Mexican-Russian Evgeny Gradovich (16-0, 8) upset the boxing world just a few months ago by defeating Australian Billy Dib for the IBF Featherweight title. Gradovich now returns to the ring for the first time as a world champion as he takes on Mauricio Javier Munoz (26-3, 12) in Macau as part of the "Fists of Gold II" card.
The 26 year old champion may well be one of the least experienced champions out there in terms of professional bouts and rounds but is also from one of the top boxing gyms in the world, the Roberto Garcia gym in Oxnard California. With Garcia behind him Gradovich shares a gym with the likes of Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana and Brandon Rios all of whom will help him develop as a fighter.
As an amateur Gradovich was schooled in Russia where he was a solid fighter in the unpaid ranks. Since then he completely changed his style from the amateur style to that as of a busy brawler, a bundle of energy who comes forward and throws relentlessly, especially to the body. Although he's not the most accurate or the most efficient it's fair to say he will be a handful for anyone just due to his relentless assault.
Despite having only been a professional since 2010 Gradovich has been very impressive in his climb up the rankings. He may only have 95 combined rounds in his career but he has managed to take a highwork rate through a 12 round bout (the Dib contest) and twice in 10 round contests. He has also shown repeated improvement in the ring.
Argentinian Munoz is challenging for a world title for the second time, having previously been stopped by Toshiaki Nishioka in April 2011. Interestingly the Nishioka bout was fought at Super Bantamweight whilst this on will be at Featherweight.
Aged 27 Munoz has been a professional for over 7 years though hasn't yet really made a name for himself. Unfortunately other than the Nishioka fight he has yet to fight either a notable name or outside of South America. In fact the second best opponent on Munoz's record is Luis Franco, a man Munoz scored a very controversial victory over in an IBF eliminator.
In terms of his style very little really stands out about Munoz. He's active enough to make an opponent work and he's tough enough to not just fold but he's clumsy, technically very poor and seems to be pretty to out box. Whilst, as I said above, Gradovich isn't a pure boxer he's the sort of fighter who does everything Munoz does but better than Munoz.
Gradovich hits harder, he hits more and he's defensively smarter than Munoz. I really can't see anyway Munoz wins this. In Argentina the judging could have done him a favour but in Macau there really is no chance for the Argentinian who doesn't have the sort of power a fighter would need to discourage Gradovich from going to work.
Prediction-Gradovich UD12
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Diego Gabriel Chaves v Keith Thurman
Not many bouts have "explosive" written all over them but the upcoming interim WBA Welterweight title bout certainly does as hard hitting Argentinian Diego Gabriel Chaves (22-0, 18) takes on American Keith Thurman (20-0-0-1, 18) live on Showtime.
Although Chaves is relatively unknown by the wider boxing public he's a fighter who has been receiving a lot of TV time in his homeland courtesy of TYC Sports and thus he's gotten plenty of attention as a fighter there.
Prior to turning professional in 2008 Chaves had been a solid amateur competing at 2007 World Amateur Championships and claiming various national and international titles. It was this amateur experience that helped him get the attention from TC Sports, it was also his amateur success that saw him being dubbed "La Joya" ("The Jewel"). Thankfully for Chaves he has transitioned from the amateurs to the professionals well and really developed as a hard hitter.
Chaves claimed the interim title around a year ago when he stopped Ismael El Massoudi in 2 rounds. Since then he has defended the belt once defeating Jose Miranda, also in 2 round. Unfortunately Chaves has been out of the ring since last September when he beat Miranda and this sort of a layoff could see him with a lot of ring rust, especially when you consider he had fought 21 times in the previous 4 years. Unfortunately part of this layoff was spent waiting for a fight in Dubai against Paulie Malignaggi, a fight that failed to come to fruition.
Style wise Chaves is a hard hitter as mentioned above but is a wild fighter. He's defensively open and appears to leave a lot of chances for a fighter to tag him. His defensive woes have seen him suffering several knockdowns however with his power he's looked like he is happy to have a firefight in the hope of taking his opponents out. He can box when he needs to, though often shows the Latin American machismo rather than his boxing brain.
Whilst Chaves is unknown to the US fanbase it's fair to assume that Thurman isn't. He's a brash but yet charismatic fighter who has been on US TV numerous times often as part of a major undercard giving him major exposure to fans.
Like Chaves, Thurman is a big puncher with genuine lights out power if he connects cleanly and hurtful thudding power if he only manages to land glancing shots. Although he's a big puncher he's more well schooled than Chaves, he's not technically perfect by any stretch of the imagination but he's more defensively sound and more aware of what he's doing when he comes forward and throws. Also like Chaves he has a solid amateur background with more than 100 amateur wins.
Nicknamed "One Time", Thurman seems to feel that he only needs one chance to stop an opponent though he did show last time out that he can box for 12 rounds as he took a decision over the always tough Jan Zaveck. This has been Thurman's only bout to go 12 rounds though I feel he's happy to have proved he can manage the championship distance.
When two big bangers face each other you'd usually favour the more technically rounded fighter and with that in mind I've got to with Thurman here. Both men have question marks hanging over them for sure but with Chaves defensive issues it's going to be next to impossible to back him against any top power puncher.
Of course Chaves could be the next Maidana, Matthysse or Abregu but personally I see him being just a level below that of Abregu, a fringe contender as opposed to a world level guy.
Prediction-Thurman TKO5
Although Chaves is relatively unknown by the wider boxing public he's a fighter who has been receiving a lot of TV time in his homeland courtesy of TYC Sports and thus he's gotten plenty of attention as a fighter there.
Prior to turning professional in 2008 Chaves had been a solid amateur competing at 2007 World Amateur Championships and claiming various national and international titles. It was this amateur experience that helped him get the attention from TC Sports, it was also his amateur success that saw him being dubbed "La Joya" ("The Jewel"). Thankfully for Chaves he has transitioned from the amateurs to the professionals well and really developed as a hard hitter.
Chaves claimed the interim title around a year ago when he stopped Ismael El Massoudi in 2 rounds. Since then he has defended the belt once defeating Jose Miranda, also in 2 round. Unfortunately Chaves has been out of the ring since last September when he beat Miranda and this sort of a layoff could see him with a lot of ring rust, especially when you consider he had fought 21 times in the previous 4 years. Unfortunately part of this layoff was spent waiting for a fight in Dubai against Paulie Malignaggi, a fight that failed to come to fruition.
Style wise Chaves is a hard hitter as mentioned above but is a wild fighter. He's defensively open and appears to leave a lot of chances for a fighter to tag him. His defensive woes have seen him suffering several knockdowns however with his power he's looked like he is happy to have a firefight in the hope of taking his opponents out. He can box when he needs to, though often shows the Latin American machismo rather than his boxing brain.
Whilst Chaves is unknown to the US fanbase it's fair to assume that Thurman isn't. He's a brash but yet charismatic fighter who has been on US TV numerous times often as part of a major undercard giving him major exposure to fans.
Like Chaves, Thurman is a big puncher with genuine lights out power if he connects cleanly and hurtful thudding power if he only manages to land glancing shots. Although he's a big puncher he's more well schooled than Chaves, he's not technically perfect by any stretch of the imagination but he's more defensively sound and more aware of what he's doing when he comes forward and throws. Also like Chaves he has a solid amateur background with more than 100 amateur wins.
Nicknamed "One Time", Thurman seems to feel that he only needs one chance to stop an opponent though he did show last time out that he can box for 12 rounds as he took a decision over the always tough Jan Zaveck. This has been Thurman's only bout to go 12 rounds though I feel he's happy to have proved he can manage the championship distance.
When two big bangers face each other you'd usually favour the more technically rounded fighter and with that in mind I've got to with Thurman here. Both men have question marks hanging over them for sure but with Chaves defensive issues it's going to be next to impossible to back him against any top power puncher.
Of course Chaves could be the next Maidana, Matthysse or Abregu but personally I see him being just a level below that of Abregu, a fringe contender as opposed to a world level guy.
Prediction-Thurman TKO5
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Koki Kameda v John Mark Apolinario
Japan's only 3-weight world champion Koki Kameda (30-1, 17) looks to make the 7th defense of the WBA Bantamweight title that he claimed back in December 2010. Kameda will be facing Filipino challenger John Mark Apolinario (17-2-3, 4) who is getting his third bite at a "world title" in as many fights.
Apolinario will be a recognisable name to those who have been visiting this site over the past year. He has twice faced, and drawn with, Roberto Vasquez in successive bouts for the WBA "interim" Bantamweight title.
Sadly for Apolinario the only bouts of any note on his record are those draws with Vasquez, unless you include his bout with Menard Zaragosa who left the ring to answer the call of nature, which lets be honest many felt he lost.
What the 23 year old Filipino does bring to the ring is toughness-having not been stopped since he was a 19 year old, heart and as always with Filipino's, the hunger to win. He may not have the greatest of power or even the greatest of skills but he's unwilling to be intimidated and will always try to be competitive despite his limitations.
In the champion, Koki, we have a man who widely splits opinion. To some he is the most interesting fighter in the East with his arrogance, loud mouth and general attitude. To others Koki is little more than a fortunate fighter who is comparable to some one like Sven Ottke, a paper champion who has been matched easily, kept at home and been given highly questionable decisions.
Whilst Kameda may be a 3-weigth world champion his reigns have never been that great. His first title, the WBA Light Flyweight title, was won on a highly controversial decision over Juan Jose Landaeta, his second title, the WBC Flyweight title, was lost on his first defense and his reign as WBA Bantamweight champion is one of the most controversial current reigns.
As the WBA Bantamweight champion Kameda has been fortunate to claim victories over David De La Mora, Hugo Ruiz and Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym. That's half of his defense of the title.
Despite the controversy that is eternally linked with Kameda he is a genuinely talented fighter. Defensively he is sound, perhaps a little too much at times, he's offensively smart with quick hands a lovely straight left and whilst he doesn't have concussive power (at least not at 118) he's a clean puncher who does hurt when he lands.
Due to the lack of power of Apolinario I really can't see how he can upset Kameda. Kameda is more skilled, he's at home and he's actually "not that bad". Sure he's not genuine "world class" at Bantamweight (in fact he may only be the fourth best in Japan) and his title may be an alphabet one (due to Anselmo Moreno being the true WBA champion at the weight) but he's not a terrible fighter.
Kameda should certainly have more than enough in the locker to overcome Apolinario, in fact he should really in this at a canter. Although Apolinario is tough I can actually see Kameda wanting to put on a show late and force a stoppage especially given the poor performance against Kaiyanghadaogym, a performance that Kameda actually apologised for.
Prediction-Kameds TKO10
Apolinario will be a recognisable name to those who have been visiting this site over the past year. He has twice faced, and drawn with, Roberto Vasquez in successive bouts for the WBA "interim" Bantamweight title.
Sadly for Apolinario the only bouts of any note on his record are those draws with Vasquez, unless you include his bout with Menard Zaragosa who left the ring to answer the call of nature, which lets be honest many felt he lost.
What the 23 year old Filipino does bring to the ring is toughness-having not been stopped since he was a 19 year old, heart and as always with Filipino's, the hunger to win. He may not have the greatest of power or even the greatest of skills but he's unwilling to be intimidated and will always try to be competitive despite his limitations.
In the champion, Koki, we have a man who widely splits opinion. To some he is the most interesting fighter in the East with his arrogance, loud mouth and general attitude. To others Koki is little more than a fortunate fighter who is comparable to some one like Sven Ottke, a paper champion who has been matched easily, kept at home and been given highly questionable decisions.
Whilst Kameda may be a 3-weigth world champion his reigns have never been that great. His first title, the WBA Light Flyweight title, was won on a highly controversial decision over Juan Jose Landaeta, his second title, the WBC Flyweight title, was lost on his first defense and his reign as WBA Bantamweight champion is one of the most controversial current reigns.
As the WBA Bantamweight champion Kameda has been fortunate to claim victories over David De La Mora, Hugo Ruiz and Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym. That's half of his defense of the title.
Despite the controversy that is eternally linked with Kameda he is a genuinely talented fighter. Defensively he is sound, perhaps a little too much at times, he's offensively smart with quick hands a lovely straight left and whilst he doesn't have concussive power (at least not at 118) he's a clean puncher who does hurt when he lands.
Due to the lack of power of Apolinario I really can't see how he can upset Kameda. Kameda is more skilled, he's at home and he's actually "not that bad". Sure he's not genuine "world class" at Bantamweight (in fact he may only be the fourth best in Japan) and his title may be an alphabet one (due to Anselmo Moreno being the true WBA champion at the weight) but he's not a terrible fighter.
Kameda should certainly have more than enough in the locker to overcome Apolinario, in fact he should really in this at a canter. Although Apolinario is tough I can actually see Kameda wanting to put on a show late and force a stoppage especially given the poor performance against Kaiyanghadaogym, a performance that Kameda actually apologised for.
Prediction-Kameds TKO10
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Julian Yedras v Carlos Buitrago
Less than a week after Melito Sabillo of the Philippines successfully defended his WBO Minimumweight title for the first time stopping Jorle Estrada, the WBO "interim" Minimumweight title is up for grabs.
Although on paper I really like the match up on paper between Julian Yedras (21-0, 13) and Carlos Buitrago (26-0-0-1, 16) I can't fathom the WBO's decision to have a belt on the line rather than just making the bout a final eliminator.
As you can see from the records both men are unbeaten with spectacular records, it's also worth noting that both men are young with Yedras being 25 and Buitrago being just 21. In my eyes both men are effectively prospects who shouldn't be fighting for an interim title, but I guess this is the boxing world that we live in.
Nicaraguan Buitrago has been a fighter who has been on my radar for several years. He's a fighter a fighter that many in Nicaragua have been tipping as a potential superstar and has been compared, in terms of potential, to Roman Gonzalez-a man I am a huge fan of. He hasn't just just been touted by his promoters but also sparring partners including Juan Palacios, a former WBC and WBA interim champion at 105lbs and Gonzalez the current WBA Light Flyweight super champion.
Having been lucky enough to have seen Buitrago coming through his development it's great to see the fighter he has become. Sure he's not the next Gonzalez (a total wrecking ball) of the next Alexis Arguello (legend) but he's still an incredible talent with very solid technical grounding, a fantastic jab, hurtful power and the ability to throw almost every punch in the book. Despite his age he's very mature, though he has been a professional for over 5 years and like mentioned has sparred with some genuinely fantastic opponents.
To date the most notable names on Buitrago's record are Jorle Estrada-who lost to Sabillo last weekend, Carlos Melo-a former world title challenger, Eddy Castro-another former world title challenger and the world ranked Yader Escobar. Not a great list of opponents but certainly not bad either for a 21 year old fighter.
Yedras, a Mexican dubbed "El Nino Artillero" (apparently "The Kid Gunner" or something to that effect) isn't a fighter who has been on my radar for as long as Buitrago, though in my defense has hasn't been a professional as long, though he did turn professional in 2009.
From what I've seen of Yedras (or Yedra) he looks somewhat slow and predictable. He has a solid defense though offensively he looks crude with his shots often looping wide or falling short. When he connects he appears to have heavy hands though against the quality of opponents he's been facing it's hard to tell if he actually hits hard or if they would have collapsed with a swift breeze.
Whilst Buitrago has faced fringe world level opponents Yedras has only faced a handful of opponents with winning records, none of which are anywhere near world level. Worryingly a number of these weak opponents have almost beaten Yedras.
Using Boxrec's rating systems Yedras is currently ranked #35 in the division, just 2 places above Ali Raymi who is quickly becoming a name to keep an eye out for, Buitrago on the other hand is ranked at #15.
From the footage available it's impossible to pick against Buitrago. Sure he's fighting in Yedras's native Mexico but the skill level between the two men is huge as is the experience (in terms of real experience, not number of bouts). In fact the only advantage Yedras has is that he's fighting at home and that won't be able to really help him here.
At the beginning of this preview I said I liked this bout on paper. I think that's the only way I actually like this bout because in all honesty it's a mismatch.
Prediction-Buitrago TKO 6
Although on paper I really like the match up on paper between Julian Yedras (21-0, 13) and Carlos Buitrago (26-0-0-1, 16) I can't fathom the WBO's decision to have a belt on the line rather than just making the bout a final eliminator.
As you can see from the records both men are unbeaten with spectacular records, it's also worth noting that both men are young with Yedras being 25 and Buitrago being just 21. In my eyes both men are effectively prospects who shouldn't be fighting for an interim title, but I guess this is the boxing world that we live in.
Nicaraguan Buitrago has been a fighter who has been on my radar for several years. He's a fighter a fighter that many in Nicaragua have been tipping as a potential superstar and has been compared, in terms of potential, to Roman Gonzalez-a man I am a huge fan of. He hasn't just just been touted by his promoters but also sparring partners including Juan Palacios, a former WBC and WBA interim champion at 105lbs and Gonzalez the current WBA Light Flyweight super champion.
Having been lucky enough to have seen Buitrago coming through his development it's great to see the fighter he has become. Sure he's not the next Gonzalez (a total wrecking ball) of the next Alexis Arguello (legend) but he's still an incredible talent with very solid technical grounding, a fantastic jab, hurtful power and the ability to throw almost every punch in the book. Despite his age he's very mature, though he has been a professional for over 5 years and like mentioned has sparred with some genuinely fantastic opponents.
To date the most notable names on Buitrago's record are Jorle Estrada-who lost to Sabillo last weekend, Carlos Melo-a former world title challenger, Eddy Castro-another former world title challenger and the world ranked Yader Escobar. Not a great list of opponents but certainly not bad either for a 21 year old fighter.
Yedras, a Mexican dubbed "El Nino Artillero" (apparently "The Kid Gunner" or something to that effect) isn't a fighter who has been on my radar for as long as Buitrago, though in my defense has hasn't been a professional as long, though he did turn professional in 2009.
From what I've seen of Yedras (or Yedra) he looks somewhat slow and predictable. He has a solid defense though offensively he looks crude with his shots often looping wide or falling short. When he connects he appears to have heavy hands though against the quality of opponents he's been facing it's hard to tell if he actually hits hard or if they would have collapsed with a swift breeze.
Whilst Buitrago has faced fringe world level opponents Yedras has only faced a handful of opponents with winning records, none of which are anywhere near world level. Worryingly a number of these weak opponents have almost beaten Yedras.
Using Boxrec's rating systems Yedras is currently ranked #35 in the division, just 2 places above Ali Raymi who is quickly becoming a name to keep an eye out for, Buitrago on the other hand is ranked at #15.
From the footage available it's impossible to pick against Buitrago. Sure he's fighting in Yedras's native Mexico but the skill level between the two men is huge as is the experience (in terms of real experience, not number of bouts). In fact the only advantage Yedras has is that he's fighting at home and that won't be able to really help him here.
At the beginning of this preview I said I liked this bout on paper. I think that's the only way I actually like this bout because in all honesty it's a mismatch.
Prediction-Buitrago TKO 6
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Robert Stieglitz v Yuzo Kiyota
German fighter Robert Stieglitz (??) begins his second reign as the WBO Super Middleweight champion as he takes on little known Japanese challenger Yuzo Kiyota (?-?). This might appear a big step down for Stieglitz considering he stopped Arthur Abraham last time out but the bout serves as a genuinely intriguing contest with Kiyota fighting for his place in history.
We'll start by looking at the well known Stieglitz, a man who has been fighting at the world level for the past 6 or so years yet has been continually derided as one of the sports weaker champions-a harsh tag for a fighter who has achieved more than most.
Stieglitz first fought in a world title bout just over 6 years ago losing by stoppage to Alejandro Berrio in 3 rounds. That bout, for the IBF title was a major set back for Stieglitz though one he used to build from before suffering another set back a year later to Librado Andrade. Like the loss to Berrerio the defeat at the hands of Andrade left many wondering if Stieglitz had the chin and mental fortitude to really compete at the world level.
Since those losses Stieglitz has developed as a fighter, he has toughened up and become a much better fighter. He has shown a fantastic engine, solid skills and the heart of a lion although his competition has been less than spectacular.
The graduation for Stieglitz as a fighter occurred in 2009 when he dethroned Karoly Balzsay of the WBO title. He would later defend this belt 6 times against a variety of contenders before suffering a disputed decision loss to Arthur Abraham in 2012. Against Abraham in their first bout Stieglitz refused to be intimidated by Abraham's much vaunted punching power and instead forced the action himself, his shots failed to hurt the then challenger but proved he had developed as a fighter.
Less than 6 months after the loss to Abraham, Stieglitz faced him again and this time came out like a man possessed. He jumped on the then defending champion from the opening bell and never relented as he damaged Abraham's face to the point of the Dr needing to stop the fight.
Having answered questions about his chin and heart Stieglitz has only now been receiving the plaudits that he deserves though is still viewed as a "B" class champion.
Now on to his challenger the unheralded Japanese fighter Yuzo Kiyota.
Kiyota is all but unknown in the west though footage of the powerfully built fighter is available on youtube (though of course it's not easy to find). In the east however he is much more well known having been the OPBF Super Middleweight champion since 2008 and having been very fun to watch with his power and style.
Although Kiyota was stopped just a few fights back by Jameson Bostic in just a round he has developed significantly since that bout, much like Stieglitz has developed since his losses. At his worst Kiyota was a reckless powerhouse who was free swinging and hoping to take his opponents head off before he was tagged himself. Since the loss to Bostic however he has been using his thunderous jab more often and fighting in a more restrained manner.
As the major under-dog here Kiyota goes in with little expectation though a victory would see him cement his name in the record books. Not only would Kiyota become the first WBO champion from Japan but he would also become Japan's first ever Super Middleweight world champion.
With Kiyota's power, especially with his body shots it's hard to totally discount him, though in all honesty the experience, especially at this level, that Stieglitz has should see him through to a victory.
Prediction-Stieglitz UD12
We'll start by looking at the well known Stieglitz, a man who has been fighting at the world level for the past 6 or so years yet has been continually derided as one of the sports weaker champions-a harsh tag for a fighter who has achieved more than most.
Stieglitz first fought in a world title bout just over 6 years ago losing by stoppage to Alejandro Berrio in 3 rounds. That bout, for the IBF title was a major set back for Stieglitz though one he used to build from before suffering another set back a year later to Librado Andrade. Like the loss to Berrerio the defeat at the hands of Andrade left many wondering if Stieglitz had the chin and mental fortitude to really compete at the world level.
Since those losses Stieglitz has developed as a fighter, he has toughened up and become a much better fighter. He has shown a fantastic engine, solid skills and the heart of a lion although his competition has been less than spectacular.
The graduation for Stieglitz as a fighter occurred in 2009 when he dethroned Karoly Balzsay of the WBO title. He would later defend this belt 6 times against a variety of contenders before suffering a disputed decision loss to Arthur Abraham in 2012. Against Abraham in their first bout Stieglitz refused to be intimidated by Abraham's much vaunted punching power and instead forced the action himself, his shots failed to hurt the then challenger but proved he had developed as a fighter.
Less than 6 months after the loss to Abraham, Stieglitz faced him again and this time came out like a man possessed. He jumped on the then defending champion from the opening bell and never relented as he damaged Abraham's face to the point of the Dr needing to stop the fight.
Having answered questions about his chin and heart Stieglitz has only now been receiving the plaudits that he deserves though is still viewed as a "B" class champion.
Now on to his challenger the unheralded Japanese fighter Yuzo Kiyota.
Kiyota is all but unknown in the west though footage of the powerfully built fighter is available on youtube (though of course it's not easy to find). In the east however he is much more well known having been the OPBF Super Middleweight champion since 2008 and having been very fun to watch with his power and style.
Although Kiyota was stopped just a few fights back by Jameson Bostic in just a round he has developed significantly since that bout, much like Stieglitz has developed since his losses. At his worst Kiyota was a reckless powerhouse who was free swinging and hoping to take his opponents head off before he was tagged himself. Since the loss to Bostic however he has been using his thunderous jab more often and fighting in a more restrained manner.
As the major under-dog here Kiyota goes in with little expectation though a victory would see him cement his name in the record books. Not only would Kiyota become the first WBO champion from Japan but he would also become Japan's first ever Super Middleweight world champion.
With Kiyota's power, especially with his body shots it's hard to totally discount him, though in all honesty the experience, especially at this level, that Stieglitz has should see him through to a victory.
Prediction-Stieglitz UD12
Khabib Allakhverdiev v Souleymane M'baye
Late last year Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev (18-0, 8) announced himself to the wider boxing public by inflicting the first loss on to the career of Dominican Joan Guzman. With that victory Allakhverdiev claimed the then vacant WBA Light Welterweight title, a belt that he defends for the first time this coming Saturday against Frenchman Souleymane M'baye (40-4-1, 22), himself a former holder of the title.
Aged 30 Allakhverdiev, dubbed "The Hawk", is in his pomp. He is a physically strong fighter who appears to be at his best coming forward and forcing the action, though he can fight well on the backfoot as well when needed. Although his record doesn't show it, he hits with stinging force, and whilst no single shot is necessarily concussive the accumulation of accurate clean shots does tend to take it's toll.
The worry when fighting Allakhverdiev is that he's got an impressive overall package. As mentioned he's not concussive but he's aggressive, he's not lightning quick, but yet he's still fast, he's not elusive, but he is defensively sound. There's very little that really stands out as a true weakness, he just does a lot very well.
Although the 140lbs Light Welterweight division is one of the strongest in the sport Allakhverdiev is possibly the most over-looked fighter there. Sure I wouldn't favour him over Matthysse (but then again who would you favour over Matthysse at 140?) or Garcia but he's certainly in the top 10 in the division.
Sadly boxing politics seems to be against actually letting us find out just how good Allakhverdiev really as the smart people at the WBA have somehow come to the conclusion that M'baye is the top contender. This is the same M'baye who is 38, with just a sole win (from 2 bouts) in the last 3 years, the same M'baye who had numerous controversial decisions in his favour in prime (including a decision over and a draw with Andriy Kotelnik and decisions over Barrie Jones and Colin Lynes) and the guy who no-showed in the ring against Gavin Rees.
At his best M'baye was stopping Ameth Diaz, out pointing Khalid Rahilou and stopping Raul Horacio Balbi. At his worst he was boring our pants off, unfortunately that came more often than not.
To be bluntly honest, how M'baye is even ranked is mystery. In his prime he was decent, certainly a divisional top 10 fighter but very much a paper champion (as his reign as the WBA Light Welterweight champion in 2006-2007 and WBA interim champion in 2010-2011 showed) and his reigns were weak to say the very least.
Although I hate the WBA for having M'baye in another title fight I think the sordid side of me needs to thank them here because as far as I can see Allakhverdiev going to beat him in to a very painful retirement and finally rid us of "The Sensation".
Prediction-Allakhverdiev TKO7
Aged 30 Allakhverdiev, dubbed "The Hawk", is in his pomp. He is a physically strong fighter who appears to be at his best coming forward and forcing the action, though he can fight well on the backfoot as well when needed. Although his record doesn't show it, he hits with stinging force, and whilst no single shot is necessarily concussive the accumulation of accurate clean shots does tend to take it's toll.
The worry when fighting Allakhverdiev is that he's got an impressive overall package. As mentioned he's not concussive but he's aggressive, he's not lightning quick, but yet he's still fast, he's not elusive, but he is defensively sound. There's very little that really stands out as a true weakness, he just does a lot very well.
Although the 140lbs Light Welterweight division is one of the strongest in the sport Allakhverdiev is possibly the most over-looked fighter there. Sure I wouldn't favour him over Matthysse (but then again who would you favour over Matthysse at 140?) or Garcia but he's certainly in the top 10 in the division.
Sadly boxing politics seems to be against actually letting us find out just how good Allakhverdiev really as the smart people at the WBA have somehow come to the conclusion that M'baye is the top contender. This is the same M'baye who is 38, with just a sole win (from 2 bouts) in the last 3 years, the same M'baye who had numerous controversial decisions in his favour in prime (including a decision over and a draw with Andriy Kotelnik and decisions over Barrie Jones and Colin Lynes) and the guy who no-showed in the ring against Gavin Rees.
At his best M'baye was stopping Ameth Diaz, out pointing Khalid Rahilou and stopping Raul Horacio Balbi. At his worst he was boring our pants off, unfortunately that came more often than not.
To be bluntly honest, how M'baye is even ranked is mystery. In his prime he was decent, certainly a divisional top 10 fighter but very much a paper champion (as his reign as the WBA Light Welterweight champion in 2006-2007 and WBA interim champion in 2010-2011 showed) and his reigns were weak to say the very least.
Although I hate the WBA for having M'baye in another title fight I think the sordid side of me needs to thank them here because as far as I can see Allakhverdiev going to beat him in to a very painful retirement and finally rid us of "The Sensation".
Prediction-Allakhverdiev TKO7
Merlito Sabillo v Jorle Estrada
Unbeaten Filipino Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11) might be the most obscure champion in world boxing right now despite holding the genuine WBO title at Minimumweight. He'll be looking to make the first defense of that belt when he takes on little known Colombian challenger Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6) in the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino, Pasay City.
Although the Philippines is a boxing mad country Sabillo has never really had the hype that has been associated with his compatriots such as Froilan Saludar and Denver Cuello instead he's had to fight for his respect. He finally earned that respect last time out when he stopped Luis De La Rosa in De La Rosa's homeland of Colombia.
Although he's relatively unknown Sabillo is a highly talented fighter who had developed wonderfully since turning professionally back in 2008. He's developed not only the skills that have taken him to winning the WBO Minimumweight titles but also developed the power that has seen him stopping his last 4 opponents. Sure Sabillo isn't the next Pacquiao in terms of being a concussive puncher but he hits significantly harder than his record shows.
In Jorle Estrada we have a fighter who is even more obscure than Sabillo though footage does exist of him and information is out there about him nothing seems that impressive about him.
Estrada debuted in 2008 and started his career with 10 straight victories. Following those victories he went 3-6 losing to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Pedro Guevara, Welter Tello and Carlos Velarde. This run would have discouraged many fighters but Estrada stuck with it and is currently on a 4 fight winning streak which has seen him claiming the South American Minimumweight title.
What I've seen of Estrada hasn't looked good. He appears to push his punches which never seem to have any snap or accuracy on them, his defense is weak and whilst he's been unfortunate to be stopped at least once (the stoppage loss to Buitrago was awfully weak) he doesn't look like he really takes a shot too well.
With the skill of Sabillo and his under-rated power I really can't see this going the distance. I imagine he'll rock Estrada in the middle rounds and then go for the kill unloading until Estrada is eventually stopped.
Prediction-Sabillo TKO7
Although the Philippines is a boxing mad country Sabillo has never really had the hype that has been associated with his compatriots such as Froilan Saludar and Denver Cuello instead he's had to fight for his respect. He finally earned that respect last time out when he stopped Luis De La Rosa in De La Rosa's homeland of Colombia.
Although he's relatively unknown Sabillo is a highly talented fighter who had developed wonderfully since turning professionally back in 2008. He's developed not only the skills that have taken him to winning the WBO Minimumweight titles but also developed the power that has seen him stopping his last 4 opponents. Sure Sabillo isn't the next Pacquiao in terms of being a concussive puncher but he hits significantly harder than his record shows.
In Jorle Estrada we have a fighter who is even more obscure than Sabillo though footage does exist of him and information is out there about him nothing seems that impressive about him.
Estrada debuted in 2008 and started his career with 10 straight victories. Following those victories he went 3-6 losing to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Pedro Guevara, Welter Tello and Carlos Velarde. This run would have discouraged many fighters but Estrada stuck with it and is currently on a 4 fight winning streak which has seen him claiming the South American Minimumweight title.
What I've seen of Estrada hasn't looked good. He appears to push his punches which never seem to have any snap or accuracy on them, his defense is weak and whilst he's been unfortunate to be stopped at least once (the stoppage loss to Buitrago was awfully weak) he doesn't look like he really takes a shot too well.
With the skill of Sabillo and his under-rated power I really can't see this going the distance. I imagine he'll rock Estrada in the middle rounds and then go for the kill unloading until Estrada is eventually stopped.
Prediction-Sabillo TKO7
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