree with it. I don’t agree with it. I talked to Julio and Canelo that this bet can’t be made. Why? Because it’s not ethical because of the terms within the contracts. It’s not valid that they bet both their purses. The contract states if Julio comes half a pound over or a pound he has to pay $1 million dollars. Let’s say if Julio comes in 10lbs over he keeps what’s only left. Or he can come in at whatever weight he wants so it’s really not a logical bet. If they made a bet they should just choose two foundations and make it a friendly bet”

Although the bet isn’t as concrete as the hand shake between Alvarez and Chavez Jr. what is concrete is the personal dislike both have towards each other. Both knowing each other since they were kids has only made each other’s criticism towards one another that much more significant. Alvarez believing Chavez Junior’s position in boxing is only established because of his father’s legacy and having the Chavez name. Chavez Jr. in return believes Alvarez has been carefully guided to his position in boxing by the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. had this to say about the personal side of things with Saul Alvarez “I don’t like Canelo too much. He’s mad because I called him out on jumping Gennady Golovkin. Everybody knows this. Some people don’t like it when you tell them the truth but it’s the truth, you know. There’s no need for more words we’ll prove on May 6th who’s better”

Many critics speculate the winner will go on to fight Gennady Golovkin this September as weight is no longer a issue from Saul Alvarez part who insists the contracts are seating on Golovkin’s table as we speak. A $15 million dollar offer that Golden Boy promotions claims to be offering Golovkin. A offer also criticized by the media. Some saying it’s a low number others believing it’s a solid number however the May 6th winner will hold the cards in boxing and will call the shots in any fight there after that much is certain. May 6th is the date for a fight that many thought was not a possible option any longer.

A fight a little to farfetched to think of given the weight separations. A fight indeed demanded by the Mexican people and one that’s great for boxing as without a doubt the whole world will tune it at the end of the day. The catchweight, the million dollar weight fines and the personal attacks aside there’s no question this fight will captivate the masses on May 6th. Mexico demands a fighter with pride and the ability to win against the best fighters of their time as proven through out history as they had with Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, Ricardo Lopez, Juan Manuel Marquez and The Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya.

May 6th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs “El Hijo De La Leyenda” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will both engage in a battle where the winner will be rewarded with the loyalty of all of Mexico. Something only a few greats from the past have been fortunate to have throughout their careers. Maybe the most important support one can get in boxing is their own countries loyalty. So tune in this May 6th live on HBO PPV for what is being consider the biggest fight in Mexico’s history.

Follow all coverage leading up to the fight by using #CaneloChavezJr

More Columns

The Prince of Mexico: Carlos Cuadras

Posted on 02/22/2017

The Prince of Mexico: Carlos Cuadras
By: Francisco Martinez

Coming off a controversial unanimous decision loss to Nicaraguan Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Cuadras is looking to avenge that loss most in attendance would say was much more closer than that of the official judges scorecards would indicate. Some would argue Cuadras was indeed the winner on that night in Los Angeles at the fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA, where a pro Gonzalez crowd blew the roof off the venue. Carlos Cuadras is set to fight March 18th in New York at the MSG on the Gennady Golovkin vs. Daniel Jacobs card. Also making his PPV debut via HBO.

IMG_2794

“I’m happy about that. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity and put up a great spectacle that’ll leave a lasting impression like the last time so that the people want to watch me again” Carlos Cuadras is familiar with countryman and opponent David Carmona who’s coming in with a record of 20 victories and 8 knockouts. Cuadras remembers him from when both were 6-8 round fighters. Sums him up to be a durable fighter not offensive but can create and wait for openings.

Maybe something that helped him go 12 rounds in a unanimous decision loss to the Japanese “Monster” Naoya Inoue “Just imagine this, he went 12 rounds with Inoue and if I can knock him out that means the possibilities of me defeating Inoue are good. It would be great if we fought. I feel I have the power to knockout Carmona. He’ll go down” Naoya Inoue is perceived by boxing enthusiasts as the kryptonite to Cuadras last opponent 4 division champion Chocolatito, Roman Gonzalez whom Carlos Cuadras has unfinished business with but first is first both have matters to attend on March 18th and if successful on that night a lucrative rematch is possible.

A loss not taken as defeat by Carlos Cuadras as he truly believes he was the victor and wrongfully detached from his WBC 115lbs title. Cuadras looks to remove this thorn from his side as he likes to say at some point this year. Having been in the ring with Chocolatito, Cuadras had this to say about his rival “It surprised me he didn’t hit as hard as he claimed (smiles) I had a certain strategy because he said he had iron in each hand and who knows what else he was claiming. After I felt he didn’t hit as hard as he was saying I was able to stand (and trade) so he better brace himself for the next fight because I’m knocking him out. You better not back out cause I got your medicine right here”

Carlos Cuadras used his energetic charisma in taunting Chocolatito through out the process of promoting the fight once at the inaugural press conference by drinking a Nesquik chocolate drink in what he called a “chocolate break” bringing laughter from the press, media in attendance. In return the Nicaraguan crowd fired back at the weigh in by mocking Cuadras. Chanting “Princess” Cuadras going by the nickname of “Prince” Cuadras replied by warning them he would defeat Chocolatito and then they would have no choice but to show him respect.

The rematch hit somewhat of a roadblock due to money demands but not exclusively to the pay purse demanded from both. Roman Gonzalez promised Carlos Cuadras a rematch in front of the cameras convincing Cuadras and his trainer Rudy Hernandez that he would do just that. Rudy Hernandez simply said Gonzalez not living up to his word “sucked” as he went on to say “It’s hard when a person says they’re going to do something and they go on interviews and they talk about it and than they change their minds but it’s a business. At the end of the day we are fighting March 18th and if we’re to win and he’s to win his next option is he fights Carlos Cuadras or he vacates the title”

A mandatory rematch ordered by the World Boxing Council to try and put together one of the most anticipated fights this year. Carlos Cuadras expresses that the WBC title is being held hostage by Chocolatito claiming he is squeezing out another term from his title reign by taking on the Thailand rival Srisaket Sor Rungvisai whom Cuadras defeated soundly in 12 rounds about 3 years ago in Mexico. Cuadras goes on to says this about Chocolatito’s rival “He hits hard. Chocolatito is gonna have to have a good strategy. I want Chocolatito to win. I don’t want to fight the Thailand guy again I already beat him. I hope he wins and he better have a good training camp because the Thailand fighter is tough. He’s a danger to Chocolatito”

He goes on to say this about Chocolatito “He felt he wasn’t as big of a puncher as he thought he was and that’s why he didn’t want the 2nd fight. He looked to keep his title for one more fight because he knows it belongs over here. That belt is Mexico’s and you’re just borrowing it on behalf of Nicaragua” March 18th is the objective for both fighters then talks of a lucrative rematch can be explored by both teams who are under the same promoter Teiken promotions based in Japan. Teiken historically known for promoting the best smaller weight fighters in boxing.

The charismatic Carlos Cuadras a great talker who applies a mental stratagem for his opponent to overcome before even stepping into the ring and having to find a way of overcoming another obstacle in his pure boxing ability assures things are still professional between stablemate Roman Gonzalez by wishing him good luck believing he’ll need it and hopes all turns out right for Gonzalez as he relishes the opportunity to step back into the ring with what many consider the pound for pound #1 fighter in the world today.

March 18th Gennady Golovkin vs Daniel Jacobs on HBO PPV a stacked card accompanied by Roman Gonzalez vs Srisaket Sor Rungvisai for the WBC 115lbs title and Carlos Cuadras vs David Carmona at the Mecca Of Boxing, Madison Square Garden in New York. Don’t miss it.

Follow all coverage leading up to the fight by using #GGGJACOBS

More Columns

Julio Caesar Chavez Junior: It Seems Like Ages Ago

Posted on 12/09/2016

Julio Caesar Chavez Junior: It Seems Like Ages Ago
By: Sean Crose

It seems like ages ago that Julio Caesar Chavez Jr shook Sergio Martinez – and almost the entire world –by nailing the highly regarded Argentine in the twelfth and final round of their middleweight title fight. Sure, Chavez had been outmastered by the skillful Martinez throughout the bout, but for that one brief moment, the son of a Mexican legend was on top of the world. While Martinez went on to survive the round and win the bout, Chavez had proven that he was indeed capable of playing with the big boys – if only briefly.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

It’s hard to believe it’s only been four years since that memorable night in Vegas. For since that time, Chavez’ reputation and career have cratered. I remember watching Chavez and Martinez go head to head on a program – I believe it was HBOs Face Off – and feeling sympathy for Junior. Martinez, a product of poverty, was really bashing the rich kid with the famous dad. I found it mean spirited and a bit unfair. Martinez, in fairness, seems to be a genuinely good guy, but I was put off by him on that occasion. What’s more, Martinez’ behavior made me sympathetic towards Chavez.

Just because one is born in privilege doesn’t mean one always gets unfair advantages, after all. Indeed, the classist snark some engaged in when discussing Chavez bothered me in general. Then, however, Chavez went and ruined all the good will he might have amassed by acting like – well, a spoiled child of privilege. The pot. The Brian Vera fiasco. The time away from the ring. Promotional problems. Reported discipline problems. Missing weight. Losing fans. All roads, in short, were leading to one Andrzej Fonfara.

And then it happened. Just a few short weeks before the Mayweather-Pacquiao superfight, things came crashing down for the man who would be king. Fonfara, a hungry fighter who nearly bested Adonis Stevenson, literally beat Chavez into submission. Many celebrated. Many mocked. It appeared many were truly surprised. Looking back on it all now, however, the loss made perfect sense. Chavez was far from the picture of dedication. And Fonfara was, well, a good fighter. Again, he had almost dethroned Stevenson. And so there it was.

Needless to say, Chavez fought one more time, three months after the Fonfara fight, and then – nothing. Over a full year of nothing so far as ring activity was concerned. It was, it seemed, classic Chavez. Now, however, the man is going back into the ring. Yet again, it seems to be classic Chavez. To be sure, the man has a long way to go before he reaches the heights he did during those exciting few seconds back in 2012 against Martinez. The question, of course, is whether or not Chavez has the discipline – or even the talent – to get back into the mainstream.

For the moment, though, Chavez has to deal with the fact that he has gone from pay cable to basic cable. To be sure, the guy won’t even be appearing on English speaking cable this weekend. No, he will be fighting Dominik Britsch (32-2-1) Saturday night on beIn television. Make no mistake about it, I’m a fan of the cards beIn broadcasts – for starters, it’s been a savior for fight fans when American television sleeps on boxing – but it doesn’t have nearly the reach of mainstream American television. And for a fighter as well known as Chavez (49-2-1), it’s quite the step down to find himself there on a card that is being broadcast very late – eastern standard time – on a Saturday evening.

Still, it’s worth noting that, at his best, Chavez is fun to watch. No, he hasn’t proven to be nearly as good as his father, but how many have? The truth is that a determined Chavez is an entertaining Chavez and an entertaining Chavez is good for the sport of boxing. Does the man have it in him, however, to struggle through the hard times? Frankly, it’s hard to tell. There’s nothing wrong, though, with hoping for the best…even if it’s been ages since that moment he rocked Martinez in a fight he was badly losing.

More Columns