Josh Taylor Survives in Scotland

Published

3 years ago

February 26, 2022

Josh Taylor Survives in Scotland

It was complicated.

Scotland’s Josh Taylor managed to escape with the undisputed super lightweight world championship by split decision over Jack Catterall despite the southpaw versus southpaw oddity, over-officiating and immense pressure of fighting at home on Saturday.

“I put on a bit of pressure on myself fighting in front of my home,” said Taylor

Pressure almost broke Taylor’s (19-0, 13 KOs) grip on the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF super lightweight titles against Great Britain’s Catterall (26-1) in front of a sold-out crowd at Glasgow, Scotland. It was a razor-close fight that was marred by referee deductions.

Taylor looked dead serious in facing fellow southpaw Catterall. And as boxing experts know, whenever a southpaw fights another southpaw strange things can happen. Lefties are not accustomed to fighting other lefties and it showed.

From the opening bell Catterall proved he could land the left cross and did it repeatedly throughout the fight. The very first blow fired landed from Catterall and it was a left cross. Taylor took half of the fight to adjust.

Catterall, the number one mandatory, had waited for more than a year to get the fight with Taylor and accepted step-aside money to allow the Scottish fighter to meet with Jose Carlos Ramirez last year. It turned out to be a solid move.

The much taller Taylor suffered through a leg injury, Covid-19, and weight problems and it might have been too much for the undisputed super lightweight champion to overcome. Almost.

In the first half of the fight, it was Taylor barging in and Catterall grabbing whenever the champion got close. As Taylor became frustrated, he dropped his guard and was caught bending over with an overhand left and knocked down for the first time in his career. He beat the count in the eighth round.

That knockdown seemed to spark anger in Taylor and from that point on he became more aggressive.

“I started a little slow. I caught him with the bigger shots. He caught me with a couple of good shots,” said Taylor. “It wasn’t my best performance.”

Pressure of fighting in front of his hometown fans as the celebrated undisputed super lightweight world champion also put a heavy burden on Taylor. He survived.

In the 10^th round as Taylor became more aggressive Catterall grabbed his head and kept it down. Referee Marcus McDonnell deducted a point from Catterall after repeatedly warning the British fighter throughout the match.

Things seemed to swing fully toward Taylor but after a good display in the 11^th round, as the bell rang Taylor nudged Catterall’s abdomen with a light blow and the British fighter replied with a swing as he walked away. The referee took Taylor’s hand and announced he was deducting a point from the champion for that light nudge.

In the 12^th round both tried to impose dominance but neither was particularly successful. Jabs and a right uppercut connected for Taylor and a three-punch combination was fired by Catterall. After 12 rounds and point deductions the fight ended in a split decision victory for Taylor 112-113, 113-112, 114-111. Taylor retains all four belts but also announced he will no longer be participating at the 140-pound limit.

“He did a hell of a lot of holding but I still won the fight,” said Taylor. “Being the first time at home, I put on a bit of pressure on myself.”

Taylor had battled his way to the undisputed super lightweight world championship with riveting wins over world titlists Jose Carlos Ramirez, Regis Prograis and former champion Viktor Postol. It was a murderer’s row and the tall Scottish southpaw earned hard-fought victories over all of them. Nothing came easy.

“It wasn’t my best performance,” Taylor said. “But altogether I was putting in the better shots. He never won the fight.”

Now the welterweights await the fighter known as the Tartan Tornado.

Cuba’s Ramirez

Cuban prospect Robeisy Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) floored Ireland’s Eric Donovan (14-2) in the first round and then knocked him out in the third with a vicious left to the ear. It was a battle between featherweight southpaws but immediately it was evident that Ramirez was the more gifted fighter when he knocked down Donovan with a counter left in the opening frame.

Ramirez allowed Donovan to stick around and though the Irish fighter opened up with several combinations in the third, Ramirez suddenly decided to end the fight and fired off a left to the head and another left that sent the Irish fighter staggering along the ropes and down to the mat. The referee called off the fight at 1:04 of the third round to give the win to Ramirez by technical knockout.

Scottish Title

Nick “Glasgow Warrior” Campbell (5-0, 5 KOs) won the first Scottish heavyweight title in more than 70 years by technical knockout over lime-haired Jay “Ghost” McFarlane (12-6, 6 KOs) in an entertaining scrap that got better after every round until it ended.

Campbell had four inches in height advantage and McFarlane had 20 pounds of extra girth, but despite the pawing and mud slow flow of the first three rounds, it suddenly got exciting. McFarlane used a jab and an overhand right to add that excitement and found a left to the body that changed the complexion of the fight.

Though McFarlane was able to hurt Campbell, it seemed to sap the energy from his heavier body and that spelled the end.

Campbell opened up the seventh round with a nine-punch combination that had McFarlane’s head snapping back over and over. A right cross sent McFarlane down for the count but he got up. After that Campbell jumped after the shorter fighter and connected with another barrage of blows until the referee stopped the fight at 2:18 of the seventh round. Campbell becomes the Scottish heavyweight champion.

Other Bouts

Irish welterweight Paddy Donovan (8-0, 6 KOs) swept past Miroslav Serban (13-9) and eventually won by stoppage in the final round. Donovan, a slick southpaw trained by former world champion Andy Lee, ripped uppercuts through the tight guard by Serban and opened up a cut on the left ear of the Czech fighter. The referee stopped the fight due to a cut at 56 seconds of the sixth and final round.

In the opening televised bout John Docherty (12-1, 9 KO) returned to the boxing ring a week after a previous fight and knocked out fellow Scot Jordan Grant (4-2) in the second round. A counter left to the solar plexus and left to the temple floored Grant for the count at 2:49 of the second round in the light heavyweight match.

A women’s super bantamweight fight ended in a draw between favorite Ebonie Jones (1-0-1) and Effy Kathapouli (4-3-1) after six rounds. Jones started out quick in the first round with her low crouching style and was effective with the left hook. But in the second round Kathapouli increased the tempo and became more accurate with her punches and won the next two rounds. It was back and forth after that with the referee judging the fight a draw 57-57.

“I think I nicked it,” said Jones. “She was tough.”

Photo credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

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David A. Avila

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Bakhodir Jalolov Returns on Thursday in Another Disgraceful Mismatch

Published

10 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Arne K. Lang

Bakhodir-Jalolov-Returns-on-Thursday-in-Another-Disgraceful-Mismatch

How good is Bakhodir Jalolov? Some would argue that in terms of pure talent, the six-foot-seven southpaw from Uzbekistan who has knocked out all 14 of his opponents since turning pro, is better than any heavyweight you can name. Others say that this can’t possibly be true or his braintrust wouldn’t keep feeding him junk food. Jalolov has been brought along as gingerly as Christopher Lovejoy who was exposed as a fraud after running up a skein of 19 straight fast knockouts,

One thing that’s indisputable is that Jalolov was one of the best amateurs to come down the pike in recent memory. A three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist, Jalolov won 58 of his last 59 amateur bouts. The exception was a match in which he did not compete which translated into a win by walkover for his opponent, countryman Lazizbek Mullojonov.

The circumstances are vague. Was Jalolov a no-show because of an injury or illness or a technicality? Amateur boxing, save in a few places or in an Olympic year, is the quintessential niche sport. The mainstream media does not cover it.

What we do know, thanks to boxrec, is that Jalolov caught up with Mullojonov in May of last year in the Russian Far East city of Khabarovsk and won a split decision. And Mollojonov was no slouch. He too won a gold medal at the Paris Games, winning the heavyweight division to give the powerful Uzbekistan contingent the championship in the two heaviest weight classes.

Jalolov, whose late father was a champion free-style wrestler, has answered the bell as a pro for only 35 rounds. The Belgian-Congolese campaigner Jack Mulowayi came closest to taking the big Uzbek the distance, lasting into the eighth round of an 8-round fight. But when Jalolov closed the show, he did it with a highlight reel knockout, knocking Mulowayi into dreamland with a vicious left hook.

The KO was reminiscent of Jalolov’s most talked-about win as an amateur, his first-round blast-out of Richard Torrez Jr at a tournament in Ekaterinburg, Russia, in 2019. Torrez, knocked out cold with a left hook, left the ring on a stretcher and was removed to a hospital for evaluation.

This was the first AIBA-sanctioned international tournament in which pros were allowed to compete and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman was incensed, calling the match-up “criminal” in a tweet that was widely circulated. (Jalolov then had six pro fights under his belt.) They would meet again in the finals of the Tokyo Olympiad with the Uzbek winning a unanimous decision.

Perhaps there will be a third meeting down the road. When Jared Anderson was roughed-up and stopped by Martin Bakole, Torrez Jr (currently 12-0, 11 KOs) vaulted ahead of him on the list of the top home-grown American heavyweights. But Torrez Jr, a short-armed heavyweight who overcomes his physical limitations with a windmill offense, would be a heavy underdog should they ever meet again.

Bakhodir Jalolov’s last bout before heading off to Paris was against the obscure South African Chris Thompson. His match on Thursday at the Montreal Casino in Montreal pits him against an obscure 33-year-old Frenchman, David Spilmont.

Spilmont’s last two opponents were the same guy, an undersized Lithuanian slug who has lost 36 of his 41 documented fights. It seems almost inevitable that Spilmont will suffer the same fate as Thompson who was KOed in the first round.

There’s talk that Jalolov doesn’t really care how far he advances at the professional level; that he has his sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles where he would have an opportunity to become only the fourth boxer to win three Olympic gold medals, joining the immortal Teofilo Stevenson, Hungarian legend Laszlo Papp, and Cuban standout Felix Savon. Were he to accomplish the hat trick, they would build monuments to him in Uzbekistan. But, if that is his mindset, he’s skating on thin ice. There’s no guarantee that boxing will be on the docket at the Los Angeles Games and, if so, the powers-that-be may choose to roll back the calendar to the days when the competition was off-limits to anyone with professional experience.

While it’s true that Jalolov needs to work off some rust, a pox on promoter Camille Estephan and his enabler, the Quebec Boxing Commission, for not dredging up a more credible opponent than the grossly overmatched David Spilmont.

—

Jalolov vs. Spilmont is ostensibly the co-feature. The main event is a 10-round junior welterweight clash between Movladdin “Arthur” Biyarslanov (17-0, 14 KOs) and Spilmont stablemate Mohamed Mimoune (24-6, 5 KOs). Undefeated light heavyweights Albert Ramirez and Mehmet Unal will appear in separate bouts on the undercard. The Feb. 6 event, currently consisting of seven bouts, will air in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.

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Claressa Shields Powers to Undisputed Heavyweight Championship

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2025

David A. Avila

Claressa-Shields-Powers-to-Undisputed-Heavyweight-Championship

Claressa Shields blasted her way to the undisputed heavyweight championship and nearly knocked out challenger Danielle Perkins in the final seconds, but settled for a win by unanimous decision on Sunday.

Yes, she can punch.

“I just feel overwhelmed and so happy.” Shields said.

Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) proved that even the super athletic Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs), a true heavyweight, could not stop her from becoming an undisputed world champion in a third weight division at Dort Arena in Flint, Michigan, her home town.

In the opening round it was easy to see the size difference. Shields calmly measured Perkins long right jabs then countered with rocket rights through the guard. The speed was evident in Shield’s punches. Perkins used jabs to work her way in but was caught with counters.

“That girl was strong as hell,” said Shields describing Perkins.

Perkins, a southpaw, was somewhat confident that she was the stronger puncher and the stronger fighter overall. But when Shields connected with 10 rocket overhand rights in the third round the power moved Perkins several feet backward.

Suddenly, Perkins realized that indeed Shields has power.

Perkins became more cautious with her approaches. Though the true heavyweight was not frozen in fear, she was wary about getting caught flush with Shields rights. But bullet jabs and lightning combinations still rained on Perkins.

Finding a way to nullify Shields speed was crucial for Perkins.

The former basketball player Perkins continually proved her athleticism with agile moves here and there, but Shields just was superior in every way.

When Perkins became focused too much on the right, a Shields left hook caught the New York native flush. Suddenly there was another Shields weapon to worry about.

Many critics of Shields had focused on her lack of knockouts. But in her previous fight against another heavyweight, the two-time Olympic gold medalist surprised Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse with knockout power. It’s the same power Shields showed Perkins as if firing a fast ball by powering her right with leverage by using her left leg to produce momentum and an explosive punch.

In the 10^th and final round Shields and Perkins exchanged blows. Perkins was looking to connect with one of her power shots when suddenly Shields countered with a perfectly timed right to the chin and down went Perkins with about 10 seconds remaining. She beat the count to finish the round.

“I showed I was the bigger puncher and better boxer,” said Shields. “I knew I could do it because I’m really strong at heavyweight.”

All three judges favored Shields 100-89, 99-90 and 97-92.

It was another convincing performance by Shields. So what is next for the best female fighter pound for pound?

“I want to fight Franchon Crews, Hanna Gabriels,” said Shields also naming a few others. “Flint, (Michigan) I love you all so much.”

Other Bouts

A heavyweight clash saw why there is a rule against holding. Brandon Moore (17-1) and Skylar Lacy (8-1-2) punched and held throughout their eight rounds. Referee Steve Willis finally disqualified Lacy when he tackled Moore and took him through the ropes and on to table below.

No, holding and clinching is not part of the fight game. Now you know why.

Moore was ruled the winner by disqualification due to unsportsmanlike conduct by Lacy at 1:35 of the eighth. No need to describe the fight.

A battle between undefeated welterweights saw Joseph Hicks (12-0, 8 KOs) stop Keon Papillon (10-1-1, 7 KOs) at 1:35 of the seventh round. Hicks stunned Papillon at the end of the sixth, then unloaded in the seventh round to force a stoppage.

Joshua Pagan (12-0) out-battled Ronal Ron (16-8) over eight rounds to win the lightweight match by unanimous decision.

Samantha Worthington (11-0) defeated Vaida Masiokaite (10-27-6) by decision after eight rounds in a super lightweight bout.

Featherweight Caroline Veyre (9-1) out-boxed the shorter Carmen Vargas (5-3-1) to win by decision after six rounds.

Super bantamweight Asheleyann Lozada (1-0) won her pro debut by unanimous decision over Denise Moran (3-1) in a four-round fight.

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Benavidez Defeats Morrell; Cruz, Fulton, and Ramos also Victorious at Las Vegas

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2025

David A. Avila

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David Benavidez showed fans why they call him “El Monstro” as he plowed through Cuba’s heavy-punching David Morrell to retain a number one ranking in the light heavyweight division by unanimous decision on Saturday.

Not even a flash knockdown for Morrell could make a difference.

Phoenix native Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) gave Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) his first loss as a professional in front of more than 15,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. No one needed to hear the judge’s decision.

“I prepared for everything. I know he’s a great fighter,” said Benavidez. “I thought he was going to hit harder, but he didn’t.”

Before the fight, Morrell was almost an even bet according to oddsmakers, but that was not the case once the fight commenced.

Immediately Benavidez pounded the body and exposed the weaknesses of Morrell’s peek-a-boo defense by using his own left glove to push down the Cuban’s guard. Then immediately firing a crushing right to the jaw.

For the first four rounds Benavidez pounded away on the left and right side of Morrell’s body. And when the openings came the uppercuts caught Morrell’s chin. But he absorbed the blows.

Morrell didn’t waver in trying to find a solution. Though Benavidez connected often to the body and head, the Cuban fighter who moved up from super middleweight displayed a very solid chin.

In the fourth round during a furious exchange Morrell beat Benavidez to the punch that stunned him momentarily. But the blow seemed to spark outrage and a storm of blows followed from Benavidez.

It must have seemed like a nightmare for Morrell.

At times the Cuban fighter would connect perfectly with a right hook and pause. Then Benavidez would return fire with massive blows.

The look on Morrell’s face bore traces of disappointment.

As the rounds continued Benavidez became emboldened by his success. Soon the Mexican Monster began launching lead right uppercuts through Morrell’s guard especially in the sixth round.

“He was easier to hit than I expected,” Benavidez said.

During the breaks Morrell’s corner asked him to pressure Benavidez. It was a fruitless suggestion. How do you corner a Monster?

Benavidez continued to stalk Morrell who never stopped swinging but could not seem to hurt the Monster. In the 11^th round Morrell managed to catch Benavidez perfectly with a right hook and down went Benavidez. He immediately got up and the two fighters unloaded on each other. Morrell fired one punch after the bell and was deducted a point by referee Thomas Taylor. That negated the extra point gained from the knockdown.

“I wasn’t really hurt,” said Benavidez. “That bullshit knockdown caught me off-balance.”

The final round saw both resume their efforts to knock the other out. Both showed great chins and the ability to trade. Benavidez was simply better. Even Morrell didn’t wait for the decision to be read as he raised the arm of the Monster at the final bell. All three judges scored in favor of Benavidez 115-111 twice and 118-108.

“He knows this is Monstro’s world. Big shout out for Morrell, he’s a tough fighter,” Benavidez said.

Other Bouts

In a fight dedicated to honor the late Israel Vazquez, the ultimate Aztec warrior, super lightweights Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (27-3-1) and Angel Fierro (23-3-2) battled like demons for 10 nonstop rounds. Cruz was ruled the winner by unanimous decision.

With little resemblance of defense, Cruz and Fierro whacked each other relentlessly with shots that might have stopped a moving car. Cruz was tagged by a right cross on the top of the head that staggered him momentarily. Fierro was driven back four feet by an overhand right to the chin early in the fight.

Both fighters took cruel and unusual punishment and never wavered more than a few seconds. It was brutal war and fans were the winners after 10 rounds of violent and savage action.

All three judges saw Cruz the winner 96-94, 97-93, 98-92.

“I’m so happy I gave the fans a great fight,” Cruz said.

Fulton Wins

Stephen Fulton (23-1, 8 KOs) defeated Brandon Figueroa (23-2-1, 19 KOs) again and took the WBC featherweight title by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. He had previously defeated Figueroa in 2021 for the WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles.

Most of the action took place in nose-to-nose fashion where Fulton landed the cleaner shots especially with uppercuts. Figueroa had his moments but was unable to hurt the challenger who lost to Naoya Inoue by knockout 17 months ago.

Fulton landed clean shots but as his record shows he lacks the power with only eight knockouts on his record. But Figueroa was unable to hurt or knock down Fulton. After 12 rounds all three judges saw Fulton win by scores of 116-112 twice and 117-111,

“It feels good. I’m champion again,” said Fulton.

Ramos Wins

Jesus Ramos (22-1, 18 KOs) won by technical knockout over former world champion Jeison Rosario (24-5-2) in the eighth round of a middleweight fight. Both fighters attacked the body but by the sixth round Ramos was the busier fighter and began to dominate the fight. At 2:18 of the eighth round referee Robert Hoyle stopped the fight.

“I like to throw a lot of body punches. It’s kind of my style,” said Ramos.

Photos credit: Al Applerose

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