Connect with us

Featured Articles

Monday Morning Cornermen – Week of April 22

Where’s the beef now, Abel?

You’ve seen the first video, but not the second one. In the first one, Abel Sanchez taunts Canelo Alvarez by eating a steak in front of the camera

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Published

on

beef now

In this section of The Sweet Science, we step back and take a critical look at the fights that took place on the previous weekend to create a final wrap-up of all the major boxing events. Follow us every Monday at #MMCatTSS and @TSSboxingnews  

We need to talk about Omar Narvaez

Well, maybe I am the one who needs to talk about him.

As an Argentine writer who have defended him countless times against all kinds of aggressions and critiques (some of them more justified than others), I guess it is time for me to join the chorus of those asking for his retirement. And I am not talking about keeping him away from the dangers of the ring, because he has shown clearly that he can take care of that himself by running away while shielding himself from punches just like he did against Zolani Tete this past Saturday.

Granted, the whole thing was a preordained mismatch as the much taller, younger and faster Teté was coming off one of the most devastating stoppage wins in boxing championship history while Narvaez was just barely trying to stay busy in the past year and a half with one inconsequential bout to account for. But a no-show like the one he put together in Belfast in the undercard of the terrific Frampton-Donaire matchup is really inexcusable. His dream of becoming the first Argentine to win titles in three different divisions was the motivation to accept this bout, but the whole thing backfired so badly that this fight may end up being as a future reason to either delay or flat-out deny Narvaez of a place of honor in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a place in which he still rightfully belongs after a stellar career.

His next step (if any) could make or break his chances of ever getting his name inscribed on the walls of the Canastota shrine. But for his own sake, I’d say it’s time to hang ‘em up and wait for the ballots to decide his fate five years from now. Hopefully, the memories of the defensive wizard that befuddled some of the best fighters in two divisions for almost two decades will outweigh the sad spectacle we witnessed on Saturday.

How did I score the Broner-Vargas thing? Lemme think…

The scorecards say it was a draw. The fans may have their own opinion, however biased and tainted by the likeability of each fighter, their national origins and more. But one thing is clear: if there is one fighter who lives to fight another day, that’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner, who may have earned more respect in his draw against Vargas than what most people are ready to show him.

Here is a piece of no-news: nobody likes Broner. The Cincinnati native worked hard to earn this, with things ranging from his antics outside the ring and his hoots of derision to fans who would not acknowledge his presence properly (“None of you m…..f….ers is gonna clap for me?” asked Broner rhetorically when he entered the weigh-in on Friday to a muted crowd) and more. One would think that any close rounds would be given to whoever was his foe at the moment, especially if the guy across the ring is a squeaky-clean fighter who is in desperate need of a signature win to continue being relevant in the world stage.

But even so, with every fight fan and interested observer happily tipping the scales intentionally in favor of whoever is facing Broner, the bearded bad boy managed to gut out a performance that, in light of the well-earned prejudices against him, sounds very much like a win to me. And if he manages to parlay this no-win into another big-time fight as the A-side on the negotiating table, his victory would be complete.

Where’s the beef now, Abel?

You’ve seen the first video, but not the second one. In the first one, Abel Sanchez taunts Canelo Alvarez by eating a steak in front of the camera and saying something like “Superhuman power requires a special ingredient…and it’s called hard work.” Sick burn, indeed. But what about serving the right beef to your own fighters?

I am talking about former super flyweight titlist Carlos Cuadras, who has recently joined forces with Sanchez and who has run into a bad beef of his own with the mighty WBC for a very unclear, rather shady refusal to be tested for drugs, with suspicions of use of recreational substances involved in the matter. Will we see a Sanchez instructional video on this whole situation? As an eternal optimist, I say let’s wait. But realistically, I’d say Sanchez’s silence on the matter is more than enough to keep this whole thing to backfire on him. Yep, you better keep that beef in the fridge, Abel. Not a bad idea at all.

 

Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel

To comment on this article at The Fight Forum, CLICK HERE.

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Featured Articles

Results from the Chumash Casino where Akhmedov Gave a GGG-like Performance

Published

on

Results-from-the-Chumash-Casino-where-Akhmedov-Gave-a-GGG-like-Performance

Shades of Triple G.

Kazakhstan has another middleweight killer as Sadriddin Akhmedov overran veteran Raphael Igbokwe to win by knockout on Friday evening.

“He’s a tough guy, but I’m a tough guy too,” said Akhmedov of his Texas foe.

Akhmedov (15-0, 13 KOs) excited the crowd at Chumash Casino with a strong performance against a gritty Igbokwe (17-6, 7 Kos). The Kazakh fighter has Gennady Golovkin’s old trainer Abel Sanchez at his side.

It was evident in the first round that Akhmedov wields power, but it was also evident that Igbokwe was not going to quit. Blow after blow was absorbed by the Texas-trained fighter and he continued to press forward.

Akhmedov telegraphed his overhand rights but fired quick and accurate left hooks. Igbokwe withstood the power for round after round.

At the end of the fifth round both fighters continued to fire punches after the bell rang. It angered the two middleweights.

Akhmedov must have still been angry when the sixth round began as he erupted with a 12-punch barrage. Several big blows connected and the Texas fighter was in trouble. Though Igbokwe escaped the first barrage he was unable to avoid the second and the fight was stopped by referee Rudy Barragan at 56 seconds of the sixth round.

The Kazakhstan fighter thanked his fan support and his new trainer Sanchez.

“Every morning at 7 a.m. he wants to kill me,” Akhmedov said of Sanchez.

Other Bouts

A battle between Olympians saw Carlos Balderas (15-2, 13 KOs) knock out Cesar Villarraga (11-11-1) in the sixth round for the win at super lightweight.

A one-two combination found the mark for Balderas at 56 seconds of the sixth round. Villarraga beat the count but once the fight resumed the referee stopped the fight after Balderas connected with another right.

“My coaches told me it was there,” said Balderas of the right cross that finished the fight.

Balderas fought for Team USA in the Olympics and Villarraga for Team Colombia.

Super welterweights Jorge Maravillo (10-0-1, 8 KOs) and Damoni Cato-Cain (8-1-2) fought to a split draw after eight back-and- forth rounds.

Cain-Cato sprinted ahead for the first three rounds behind subtle pressure and focusing on the body then the head against the taller Maravillo. Then, it stopped.

Maravillo stopped retreating and used his long stiff left jabs as a probe and counter punch and became the stalker instead of the prey. It turned the fight around. But Cain-Cato was reluctant to give up too much territory and fought through a damaged left eye to keep the match tight. After eight rounds one judge saw Maravillo the winner, another saw Cato-Cain, and a third saw it even for a split draw.

It was a fitting score.

Angel Carrillo (4-0-1) out-pointed Joshua Torres (0-2-2) with combination punching and in-and-out maneuvers to win by decision. Though 14 years younger, Carrillo wore a protector near his chest. Twice he placed it far above his belly button and was never warned.

Fidencio Hernandez (3-0) was the more polished fighter and used straighter punches and a tighter defense to shut out Laguna Beach’s Josaphat Navarro (1-3-1) and won by unanimous decision.

In her pro debut Perla Bazaldua (1-0) won by knockout over Mollie Backowski (0-4) in a super flyweight contest. Bazaldua fights out of Los Angeles and has long been touted as a one of that city’s best amateur prospects. Now she is a pro.

Photo credit: Lina Baker / 360 Promotions

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Avila Perspective, Chap. 308: SoCal Rivals Rocha and Curiel Rumble and More

Published

on

Avila-Perspective-Chap-308-So_cal-Rivals-Rocha-and-Curiel-Rumble-and-More

Avila Perspective, Chap. 308: SoCal Rivals Rocha and Curiel Rumble and More

Decades ago, battles between regional warriors were as common as freeway traffic in Los Angeles during rush hour.

Bobby Chacon repped San Fernando Valley, Mando Ramos came from the docks of San Pedro, Danny “Little Red” Lopez lived in Alhambra and Ruben “Maravilla Kid” Navarro hailed from East L.A. And they rumbled repeatedly with each other.

The boxing sphere in California has grown much larger despite the closure of boxing palaces such as the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium, Great Western Forum, the L.A. Coliseum and Wrigley Field.

Those were classic venues.

Today in the 21st century boxing continues to grow.

Golden Boy Promotions presents SoCal regional rivals Santa Ana’s Alexis Rocha (25-2, 16 KOs) facing Hollywood’s Raul Curiel (15-0,13 KOs) in a welterweight clash on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. DAZN will stream the main card and YouTube.com the remainder.

Ontario is located in the Inland Empire known as the I.E.

Rocha, 27, has grown into a crowd favorite with a crowd-pleasing style developed by Orange County boxing trainer Hector Lopez. I remember his pro debut at Belasco Theater in downtown L.A. He obliterated his foe in three rounds and the small venue erupted with applause.

Wherever Rocha goes to fight, his fans follow.

“Anyone I face is trying to take food away from my family,” said Rocha.

Curiel, 29, has traveled a different road. As a former Mexican Olympian he took the slower road toward adapting to the professional style. Freddie Roach has refined the Mexican fighter’s style and so far, he remains unbeaten with a 10-fight knockout streak.

“I want to fight the best in the division,” said Curiel who is originally from Guadalajara.

Super welter hitters

Another top-notch fighter on the card is super welterweight Charles Conwell from Cleveland, Ohio. Conwell (20-0, 15 KOs) faces Argentina’s undefeated Gerardo Vergara (20-0, 13 KOs) in the co-main event.

Conwell may be the best kept secret in boxing and has been dominating foes for the past several years. He has solid defense, good power and is very strong for this weight class. Very Strong.

“I got to go out there and dominate,” said Conwell. “This is a fight that can lead me to a world championship fight.”

Golden Boy Promotions got lucky in picking up this fighter who could compete with any super welterweight out there. Anyone.

Vergara, 30, is another Argentine product and if you know anything about that South American country, they groom strong fighters with power. Think Marcos Maidana. This will be his first true test.

“I really hope he (Conwell) backs what he is saying,” said Vergara.

Marlen Esparza vs Arely Mucino

Former flyweight world titlists finally meet, but at super flyweight.

Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza fights Mexico’s Arely Mucino in a fight that should have taken place years ago. Both are both coming off losses in title fights.

Esparza has the “fast hands” as she said and Mucino the “aggressive style” as she mentioned at the press conference on Thursday in Ontario.

It’s a 10-round affair and could mark the end for the loser.

Friday Night Fights

Undefeated middleweight Sadridden Akhmedov (14-0, 12 KOs) headlines a 360 Promotions and faces Raphael Igbokwe (17-5, 7 KOs) in the main event on Friday, Dec. 13, at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. UFC Fight Pass will stream the event.

Akhmedov hails from Kazakhstan and if you remember legendary Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin also hails from that region. Tom Loeffler the head of 360 Promotions worked with GGG too among other legends.

Is Akhmedov the real deal?

Former American Olympian Carlos Balderas (14-2) is also on the card and fights veteran Cesar Villarraga (11-10-1) who has been known to upset favorites in the past.

Fights to Watch

Fri. UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. Sadridden Akhmedov (14-0) vs Raphael Igbokwe (17-5).

Sat. DAZN 10:30 a.m. Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1) vs Ricardo Espinoza (30-4).

Sat. DAZN 5 p.m. Alexis Rocha (25-2) vs Raul Curiel (15-0); Charles Conwell (20-0) vs Gerardo Vergara (20-0); Marlen Esparza (14-2) vs Arely Mucino (32-4-2).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

Published

on

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

The final ShoBox event of 2025 played out tonight at the company’s regular staging ground in Plant City, Florida. When the smoke cleared, the “A-side” fighters in the featured bouts were 3-0 in step-up fights vs. battle-tested veterans, two of whom were former world title challengers. However, the victors in none of the three fights, with the arguable exception of lanky bantamweight Katsuma Akitsugi, made any great gain in public esteem.

In the main event, a lightweight affair, Jonhatan Cardoso, a 25-year-old Brazilian, earned a hard-fought, 10-round unanimous decision over Los Mochis, Mexico southpaw Eduardo Ramirez.  The decision would have been acceptable to most neutral observers if it had been deemed a draw, but the Brazilian won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice.

Cardoso, now 18-1 (15), had the crowd in his corner., This was his fourth straight appearance in Plant City. Ramirez, disadvantaged by being the smaller man with a shorter reach, declined to 28-5-3.

Co-Feature

In a 10-round featherweight fight that had no indelible moments, Luis Reynaldo Nunez advanced to 20-0 (13) with a workmanlike 10-round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Leonardo Baez. The judges had it 99-91 and 98-92 twice.

Nunez, from the Dominican Republic, is an economical fighter who fights behind a tight guard. Reputedly 85-5 as an amateur, he is managed by Sampson Lewkowicz who handles David Benavidez among others and trained by Bob Santos. Baez (22-5) was returning to the ring after a two-year hiatus.

Also

In a contest slated for “10,” ever-improving bantamweight Katsuma Akitsugi improved to 12-0 (3 KOs) with a sixth-round stoppage of Filipino import Aston Palicte (28-7-1). Akitsugi caught Palicte against the ropes and unleashed a flurry of punches climaxed by a right hook. Palicte went down and was unable to beat the count. The official time was 1:07 of round six.

This was the third straight win by stoppage for Akitsugi, a 27-year-old southpaw who trains at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in LA under Roach’s assistant Eddie Hernandez. Palicte, who had been out of the ring for 16 months, is a former two-time world title challenger at superflyweight (115).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Remembering-the-Macho-Man-Hector-Camacho-a-Great-Sporting-Character
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Macho Man, Hector Camacho, a Great Sporting Character

The-Hauser-Report-Some-Thoughts-on-Mike-Tyson-v-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

The Hauser Report: Some Thoughts on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul

Avila-Perspective-Chap-301-Mike-Tyson-Returns-Latino-Night-in-Riyadh
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: Mike Tyson Returns; Latino Night in Riyadh

Say-It-Ain't-So-Oliver-McCall-Returns-to-the-Ring-Next-Week
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Say It Ain’t So: Oliver McCall Returns to the Ring Next Week

RIP-Israel-Vazquez-who-has-Passed-Away-at-age-46
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

R.I.P Israel Vazquez who has Passed Away at age 46

Golden-Boy-in-Royadh-Results-Zurdo-Ramirez-Unifies-Cruiserweight-Titles
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Golden Boy in Riyadh Results: Zurdo Ramirez Unifies Cruiserweight Titles

Hake-Paul-Defeats-Mike-Tyson-and-Other-Resulys-from-Arlington-Texas
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson plus Other Results from Arlington, Texas

Boxing-Odds-and-Ends-Oscar-Collazo-Reimagining-The-Ring-Magazine-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Boxing Odds and Ends: Oscar Collazo, Reimagining ‘The Ring’ Magazine and More

Avila-Perspective-Chap-304-A-Year-of-Transformation-in-Boxing-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: A Year of Transformation in Boxing and More

Fighting-on-His-Home-Turf-Galal-Yafai-Pulverizes-Sunny-Edwards
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fighting on His Home Turf, Galal Yafai Pulverizes Sunny Edwards

The-Noted-Trainer-Kevin-Henry-Lucky-to-be-Alive-Reflects-on-Devin-Haney-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Noted Trainer Kevin Henry, Lucky to Be Alive, Reflects on Devin Haney and More

Philly's-Jesse-Jart-Continues-His-Quest-plus-Thoughts-on-Yuson-Paul-and-Boots-Ennis
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Philly’s Jesse Hart Continues His Quest plus Thoughts on Tyson-Paul and ‘Boots’ Ennis

Introducing-Jaylan-Phillips-Boxing's-Palindrome-Man
Featured Articles5 days ago

Introducing Jaylan Phillips, Boxing’s Palindrome Man

Avila-Perspective-Chap-306-Flyweight-Rumble-in-England-Ryan-Garcia-in-SoCal
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 306: Flyweight Rumble in England, Ryan Garcia in SoCal

Emanuel-Navarrete-and-Rafael-Espinoza-Shine-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles6 days ago

Emanuel Navarrete and Rafael Espinoza Shine in Phoenix

Avila-Perspective-Chap-307-Destination-Puerto-Rico-Israel-Vazquez-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles2 days ago

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

The-IBHOF-Unveils-its-Newest-Inductees-Manny-Pacquiao-is-the-Icing-on-the-Cake
Featured Articles1 week ago

The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

Brooklyn's-Richardson-Hitchins-Wins-IBF-140-Pound-Title-in-Puerto-Rico
Featured Articles6 days ago

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins Wins IBF 140-Pound Title in Puerto Rico

A-six-pack-of-undercard-action-from-the-Top-Rank-card-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Six-Pack of Undercard Action from the Top Rank Card in Phoenix

Results-from-the-Chumash-Casino-where-Akhmedov-Gave-a-GGG-like-Performance
Featured Articles4 hours ago

Results from the Chumash Casino where Akhmedov Gave a GGG-like Performance

Avila-Perspective-Chap-308-So_cal-Rivals-Rocha-and-Curiel-Rumble-and-More
Featured Articles15 hours ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 308: SoCal Rivals Rocha and Curiel Rumble and More

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles2 days ago

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

Introducing-Jaylan-Phillips-Boxing's-Palindrome-Man
Featured Articles5 days ago

Introducing Jaylan Phillips, Boxing’s Palindrome Man

Emanuel-Navarrete-and-Rafael-Espinoza-Shine-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles6 days ago

Emanuel Navarrete and Rafael Espinoza Shine in Phoenix

Brooklyn's-Richardson-Hitchins-Wins-IBF-140-Pound-Title-in-Puerto-Rico
Featured Articles6 days ago

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins Wins IBF 140-Pound Title in Puerto Rico

A-six-pack-of-undercard-action-from-the-Top-Rank-card-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Six-Pack of Undercard Action from the Top Rank Card in Phoenix

Recaps-from-London-where-Bentley-Noakes-and-Okolie-Emerged-Victorious
Featured Articles6 days ago

Recaps from London where Bentley, Noakes, and Okolie Emerged Victorious

Avila-Perspective-Chap-307-Destination-Puerto-Rico-Israel-Vazquez-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

The-IBHOF-Unveils-its-Newest-Inductees-Manny-Pacquiao-is-the-Icing-on-the-Cake
Featured Articles1 week ago

The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

Navarrete-Valdez-and-Espinoza-Ramirez-Rematches-Headline-Phoenix-Fight-Fiesta
Featured Articles1 week ago

Navarrete-Valdez and Espinoza-Ramirez Rematches Headline Phoenix Fight Fiesta 

RIP-Israel-Vazquez-who-has-Passed-Away-at-age-46
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

R.I.P Israel Vazquez who has Passed Away at age 46

Fighting-on-His-Home-Turf-Galal-Yafai-Pulverizes-Sunny-Edwards
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fighting on His Home Turf, Galal Yafai Pulverizes Sunny Edwards

Avila-Perspective-Chap-306-Flyweight-Rumble-in-England-Ryan-Garcia-in-SoCal
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 306: Flyweight Rumble in England, Ryan Garcia in SoCal

The-Noted-Trainer-Kevin-Henry-Lucky-to-be-Alive-Reflects-on-Devin-Haney-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Noted Trainer Kevin Henry, Lucky to Be Alive, Reflects on Devin Haney and More

Remembering-the-Macho-Man-Hector-Camacho-a-Great-Sporting-Character
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Macho Man, Hector Camacho, a Great Sporting Character

Avila-Perspective-Chap-304-A-Year-of-Transformation-in-Boxing-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: A Year of Transformation in Boxing and More

Philly's-Jesse-Jart-Continues-His-Quest-plus-Thoughts-on-Yuson-Paul-and-Boots-Ennis
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Philly’s Jesse Hart Continues His Quest plus Thoughts on Tyson-Paul and ‘Boots’ Ennis

Boxing-Odds-and-Ends-Oscar-Collazo-Reimagining-The-Ring-Magazine-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Boxing Odds and Ends: Oscar Collazo, Reimagining ‘The Ring’ Magazine and More

The-Hauser-Report-Some-Thoughts-on-Mike-Tyson-v-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

The Hauser Report: Some Thoughts on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending

Advertisement