JACOBS: I WANT TO BE A TWO-WEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

Press Release

'Miracle Man' meets Ryder at Alexandra Palace

Two-time Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs insists that he still has plenty left to achieve in his career as he prepares to face Islington's John Ryder in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World Title this Saturday February 12 at Alexandra Palace in London, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

The 35-year-old Brooklyn native (37-3, 30 KOs) earned a split decision win over two-time World Title challenger Gabriel Rosado last time out in November 2020 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, just under a year on from his fifth round stoppage win against Mexico's Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 

Despite his inactivity, the former WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler, who has taken pound for pound stars Gennadiy Golovkin and Saul Alvarez the distance, still has a burning desire to mix it with the best in the world and write his name into the history books as a two-weight World Champion. 

“I’m looking forward to a good scrap," said Jacobs. "He’s a good fighter from what I’ve seen. I know he’s in his hometown so I’m expecting him to be pumped and excited about it. Also I’ve heard from him before that this is an important fight for him to get towards title contention. I’m looking forward to seeing exactly everything that he has to bring. 

“It has been one of my goals as a professional to fight in the UK, probably in London because I’ve been here before and I know how the magic works. I know how deep the crowd is into their  boxing. I look forward to experiencing that. Good city, good town, good people. 

“Everything is fabulous, I’m back to where I need to be mentally and I realise that now coming back with my old trainer Andre Rozier and Anthony Irons things are where they need to be. I was missing that good spirit that I once had in my career, and now it’s back and I’m looking forward to presenting it and giving the fans a good show. 

“Every fight is must-win. Every time you go in the ring you don’t go into a fight looking at it like, ‘If I lose this one the next one will still be a good opportunity’. There’s always going to be a step back if you lost a fight in boxing. I’m grateful that I still have the opportunity to have these big fights. The biggest goal for me right now is to stay focused and keep the eye on the tiger. 

“Granted we win this fight, which I’m sure we will, my next fight should be an opportunity to become a two division World Champion. I have the opportunity to do that and this guy is in the way. I have to make an example but also be myself. This camp I’ve been myself the entire time. I can’t ask for anything better."

Jacobs vs. Ryder tops a huge night of action, undefeated Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash (14-0, 10 KOs) faces unbeaten Russian Magomed Madiev (15-0-2, 4 KOs) for the WBC International Title, Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (4-0, 4 KOs) takes on Spain's Gabriel Enguema (10-11, 6 KOs) over six rounds in front over 2,200 of his supporters, Catford's Ellie Scotney (3-0) goes for her first title when she clashes with Argentina's Jorgelina Guanini (9-3-2, 1 KO) for the WBA International Super-Bantamweight crown, undefeated Texas Middleweight Austin 'Ammo' Williams (9-0, 7 KOs) fights in London for the second time as he meets Javier Francisco Maciel (33-15, 23 KOs) over eight rounds, Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Ricardo Roman (14-12-3, 5 KOs) over six rounds, Ashington Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (2-0, 1 KO) fights Evgenii Vazem (9-21, 4 KOs) over six rounds and Welterweight prospect Shiloh Defreitas (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Alexey Tukhtarov (4-23-6, 3 KOs) over six rounds. 

Matchroom Boxing Presents: Jacobs vs. Chavez Jr.

By Steve Ward, Ringside

Arizona boxing fans received an early Christmas gift this evening as Matchroom Boxing presented a stacked card to close out the year from the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix broadcasted live on DAZN. This event, originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, was moved to Phoenix after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. refused to submit to a random drug test in October, hence awarding him an indefinite suspension from boxing in Nevada. In addition to Jacobs vs. Chavez Jr., there were several other compelling fights that saw Maurice Hooker, Liam Smith, and Gabriel Rosado among many others in action for what proved to be an evening of season’s beatings.

Daniyar Yeleussinov (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Alan Sanchez (20-5-1, 10 KOs) Ten Rounds, Welterweights
Decision: Daniyar Yeleussinov via TKO in round 5

This was starting to become a rather entertaining fight after the first few rounds as the referee called a stop to the action on the advice of the ringside physician shortly after the opening bell of round five as a result of damage Sanchez suffered to his left eye. The win allowed “Kazakh Thunder” to remain undefeated in what appeared to be a fight he was arguably down on the cards in early on. Whether this was a testament to Yeleussinov’s power and precision or just luck is yet to be seen as Sanchez was the more active fighter and continued to move forward throughout the fight.

Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Winston Campos (31-7-6, 19 KOs)
Ten Rounds, Welterweights
Decision: Josh Kelly via UD (99-90, 99-90, 98-91)

In round one, Kelly dropped to the canvas after what the referee ruled to be a strike to the back of the head and subsequent slip. This seemingly got to Kelly as he proceeded to drop his hands quite frequently for the next few rounds in a taunting fashion. These rounds also became quite “chippy” as the two needed to be separated by the ref multiple times for headlocks and other nonsense.

The late rounds saw Josh Kelly settle in and display more of what one would expect from a former Olympian as he showed more poise as he landed with great precision and finally scored a knockdown early in round 10 with a stiff right to the body. While Campos displayed a solid chin and went the distance, he was not able to mount much offense as Kelly demonstrated superior speed and head movement that left him mostly unscathed.

Liam Smith (29-2-1, 16 KOs) vs. Roberto Garcia (42-5, 25 KOs)
Ten Rounds, Middleweights
Decision: Liam Smith via UD (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)

In rounds one through three, both fighters appeared very evenly matched as neither gained much of an advantage and a case could be made for each on the scorecards. In round four, Liam Smith took control and continuously walked down Garcia as he relentlessly worked the body to the point Garcia began to lean on him to seemingly catch a breather.

Garcia’s tactics must have worked as he entered round five with new vigor and had Smith’s back to the ropes for the duration of the round. Garcia walked back to his corner after the round showing no respect for his opponent as he kicked his feet towards him as if to mimic brushing dirt in his face. Following an evenly contested round six, Smith found himself on the ropes to open round seven. Garcia was unable to maintain the pressure, however, as Smith turned the tables and did some of his most effective work of the fight to that point as he went back to work on the body of Garcia. Unable to build momentum following round seven, the closing rounds were again rather evenly contested until the closing moments of round ten when Smith left a lasting impression on the judges with an overwhelming flurry. The close rounds clearly went to Smith as he won very decisively on the scorecards.

Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KOs) vs. Rakim Johnson (6-9-1, 5 KOs)
Six Rounds, Welterweights
Decision: Reshat Mati via TKO in round one

Well this one did not last long… Staten Island’s “Albanian Bear” Reshat Mati, a 2018 National Gold Gloves champion, made quick work of Rakim Johnson. Following a brutal liver shot that dropped Johnson to the canvas early in the round, Mati scored THREE more knockdowns before the referee had seen enough and mercifully called a stop to the action.

Maurice Hooker (27-1-3, 18 KOs) vs. Uriel Perez (19-5, 17 KOs)
Ten Rounds, Welterweights
Decision: Maurice Hooker via TKO in round one

Following a setback TKO loss in July to Jose Carlos Ramirez, Maurice Hooker sought to get back on track this evening against Uriel Perez – also fighting for the third time in 2019 riding a two fight unbeaten streak. In another short affair, Hooker kept Perez at bay with the jab and in a rousing turn of events, landed a stiff right to the body of Perez followed by a vicious barrage to the head that dropped him to his knee. After a brief conversation with the referee, the “action” was abruptly ended – looks like Hooker’s redemption was a success.

Raymond Ford (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Francisco Muro (3-7, 2 KOs)
Six Rounds, Featherweights
Raymond Ford via TKO in round one

In one of the swing bouts of the evening, Tucson, Arizona’s Francisco Muro squared off with Camden, New Jersey’s Raymond “Savage” Ford – a 2018 National Golden Gloves champion. It should also be noted that the undefeated Ford walked to the ring in full Christmas mode donning Santa Claus attire. From the opening bell, Ford was a man possessed as he unleashed a vicious assault of devastating combos on Muro leading first to a quick knockdown, then to a stoppage after he had no answer for Ford.

Co-Main Event
WBC World Flyweight Title
Julio Cesar Martinez Aguilar (15-1, 12 KOs) vs. Cristofer Rosales (29-5, 20 KOs)
Twelve Rounds, Flyweights
Decision: Julio Cesar Martinez Aguilar via TKO in round 9

Former Flyweight champion Cristofer Rosales went toe-to-toe with fast rising contender Julio Cesar Martinez Aguilar for the vacant WBC Flyweight Championship in the co-main event of the evening. Round one was a blur of flying fists – much as is the case with flyweights – where Martinez seemed to carry a slight edge in pushing the action. Round two proved more of the same as Martinez continued to press Rosales although it was clear that Martinez was hurt by a stiff right to the face from Rosales that stifled one of the pugilists flurries.

Both fighters settled in during round four and it was apparent that they were landing with sniper-like precision as Martinez left the round with a cut under his right eye while Rosales had a stream of crimson flowing from his nose. In rounds five through seven we witnessed Martinez dig in and go to work on Rosales as he cut off the ring regularly and forced Rosales to become a counter-puncher.

In round nine, Martinez again cut off the ring and had Rosales pinned against the ropes where he proceeded to mercilessly measure him up with a bevy of straight rights and left hooks until the referee had seen enough and called a stop to the action in what was a very entertaining co-feature.

Main Event
Jacob Daniels (36-3, 30 KOs) vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (51-4-1, 33 KOs) Twelve Rounds, Catchweight
Decision: Daniel Jacobs via TKO in round 5

In the main event of the evening, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs made the move up to 168 pounds riding the heels of his unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez back in May losing his IBF Middleweight Title in the process. Jacobs was opposed by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a veteran of 55 professional bouts despite being only 33 years old. Chavez Jr. enters this fight a winner of three out of his previous four contests – most recently in August when he knocked out Evert Bravo. It should be noted that prior to his August encounter, Chavez Jr. had not fought since May 2017 when he dropped a unanimous decision also to Canelo Alvarez.

There were several storylines associated with this fight (aside from the reason it was moved to Phoenix as I mentioned earlier) such as: How would Daniel Jacobs fair at 168 lbs? Would Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. rise to the challenge and earn what one could consider a signature win against a top tier competitor in more than seven years? Lastly, would Chavez Jr. coming in over the weight limit play a role in the outcome of the fight?

In round one, Chavez Jr. came out as the aggressor while Jacobs displayed patience in getting a feel for his opponent creating distance with the jab until he was able to land some well placed shots in the closing seconds. Round two saw Chavez Jr. continue to push the action while displaying effective head movement in avoiding some of Jacobs’ offense – clearly Chavez Jr.’s trainer Freddie Roach had a plan entering this encounter.  After a similar narrative in round three, round four elevated the intensity level to new heights as the fighters engaged in close quarter combat until the round ended with an exchange that brought the entire arena to it’s feet.

After another exciting round, round five concluded with Chavez Jr. bloodied in his corner. Before round six got under way, Chavez Jr.’s corner stated he was unable to continue ruling an end to the fight. After the ruling, the arena erupted as they showered the ring with boos and booze and cups of beer and other debris were propelled at the ring leaving no one – not even the media spared. Stay classy Phoenix…

Also of significant note, this marked the third fight I’ve attended that has ended in some sort of riot-like situation – the others being the riot at the LA Sports Arena following Amir Khan’s victory over Carlos Molina and Canelo Alvarez’ controversial stoppage over Alfredo Angulo in Las Vegas. That’s gotta be some sort of record, right?

Swing Bout
Gabriel Rosado (25-12-1, 14 KOs) vs. Humberto Gutierrez Ochoa (33-9-2, 22 KOs)
Ten Rounds, Super Middleweights
Decision: Rosado via UD (100-90, 100-90, 99-91)

This fight started roughly 45 minutes after the conclusion of the main event sadly in front of an empty arena – the spectators composed mainly of Matchroom Boxing crew, arena staff, and the few members of the media who remained.

King Gabriel Rosado came out with a chip on his shoulder in round one – deservedly so after waiting all day to fight when he should have had a spot on the main card – and let his fists fly. Rosado was added to the card as a contingency in the event Chavez Jr. didn’t make weight, which he didn’t, but the bout was saved after he paid a $1 million penalty. Since Rosado was not needed to step in against Jacobs (which arguably would have been a much more entertaining matchup), he squared off with Humberto Gutierrez Ochoa who proved to be a more than worthy adversary as he put in a gritty performance albeit without mounting much offense. Rosado on the other hand put on a 10-round clinic where he punished his opponent on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

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Snips and Snipes with Eric Armit

By Eric Armit

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao once again illustrated his drawing power with his fight against Adrien Broner reportedly drawing 400,000 + PPV hits. Not the sort of figures he was drawing at his peak but still a very high return. He was guaranteed $10 million for this fight but will obviously earn a great deal more when the final figures for the gate etc. are taken into account. It is incredible to think that the wonder fighter from the Philippines won his first world title more than 20 years ago. He is 18-4-2 in world title fights and at 40 is still performing at the highest level. Surely one of the most remarkable fighters in the history of boxing. It’s a pity that this was for the secondary WBA title not the real title. The real champion Keith Thurman returns with a title defense this weekend. As for Broner he showed just how delusional he is as he was convinced he had won a fight where he threw less punches, landed less punches and rarely took a step forward. He has entertained in the past but it may be that his days as deserving of PPV status are over.

Of course the talk immediately turned to another fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr but it was stated that Mayweather was retired and was not interested in another fight with Pacquiao-but don’t rule it out.

Why should Mayweather take on Pacquiao when he can earn $10 million for blowing away a 20-year-old Japanese kick boxer/MMA fighter Tenshin Nasukawa in less than three minutes. The most amazing thing is that people actually paid to see this farce. It brought to mind something that happened a good few years ago. I went with my wife to see the irreverent and slightly mad comic genius Spike Milligan in a play. It was still the tradition then that the national anthem was played after every cinema and stage performance and you stood throughout the anthem. As the play finished there seemed to be no sign of the national anthem being played so we hesitantly got to our feet ready to leave. At that point Milligan emerged from behind the curtain in a scruffy overcoat and flat cap carrying a tin whistle. He proceeded to give a reedy wavering version of the anthem on the tin whistle. We were undecided. Ok it was the national anthem but being played on a tin whistle. However tradition ruled and we stood until Milligan finished. He looked at us, shook his head and said “If you’ll stand for that you’ll stand for anything!" That’s how I feel about those who paid for Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor and Tenshin Nasukawa.

Oleg Usyk 

Whilst the heavyweight division is currently focused on who Anthony Joshua will fight in April and the return match between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury the shadow of Oleg Usyk hangs over the division. The unbeaten Ukrainian will have his next outing in the USA on either the 18th or 25th of May but no opponent nominated yet. Surely Usyk will fight for the heavyweight title later this year.

From the sublime to the ridiculous

The WBA has ordered Manuel Charr to defend their secondary heavyweight title against Fres Oquendo. They were to have fought in September last year but Charr tested positive for a banned substance and the fright was cancelled. Initially Charr was suspended but not stripped off his title. There was no indication Charr intended to have a representative present for the testing of his B sample but he challenged that fact that he did not have someone there for the B test. The WBA backed off and as Charr was clean in subsequent tests-and he would have to have been stupid not to be-the WBA decided that his suspension had expired and he could return provided he defended against Oquendo within 60 days and the winner of that fight must fight the winner of a fight between their interim champion Trevor Bryan and Jarrell Miller even though there is no indication that a fight between Bryan and Miller will take place. Oquendo of course has not fought since July 2014. The Charr vs. Oquendo fight  is now set for March 23rd in Cologne. Thought I would give you date and place so that you could ensure you were somewhere else doing something else that night.

Michael Wallisch 

German heavyweight Michael Wallisch also gave a positive test after his losing effort against Christian Hammer in December and no news yet over his B sample. That fight was a farce. In the fourth round their heads collided and Wallisch went down and the referee  counted him out. A 30 or 45 days suspension from fighting for the knockout? No instead they decided Wallisch should not have been counted out so they pretended the original fourth round never happened and restarted the fight with another fourth round and Wallisch was counted out again in the fifth! Hammer’s reward is a date with Luis Ortiz in New York on March 2nd.

Canelo vs. Jacobs

The Saul Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs fights looks a really attractive one. Jacobs is a totally different fighter style-wise to Gennady Golovkin and it is a fight Jacobs could win. It looks as though David Lemieux may also appear on the 4 May show. The Canadian will be fighting for the first time since he fainted from dehydration which led to his fight with Tureano Johnson being cancelled

Jose Ramirez vs. Jose Zepeda

Jose Ramirez’s defense of his WBC super lightweight title against Jose Zepeda also looks a good one. Ramirez is 23-0 and making the second defense of his title. Zepeda is 30-1 with the loss coming when he dislocated his shoulder in a fight against Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO lightweight title in 2015. On the same show Ray Beltran will be having his first fight since losing his WBO lightweight title to Jose Pedraza in August. He meets the 19-0 Hiroki Okada and in a featherweight ten rounder. Genisis Servania 32-1 faces 21-0 Carlos Castro. Ramirez will be auctioning some items of his boxing equipment  to raise funds for a Community Cancer Institute which is a great gesture.

Don King 

I said that Broner was delusional but Don King seems to be going the same way. He is warning what Bermane Stiverne will do to English heavyweight hope Joe Joyce when they meet in London on the undercard to the exciting James DeGale vs. Chris Eubank Jr fight on February 23rd. Let’s be clear this is a 40-year-old vastly overweight fighter who is having his first fight since being floored three times and stopped inside a round by Deontay Wilder in November 2017. King can talk a fight up but can Stiverne still walk the talk? 

Interested in money?

Of course. Lou DiBella won the bidding for the Jack Culcay vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko final eliminator for the IBF title. DiBella ‘s bid was $425,515 and as Culcay is the higher of the two in the IBF ratings he gets 65%  $276,000 and Derevyanchenko 35%  $148,930. I can’t see Culcay winning this one.

Pacquiao vs. Broner Undercard

Two fights had to be scrubbed from the undercard of the Pacquiao vs. Broner show when Filipino Jhack Tepora and Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago came in ridiculously over the contract weights. Tepora was 5.5lbs over and Buitrago 6lbs over. It must have been obvious well in advance of the day of the weigh in that they would never make the weight but somehow no one spotted this so one fight was cancelled and the other saw a last minute substitute step in. Surely some check weights would have revealed this earlier. The WBC recently announced a number of initiatives to combat this very thing by laying out a complete weight check schedule to be followed. As it stated that for this to work they needed the collaboration of the promoters, manager, trainers etc. and without that it is just a very good idea with little hope of it being taken on board which is a great pity but at least the WBC are trying to tackle the problem which no one else appears to be doing.

Marcus Browne and the 2012 US Olympic Boxing Team

With his victory over Badou Jack, Marcus Browne became the fourth member of the US Team at the 2012 Olympics to win a version of a world title alongside Errol Spence, Jose Ramirez and Rau’shee Warren. Not bad for a team that failed to win a single medal and with Spence being the only one to get as far as the quarter-finals. In addition from the team Dominic Breazeale, Mike Hunter, Terrell Gausha, and Joseph Diaz have challenged for world titles leaving Jamal Herring as the sole member not to win or challenge for a title and he is 19-2 with three good wins in 2018 so it is still possible that he will join the others in fight for or winning a title. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Class of 2016 where Shakur Stevenson’s silver was the only medal in male boxing the USA won in Rio. From the above it appears that the USA does not know how to produce medal winners in Olympic boxing but can turn under-achieving amateurs into professional champions.

Somehow it just doesn’t seem fair 

A few years back in the AIBA World Series of Boxing the British Lionhearts found themselves facing the Ukrainian Otamans. The Ukrainian team won 4-1 but then it was fairly strong it contained Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleg Usyk, and Olek Gvozdyk!

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DAZN and Canelo take a bite out of the Big Apple: Luis Cortes offers his takes on the big Canelo and DAZN event from the Mecca of Boxing

By Luis A. Cortes III, Ringside 

If there were any questions about the start power of Canelo Alvarez, tonight's crowd of 20,112 inside of the big room at the "Mecca of Boxing," Madison Square Garden answered those questions and silenced any doubters. Usually the "Mecca" is shaken by a pro Puerto Rico crowd whenever one of the island's marquee fighters takes to the ring in the Big Apple. This time, New York City and the Garden sounded as if it had been transported to 1801 South Grand Ave., site of the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Green, white, and red were the colors of choice and were worn with pride to accent Canelo Alvarez head bands and Mexican flags. From the moment Ryan Garcia entered the ring, New York City became Canelo country, much in the way Las Vegas has over the past several years.

For DAZN, their first fight of an eleven fight deal with Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions was pushed as any pay-per-view show would have been in the past, even though during the promotion, Golden Boy and DAZN would have liked you to believe otherwise. Especially inside of the arena as they showed the fighters entrances into the building, pre-fight interviews, various shots of Canelo warming up, and there was a clear effort to show the long list of A-list celebrities who sat ringside to get a glimpse at the Mexican star. Of course with all of the fan fare and promotion the one key telling sign of success will not be the filled out arena, but just how many paid subscriptions this showcase for Canelo was able to generate. For all of the pre-fight banter that pay-per-view is dead, the bottom line is that generated subscriptions are all that matters, much in the way pay-per-view buys were to determine a fighters true monetary value.

As Expected, Alvarez Mauls Fielding in Three to Capture WBA Super Middleweight Crown

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (51-1-2)(35) was greeted to a national hero's welcome of sorts by a raucous crowd, which by the time of the main event was at capacity. Rocky Fielding (27-2)(15) seemed to be almost an after thought. For Fielding, he was casted in the role of the peasant about to be thrown to the lions inside of this coliseum simply known as "The Mecca." Would this Rocky be able to channel the power and determination of the two most famous fighters with the name Rocky (despite one being a fictional)?  Or would this fight simply be the coronation, yet another accomplishment for the biggest draw south of the heavyweight division, and his triumphant invasion of the east coast?

Before the end of the first round, everyone in the arena and streaming from home got their answer.  A digging left hook to the body forced the naturally bigger Fielding to take a knee. He gamely rose to his feet and made it out of the round, but it was clear that Canelo would take his time in order to break down Fielding. While Fielding had the advantage in size, that was the only thing he could call an advantage. Another left hook to the body floored him a second time and it only seemed as a matter of time before the lion devoured the poor peasant. The mauling came to an end in the third round when a right cross dropped Fielding. Although he rose to his feet, Canelo threw a beautiful body shot, uppercut combination that forced Fielding to take a knee for the final time. The referee called a stop to the beat down at the 2:38 mark of round number three.  

Was this event and especially the main event worthy of subscribing for a free month to DAZN, instead of paying upwards of eighty dollars on pay-per-view? Sure it was. What will be the big question coming out of this is if keeping the subscription once the free month comes to an end and viewers are forced to pay $9.99 a month worth the effort? One thing will be key to answering that question: Who are the names that Canelo will be matched against, starting in May of next year. We already heard that Danny Jacobs, the IBF middleweight champion is not being considered, but will his name be considered for September? What stops subscribers who were driven to the application because of Canelo from canceling and picking it back up when they feel he fights someone worthy to be across the ring from him? Finally, will fighters of that caliber like Jacobs or Golovkin even be affiliated with DAZN for those fights to be made?  

Farmer Easily Outclasses Fonseca: Proves His Elite Value for Future Mega Showdowns

With David Lemieux unable to compete against the tough Terino Johnson due to health issues, IBF Jr. Lightweight Champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1)(6) was given the opportunity to co-headline this card, giving him possibly the biggest stage of his career to showcase the skills and craftsmanship that has many boxing insiders stating that his star power is on the rise for big things in 2019. Farmer has been vocal about his wishes to test his skills against another champion in the division, Gervonta Davis, in a fight that would most certainly be a classic boxer vs. puncher fight. Before his wish is granted and is even considered, Farmer would have to take out Francisco Fonseca (22-2-1)(16), who's only professional loss was to the aforementioned Davis in August of 2017.

Through six minutes it was clear that Farmer's technical superiority was going to be the tale of this fight. Farmer may have a lack of pure natural power in his gloves, but he makes up for it with his ability to throw the right punches at the right time. Every time he makes a move, whether it be for a defensive or offensive reason, he lets his hands go, landing at least one telling punch. While other fighters take themselves out of punching range after landing their lead punches, Farmer always remains inside or just on the edge of what is considered the "pocket," which is the area where both fighters are in range to land punches. He is comfortable in this area and easily slips and dodges his opponents shots with upper body movement.

Half way through this fight, Farmer showed why at this point in his career his skills have graduated to the level where only other elite level fighters with aggressive styles will pose a serious threat to dethroning him and stopping his streak of victories. Farmer glided to an easy twelve round decision to end a more than successful 2018, despite having his first fight in August. All three judges scored the fight 117-111 in favor of Farmer.

Ali Decisions Herrera

Just over a year after his career defining victory in this same arena over future Hall of Fame champion Miguel Cotto, Sadam Ali (27-2)(14) returned to action in the welterweight division. It was his first fight back at his natural weight since beating Cotto, but losing the title he won in a devastating fashion to Jamie Managua in his first title defense. Mauricio Herrera (24-8)(7), the crafty veteran, was standing on the other side of the ring, who like Ali, was in need of a statement victory.

As expected though a boxing match (not fight), between the two cagey veterans broke out as both fighters chose to move and try to land pot shots on their foe. After half of the fight (or lack there of), most of the loud cheers from the crowd came when the big screen showed Canelo in-between rounds. At times, it seemed as if both fighters were going to sit down and exchange combinations, but each time that looked to be the case, one of the fighters would decide to get back on their toes and move. Ali at least tried to get into exchanges behind his jab, but Herrera was happy to pop his jab and try to clinch when he lost whatever advantage he had from a position standpoint. When the bell sounded to end to bout, both fighters were greeted with a passive applause. 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92 were the scores all in favor of the winner Sadam Ali.    

Garcia Does What He is Supposed to by Blowing Out Rodriguez in Five

Ryan Garcia (17-0)(14) got the crowd energized with his easy victory over Braulio Rodriguez (19-4)(17). After sitting through several fights, the pro-Mexico crowd was ready to burst into celebration mode and they got their opportunity in the first round when Garcia landed a sharp left hook that floored Rodriguez. With the knockdown coming late in the round, Rodriguez survived and decided to move away from Garcia for the next two rounds. Garcia remained patient and opened up early in the fourth landing powerful combinations that hurt Rodriguez throughout the round. This set up the end in the fifth round as Garcia decided to open up and landed another left hook that dropped Rodriguez for the count of ten at the 1:14 mark of round number five.

With Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Ryan Garcia, all being on different levels and promoted by different major companies, it is going to be interesting to see how the future of the lightweight division shakes out during each of their rise to the top, as well as when they are forced to fight each other, either at lightweight or at higher weight classes.    

Undercard Results:

Katie Taylor (12-0)(6) easily outpointed Eva Wahlstrom (22-1)(3) over ten rounds to retain her IBF and WBA lightweight titles. After the fight, she stated she would love a unification fight with Amanda Serrano.

Lamont Roach (18-0-1) (7)  out worked the rugged Alberto Mercado (15-2-1)(3) to easily earn the victory. 79-71 and 78-72  (twice) were the scores as Roach continues his march up the super featherweight rankings.

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Eddie Hearn and his "Band" Matchroom Boxing

Eddie Hearn and his band Matchroom Boxing are not the Beatles or The Rolling Stones, still his pugilistic British invasion resembles an inaugural rock tour of the USA. Things got started in early October in Middle America. A couple weeks’ later Boston, seven days after that “The Big Apple” New York City. All these nights featured championship fights and numerous world class boxers.

Excited boxing fans from around the five boroughs filled all the fifty six hundred seats in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on October 27th. Whether their warrior won or lost every one of them departed knowing they got bang for their buck.

A stirring Main Event pitted former WBA Middleweight King Danny Jacobs, Brooklyn, against Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko, who now lives in Brooklyn, NY, for the vacant IBF Middleweight Championship of the world. Some people may have looked at this matchup as Jacobs being spoon fed a title. Derevyanchenko only had a dozen bouts entering the contest without much exposure. Insiders were whispering the outcome was a toss-up.

Wasting little time feeling each other out, lighting their fusses, both released bombs with Sergiy getting the better of the exchanges. Gaining momentum, Derevyanchenko had round one won when with seconds left an overhand right to the head from Jacobs,159.6 lbs., had the Ukrainian hitting the floor. Jacobs carries one hundred sixty pounds in a big way, his biceps look like they belong to a heavyweight. Leaving his corner for the second, Derevyanchenko, 159.4 lbs., showed no ill effects from his fall. Having mastered the art of cutting off the ring, Sergiy kept cornering or backing Jacobs against the ropes, scoring shots. Derevyanchenko continued hit Jacobs to body throughout. Offsetting the offensive in front of him, Jacobs bounced hard leather off his foes’ head. Ten rounds of oohs, aahs, and roaring cheers left the alacritous throng wanting to witness the championship sessions. Not disappointing the faithful, both soldiers willingly engaged in a slugfest for the final six minutes. Once the final second ticked off, the house cleared their lungs with a booming loud approval.

Sometimes a tenseness is felt when waiting to hear a decision in a close match. Those moments slow down the clock and each second feels longer than the last. At that moment, Ring Announcer Miguel Flores put the microphone close to his mouth “Ladies and Gentlemen……” and went on to announce Danny Jacobs as the new IBF middleweight king by split decision. Julie Lederman 114-113 Derevyanchenko overruled by Tom Schreck and Steve Weisfeld 115-112.

Following giving kudos to Derevyanchenko, Jacobs said “We absolutely want Canelo. It’s a fight the fans want. Now that I have the belt there will be more in the pudding for everyone.” With Canelo and Jacobs both connected to streaming sports network the DAZN this could be happen soon.

Even though Derevyanchenko lost, he has proven himself amongst the elite in the talent laden middleweight division. Suffering his first loss, Sergiy’s record is now 12-1 (10 KOs). With a new belt to hold up his pants Jacobs marches forward with a 35-2 (29 KOs} slate.

Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment partnered with Matchroom to promote the show.

Negotiating a big dollar deal with DAZN to promote thirty two fights a year, Hearn has decided to enter the American market. 

-Frank Bartolini

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HBO results: Daniel Jacobs defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Luis Cortes' report from Daniel Jacobs vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko on Saturday night from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden:

HBO results: Daniel Jacobs defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko

-Luis A. Cortes III

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‘Tis the boxing season in the Northeast

Check out Luis Cortes' preview of upcoming boxing shows in the Northeast United States on UCNLive.com: 

‘Tis the boxing season in the Northeast

Eddie Hearn and Daniel Jacobs - Photo UCNLive.com

-Luis A. Cortes III

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