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Tuesday, January 16, 2007
EEC - January 16, 2007
On the heels of Tommy Morrison testing negative, we have Mayweather and Hopkins speaking up, George Foreman traveling, the return of a former heavyweight champion, the pro boxing debut of a former UFC heavyweight champ, a major fight announcement and much more…
News, Notes, and Rumors:
- What is it about English fighters that people find so intriguing? I mean really, if you followed this site over the summer, you would see how much media coverage both Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe got. They were always calling out the big names, always changing their minds about who they wanted to fight.
These days it’s the exact opposite with the elite American fighters wanting a piece of them.
Bernard Hopkins has shown interest in Calzaghe, hoping that he will move up a weight-class and fight him later this year:
“After Jones I hope he’ll come up to light-heavyweight to challenge me.” said Hopkins.
Calzaghe also met with Sylvester Stallone this past weekend at a boxing gala event as Stallone was making a trip over to the UK and Calzaghe was one of the people he wanted to meet the most.
Calzaghe said of the meeting with the famed Movie star:,“Sly was great. He’s just a normal guy. He turned up for the dinner by himself. There was no entourage. He said he wanted to meet me after seeing my recent win against Jeff Lacy. He said he was a fan of mine and had seen me fight many times but I told him I had seen him fight a lot more in the movies.”
Calzaghe added: “I value Sly’s opinion. He’s in great nick for a man of 60. He has the body of a 30-year-old. It was great to hear him tell us about Hollywood.”
Apparently calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr. 1000 times is going to pay off for Hatton as Pretty Boy Floyd will be ringside for his fight this weekend against Juan Urango. Even better, he’s going there because of him…
“I’m looking forward to getting an up close and personal look at Hatton so that I can make my mind up on whether I might want to fight him.” explained Mayweather.
- Former heavyweight champion Lou Savarese will continue his comeback this Thursday when he takes on MMA veteran Travis Fulton in an event promoted by himself and his business partner Cameron Park.
- On the same card as Savarese and Fulton, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez will be makig his pro boxing debut.
- DRL Promotions has announced that WBC Lightweight Champion Joel Casamayor will defend his title in a rematch against Acelino Freitas. Freitas won the first fight between the two in 2002 by a close split decision in a fight that Casamayor would have won if he didn’t have two points deducted during the fight for illegal blows.
There is no date set for the fight as of yet but it is expected to be televised on HBO…
- George Foreman is reportedly traveling to the Middle East to promote his famous George Foreman Grill machines. He will be visiting the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai to do an expo on his product.
Some Good Reads:
The Sweet Science: Looking Forward To More In The New Year: Part II; Brooklyn southpaw Luis Collazo is ready for Pomona’s Sugar Shane
Eastside Boxing: Big Name Heavyweights James Toney Could Still Defeat
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Monday, January 15, 2007
EEC: January 15, 2007
As you probably noticed by the lack of posts yesterday, it was a pretty slow day in the boxing world. Even so, I still think I found some interesting tidbits to share with everyone…
News, Notes, and Rumors:
- Floyd Mayweather Sr. told the Grand Rapids Press this past weekend that there still isn’t a deal in place for him to train Oscar De La Hoya for the May 5th mega-fight against his son, Floyd Jr.
What’s the most amazing thing about all of this? Mayweather Sr. hasn’t signed a deal to train Oscar yet not because his is unsure whether or not he wants to train De La Hoya against his own son, but rather because he wants $2 Million because the figh purse is so high. Remarkable…
- This weekend is highlighted by three big fights, one of which isn’t being televised. It’s a heavyweight title bout of all things. I realize that Nikolai Valuev and Jameel McCline might not put on that great of a fight, but the ramifications are still huge for the division and boxing itself.
- Joel Casamayor’s next opponent is said to be down to two canidates: Juan Diaz and Acelino Freitas
- Jermain Taylor’s next title defense may happen on the weekend of April 21 in Atlantic City to coincide with the annual Boxing Writers Association of America dinner which always has a big boxing match take place the day after. So far no possible opponents have been thrown out there…
- Rising Star Delvin Rodriguez has signed with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing according to ESPN. Rodriguez’s manager says the contract is a three-year deal with has multiple extension options based on Rodriguez’s performance in the ring. Rodriguez became a free agent last week after voiding his contract with Northeast Promotions. Don King and Golden Boy Promotions also made offers but were turned down surprisingly.
Some Good Reads:
Some pimpage is in order for The Sweet Science and their daily This Day in History post which has become a daily routine for me.
So what did happen today in history?
On this day in 1983, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) declared that boxing should be banned in all civilized countries.
The notion of banning boxing was discussed even during the sport’s golden age. However, this was the first occasion that the American Medical Association (AMA) had made such a statement. George D. Lundberg, the editor of JAMA, cited the high prevalence of brain damage in professional boxers who have had a substantial number of fights as part of the basis of the AMA’s position.
Since then, other medical organizations have supported this position and the AMA and Lundberg have revisited this issue several times since 1983. An argument could be made that the initial report helped lead to some boxing reforms, such as shorter fights and quicker referee stoppages.
However, it is highly unlikely that boxing will ever be banned in the United States.
Some other nice articles for you…
Doghouse Boxing: A View from the Galaxy: The Road Back for Antonio Tarver
Maxboxing: No More in 2007
Boxing Scene: Jose Luis Castillo: Such Is Life
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Sunday, January 14, 2007
EEC - January 14, 2007
Early Eight Count - It’s catchy isn’t it?
Basically this is going to be a daily morning post focusing on a variety of boxing news, gossip, articles, videos, and whatever interesting things myself or David will be able to find.
I’m going to try my best to post it every morning at 8:00 AM, genius I know… However if you don’t see it up one day for some reason, please don’t uppercut me too hard.
We’re doing something similar over on our sister site, MMA on Tap as well.
News, Notes, and Rumors:
- Ricky Hatton seems to be taking Floyd Mayweather Jr. off of his radar screen because of Mayweather’s future plans for this year which include a superfight with Oscar De La Hoya in May and possible retirement right after the bout. That didn’t stop Hatton from discussing alternate plans for this year however…
“I have no problem with fighting up at welterweight again. But the only fight I’ll probably look at that might tempt to me to welterweight would be certainly Floyd Mayweather, maybe Miguel Cotto. I’m not soon to be back on the welterweight division even though I’ve made back down to junior welterweight. I have got to put on an exciting performance against Juan Urango. Hopefully win my title back which I’m confident that I can do, and hopefully lead to a fight against José Castillo and then if Floyd is still fighting, if he chooses not to retire then that would another fight I’d love.”
I’m sure that Hatton won’t be the only one voicing their displeasure about Floyd opting to retire soon, crushing the hopes of many welterweights out there that wanted a crack at him.
- Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer will be traveling to Florida next week to visit with Roy Jones Jr. and attempt to get him to sign a contract that will allow him to fight Bernard Hopkins in July. According to Hopkins, he is already signed for the fight and it is now up to Jones Jr. to make the fight happen.
- Just like I reported yesterday, Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent will most likely be Jin Chi as Top Rank’s Bob Arum is supposed to be finalizing the contract for the fight at some point this week.
One thing I’m considering is moving the usual ‘Weekend Fights’ and ‘Weekend Results’ posts to the EEC post for that day. I think it will work out a lot better and allow more time for news and events that occur which deserve more coverage. As always, feel free to leave a comment or contact us with your opinion about this decision or anything else that your little heart desires…
Weekend Results:
- Travis Simms won the WBA Super Welterweight Title on Saturday night, stopping Jose Antonio Rivera in the 9th round. Simms was in control for the entire fight, dominating Rivera in every aspect until the referee halted the bout in the middle of the 9th round after Rivera was knocked to the canvas for a second time.
Simms actually held the WBA Super Welterweight belt from December 2003 until June 2005 when he was stripped of the belt due to inactivity. Simms was holding out because he wanted a fight with Winky Wright who obviously had other plans. However Simms now guarantees that his mind is set on defending his title:
“I’m coming back, and I’m looking to get back in the mix with the top champions in the divison,” Simms said. “I cannot be denied. I stayed in the gym, stayed diligent, stayed focused.”
Don’t believe in newspapers? Don’t worry, I have you covered…
Some Good Reads:
ESPN: Dan Rafael’s January Division Rankings
I actually plan on starting some rankings of our own by next month possibly so stay tuned…
FOX Sports: Unified heavyweight title can save boxing
MaxBoxing: When to Hold and When to Fold: Toney’s March Memorable, but Uphill from Here
The Sweet Science: Looking For More In The New Year
Last but not least, Jim Amato (neverlast on this site) will have a new piece being posted at some point this afternoon for those of you looking to check back in later on for new material…
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Sunday, September 03, 2006
Live Blogging: Guerrero-Aiken, Toney-Peter
Guerrero vs Aiken
Starting a little late, whoops (been watching since the start though). We’re three rounds into Guerrero-Aiken. Guerrero is definitely landing the better shots so far, but a few of them have been low blows ignored by the ref. To Aiken’s credit, he’s absorbing the shots well so far.
Round 4: Guerrero still landing the better shots, a few hard body shots, although none that rivaled two powerful ones that put Aiken on “pause” like in round 3. Aiken came back at the end of the round, landing some power shots of his own. He’s showing that as long as he’s on his feet, he has a chance in this fight.
Round 5: Outside of a low blow by Aiken this round was all Guerrero. Guerrero’s probably up 5 rounds to 0 on all cards. Guerrero’s starting to go to the head more. Aiken’s looking a little swollen above the right eye.
Round 6: Aiken’s spending more time on the ropes, and throwing fewer punches. While Guerrero’s been dominating the entire fight, this is the first round I’ve started to wonder if Aiken has a shot at winning anymore.
Round 7: One of Guerrero’s gloves is ripped and must be replaced so the start of the round is delayed. The extra time should benefit Aiken. Aiken comes out with a few power punches in the middle of the ring. HDTV reveals duck tape wrapped on some of the ropes. Is this common? Is my television deceiving me? It’s got to be awful brushing up against ropes like that. Someone should ask Eric Aiken, because he’s spending more time leaning on them.
Round 8: Ref takes a point from Aiken for holding. What a joke after the low blows that Guerrero got away with earlier. The Showtime crew, which includes Diego Corrales, agrees. It probably doesn’t matter at this point anyway. Guerrero’s landing a lot of shots. The fight doesn’t seem to be close to being stopped though. Aiken’s corner should consider it. The Showtime crew agrees with that too.
Before round 9 Aiken’s corner asks him if he wants to continue. Aiken says no. Corrales, who seems like he does think the fight should be stopped was critical of Aiken calling it quits himself. He puts it simlply, “you can’t quit.”
Result: Guerrero TKO win
The Ghost looked solid. Outside of a few questionably placed shots, he didn’t look like he could be stopped.
Guerrero speaks will with Jim Gray during the post fight interview. He had some Academy-like thank yous at the end.
Showtime pimps some of their shows in-between fights. If you flipped around, let me point you to Dexter.
Toney vs Peter
Round 1: I’m inspired to finish my cheeseburger. The fight is obviously at a much slower pace than the previous one, but the two don’t stand still. Peters throws a good amount of power shots, many missing. Toney ducks, throws a good amount of jabs, landing a good amount. Fewer body shots than I thought I’d see. Pretty even in general.
Round 2: Toney always appears confident, and he’s fighting that way. The pace picks up at the start of this round, with Toney tossing more punches than before. Toney’s hands are low. Things get a little sloppy at the end of the round. All in all, Toney threw more and landed the better shots this round. Is anyone getting hurt yet? Who can tell.
Round 3: Toney starts out strong, but Peter lands some big shots at the end of the round. Toney snuck in a few counter shots, but Peter might have stolen the round in the last minute. Brings the fight back to even for me.
Round 4: The first couple of minutes are similar to round 1 - power shots thrown by Peter, not landing many, and Toney throwing and landing jabs. The last minute of the round sees Peter throw a nice combo or two. Toney takes the shots, encourages Peter to keep on coming. It can be a sign of getting hurt, but with Toney you can’t be sure.
Round 5: Peter lands some big shots against Toney. Toney probably hasn’t taken a punch like that in a long time. I want to say ever, but he didn’t go down. Peter doesn’t attack enough and lets Toney shake it off. After some time Peter gets in some more power shots. Toney’s still punching at the end of the round and blood is coming out of Peter’s mouth. The round is still easily Peter’s. The judges’ scorecards are shown in the middle of the round and they’re all over the place. It’s 2-1 Peter from the cards and one judge has it heavily for Peter. He must have a different view than the rest of us.
Round 6: Both fighters are visibly tired, Peter more. Toney clearly lands more shots, including a few power shots, although they don’t seem nearly as powerful as Peter’s. A round for Toney, and it’ll be interesting to see who can put more back in the tank for round 7. Half-way over it seems doubtful both fighters can last another 6 rounds.
Round 7: As the action slows, Toney seems to be paying a lot of attention to what’s going on outside the ring. There’s not a lot going on until the end of the round. Peter lands one power shot shortly before the bell, but it’s an uneventful and even round.
Round 8: Someone in between round 6 and 7. Toney starts off strong, Peter usually has the better end, but there wasn’t as much this time around. Even-ish round, maybe an edge to Toney.
Round 9: Cards are shown and Toney’s made a comback. 2-1 Toney and it’s close on all cards. Peter “ear claps” Toney a few times and has a point deducted. That could be huge. These guys are exhausted and hugging frequently. Peter landed more shots throughout the round, but that point brings it back to even.
Round 10: Peter starts stong and ends strong. Toney has the middle of the round, but I’m not so sure if it’s enough to even-up Peter’s landed power shots and I doubt it is for the judges ringside. This one goes to Peter.
Round 11: The best way to describe this round is Peter just didn’t do enough to win it. Toney was more active, not very active, but certainly more than Peter. This might have made the last round a “must KO” situation for Peter.
Round 12: I’m amazed it’s gotten this far. Both think they need a knockout, which is exactly what you want from a round 12. It’s another good, even round, although it’s not as action packed as you’d think from two fighters trying to go for a knockout. Conditioning, from both fighters, certainly came into play here.
I have the fight with a slight edge to Toney, but wouldn’t be surprised by anything from the judges right now.
Result: Samuel Peter by split decision
Peter looks like he’s just won the lottery, and it’s a fitting feeling. The judge for Toney had him winning by 3 points. The judges for Peter had him winning by 5 points. If I may get a little internet on you: OMGWTF. Are you kidding? I can’t get upset about the split decision win, it was a close fight - but the margin of victory on those cards seems very large.
Peter fights Oleg Maskaev next.
After Peter tries to give a congratulatory huge to Toney, he says, “I won this fuckin’ fight”, not that you expected to hear anything different. Toney continues to talk smack.
After the post-fight interviews are done there’s almost a brawl in the ring. Peter is quickly pushed down the aisle and to the lockerroom before anything can really happen.
Judges cards are reshown. 5 point wins for Peter mean that those judges thought Peter won the fight 9 rounds to 3 because of the point deduction, barring any 2-point rounds. The press row cards are shown, they all have the fight a few points for Toney.
I’m not sure what Toney will be next, but I doubt retirement is on his mind.
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Saturday, August 19, 2006
Live Blogging: Garcia-Sanchez, Holyfield-Bates
Random thoughts from the fight tonight:
- I feel bad for the crew that has to treat this fight seriously. Yes, I’m talking about the crew from The Best Damn Sports Show Period.
- The fight didn’t start yet and I’m just happy no one’s dead yet.
- The undercard has Julio Caesar Garcia. Garcia’s name is mentioned over and over. After a while you’re told he’s fighting Alfonso Sanchez.
Garcia vs Sanchez
Round 1: Technical, methodical. Mostly Garcia. Sanchez starts landing a few better shots with about a minute left in the round until the 20 second mark when Garcia gets in a couple of power shots that force Sanchez back.
Round 2: Before I can even start typing up this round, the fight is stopped as Garcia starts pounding on Sanchez. The ref doesn’t count, just gets in there and waves his hand in the air signaling the end of the fight. It’s a bit odd that Sanchez didn’t get a count considering it was the first time he went down, but at the same time, I don’t think it’ll be considered controversial and Sanchez’s corner isn’t putting up a fight about it.
Result: Garcia TKO win
- Garcia looks good. Very good. But he’ll have to step up the level of competition he’s been facing for everyone to believe he’s the next big thing. Garcia’s next fight is scheduled for the end of September. If his team sticks to that schedule, I’m doubting he’ll have a big name opponent.
- Garcia has a resemblance to Colin Farrell, especially with a hat on.
- I keep flipping to see what’s going on in the Yankees-Red Sox game. It’s been a pitching disaster on both sides so far. The word “disaster” simply can’t get out of my head tonight. Did the main event start yet?
- John Salley calls the fight a lose-lose situation. If Holyfield knocks Bates out in the first round everyone says Bates is a bum, if Holyfield goes the distance, than he’s done. It’s good to know Salley is on reality’s side.
- Holyfield looks good for his age, but he doesn’t look like he did 10 years ago, despite saying he’s in the best shape in 10 years. He’s somewhere in between the old Holyfield and Hulk Hogan.
- Holyfield was a great champion, but his slurring is cause for concern. Somewhere out there are a few missing consonants.
- I want to ask “How many states will give him a license at this point?” but the real answer is, “as long as one does, that’s all that matters”.
- Deion Sanders predicts third round Holyfield and gets the Dallas crowd to show some life. They’re all predicting Holyfield. So am I, but what comes after this? Does beating Bates prove he’s ready to fight top-level competition again? You don’t need me to tell you the answer to that one.
- Does anyone remember the Brooklyn Brawler? As Bates walks into the ring, he’s all I can think of. Like the Washington Generals, Jeremy Bates is up for losing for the sake of being there.
Holyfield vs Bates
Round 1: After dancing around for the first half a minute or so, they start throwing punches. Holyfield’s throwing jabs, Bates is sneaking in a punch when he can. Bates’ reach disadvantage is noticable. With 30 seconds left Holyfield starts pounding on Bates. Bates survives and manages to stay on his feet until the bell sounds.
Round 2: Bates moves around and Holyfield throws combinations at will until a little over a minute left in the round when Bates lands a good right hand and then keeps pushing Holyfield against the ropes for about 30 seconds. Like the first round, with about 30 seconds left, Holyfield starts laying it into Bates. He punches and punches and punches until the fight is stopped.
Result: Holyfield TKO win
- The fight is done and no one’s dead, definitely a positive.
- Holyfield insists his downfall and layoff was due to injuries.
- Holyfield wants to fight a top 10 guy. Does any top 10 guy want to fight Holyfield? The lose-lose situation becomes reversed if Holyfield can score a fight like that, but someone might take it if the money is right. It is boxing after all.
- Bates, even after being beaten like all predicted, is still star struck in the ring during the post-fight interview. He is polite, and he does have class in there, can’t take that away from him.
- Chris Byrd is being kind to Holyfield and actual utters the phrase “Evander Holyfield is back”. Byrd says don’t go top 10 yet. Without taking a poll, I’ll say most of America agrees. When asked if winning belts is realistic, Byrd politely says “you never know”.
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Saturday, July 15, 2006
Friday Night Fights 7/14/06
Well since I’m sitting here on a friday night, why not do a live play-by-play of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. I’ll try and catch every detail I can - feel free to leave your thoughts throughout the night…
The show opens with Brian Kenny announcing the main event - Jason Litzau vs Nicky Bentz. He introduces Sugar Ray Leonard as the night’s color commentator in the studio. They discuss Leonard’s career and his series of fights with Robert Duran. Leonard notes that a lot of his victories were done with determination and stamina - he was able to continue throwing flurries in the late rounds because he had built up a high enough level of endurance. They also make a mention of the second season of The Contender starting next week.
The first fight is David Toribio vs Freddy Hernandez in a welterweight battle. Toribio comes into the fight on 10 days notice and losing his last four fights.
Round 1: Toribio starts the fight by pumping out the left jab and creating distance. Hernandez sits back and picks his shots. Hernandez continues to take his time getting inside of Toribio, throws quick combinations, and quickly gets out.
My score: 10-9 Hernandez
Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore talk about tonight’s main event. Atlas notes that Litzau needs to improve his defense if he wants to continue to move up in the rankings, he can’t be offense-first against the more talented fighters in the featherweight division. It’s also brought to our attention that Bentz has had 4 fights in the last 5 years and he also took the fight on short notice. Atlas doesn’t think that Bentz will pose much of a test for Litzau.
Round 2: Hernandez starts to take control of the fight, outlanding Toribio in every department. Hernandez really works the body, exploiting Toribio’s lack of defense in that area. Toribio slips and falls to end the second round.
My score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 3: Hernandez is picking Toribio apart, fading in and out and going in with quick solid combinations. Hernandez continues to land his share of punishing body shots.
My score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 4: Toribio starts going in for the clinch more often, showing signs of fatigue. Toribio is doing a good job early on of ducking under punches and creating difficult angles for Hernandez. Hernandez turns the temp with five unanswered lefts and rights to the head. The bell rings to end the round shortly after.
My score: 10-9 Hernandez
Round 5: Hernandez continues to control the pace. Toribio goes for body shots but starts clinching when he can’t land. Hernandez gets a warning for a punch to the back of the head. Hernandez backs Toribio against the ropes and starts throwing just as Toribio goes very llow. Toribio starts to stand up and Hernandez catches him with a left body shot that knocks Toribio down to the mat for good.
Winner: Freddy Hernandez (KO)
They go back to the studio and Kenny intros into a promo for season two of The Contender. Afterwards, Leonard gives his thoughts on the show and Kenny lists the fighters who will be participating. Here is the list…
Nick Acevedo
Gary Balletto
Vinroy Barrett
Noberto Bravo
Grady Brewer
Corneilus Bundridge
Rudy Cisneros
Michael Clark
Freddy Curiel
Andre Eason
Ebo Elder
Stephen Forbes
Jeff Fraza
Micheal Stewart
Aaron Torres
Walter Wright
The next fight is Nelson Zepeda vs Richard Paige in the light-heavyweight division. There is a 13 year age difference between the fighters - Paige being 33 to Zepeda’s 20 and both have limited professional experience.
Round 1: Zepeda lands a couple of early lefts and a right cross that stuns Paige. Zepeda continues to swing wildy while Paige remainds on the defensive for the most part. Zepeda is landing combinations, both quick and powerful. Both fighters end the round swinging wildly.
My score: 10-9 Zepeda
Round 2: Zepeda still winning the fight, landing numerous shots. Paige continues to swing wildly, showing a tremendous lack of form. If Zepeda would wait he could catch Paige while he shoots in. Paige is cut above the right eye. The momentum is certainly in Zepeda’s favor as the round ends.
My score: 10-9 Zepeda
Round 3: Zepeda dominates Paige in the third round, landing a variety of punches. Paige switches to southpaw to try and change his luck. Paige throws a jumping right hook that gets the crowd’s attention. Paige attempts another just before the round ends.
My score: 10-9 Zepeda
Round 4: Zepeda beings the round with a right hand that knocks Paige into the ropes. Zepeda shows signs of fatigue and Paige capitalizes, landing bombs and starting to come back. Both fighters swing away until the bell rings.
My score: 10-9 Paige
Round 5: Both fighters continue to each land shots of their own. An accidental headbutt occurs - Zepeda steps back and flinches; The referee brings Paige over to the doctor so his cut can be examined. The doctor gives Paige permission to continue and things start up again. The continue to trade punches, some landing and some missing, until the round is over.
My score: 10-9 Paige
Round 6: Paige keeps Zepeda moving all around the ring and creating distance so he can try and land a solid shot. Paige looks to have a bit more steam than Zepeda as Zepeda continues to go in for the clinch and throw short punches inside. Zepeda backs off and then unloads a flurry of punches that has Paige reeling. Both fighters go toe-to-toe until the final bell rings.
My score: 10-9 Zepeda
My Final Score: 58-47 Zepeda
Winner: Nelson Zepeda (Unanimous Decision)
ESPN’s Final Score: 59-46 Zepeda
They go back to the studio as Kenny and Leonard discuss the new rules put into effect by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and recap the first bout between Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas. They bring Atlas in for his thoughts as well. Atlas picks Mosley by decision for tomorrow night’s contest.
It’s time for the main event - Jason Litzau vs Nicky Bentz in a battle to move up the featherweight rankings. Litzau comes into the fight undefeated while Bentz has struggled in his last couple of bouts. They show a promo displaying Litzau as a cocky, brash fighter. Atlas then talks about the fight, physically showing that strategies of Litzau and telling the audience why this is going to be a walk in the park for him tonight.
Round 1: Litzau quickly establishes himself as the quicker puncher, easily countering Bentz while Bentz is still throwing. Litzau knocks Bentz down with a right and Bentz gets up after an 8-count. Litzau continues to display his hand speed, now blocking Bentz’s punches and quickly countering. Litzau then connects with a quick turning right that puts Bentz to sleep.
Winner: Jason Litzau (KO)
They interview Litzau after the fight and he compares himself to Sugar Ray Leonard, only to be quickly calmed down by Atlas. Litzau reminds the featherweight division that he is game for all opponents. The next fight is a women’s bout but I have other work to do so I’ll end it here…