Connect with us

Featured Articles

EXPOSED! Froch Beats Up And Stops Bute

Published

on

imagesFroch admitted that if he lost, he would have retired. Many are saying it was one of the best showings from a British fighter ever.

Most anyone who’s laid eyes on Lucian Bute has liked what they’ve seen. But if there has been a persistent knock on the Romanian born hitter, it’s that he hasn’t been one to seek out the best and brightest foes to test his mettle. He’s been content to invite sub-stellar foes to his adopted home in Canada, critics have said. When word came that Bute would be tangling with Carl Froch, the rugged and skilled hitter from England, on Froch’s home turf, no less, critics had to acknowledge that come the night of May 26, questions about Lucian Bute would be answered.

That they were at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England on Saturday night, but not in the manner in which many experts surmised. Froch mugged Bute, whupped him from post to post, and took him out in round five. At 1:05 of the fifth, after two right crossed which snapped back the head of an overmatched Bute, his corner waved a white flag, and pulled the plug on the favorite. Froch got in his face, rushed him, flurried and then backed Bute up, never giving him room to do any long-range sniping.

Critics will now by and large denounce Bute as protected product, and note that it was no grand plan that his promoters invited oldsters, and journeymen to take on Bute, as he accumulated title defenses. It will be said that they knew what they had in the Romanian, and what they didn't.

The IBF super middleweight champion Bute (age 32; 30-0 with 24 KOs entering; 6-1 ½ lefty; coming off UD12 win over oldster Glen Johnson last November) was 167.75 pounds on Friday, while Froch (age 34; 28-2 with 20 KOs entering; 6-1 righty; coming off a loss in the Super Six finale against Andre Ward; ex 168 titlist) weighed 167.3.

It was a tight first, with Froch not wanting to let the lengthy Bute choose his preferred distance. Froch clanged Bute’s chin a couple times in the second; anything resembling a connect drew a roar from his fans. Froch clearly won the third; he had Bute holding on three times, and had him against the ropes throughout. Froch moved to his left, taking away Bute's dangerous left. His right hand, delivered up close, bothered the visitor early in the round. Bute was eating again in the fourth. Bute's left eye was now swollen and red, and his body language looked even worse. Why did I get on that damned plane, his face said as he went to his corner. Froch didn’t respect his power, or his hand speed, his jab, or anything. Bute froze while the Brit flurried, fury on his face, repeatedly.

Froch finished off Bute early in the fifth, trapping the fatigured Romanian on the ropes, as the ref watched hard, and the crowd went delirious. It wasn't clear if the ref halted it, or the corner threw in the towel, or what, but everyone knew the champ had a fork stuck in him.

There is a rematch clause, but goodness, one wonders if Bute can bounce back from this decisive walloping. Yes, he didn't look like he got untracked, and he might well be more comfortable on his home turf. But Froch bullied him, owned him, and he will need to have some head-shrinking done to get his confidence back. Bring back Jesse Brinkley…

Froch after said it was still sinking in. The now three time champ said he was deflated after the Ward bout. But he said he was never more amped and focused than on this night. He said it would have been the same for 12 rounds, if the fight went into late rounds. “A lot of people wrote me off,” he said. The bookies got it wrong, he said, as well, and many local folks will be flashing wads tonight at the pubs. He said he couldn't afford to be lazy, or flat footed on this night. He gave props to “guru” Rob McCracken, the trainer. Mac mentioned that Mikkel Kessler might be next. (Kessler beat Froch UD12 in April 2010.) Promoter Eddie Hearn called Froch a warrior, and said it was a last chance for Froch. He said a rematch is fine, given that Froch beat Bute up. Will Bute want it, he wondered? Froch said that Bute can punch, and that he is a great champion.

Bute trainer Stephan Larouche said after that Bute can come back, and likely will be back, but they will need to talk, and assess what happened before they sign on to do the rematch. He said he didn't regret going to England, that Bute could have eaten home cooking in Canada forever, but he wanted to test himself. The fighter didn't underestimate Froch, he said, but he did spend too much time on the ropes. That is arguable; Froch made him back up into the ropes, because Bute tasted his power and backed up because of it.

All in all, I do believe we should all first and foremost laud Froch, and his effort, and his willingness to take on the biggest challenges, before we focus on whether or not Bute was a fraudalent fabrication. The Brit's track record at accepting the stiffest challengers, and on this night, kicking the stuffing out of an unbeaten and skilled pugilist, makes him my favorite, to this point, for 2012 Fighter of the Year.

Comment on this article

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Featured Articles

Stephen Fulton Nips Carlos Castro in a Prelude to Canelo vs Berlanga

Published

on

Stephen-Fulton-Nips-Carlos-Castro-in-a-Prelude-to-Canelo-vs-Berlanga

In his first fight back after being dominated and stopped by pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue in a fight for super bantamweight supremacy in July of last year, Stephen Fulton nipped upset-minded Carlos Castro, improving to 22-1 (8) in his first start as a featherweight. The verdict was split, with Fulton prevailing by 96-93 and 95-94 with the dissenter favoring Castro 95-94. The decision seemed fair although not in eyes of the predominantly Mexican crowd which booed the decision.

This was an entertaining 10-round fight between two evenly-matched 30-year-old campaigners. Long-time Phoenix resident Castro (30-3) put Fulton on the deck in round five with a counter right hand and Fulton rode his bicycle to shed the cobwebs as the round played out. But the Philadelphian, with new trainer Bozy Ennis in his corner, recuperated well and had a strong sixth round.

In round eight, Castro buckled Fulton’s knees with another straight right, but was unable to press his advantage. The bout served as the “main” prelim to the four-fight PPV card.

In a welterweight contest slated for “10,” Mexico City’s Ricardo Salas, a 6/1 underdog, scored a second-round stoppage of Roiman Villa. The end in this slam-bang and all-too-brief skirmish came at the 2:06 mark of round three when Salas, fighting off the ropes, nailed Villa with a perfectly-placed, short right hand. Villa went down for the count.

Salas, whose de facto manager is the ubiquitous Sean Gibbons, improved to 20-2-2 with his 15th win inside the distance. From Colombia by way of Venezuela, Villa (26-3) was making his first start since being stopped by Boots Ennis in July of last year.

In the opener on the PBC YouTube channel, super featherweight Jonathan “Geo” Lopez, a 21-year-old Pennsylvania-born southpaw, won a wide 8-round decision over rugged San Antonio campaigner Richard Medina. Lopez pitched a shutout, winning 80-71 on all three cards, but this was hardly a stroll in the park for him.

Lopez, who improved to 17-0 (12), simply had too much class for Medina. A 20/1 favorite, the Eddy Reynoso-trained boxer hurt Medina at the end of round seven and put him on the canvas in the final round with a straight left hand, but Medina (15-3) kept on plugging away and maintained his distinction of never being stopped.

Also

In an off-TV fight, super middleweight Bek Nurmaganbet, a 26-year-old Kazakh, won his eighth straight inside the distance, improving to 12-0 (10) with a second-round stoppage of SoCal’s Joshua Conley (17-7-1).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Rocky Hernandez Improves to 36-2 with a Controversial TD in Hermosillo

Published

on

Rocky-Hernandez-Improves-to-36-2-with-a-Controversial-TD-in-Hermosillo

Matchroom was in northwestern Mexico tonight in the city of Hermosillo for a card that aired on DAZN. In the featured bout, super featherweight Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez was awarded a technical decision over Thomas Mattice when the bout was halted by the ringside physician at the start of the seventh round because Hernandez had severe cuts around both eyes. The first cut, over his right eye, developed in round four. Replays showed that the second cut, over his left eye, was caused by a right uppercut. However, in the eyes of veteran Texas referee Mark Calo-oy, the damage was caused by an accidental head cut. That sent the bout to the scorecards where Hernandez was deemed the victor by tallies of 59-55, 58-56, and 58-55 per ring announcer David Diamente who had trouble reading the results submitted to him by a boxing commissioner.

Hernandez, who turned pro at age 15 in Mexico City, is best known for his rumble with defending WBC 130-pound title-holder O’Shaquie Foster. Rocky was leading that fight with 30 seconds remaining in the final round when the roof fell in on him. He trained for tonight’s bout at the DLX and Top Rank gyms in Las Vegas under Kay Koroma and Brandon Woods, the latter of whom trains Trevor McCumby. Neither Koroma nor Woods was in his corner tonight.

It was the first fight outside the U.S. for Cleveland’s hard-luck Thomas Mattice who had won five straight heading in and appeared to be turning the bout in his favor. Mattice declined to 22-4-1.

Semi-wind-up

Twenty-four-year-old Hermosillo knockout artist Sergio Mendoza showed that he is a rising force in the flyweight division with a third-round stoppage of stocky Ensenada southpaw Angel Ramos. Mendoza crumpled Ramos with a short left uppercut in round two. Ramos attempted to rise, but it became a moot point when the match was waived off.

Mendoza improved to 24-0 with his twenty-first knockout. Ramos, a 12-year pro whose career has been slowed by injuries, falls to 30-2-2.

Also

A 10-round super middleweight contest that shaped up as a slugfest proved the opposite. Local product Julio Porras (12-0, 8 KOs) won a wide decision in a snoozefest over Venezuelan import Isaac Torres who had won all 10 of his previous fights by stoppage, none of which lasted beyond six rounds.

Torres turned timid after Porras decked him with a left hook in the second frame. He fought off his back foot for the reminder of the bout, seemingly content to simply last the distance. The scores read 100-89 and 99-90 twice.

It was hard to get a good read on Porras who trains in Seatle with David Benavidez and Diego Pacheco, but at age 22 he appears to have a bright future.

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Avila Perspective, Chap. 296: Canelo vs Berlanga and More

Published

on

Avila-Perspective-Chap-296-Canelo-vs-Berlanga-and-More

Avila Perspective, Chap. 296: Canelo vs Berlanga and More

Never underestimate the Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry.

Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez of Mexico has fought Puerto Ricans before and should know it is never easy. But this time he chose to toe the line against a young hungry Boricua.

Will this fight be his reckoning?

Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) defends the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles against Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) on Saturday Sept. 14, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  PPV.com along with Jim Lampley will stream the loaded TGB Promotions card. It’s also on DAZN and Amazon Prime.

Mexico’s Canelo has been the face of boxing ever since Floyd Mayweather officially retired. And though he lost to Mayweather in 2013, the dividends from that experience have boosted the redhead to a skill level not seen since Salvador Sanchez.

Not many Mexicans or Puerto Ricans fight at super middleweight. So, this is a first for the rivalry at this weight class. But in the lower weights war has been ongoing between the two countries for decades.

My up-close introduction took place with Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez against Sanchez in Las Vegas in August 1981. At the time the Puerto Rican was considered the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world with 32 wins and 32 knockouts.

Gomez was a Mexican killer and dispatched two future Half of Fame fighters in Carlos Zarate and Lupe Pintor. Only Sanchez could beat the Boricua and he was an underdog to the mustached fighter from Santurce, Puerto Rico when they met.

Never underestimate anyone.

Now Berlanga is attempting to do what no other Puerto Rican has been able to accomplish in defeating Canelo.

It’s a big task for the taller fighter.

“I could be the face of Puerto Rican boxing after Saturday night,” said Berlanga, 27, who hails from Brooklyn, New York.

The taller Berlanga has yet to face anyone that compares to Canelo, He’s defeated contenders like Jason Quigley and Padraig McCrory who formerly held the IBO light heavyweight title. But a killer like Alvarez he’s never faced before.

But he’s eager to find out.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Team Berlanga,” Berlanga said at the press conference.

As a professional fighter he needs to take the opportunity.

“We’re gonna make history and become legends,” said Berlanga.

Alvarez has been in this situation dozens of times before. He’s heard all the rhetoric and the boasts and the predictions over the years. After facing the likes of Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and so many others, he’s almost immune to the itchy nervousness of potential danger.

The Mexican champion has his jacket of confidence woven over the years from dozens of battles endured since the age of 15. Now he’s 34 and has he passed his limit?

“I always put 100 per cent into my fights and into training, no matter who I’m fighting. It’s the same mentality every fight. This is no exception,” said Alvarez, who is fighting on Mexican Independence day for the 11th time in his career.

This, however, is different. This is Mexico versus Puerto Rico and the history between the two countries is fraught with upsets and fierce bloody battles in boxing that have mesmerized the boxing world.

Berlanga’s trainer said it best:

“Believe me, we are grateful to Team Canelo for the opportunity, because it’s the opportunity to knock the king off the throne,” said Marc Ferrait. “as I told Edgar, he’s not going to want to give it to no Puerto Rican, and if we think Canelo doesn’t have it, oh he’s coming. We want the best of him.”

It’s power versus power. All it takes is one punch.

Other Bouts

WBA middleweight titlist Erislandy Lara (30-3-3) defends against Philadelphia’s Danny “Swift” Garcia (37-3) in the semi-main event at T-Mobile Arena. It’s been four years since the Cuban southpaw faced elite competition. Now 41, does he still have it?

Garcia, 36, a former welterweight and super lightweight world titlist, has only fought once above 147 pounds but found success when he defeated Jose Benavidez at 153 pounds two years ago.

Both are experienced, skilled and dangerous.

Super middleweight contenders Caleb Plant (22-2) and Trevor McCumby (28-0) meet in a 12-round clash for the interim WBA title. Whenever Plant fights there is always extra personal incentive thrown in. McCumby knows it.

“I just go in there and handle business,” McCumby said.

Plant seems eager to return to the ring.

“We’ll see on Saturday,” said Plant.

Another former world titlist performing is Rolly Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) meeting Manuel Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) in a super lightweight match set for 10 rounds. It’s the first time I recall seeing Romero against someone bigger. Interesting.

A super bantamweight battle between former unified world titlist Stephen Fulton (21-1) and Carlos Castro (30-2, 14 KOs) is set for 10 rounds in a featherweight match. Fulton was stopped by Japan’s Naoya “Monster” Inoue a year ago. He’s eager to return.

Fights to Watch

Thurs. DAZN 5 p.m. Ardreal Holmes (15-0) vs Hugo Noriega (10-2).

Fri. DAZN 5 p.m. Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez (35-2) vs Thomas Mattice (22-3-1).

Sat. DAZN 3 p.m. Roiman Villa (26-2) vs Ricardo Salas (19-2-2).

Sat. PPV.COM, Prime ppv, DAZN ppv 5 p.m. Saul Alvarez (61-2-2) vs Edgar Berlanga (22-0); Caleb Plant (22-2) vs Trevor McCumby (28-0); Erislandy Lara (30-3-3) vs Danny Garcia (37-3); Stephen Fulton (21-1) vs Carlos Castro (30-2).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
The-Drama-in-Mikaela-Mayer's-Camp-Shrouds-her-Forthcoming-Battle-with-Sandy-Ryan
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

The Drama in Mikaela Mayer’s Camp Shrouds her Forthcoming Battle with Sandy Ryan

Christian-Mbilli-Proves-Too-Strong-for-Sergiy-Derevyanchenko-in-Canada
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Christian Mbilli Proves Too Strong for Sergiy Derevyanchenko in Canada

A-Closer-Look-at-Jordan-Plant-One-Jalf-of-Boxing's-Power-Couple
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Jordan Plant, One-Half of Boxing’s ‘Power Couple’

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles1 week ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Avils-Perspective-Chap-29`1-Mayweather-Chronicles
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 291: Mayweather Chronicles

Jarrett-Hurd-and-Jeison-Rosario-Fight-to-a-Draw-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario Fight to a Draw in Plant City

Nikita-Tszyu-Overcomes-Adversity-TKOs-Mazoudier-in-a-Sydney-Sizzler
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Nikita Tszyu Overcomes Adversity, TKOs Mazoudier in a Sydney Sizzler

Can-Jarrett-Hurd-Recapture-his-Mojo-in-Plant-City-or-will-this-be-his-Final-Undoing?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Can Jarrett Hurd Recapture his Mojo in Plant City or will this be His Final Undoing?

Results-and-Recaps-from-Mexico-City-where-Picasso-Upended-Hovhannisyan
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Mexico City where Picasso Upended Hovhannisyan

Tomoki-Kameda-Japan's-Little-Mexican-and-the-Glory-Days-of-Japanese-Boxing
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Tomoki Kameda, Japan’s “Little Mexican,” and the Glory Days of Japanese Boxing

Results-and-Recaps-from-LA_where-Pacheco-KOed-Sulecki-with-a-Body-Punch
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from LA where Pacheco KOed Sulecki with a Body Punch

Avila-Perspective-Chap-294-Southern-California-Battles
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 294: Southern California Battles

Niyomtrong-Proves-a-Bridge-Too-Far-for-Alex-Winwood-in-Australia
Featured Articles1 week ago

Niyomtrong Proves a Bridge Too Far for Alex Winwood in Australia

Canelo-vs-Berlanga-Battles-the-UFC-Hopefully-No-Repeat-of-the-2019-Fiasco
Featured Articles5 days ago

Canelo vs Berlanga Battles the UFC: Hopefully No Repeat of the 2019 Fiasco

Catching-Up-with-Nico-Ali-Walsh-who-Doubles-Down-on-his-Aversion-to-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Nico Ali Walsh who Doubles Down on his Aversion to Jake Paul

60-Years-Ago-This-Month-the-Curtain-Fell-on-the-Golden-Era-of-TV-Boxing.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

60 Years Ago This Month, the Curtain Fell on the Golden Era of TV Boxing

The-Monster-Keeps-on-Trucking-Inoue-Stops-Doheny-in-the-7th-Round
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The ‘Monster’ Keeps on Trucking: Inoue Stops Doheny in the 7th Round

Avila-Perspective-Chap-296-Canelo-vs-Berlanga-and-More
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 296: Canelo vs Berlanga and More

Avila-Perspective-Chap-295-Callum-Walsh-Pechanga-Casino-Fights-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 295: Callum Walsh, Pechanga Casino Fights and More

Rocky-Hernandez-Improves-to-36-2-with-a-Controversial-TD-in-Hermosillo
Featured Articles1 day ago

Rocky Hernandez Improves to 36-2 with a Controversial TD in Hermosillo

Stephen-Fulton-Nips-Carlos-Castro-in-a-Prelude-to-Canelo-vs-Berlanga
Featured Articles3 hours ago

Stephen Fulton Nips Carlos Castro in a Prelude to Canelo vs Berlanga

Rocky-Hernandez-Improves-to-36-2-with-a-Controversial-TD-in-Hermosillo
Featured Articles1 day ago

Rocky Hernandez Improves to 36-2 with a Controversial TD in Hermosillo

Avila-Perspective-Chap-296-Canelo-vs-Berlanga-and-More
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 296: Canelo vs Berlanga and More

Canelo-vs-Berlanga-Battles-the-UFC-Hopefully-No-Repeat-of-the-2019-Fiasco
Featured Articles5 days ago

Canelo vs Berlanga Battles the UFC: Hopefully No Repeat of the 2019 Fiasco

Niyomtrong-Proves-a-Bridge-Too-Far-for-Alex-Winwood-in-Australia
Featured Articles1 week ago

Niyomtrong Proves a Bridge Too Far for Alex Winwood in Australia

Avila-Perspective-Chap-295-Callum-Walsh-Pechanga-Casino-Fights-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 295: Callum Walsh, Pechanga Casino Fights and More

60-Years-Ago-This-Month-the-Curtain-Fell-on-the-Golden-Era-of-TV-Boxing.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

60 Years Ago This Month, the Curtain Fell on the Golden Era of TV Boxing

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles1 week ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

The-Monster-Keeps-on-Trucking-Inoue-Stops-Doheny-in-the-7th-Round
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The ‘Monster’ Keeps on Trucking: Inoue Stops Doheny in the 7th Round

A-Closer-Look-at-Jordan-Plant-One-Jalf-of-Boxing's-Power-Couple
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Jordan Plant, One-Half of Boxing’s ‘Power Couple’

Results-and-Recaps-from-LA_where-Pacheco-KOed-Sulecki-with-a-Body-Punch
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from LA where Pacheco KOed Sulecki with a Body Punch

Catching-Up-with-Nico-Ali-Walsh-who-Doubles-Down-on-his-Aversion-to-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Nico Ali Walsh who Doubles Down on his Aversion to Jake Paul

Avila-Perspective-Chap-294-Southern-California-Battles
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 294: Southern California Battles

Nikita-Tszyu-Overcomes-Adversity-TKOs-Mazoudier-in-a-Sydney-Sizzler
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Nikita Tszyu Overcomes Adversity, TKOs Mazoudier in a Sydney Sizzler

Tomoki-Kameda-Japan's-Little-Mexican-and-the-Glory-Days-of-Japanese-Boxing
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Tomoki Kameda, Japan’s “Little Mexican,” and the Glory Days of Japanese Boxing

Results-and-Recaps-from-Mexico-City-where-Picasso-Upended-Hovhannisyan
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Mexico City where Picasso Upended Hovhannisyan

Avils-Perspective-Chap-29`1-Mayweather-Chronicles
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 291: Mayweather Chronicles

Jarrett-Hurd-and-Jeison-Rosario-Fight-to-a-Draw-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario Fight to a Draw in Plant City

Can-Jarrett-Hurd-Recapture-his-Mojo-in-Plant-City-or-will-this-be-his-Final-Undoing?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Can Jarrett Hurd Recapture his Mojo in Plant City or will this be His Final Undoing?

Christian-Mbilli-Proves-Too-Strong-for-Sergiy-Derevyanchenko-in-Canada
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Christian Mbilli Proves Too Strong for Sergiy Derevyanchenko in Canada

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending

Advertisement