Denorvell Collier, the pursuit of a dream.

                                  

The 6 foot 4, 220 pound Denorvell Collier looked more apt at becoming a college football player than a fighter, the Chicago native attended Indiana state university on a football scholarship but had flirted with boxing and had caught the eye of Muhammad Ali. Ali had seen Collier sparring and advised him to pursue the sport, Ali told Dee that he would need expert coaching and May need to relocate to achieve his dreams. Collier took the advice and headed on a long trip to Los Angeles to find the connections and mentoring that could ultimately make him into a champion. Dee turned pro in the of June 1983 but would lose a disappointing 4 round decision to fellow Chicagoan Mike Evans at the LA Sports arena. Collier persisted and by 1984 would compile a record of 7-2 and would face the first reputable name of his career, the experienced Mike Jameson, Dee boxed well and dropped a split decision in San Jose but made a great account of himself in defeat. Irrational management would thrust Collier into a fight with the very capable Cruiserweight Bash Ali 12 weeks later in Reno. Collier was caught cold by Ali and knocked out in the second round. leaving the imported Californian’s career in tatters. 

Regardless Collier insisted on remaining active, he understood his mistakes and had faith  in what he was capable of. Collier at 7-4 and coming off damaging losses would be scheduled to fight former world title challenger Randall Cobb who at 24-6 was still a live contender and was renowned for his durability and toughness. The chips appeared stacked against Dee prior to the bout at Reseda Country club, Cobb outweighed Collier by 20 pounds and had faced the likes of Norton, Dokes, Holmes, Shavers, Douglas and was ranked 22 places above Collier by the WBA. Unfortunately Dee failed to buy into the script and knocked Cobb out in 2 and a half minutes of the opening round, the only time that Cobb was ever stopped or knocked out. Four months later Collier would beat the capable Mark Wills to capture the California State heavyweight title. The headlines grabbed with the impressive stoppage of Cobb earned Dee the biggest opportunity of his life, a spot on the Spinks v Tangstad undercard at The Las Vegas Hilton on September 6, 1986. Collier would face the highly ranked and popular James Buster Douglas and would offer solid resistance by staying the course and forcing the contender to settle for a unanimous decision. Collier would return with a repeat victory over Mark Wills, this time by a 7th round Tko, to retain his California state title. In the July of 1987, Collier would be matched with 7 foot Mike White in Irvine, Dee would struggle to negotiate the height and reach of the mammoth White and dropped a 10 round decision. 7 months later Collier would try his luck again, this time with his California State title on the line but would lose by a wider margin over 12 in the same arena. Collier would return in the November against the undefeated Alex Garcia, Dee would box well and match the hard punching former San Fernando gang member over the first half of the fight, and when a cut over Garcia’s right eye began affecting his vision, Collier was awarded the retirement victory in round 8. Over the next 7 months Collier would score knockouts over Bobby Crabtree and Monte Masters to earn him a shot at NABF champion Orlin Norris at the Showboat in Las Vegas. Collier wouldn’t disgrace himself but would lose a wide decision to the future world Cruiserweight champion before calling it a day to pursue a life outside of boxing. 

In the mid 1990s Collier landed himself a string of appearances in movies and commercials, including Only in America, the Don King biopic , Diggs Town with Lou Gossett Jr and Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon. In 2009, 20 years after leaving the ring Collier appeared on competition-styled reality tv show ‘Wipeout’ a show where contestants face a highly competitive assault course to eliminate his opposition, proving that there was still life in the old dog. Collier retired with a record of 13-8 (9 Ko’s) and took up bodybuilding to maintain his fantastic physique and still lives with his family in California. 

Oscar Rivas becomes the first man to claim the World Bridgerweight title.

                                 

In the first ever fight for the vacant WBC World Bridgerweight Championship, Oscar Rivas 28-1 (19 KOs) scored a hard fought twelve round unanimous points decision over rugged Ryan Rozicki 13-0 (13 KOs) last night at L’Olympia in Montreal, Canada. The fight proved to be an entertaining affair with both Rivas and Rozicki having moments of success throughout the fight. Rivas drew first blood by hurting Rozicki towards the end of the opener, however by round 4 the tattooed Rozicki began to outgun the bigger Rivas. Oscar appeared to turn things his way by the 7th with accurate punching but allowed Rozicki’s guts and courage to drag him back into the fight late. Rivas who appeared ahead by 11 boxed behind the jab and drew Ryan onto some big shots. Rivas was deducted a point in the closing round for a low blow but appeared to have done enough in a historic victory to earn himself the bragging rights that he was the first ever Bridgerweight world champion by scores of 116-111, 115-112, 115-112.

Oliver McCall jr shot and killed in Chicago.

                                         

Last week we received the sad news that Oliver William McCall jr, son of the former WBC heavyweight champion of the same name was shot multiple times and killed 73rd street and Yates boulevard in the South Shore district of Chicago. Family and friends described McCall as a good man and a positive role model and mentor to many youths in his area. 

McCall jr wasn’t interested in the street life in his neighbourhood but it appears he got caught in the wrong place after walking his mom to the bus so that she could get to work safely and had just finished an overnight shift as a security guard. Oliver’s sister Natasha said “Oliver would have done anything for anyone even a stranger on the street, that’s the truth, we just can’t believe that we are never going to see our brother again. 

The McCall family are searching for answers after Oliver was caught in rapid crossfire moments after three people crashed and ran from a stolen car close to the alley where McCall was found. Oliver, who was licensed to carry a firearm had returned fire but it’s is not clear whether he hit anyone. The McCall family are finding it hard to come to terms with Oliver’s shooting and can’t understand how such a gentle family man could meet such a tragic end on his own doorstep. Natasha described Oliver’s 4 year old daughter Kennedy waiting at the door for her daddy to come home, too young to fully understand the reality that he won’t be returning. 

The McCall family have set up a Go fund me page in honour of Oliver’s life

Click Below.

www.go fund me.com/f/honoring-the-life-of-oliver-mccall-jr

Oscar Rivas weighs in with a 20 pound advantage over Ryan Rozicki (Bridgerweights) in Canada.

                                   

It’s been 34 years since professional boxing has added a significant weight division. In 1987 the Cruiserweight or junior heavyweight division was introduced to allow smaller heavyweights whom were naturally too big to make the light heavyweight limit to compete at an optimum weight, here we are in 2021 where many of the heavyweight divisions major players are 250 / 60 pounds and in excess of 6 feet 6 inches in height, a far cry from 1987 when the world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was weighing close to 217 and under 6 feet. Introducing the Bridgerweight division, another niche classification which allows smaller heavyweights (which may have been considered big heavyweights in 1987) to compete between the weights of 210lbs and 228lbs. Oscar Rivas 27-1 (19 Ko’s) comes into tonight’s first ever Bridgerweight world championship fight with a 20 pound weight advantage over Ryan Rozicki 13-0 (13 Ko’s) At their weigh-in Thursday in Montreal for the World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgerweight title bout Oscar Rivas tipped in at 222, with Ryan Rozicki a more svelte 203.

Undercard Weights.

Sébastien Bouchard 148.6 vs. Sergio Ortega 148.2

Terry Osias: 172.6 vs. Joaquin Murrieta 173.4

Alexandre Roberge 207 vs. Francis Charbonneau 199.8

Kevin Menoche 153,8 vs. Thad Ridsdill 153.4

Alexis Barrière 235 vs. Rafael Sanchez Rojas 211

The card is hosted by The Venue L’Olympia in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and is promoted by GYM (Group Yvon Michel)

Josh Taylor v Jack Catterall postponed until Feb 26th.

                                   

The all British affair for the unified junior Welterweight championship between the Champion, Scotland’s Josh Taylor 18-0 (13 Ko’s) and the challenger Jack Catterall of Lancashire 26-0 (13 Ko’s) originally scheduled for December 18th at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow has postponed due to the champion suffering a knee injury in training. 

Catterall won the British super lightweight title in 2017 then propelled himself to a WBO world ranking in 2019 with wins over Tyrone McKenna and Ohara Davies. The Lancashire man last boxed in November winning a 10 round decision over Abderrazak Houya. 

Taylor began to accumulate his world championships in 2019 when he collected the IBF title from Ivan Baranchyk, adding the WBA Super belt 5 months later when he decisioned Regis Prograis. Josh would complete the set by adding both the WBC and WBO titles last May, decisioning Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas. Taylor v Catterall has been rescheduled for Saturday February 26th at the same arena in Glasgow. 

Marvin Stinson, the epitome of a Philly fighter.

                                   

In 1974, Philadelphia boxer Marvin Stinson traveled to Cuba to compete in the world games to face Teofilo Stevenson, losing a close decision in the finals. In 1976, Marvin won the national AAU title, he went to the Olympic trials that year, alongside future world champions Michael Dokes and the eventual winner of the tourney John Tate. Tate would beat Stinson in the final and would eventually represent the famed 1976 Olympic team. Prior to this particular meeting, both Tate and Marvin had split their two previous bouts. Stinson however remained in the Olympic camp as an alternate at heavyweight. 

Marvin would turn pro in the July of 1977, at the age of 25, he would score a second round Ko of Charles Boston at Virginia Beach. Marvin would win five of his first six fights by knockout, including a stoppage of tough Mike Montgomery (6-0). He followed this with three straight 8-round points wins, including a decision over Leroy Diggs (8-4-3), a man who would later serve alongside Marvin as a Larry Holmes sparring partner. Marvin would beat the notable Pedro Soto of Puerto Rico at Madison square garden in May of 1978, which amounted to 9 bouts in under 10 months. It was then that the problem of getting fights would begin. Stinson signed with former world champion Joe Frazier who at the time was busy on the road with his band, Joe Frazier and the Knockouts. Local manager Gary Hegyi and George Benton were steering Stinson’s career and booking him fights. This began to prove difficult after the first year. 

Seven months passed before he finally boxed, scoring an 8 round draw with Randy Mack, a Philadelphia southpaw who was on a 5 fight winning streak. A further seven months passed before his would box again, this time scoring a stoppage Tyrone Harlee in Atlantic City, a winner of 6 of his previous 8 bouts. Another five months would pass before he boxed again, this time scoring another draw with future NABF champion Larry Alexander at the Upper Darby Forum on the outskirts of Philly. 

In 1979 Larry Holmes was preparing to defend his title against Mike Weaver in New York when he called Frazier to ask if he had anyone to send up for sparring. Frazier sent Stinson, little did he know it would be a job that he would hold for 13 years, remaining a permanent fixture in the Holmes camp until his 1992 fight with Evander Holyfield. Holmes would initially agree to pay Marvin $300 a week, but after their first session Larry added a further $100 to his weekly wage. 

Stinson would travel with Larry for his Las Vegas bout with Leroy Jones in the March of 1980, and secured a spot on the undercard at Caesars Palace where he would score a first round knockout over Eddie Wilson. 2 months later Stinson would box a rematch with Randy Mack, who had continued a winning streak for 6 more fights since their last meeting, resulting again in a draw, this time over 10 rounds in Atlantic City. Mack proved himself as a very tough and crafty opponent.

Back in Las Vegas in October of 1980 Stinson would climb off the floor to out-hustle Jeff Shelburg in an ESPN main event, this would be Marvin’s last victory. Stinson would go on to meet unbeaten Philadelphian Tim Witherspoon (7-0 / 6 KOs) at the time. The future WBC and WBA heavyweight champion would not only win a close decision over Stinson but follow up with another seven wins before losing a highly disputed split decision to WBC champion Holmes. 

Stinson would meet veteran Philadelphian Jimmy Young next, a tricky customer who had been in with Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Gerry Cooney, Ron Lyle and hold a victory over George Foreman. Young had also lost a controversial WBC and WBA title bout with Muhammad Ali in Maryland which many ringsides thought Jimmy had won. The Stinson-Young match was in June of 1981 in Atlantic City. Marvin later revealed that the Young fight was probably the only fight he felt he genuinely lost. Approaching the conclusion of his long career Stinson craved one last big fight, and 14 months later he would face undefeated New Yorker Eddie Gregg at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden. At the end of the 7th round it appeared as if Gregg did not want to come out of his corner, but the referee insisted that he fight on. Stinson, ahead on the scorecards suffered a cut from an apparent head butt, the referee immediately stopped the bout offering the victory to Gregg without even consulting the ring doctor. I sat on my stool and cried said Stinson.  Eddie Futch said advised Marvin that it was the right time to quit. Marvin had an extensive decorated amateur career with over 300 bouts including bouts with Larry Holmes, Fred Houpe, Dwain Bonds, John Tate, Teofilio Stevenson and Jimmy Clark followed by a professional career that concluded with 12 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses and 6 knockout wins. Marvin Stinson would later spend some time serving as a sparring partner to an 18 year old Mike Tyson in the Catskills prior to the 1984 Olympic trials earning $750 a week. Marvin would retire from boxing and return to a civilian life in the early 1990s, stating that he didn’t wish to work with any of today’s fighters because they lacked the drive and dedication, literally showing up at the gym when they wanted. 

Whyte v Wallin cancelled, Salita calls for rescheduling.

                               

News emerged this week that WBC mandatory heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte had pulled out of his October 30th date with Otto Wallin at the O2 in London with a reported shoulder injury. 

The news prompted many to conclude that Whyte and his promoter Eddie Hearn had opted to avoid a banana skin in the run up to the fighters first world title attempt and concentrate on the bigger picture. The WBC had placed Whyte as the mandatory to face the winner of the recent Fury v Wilder bout, regardless of Whyte opting to meet Wallin in the meantime, a bout with the Swede was not a condition in the mandated order. 

Upon receiving the news, Dmitri Salita, the promoter of Otto Wallin has called for a rescheduling of the bout, calling a cancellation unfair to his fighter in the grand scheme of things. 

The WBC ruled that the winner of the Fury and Wilder trilogy fight would have 30 days to agree a fight against IBF, WBA and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, or would be ordered to face the reigning interim champion, whom regardless of meeting Wallin or not is Whyte. 

Whyte and Hearn have yet to announce their immediate intention but will more than likely aim straight for the Championship having waited around so long for the chance. 

Dillian last boxed in March when he avenged only his second career loss to Alexander Povetkin in Gibraltar.

Anthony Joshua, tours stateside gyms and meets with renowned trainers.

                                       

Former 2 time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has taken time out to tour a handful of renowned boxing gyms across the states recently in what many perceive is the pursuit of a new trainer to assist him in avenging last months loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Anthony was spotted  visiting Virgil Hunters gym in California, where Joshua Buatsi has been training, a fighter that Joshua currently manages. Joshua appeared to spend some valuable time working out with Virgil and Eddy Reynoso at his San Diego camp where he currently trains Saul Alvarez. Following the visit to Southern Californian, Anthony surfaced in Houston Texas, where he was seen spending quality time with trainers Ronnie Shields and Dominick Guinn alongside the colourful Charlo brothers at their Texas gym. Ronnie took the time to find a rapport with Anthony and understands that the fighter is looking to make additions to his team for the pending rematch with Usyk. Joshua acknowledges that he got it wrong in the first fight said Shields, who revealed that Joshua had told him that he knows people don’t think he’s a dog, but feels he needs to be a dog in his next fight. Joshua told Shields, “I just need you to show me how to be the best dog you can teach me to be. “ 

Anthony hasn’t ever indicated that he wishes to switch from longtime trainer Robert McCracken, but has hinted that a subtle addition is required to benefit his progression. 

Joshua had previously made changes to his team following the Ruiz defeat by adding Joby Clayton and Angel Fernandez. Anthony is a work in progress and is a fast learner. Many think that an immediate rematch with Usyk is all wrong for Joshua, but in that same vein, the same people advised against Anthony pursuing an Immediate rematch with Ruiz. If we know anything about Anthony Joshua, it’s that he’s loyal and stubborn, but he very often applies himself with almost obsessive attention to detail to get to where he needs to be, and if the addition of new coaching advisory is what Anthony feels is necessary, he is looking in the right place. 

WBC stage the first World Bridgerweight title fight between Oscar Rivas and Ryan Rozicki on Friday in Montreal.

                                   

On Friday night, the first ever WBC Bridgerweight world title fight will take place in Montreal Canada as Oscar Rivas 27-1 (19 KOs) meets undefeated Ryan Rozicki 13-0 (13 KOs) at the Montreal Olympia. The weight limit is set at 224 lbs. The naturally bigger man Rivas has only boxed 3 times since 2018 including his sole points loss to WBC Mandatory DIllian Whyte in London in a fight where he dropped Whyte, and an extremely fortunate last round knockout of Bryant Jennings to retrain his NABF title, after trailing on the scorecards (Jennings was originally pencilled to contest for this title v Rivas on this date but opted out after a dispute over the Covid-19 vaccination.) 

Oscars last outing was a stoppage of an 8-5 cruiserweight who hadn’t won a fight in 5 years, Sylvera Louis in Quebec 7 months ago. Rivas has made 28 fight appearances in a 12 year career having turned pro after representing Canada in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China. 

Ryan Rozicki is a career Cruiserweight who boxed the aforementioned Sylvera Louis, 4 weeks after Rivas, taking 3 more rounds than Oscar to get rid of him. Rozicki has boxed no notable names but has compiled an impressive flawless record and is making all of the right noises. Ryan overcame near disaster In his 2019 bout with Ohio based Russian Khetag Pliev, when he suffered a fractured orbital bone in the opener. Rozicki maintained his composure and scored a 2nd round stoppage to preserve his impressive 13 fight unbeaten record. Expect Rivas to use his strength and experience to out-hustle Rozicki in an entertaining battle.

Hughie Fury, Eubank Jr and Savannah Marshall all victorious in Newcastle.

                                      

Former WBO world title challenger Hughie Fury 26-3 (15 KOs) overwhelmed tough Christian Hammer 26-8 (16 KOs) for five rounds on Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England, before the well travelled German based Romanian was pulled out of the bout by his corner with an apparent bicep injury. Hughie the cousin of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and trained by his father Peter has faced some of the divisions most notable names (Wach, Povetkin, Peter, Pulev, Parker) despite his 27 years. Hammer now 34 previously lost to Tyson Fury back in 2015, with most notable wins over David Price and Erkan Teper, despite losing more recently to Povetkin, Ortiz and Yoka.

In a Co-feature, WBA Number 1 middleweight Chris Eubank Jr 31-2 (22 KOs) outgunned German based Armenian Wanik Awdijan 28-2 (11 KOs) for five rounds before the imports corner pulled Awdijan out with a suspected rib injury.  

WBO female middleweight champion Savannah Marshall 11-0 (9 KOs) stopped previously unbeaten Lolita Muzeya 16-1 (8 KOs) in the second round of a scheduled 10 X 2’s. A barrage of shots forced referee Michael Alexander to stop the fight at 1:58 of the round. Following the bout Marshall announced that both she and former amateur opponent and undefeated multi weight champion Claressa Shields will box separate opponents on the same card on December 11, with a prospective unification between the two looking likely for 2022. 

Johnathan Gonzalez upsets Elwin Soto to claim WBO 108lb title.

In another upset in Fresno, 9:1 underdog Jonathan Gonzalez 25-3-1 (14 Ko’s) out-hustled reigning WBO light flyweight Champion Elwin Soto 19-2 (13 Ko’s) by a split decision over 12 rounds on Saturday night as co-feature to the Mikey Garcia v Sandor Martin show at the Chukchansi Park Baseball Ground. Soto appeared as the aggressor throughout the bout whilst ‘Bomba’ frustrated the California based Mexican with effective movement to claim the 108lb title. Scores were 116-113, 116-112, 116-112. 

Unknown Sandor Nelson stuns Mikey Garcia in Fresno.

                                  

Four weight world champion Mikey Garcia’s return to action after almost 2 years out of the ring ended disastrously on Saturday night, when he laboured to a 10 round majority decision defeat at the hands of the virtually unknown European Champion Super lightweight champion Sandor Martin 39-2 (13 Ko’s) at the Outdoor Chukchansi Park Baseball Stadium in Fresno Californian. The Spanish southpaw was a 25:1 underdog and appeared the far sharper fighter on the night. Garcia 40-2 (30 Ko’s) simply couldn’t get into a groove and appeared flat, losing by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 95-95. Garcia and Martin boxed at a 145lb Catchweight. 

Deontay Wilder releases first statement since epic trilogy defeat.

                                  
Wow, what a hell of a night! I would like to first and foremost thank God for allowing me to give the world another part of me that’s driven with passion and determination. I would like to thank my team and my fans for sticking by my side through this long process. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed in the outcome but after reflecting on my journey, I now see that what God wanted me to experience is far greater than what I expected to happen. We didn’t get the win but a wise man once said the victories are within the lessons. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to lose to win. Although, I wanted the win I enjoyed seeing the fans win even more. Hopefully, I proved that I am a true Warrior and a true King in this sport. Hopefully, WE proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in. Last but not least I would like to congratulate @gypsyking101 for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever.

Anthony Yarde v Lyndon Arthur rematch set for December 4th.

                                         

The highly anticipated rematch between light heavyweight contenders Lyndon Arthur 19-0 (13 KOs) and Anthony Yarde 21-2 (20 KOs) will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on December 4th and will be broadcast live on BT Sport across the Uk. Lyndon Arthur pulled off what was considered an upset 12 months ago when he beat Yarde by a razor thin decision.

Promoter Frank Warren commented that the winner of this rematch will be propelled into a favourable position in the WBO rankings and almost certainly secure a shot at their world championship. 

Malik Scott explains Wilders continued animosity towards Fury following trilogy fight.

                                 

At the conclusion of last nights epic trilogy fight, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury took the time to check in on his fallen foe and offer the hand of sportsmanship, but was not welcomed by the former champion who couldn’t even bring himself to offer a handshake to the victor. Fury later stated that he would pray for Deontay Wilder that he could find it within himself over time to be gracious and accept the loss like a sportsman. Trainer, friend and former opponent of Deontay Wilder, Malik Scott explained exactly why the former champion continued to hold such bitter animosity. Scott explained that Wilder still believes that some type of skullduggery took place in the 2nd fight involving weights and manipulated gloves and simply can’t forgive and forget. Scott revealed that Deontay had suffered a broken hand following last nights fight and was hospitalised at university medial centre for precautionary measures and still struggles to realise why he lost. Malik himself took the time to congratulate the champion and his trainer Sugar Hill Steward, a long time friend and didn’t hold any personal issues against Fury and his crew despite the deep seeded trash talk in the days prior to the fight, but makes no excuse for his charge who may need time to process a defeat of this magnitude. Malik ensured that Wilder was fine and had asked him to break down what went wrong on the night in order to move forward from such a harsh loss. Malik was employed by Wilder following the 2nd fight with Fury after accusing former trainer Mark Breland of having ulterior motives for throwing in the towel to signal the end of their 2019 fight. Unfortunately between rounds 8 and 11 in last nights fight it appeared that Deontay Wilder was almost sleepwalking and was dead on his feet and following the drama and Wilders distain towards anyone in his team who would even consider surrendering him during a fight, the fighters best interests may have been compromised. Referee Russell Mora stood by and watched Wilder stagger into repeated unanswered head shots but never had the gumption to make the call to save the fighter for another day.. Deontay Wilder appears fine fortunately but I think the Nevada Commission need to look closer at the health implications that could arise from such neglect, safety in the sport is paramount and although the paying public demand a conclusive ending, only time will tell the damage that selective ignorance can cause to fighters that are too brave to make rational decisions. 

Las Vegas Undercard, Anderson, Helenius and Sanchez victorious.

                               

In the co-feature of the evening, Miami based Cuban Frank Sanchez 19-0 (13 KO’s) gave Texan based Nigerian knockout artist Efe Egjaba 15-1 (12 KOs) of his first defeat, winning unanimously. The bout promised fireworks yet soon became a tepid tactical affair with the more polished Sanchez out-hustled the deliberate Ajagba. Sanchez scored a victory sealing knockdown in round 7 when a clean right hand appeared to forced Ajagba to the canvas, a follow up uppercut landed as it appeared the Nigerian was in a squatting position and hadn’t touched down. Efe’s corner implored him to raise his work-rate down the stretch but the demoralised Nigerian looked second best to the smoother more capable stole victory and retained his NABO and WBC Continental Americas titles by scores of 98-91, 98-91, and 97-92

In a lively heavyweight rematch, Robert Helenius 31-3 (19 KOs) of Finland proved the first victory was not a fluke as he repeated the job, defeating Poland’s Adam Kownacki 20-2 (15 KOs) for a second time, back to back. Helenius found his range early, catching Kownacki with clean head shots, backing him up inside the opener. Kownacki appeared caught in the headlights throughout the first 3 rounds and couldn’t gain any momentum against the calculated and purposeful Helenius. Adam struggled to see many of the shots due to an eye swelling that got gradually worse as the rounds wore on. Helenius had Kownacki hurt towards the end of the 3rd forcing the pole to resort to illegal tactics, punching Helenius low at the end of the session. A desperate Kownacki had a point deducted in the 5th as the now battle worn pole was barely surviving. The sixth round appeared a last stand for Kownacki, as he became literal target practice for the relative veteran, as the end looked close, Adam threw another desperate low shot, forcing the referee to call a halt, declaring Helenius the victor by disqualification at 2:38 of the session. 

Rising Toledo Heavyweight Jared Anderson 10-0 (10 KOs) stopped the previously undefeated Russian import Vladamir Tereshkin 22-1-1 (12 KOs) in round two of a scheduled 8. The patient Anderson measured the taller Tereshkin throughout the opener and struggled to find openings. However round 2 saw Anderson close the gap and soon land more meaningful shots, bloodying Tereshkin’s nose. Anderson managed to back the Russian into a corner towards the end of the round and unleash a vicious series of unanswered punches forcing referee Kenny Bayless to stop the fight at 2:51 of the session. The Victory earns Anderson the NABF title. 

Fury dominates trilogy fight, Wilder knocked out in 11.

                             

In a spectacular fight that produced more that it’s fair share of high drama, Tyson Fury cemented his claim as the number one lineal heavyweight title holder by knocking out former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas in what was the Gypsy Kings first world title defence despite winning his first championship nearly 6 years ago. Fury 31-0-1 (22 Ko’s) boxed intelligently as the self proclaimed rejuvenated Wilder 42-2-1 (41 Ko’s) began by launched an assertive body attack, Fury found his measure in short bursts set up with trade mark feints. Fury drew first blood with fast 2 punch combinations in the second that knocked off Wilders momentum. The real breakthrough came in the 3rd when Fury landed a quick one two on the ropes that staggered Deontay followed by a short right uppercut that dropped the former champ. Wilder did regroup despite being forced to fight on the back foot and in the 4th detonated a short right hand that caused the champion to pitch forward onto the canvas for only the 5th time in his career, moments later a short flurry had Fury back on the canvas in what appeared to be a turning point in the fight, Fury rose at 8 and survived the round. Fury was ordered in between rounds to stick to basics and box behind the jab in an attempt to close the distance down to negate Wilders right hand, Fury stuck to task and by round 8 the short explosive bursts of punches paired with the 277 pound physical presence in the clinches seemed to be wearing Wilder down who was beginning to have a sleepwalking look about him. By the 10th Deontay didn’t appear to have his legs under him and the steady drip of constant pressure from Fury had him on the floor again, this time from a solitary right hand. A desperate Malik Scott tried to advise his fighter to walk forward each time Fury tried to mount any type of attack, telling Wilder that he had been blessed with a gift to get him out of trouble. After a doctors inspection Wilder entered the 11th looking demoralised, every attempt he made to claw his title back appeared in vain as Fury patiently manhandled him before knocking him lifeless with a stiff right hand on the ropes with just 1:10 left in the round, referee Russell Mora immediately stopped the fight with Wilder knocked out for the first time in his 45 fight career. In all honestly a more compassionate corner may have been able to prevent the brutal ending that appeared unnecessary considering the physical state Wilder had been in for the previous 5 rounds. Fury retains his WBC title and remains the lightening bolt of the division. The potential for a unification with Usyk looks unlikely considering the Anthony Joshua rematch clause although an interesting domestic affair appears a possibility with Dillian Whyte who is finally knocking on the door of his first world title shot. 

Wilder Fury 3, Heavyweights weigh in.

                                  

Weigh in results from the heavyweight portion of the Top Rank Card.

WBC world heavyweight championship 

Tyson Fury 277      v        Deontay Wilder 238

WBC Continental Americas and NABO heavyweight championships.

Efe Ajagba 237      v        Frank Sanchez 240

Robert Helenius 246    v    Adam Kownacki 258

Jared Anderson 240     v     Vladimir Tereshkin 256

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Promoted by Top Rank in association with John Brown and TGB Promotions

Televised by ESPN+, ESPN2, FS1, ESPN/FOX apps and BT Sports PPV in the Uk.

October 22nd, Rivas v Rozicki is now sanctioned for the WBC title.

                                 

The show will go on for Oscar Rivas and the bridgerweight division.

A new opponent has been secured for Rivas 27-1 (19KOs), who will now face unbeaten Ryan Rozicki in the inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgerweight title fight. The event will take place October 22 at L’Olympia in Rivas’ hometown of Montreal, Canada.

Canada’s Rozicki 13-0 (13KOs) was approved by the WBC mere days after originally scheduled foe, Philadelphia’s Bryant Jennings—a former heavyweight title challenger—was removed due to a dispute surrounding Canada's quarantine policy for visitors not who have not received the Covid-19 vaccination.

Yvon Michel, Rivas’ promoter and head of GYM Promotions revealed earlier in the week that Jennings, who is not vaccinated and refused to quarantine up until fight night was being removed from the show, with the plan of securing a replacement opponent as soon as was possible. 

WBC give their blessing to allow Ryan Rozicki to step in as a replacement for Jennings to bid for their Championship belt. 

“To continue to fully support the promoters of WBC events during the still ongoing world pandemic, and to help Groupe Yvon Michel to hold the event as scheduled, the WBC has agreed to sanction the WBC World Bridgerweight Title bout between Oscar Rivas and the #18 WBC-ranked Cruiserweight boxer Ryan Rozicki,” Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC declared Friday. “Ryan is willing and able to satisfy all the governmental and commission-established safety requirements the ongoing pandemic has imposed upon promoters and fighters.  

“The WBC requires that Rozicki comply with all the medical and administrative requirements of the WBC and the local commission, as well as the laws of the country of Canada.”

Rozicki brings a perfect record and Canadian heritage into the ring, though not much more beyond that. The 26-year-old from Nova Scotia has been a knockout every time out, having never fought beyond the third round prior to the pandemic. His most recent fight was his deepest as a pro, stopping Sylvera Louis in the sixth round of their regional title fight this past April in Vancouver, just 38 days after Rivas stopped Louis inside of three rounds this past March.

The upcoming showdown with the vastly more experienced Rivas will mark the first above the cruiserweight limit for Rozicki. The heaviest Rozicki weighed for a sanctioned pro bout came in his pro debut when he checked in at 200 ¾ pounds. He has since come in lighter than 200 pounds for twelve straight fights.

Rivas has moved in the opposite direction before trimming back down to the 224-pound bridgerweight limit. The veteran contender represented Colombia in the 2008 Olympics before relocating to Montreal prior to his August 2009 pro debut, for which he weighed 225 ¾ pounds.

Rivas weighed 223 pounds one fight later—his career lightest at the time before gradually putting on weight, including his weighing a career-heaviest 251 ½ pounds in April 2015. Rivas has not weighed more than 244 pounds since that point, and was a fighting fit 234 pounds for the biggest win of his career—a 12th round stoppage of Jennings in January 2019.

Six months later came the lone defeat of Rivas’ career, dropping a twelve-round unanimous decision to Dillian Whyte whom he managed to knock down in the ninth round of their July 2019 WBC interim heavyweight title fight. Rivas weighed 239 ¼ pounds that night, 18 pounds more than a career-low 221 ¼ pounds for his aforementioned knockout win over Louis—a fight which came just three months after the WBC’s official launch of the bridgerweight division.

Plans were in place for months for Rivas and Jennings to collide in a rematch, with both expressing a willingness to vie for the newly created title. The fight was delayed by several months before landing on the October 22 date. Things became problematic once it was learned that Jennings 24-4 (14KOs) is not vaccinated and was not receptive to remaining in quarantine for the final two weeks prior to the opening bell. The American theorized that doing so would hinder his ability to properly conclude training camp, though Michel insisted that Jennings would have enjoyed exclusive access to his own facility.

It’s an unfortunate development, as Rivas-Jennings II was clearly the preferred fight by all parties.

“As an organization, the WBC respects the beliefs and decisions of our fighters,” notes Sulaiman. “However, the WBC must also respect and abide by the governmental laws and regulations of each country where WBC-sanctioned events take place.  While we are very sorry that Bryant Jennings is no longer one of the contenders for the world title of the newly created WBC Bridgerweight Division, our commitment to minimize the risks the pandemic presents continues.  

“The WBC family is excited and thrilled about the prospect of crowning the first WBC World Bridgerweight Champion”

Fury v Wilder 3 (Full Event Schedule)

                           

Tyson Fury 30-0-1         v        Deontay Wilder 42-1-1   

12 Rounds (WBC World Heavyweight Championship)

Robert Helenius 30-3-0      v     Adam Kownacki 30-1-0

12 Rounds Heavyweights 

Efe Ajagba 15-0-0       v          Frank Sanchez 18-0-0

10 Rounds (WBC Continental Americas and NABO Heavyweight titles)

Robeisy Ramirez 7-1-0    v      Orlando Ruiz 17-0-0 

10 Rounds Featherweights 

Edgar Berlanga 17-0-0      v      Marcelo Coceres 30-2-1

10 Rounds Super Middleweights (Vacant NABO Title) 

Julian Williams 27-2-1        v        Vladimir Hernandez 12-4-0

10 Rounds Super Welterweight 

Rances Barthelemy 28-1-1     v        TBA

10 Rounds Super Lightweight 

Jared Anderson 9-0-0      v       Vladimir Tereshkin 22-0-1

8 Rounds Heavyweights

Viktor Vykhryst 7-0-0      v        Mike Marshall 6-1-1

8 Rounds Heavyweights

Bruce Carrington (Debut)   v       Cesar Cantu 3-1-0

4 Rounds Featherweights 

Promoted by Bob Arum & Top Rank Inc in association with TGB Tom Brown 

Matchmakers Tom Brown & Brad Goodman

Telemetro Channel 13 in Panama / USA Fox PPV / UK BT-Sports PPV

Hosted by MGM Grand Las Vegas and The T-Mobile Arena.

Heavyweight Co-features (Fury v Wilder 3) Undercard.

                             
A breathtaking co-feature at heavyweight see a rarity as 2 undefeated punchers meet for the WBC Continental Americas and WBO’s NABO Championships when Texan based Nigerian, Efe Ajagba 15-0 (12 Ko’s) meets Miami based Cuban, Frank Sanchez 18-0 (13 Ko’s) over 12 rounds. The 6 foot 6 inch Ajagba is currently mimicking Deontay Wilder as chief sparring hand for Tyson Fury and has racked up a breathtaking tally of victories in his 48 months as a pro. Efe first caught headlines in 2018 as a 5-0 (5 Ko’s) prospect when journeyman Curtis Harper left the ring at the sound of the opening bell in Minneapolis in a protest over money. Ajagba would return with solid wins over tough Amir Mansour and the skilful Michael Wallisch in 2019 before taking on the dangerous Iago Kiladze. Efe would drop Kiladze in the 2nd round before having to climb off the floor himself in the 3rd, Ajagba showed immense courage and maturity by putting the hardened Kiladze on the floor again in the 5th and forcing Californians corner to retire their fighter. Efe last boxed 6 months ago when he stopped Brian Howard in 3 rounds in Tulsa hardly ideal preparation for such an important event but still live activity. Sanchez has moved steadily under the radar, in 2018 he racked up 10 straight wins in a 12 month period and a 2020 decision over Joey Dawejko being his only victory over a noted opponent. Despite this Frank is heavy handed and extremely versatile. Sanchez’ last outing in May saw the usually durable Nagy Aguilera quit in 6, earning him the WBC Continental Americas title. Expect Ajagba to look for an early night with wild explosive power punching, if Sanchez can weather the storm it could make for an entertaining shootout whilst it lasts. 

An interesting rematch affair sees the rugged Brooklyn based pole Adam Kownacki 20-1 (15 Ko’s) attempting to avenge his only loss at the hands of former European King Robert Helenius back in March of 2020. The deceptive looking Kownacki rose through the division until 2019 by disposing of top draw opposition, Art Szpilka, Gerald Washington, Charles Martin and Chris Arreola over a 2 year run. The erratic Helenius turned pro in 2008 and blasted his way to a top 10 ranking by defeating Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter, Atilla Levin and Sergei Liakhovick before being exposed in a nationally televised bout with Dereck Chisora back in 2011 where the Fin was lucky to escape with his undefeated record in tact. 5 fights later Helenius would be knocked out by Johann Duhaupas before losing a world title eliminator to Dillian Whyte in 2017, prospectively signifying the end, however Robert would return a year later a different fighter upsetting tough Erkan Teper only 20 months prior to derailing Kownacki. The fight is a natural with Kownacki having no choice but to overturn the knockout loss if he has any chance of being taken seriously in a lively division. Helenius at 37 and in the twilight of a long career has no pressure and a huge psychological edge, making it an interesting watch. 

Undefeated Ohio puncher Jared Anderson 9-0 (9 Ko’s) takes on undefeated Las Vegas based Russian veteran Vladimir Tereshkin 20-0-1 (12 Ko’s.) 21 year old Anderson turned pro 2 years ago and has earned valuable experience as a Tyson Fury sparring partner whilst racking up spectacular knockouts on Top Rank shows. The colourful Anderson has an interesting dance partner on this occasion, Tereshkin turned pro 14 years ago and has smouldered slowly, remaining unbeaten whilst boxing on the road in Latvia, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Finland, The U.S, and The Caribbean. The most noted name on the Russians resume is Alex Mazekin whom he decisioned 8 years ago. The only blemish being a draw with the well travelled Adnan Serin. 

Fury v Wilder 3.. All on the line.

                                 

This Saturday at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights step aside to allow the 3rd instalment of an intriguing heavyweight rivalry to take place when WBC champion Tyson Fury 30-0-1 (21 Ko’s) meets the explosive former champion Deontay Wilder 42-1-1 (41 Ko’s) for global bragging rights and the chance to step closer to a unification bout with newly crowned champion Oleksandr Usyk. Earlier in 2021 it appeared as if Tyson Fury was getting set to meet WBO, WBA and IBF champion Anthony joshua in a financially lucrative all British unification affair, that was until May 17th when American judge Daniel Weinstein ruled in Deontay Wilders favour in an unexpected arbitrary decision based on a contractual rematch clause, executed at the final hour by the former WBC champion. The arbitration ruled that Tyson Fury had to defend his championship against Wilder on or before September 15th 2021 or risk being stripped. Fury v Wilder 3 was set for July 24th in Las Vegas but was unfortunately postponed when the WBC champion tested positive for Covid 19, leaving us here with a week to go until the rescheduled date. Since their last meeting Deontay Wilder has replaced scapegoated former trainer Mark Breland with former victim Malik Scott as head coach, who appears to be adding subtle changes to the former champions arsenal. Scott a technical student of the sport has posted cameos of Wilder shooting more to the body and moving his head and feet more in what appears a desperate attempt to teach an old dog new tricks. Wilders nature is to punch, if opportunities present themselves expect Wilder to revert to type and snatch wildly with what he knows. Fury however hides nothing about his approach, ever since he rose from the canvas in December 2018 to be backhanded with a draw, Fury obsessed to all whom would listen about how he would outgun and outmuscle Wilder in their next instalment. Much to everyone’s surprise 14 months later Fury would act true to his word, forcing Wilder onto the back foot and systematically dismantling the bewildered champion knocking Deontay down twice in a breathtaking display to earn him the title and hand Wilder his sole defeat. The only difference about Fury’s boasts this time is that he vows to stop the challenger much faster this time around. With all of the talking aside we still have an interesting fight, a multi skilled, colourful, mobile 270 pounder against an enigmatic, spiteful 220 pound sniper who still possesses the artillery to render anyone foolish enough to stand in front of him unconscious in a match with everything on the line. Despite his boasts Fury still insists that Wilder can’t be slept on and no stone can be left unturned if he is to repeat a similar victory to last February. Likewise, Wilder is fully aware of the mammoth task that lies ahead of him and understands that excuses aside, defeat this time is a hard one to come back from which makes him an extremely dangerous commodity. This Saturdays fight if nothing else, is a spectacle.