Inside the Ringside with Frank Bartolini - Hulu Theater at MSG

By Frank Bartolini

Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City:  Matchroom Boxing delivered another superb night of boxing to New York. On top of the card, popular super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, Brooklyn, NY, faced Jason Quigley, Ireland. Berlanga garnered an undefeated record as part of Top Rank’s stable. Earlier this year, Top Rank and Berlanga parted ways. Both Golden Boy and PBC showed interest in signing Berlanga, but he chose Eddie Hearn. 

Irishman Jason Quigley, 167.5 lbs., was brought in as the opponent to showcase Berlanga's,167.75 lbs., skills. A big draw in the Big Apple, Berlanga had a house full of cheering fans. 

Anxious to end a four-bout drought without scoring a knockout, Berlanga went straight to work from the opening bell. In round three, Quigley hit the deck after absorbing a Berlanga right to the side of the head. During the fifth stanza, Berlanga scored a questionable knockdown after hurting Quigley with a left hook to the chin. To his credit, Quigley kept himself in the fight with some slick boxing while getting in his licks when he had his chances. As the clock ran out in the final heat, Berlanga got through with a left hook followed by a straight right to his foe’s cranium that resulted in Quigley eating rosin dust. Going for the kill, Berlanga dropped Quigley again with a barrage of punches.

The sold-out crowd roared in approval with the decision when ring Announcer Dave Diamante read the scores 116-108 twice and 118-106, all for Berlanga who’s record is now 21-0, 16 KOs. Quigley gave an admirable effort as his record dips to 20-3, 14 KOs. 

A former junior middleweight champ Jamie Munguia and future Hall of Famer Gennady Golovkin are a couple of names that have come up as potential future adversaries for Berlanga. After scoring sixteen first round knockouts in first sixteen fights as a professional, Berlanga has become a "bombs away" headhunter at times, shots that negate his body attacks. During his streak of kayoes, Berlanga's mid-section assault was a precursor to him tagging his opponents with crushing shots to the head. Berlanga will have to revisit those techniques if he is going to compete against the elite of the super middleweight ranks. 

Bombs away! Nothing better than watching two heavyweights with limited defensive ability take turns clocking one another. Thirteen-year veteran heavyweight Joe Cusumano, Danville, VA, scored the biggest win of an up until now ordinary career. Sadly, Cusumano crushed the hopes of one-time heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki, Brooklyn, NY, resurrecting his livelihood. A Cusumano, 238.25 lbs., right to Kownacki’s face dropped the Polish hammer in round one. Kownacki, 251.75 lbs., found his way back to his corner and continued his losing struggle until he was brutally finished at the two-minute mark of round eight. With the win, a big payday awaits Cusumano, 22-4 20 KOs. Falling to 20-4, 15 KOs, Kownacki has lost his last four fights, three of those by ugly knockouts. Popular consensus agrees Kownacki should never again step foot in a boxing ring.

Inside the Ringside with Frank Bartolini

By Frank Bartolini

With holiday celebrations behind us and decorations being stored away in attics, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the first of two shows I attended in January. Boxing began in a big way in D.C.

1/7/23 - Washington, D.C.:

Nearly twenty thousand fight fans filled the seats at the Capitol One Arena to cheer on every punch the World Boxing Association Lightweight King Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Baltimore, MD, threw. Appearing to be a bit distracted at times, Davis, 134 lb., did not seem to be in top condition going into his title defense against Hector Luis Garcia, San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.

This evening was about the excitement “Tank” creates. Gates opened at 4 pm, and soon afterward, the fighters on the first undercard bout were being called into the ring by announcer Mark Fratto. Seats remained empty as the corridor was packed with revelers until around 9 pm.

Once the semi wind up ended, the house heated up in anticipation to see the tatted Davis throw his gloved fists. An explosive roar rocked the house when Jimmy Lennon, Jr. announcing the boxers' names and particulars.

Both boxers launched their arsenal of punches from a southpaw stance. Bumping up a weight class, Garcia, 134 lbs., won the WBA Super Feather Championship in his last fight. Fighting to the top of his ability, Garcia landed to the head and body. After three rounds of feeling his opponent out, Davis opened up in round four exploding bombs to Garcia’s midsection and head. After the halfway point in the seventh stanza, Davis, 134 lbs., unleashed his fury, smacking punches off of Garcia from the outside. Davis countered well with a straight left to Garcia's chin.

The eighth round proved to be the last one of the fight, but not before drama outside the ropes interrupted and stopped the action. It turned out Gary Russel, Jr. and his brothers Gary Antonio and Gary Antuane got into a verbal scuffle with rapper Meek Mill. Both combatants paused to check out what was going on. Once the action resumed, Davis tore into Garcia. As the bell rang to conclude the session, Garcia returned to his corner complaining he could not see out of his right eye and did not come out for the ninth round.

This was the first loss of Garcia’s career; his record dips to 16- 1, 10 KO’s. By representing himself well in this title challenge, Garcia's stock may rise regardless of this loss. With his skill set, Garcia will find success defending on to his super featherweight belt.

Garcia did a great WWE impersonation after the stoppage of the contest by doing a backflip off the top rope and landing perfectly on his feet as the audience roared. At the young age of twenty-eight years old, Davis has ten years' experience and an impressive resume that includes titles in three different weight classes. Tank’s record stays perfect at 28-0, 26 KO’s.

Immediately in the days following the event, talks between PBC head honcho Al Haymon and Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boys Promotions, on pairing Davis and Golden Boy promoted Ryan “Kingry” Garcia for a super fight this spring. As of this writing, De La Hoya states he has the contract in hand.

De La Hoya may be trepid as he holds out for a larger percentage of the split. “Tank” has become a legitimate superstar who drew the largest monetary gate for an event in the history of The Capital One Arena. Paid ticket receipts totaled over five million dollars, and it has been reported pay-per-view proceeds added another twenty million dollars to the gross earnings. Another large source of revenue is the celebratory disposition of Davis's fan base transfer into the arena as patrons at the concessions stands. Add a few million bucks more to the proceeds from that revenue. Hence, De La Hoya has few bargaining chips at the table and will try to squeeze PBC for all he can without blowing the deal. April 15th is the projected date for the matchup, but no venue has been selected.

1/20/23 - Bethlehem, PA:

Two weeks later, I found my way to the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Wind chills had the temperature in the teens. Entering the casino portion of the former Bethlehem Steel Mill, I saw a lively night brewing as the gaming house was filled with patrons.

The Wind Creek Event Center was packed with close to fifteen hundred fight fans that came to watch a Kings Promotions fight card that was part of The Showtime Network SHOBOX The New Generation fight series. Kings CEO Marshall Kauffman filled the card with first rate local talent.

Undefeated super middleweights Sean Hemphill, New Orleans, LA, fought David Stevens, Reading, PA, in a scheduled eight round bout, a ho hum affair that was even after six rounds. Midway through round seven, Stevens',165 ¾ lbs., constant forward pressure was squeezing the strength out of Hemphill, 166 lbs. Battling aggressively until the end, Stevens pressed ahead in the last round. Then with seconds left in the fight, Stevens pummeled a cornered Hemphill. After absorbing a pounding, Hemphill slumped to the canvas. Using very questionable judgment, referee Shawn Clark let the action go on. Brutally aspiring to finish off his foe, Stevens assaulted Hemphill with three bombs to the head. As referee Clark stepped in to call a halt at 2:58 seconds while Hemphill collapsed to the ring apron. Stevens' record stays perfect at 12-0, 9 KO’s. Hemphill suffered his first blemish to his record and slides to 14-1, 8 KO’s.

Jaron Ennis: My Time Is Coming

By TWI Staff

Our very own Luis Cortes teamed up with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring you another great boxing article about Jaron "Boots" Ennis! 

Jaron Ennis: My Time Is Coming

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Coffie Poised For HW Run, But First Must Conquer Mount Washington

By Milo Taibi

Native New Yorker and former US Marine Michael Polite-Coffie finds himself in an enviable position. At 35, he doesn’t appear to have a defined ceiling in boxing’s loaded- and lucrative- heavyweight division. 

A member of Marshall Kaufman’s King's Promotions, the former NY Golden Gloves competitor has made the most of his recent appearances on Premier Boxing Champions. A five-round beatdown of Luis Eduardo Pena cemented Coffie’s arrival on the televised boxing scene. Michael followed this appearance with an injury TKO of the grizzled Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell. 

In February of this year, Coffie made easy work of undefeated Philadelphia heavy Darmani Rock, despite entering the bout entrenched as an underdog. Following the banner victory, Coffie had already strategized his next move. 

“I’d like to test myself against guys like a Gerald Washington, a Dominic Breazeale, a Charles Martin,” Coffie told Keith Idec of Boxing Scene. “I’d like to test myself against those kind of opponents. That would show me if I’m ready for the next step, which would be guys for the belt.”

On Saturday July 31st, Coffie’s wish will be granted in the form of an all-military clash with Gerald Washington. A veteran of the US Navy and former professional football player, Washington brings a wealth of in-ring experience despite entering the sport at a late age. 

The 25-time competitor has faced division stalwarts such as Deontay Wilder, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and Adam Kownacki. While he’s had more defeats than successes when stepping up in class, Gerald boasts a July 2019 KO8 of Robert Helenius. It’s a stoppage that’s aged like a fine wine, as the Swede went on to score an "Upset Of The Year" contender of Adam Kownacki in March of 2020.

While Washington and Coffie are comparable in age, the former has considerably more miles on the boxing odometer. Coffie is undefeated through 12 bouts, while “El Gallo Negro” has been stopped four times...all from 2017-onward. Most recently, Washington turned in a sluggish performance against the tricky and hard-hitting southpaw Charles Martin. 

Despite this, if Washington turns up in tip-top shape, he’ll be far and away the biggest test of Coffie’s young professional career. And perhaps after a right hand or two land, Coffie will wish his call-out had been answered by Martin or Dominic Breazeale. 

Elsewhere on the undercard, New Jersey prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. will have his shot at redemption against Philly’s James Martin. In April, the 18-to-1 underdog Martin decisioned Mielnicki Jr. in stunning fashion on a televised card. 

PBC prospect Joey Spencer will also be in action, taking on the 13-fight veteran Dan Karpency. Spencer, coming off a KO1 of Isiah Seldon, will no doubt look to be the first to finish Karpency.

Editor's Note:  Michael Polite-Coffie will now face Jonathan Rice (13-6-1, 9 KOs) in the main event of Saturday's PBC boxing card. Gerald Washington was forced to withdraw from this fight after contracting COVID-19. 

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Showtime Boxing: Russell Jr. vs Nyambayar Fight Results

By Chris Mealey

A stellar night of boxing embarked at the PPL Center, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where a World Featherweight title fight between Champion, Gary Russell Jr and Tugstsogt Nyambayar took place. The venue displayed performances from rising prospects, former world champions, and of course, the fight fans who came to support the event.

The Weigh-In: Your Home for Combat Sports will now breakdown and present the results from Saturday night's Premier Boxing Champions card, broadcasted on the Showtime network. Fights are listed in order, from the undercard bouts to the televised main event.

Fight 1: Marlon Bolen vs Larry Ventus (Welterweight)

The opening round was a stark and tenacious approach from Bolen, as he found continuous success in landing body shot combinations. It appeared Bolen had too much power and punch output for Ventus to handle, as the referee decided to jump in and stop the fight at the very end of round two.

Winner: Marlon Bolen via TKO [Round 2]

Fight 2: Rajon Chance vs Joseph Quintana (Super Bantamweight)

Rajon Chance wasted little time in his first professional boxing debut. Instantly charging his opponent, Chance managed to send Quintana tumbling onto the ropes from a crisp combination, which caused the official to step in, ruling what was a proper knockdown. Shortly after giving Quintana the count, Chance rushed back to inside fighting, smothering his opponent. The consistent damage became too much for the man in charge to allow, as this fight was stopped at 1:41 into the very first round. Not a bad way to start off a boxing career!

Winner: Rajon Chance via TKO [Round 1]

Fight 3: Gary Antonio Russell vs Jesus Martinez (Bantamweight)

Yes, the name Gary Russell is no stranger to boxing. Gary Antonio is one of the younger brothers of Russel Jr, the Champion and headliner for this event. In this bout, a few slips, trips and low blows from Martinez would be the only sore when watching these two fight. Rounds progressed with Russell controlling the pace landing thunderous left hands from a southpaw stance, seemingly frustrating Martinez. It was shortly after the 6th round, when Russell floored his opponent and after Martinez rose up, Russell continued the aggression, leaving the referee with little choice, stopping the bout at 1:30 in the 6th round.

Winner: Gary Antonio Russell via TKO [Round 6]

Fight 4: Jonathon Rodriguez vs Edwin Eduardo Neri (Bantamweight)

Rodriguez (Formerly known as Torres) was one of the crowd favorites in this Allentown event. The undefeated prospect was raving to fight and was relentless from the opening round, all the way to the end. Inside brawling, outside boxing and practically everything in between, Rodriguez's arsenal was executed at superb rates. These factors may help describe the courageous heart and durability from Edwin Eduardo, as the boxer would not go down and refused to back away from all that Rodriquez threw. This bout was the first to go to the judges last night, with two cards scored at 60-54 and the 3rd judge, scoring it 58-56, all in favor of Rodriquez

Winner: Jonathon Rodriguez [Unanimous Decision]

Fight 5: Gary Antuanne Russell vs Jose Marrufo (Super Lightweight)

Ah, another Gary Russell fighting on the undercard? A younger sibling of the World Champion strikes again. Gary Antuanne Russell is well known for his tenacious power, and made sure to make his presence known with that same punching ability. What seemed to be a competitive start, was over in a quick and ideally perfect combination by Russell, throwing the left downstairs, then catching Marrufo with a right hook on the chin, flooring him, leading to the declared knockout/wave off by the official in the ring at 2:12 in the very first round.

Winner: Gary Antuanne Russell via KO [Round 1]

Fight 6: Jamontay Clark vs Anthony Lenk (Super Welterweight)

The first round kicked off with patient boxing from both of the southpaw boxers. They measured with their jabs, scoping each other out. Clark, who seemed to be the bigger and stronger man in the ring, began to land stern pot-shots, one punch at a time, yet landing at will. Clark exhaled and shouted while he threw, which helped elaborate how hard the punches were thrown. Lenk had a shining moment in round 4, landing a stunning head shot over Clark, following up with pressure, which was a good redemption round for Lenk. Clark had found his rhythm again in the last two rounds, which would cement his decision victory, having two judges score the bout 79-73 and one judge scoring it 78-74

Winner: Jamontay Clark [Unanimous Decision]

Fight 7: Martino Jules vs Pablo Cupul (Super Featherweight)

You would have thought that the flashy Martino Jules was the main event of the night, after hearing the eruption from the Allentown crowd. What better way to shine in a sport than fighting in your hometown? The undefeated Jules made quick work In this bout against Cupul, as Jules backed Cupul into a corner, constantly landing at will. Just as Cupul was on his way down to the canvas, the referee jumped in to stop the fight at 2:39 in the first round.

Winner: Martino Jules via TKO [Round 1]

Fight 8: Jaime Arboleda vs Jayson Velez (Super Featherweight) - WBA Eliminator

Considering the constant action and close rounds, this was arguably the "fight of the night." Instant classic from start to finish. Velez would find much success in landing significant counter-punches, on top of landing his own combinations during inside exchanges. During virtually every round, Arboleda was landing just as many clean shots as Velez, making these rounds a nightmare for any boxing judge. The right cross counter seemed to be the moneymaker for Velez, but it was the last round where both boxers threw all they had, causing the crowd to burst with astonishment. Velez scored a knockdown halfway through this final round, but Arboleda found the strength to get up and finish the fight strong. A suspenseful reading of the score cards declared Arboleda the winner in a somewhat controversial split decision victory. One judge had the bout 115-112 for Velez, another scored the bout 115-113 for Arboleda. The final score was 114-113 for the winner Jaime Arboleda.

Winner: Jamie Arboleda [Split Decision]

Co-Main Event: Guillermo Rigondeaux vs Liborio Solis (Bantamweight) - WBA World Title

When it comes to skillful boxing tactics, or the art of "hit and don't get hit" - most cannot compare to the former pound for pound star, Rigondeaux. Unfortunately, that usually means displeased fight fans who just want to see action. It was not easy to watch this match with full attention, considering the immense booing from the crowd, yet this is something that rarely phases boxers, especially Rigo. Solis gave Rigo an honest first half of the fight, providing some difficult puzzles (especially in the first round). For one moment, in what felt like light speed, the booing from the crowd turned into loud cheers as Rigondeaux dropped Solis with a lunging uppercut during the middle of round seven. Rigo never gets carried away, always staying composed, rarely going in for the kill after dropping his opponents. Solis and Rigo would go back to patient chess-boxing, leading to another scorecard result. 115-112 for Rigo, 115-112 for Solis and the final card awarding a split decision victory for Rigondeaux at 116-111.

Winner: Guillermo Rigondeaux [Split Decision]

Main Event. Gary Russell Jr. vs Tugstsogt Nyambayar (Featherweight) - WBC World Title

It's always rewarding for everyone in the arena when the main event delivers the anticipated action that's desired in any night of boxing. The strong power puncher and challenger, Nyambayar, must've brought a Mongolian army with him to this Allentown venue. Though what was also a house full of Gary Russell fans, the crowd had Mongol flags waving around in each section. Throughout this fight, Tugstsogt was keen in applying pressure, but without giving up too much defense, even causing Russell to trip up and fall in the first round. Gary was established his famous hand speed and quickly got into his rhythm from round two onward. Blinding combinations, ring generalship and practically everything we've seen from Russell before, but this time against a hungry, well proven challenger who (in Gary's words) "has nothing to lose." Though Gary seemed to dictate most of the tempo and rhythm of this title fight, "King Tug," as the crowd referred to the Mongolian warrior, Nyambayar would keep this a honest and competitive fight despite the rounds he lost. A unanimous decision declared Gary Russell Jr the winner, with scores: 116-112, 117-111 and 118-110. 

Winner: Gary Russell Jr. (Unanimous Decision)

Showtime Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Kings Promotions and TGB Promotions had shined thoroughly well at the PPL Center in Allentown. It's always a bonus for all involved in the sweet science when fights are enjoyable, arenas are packed, loud and with the utmost energy leading up as boxers make their way to the ring. The Weigh-In looks forward to covering future pugilistic events as they emerge throughout 2020. 

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Quotes from the Gary Russell Jr. vs. Tugstsogt Nyambayar Final Conference and Weigh-in

By Chris Mealey

GARY RUSSELL JR.:

 

My toughest challenger is myself. I never focus on my opponent. My toughest challenge is preparing myself to the best of my ability. I think he's a good fighter. I think he's going to bring his physical best. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose, but I feel as though he's going to need a little more than that. The difference will be my speed, punching power, ring generalship and boxing IQ.

 

I believe that all three of the Russell brothers can be world champions. I want us to be the set of brothers that makes history. I'll be in the corners for my brothers tomorrow night. It's fun. It's something that I genuinely enjoy doing, and supporting my younger brothers is definitely what I want to do. Hopefully, we'll all get these "W's" come tomorrow night.

 

TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR:

 

I don't feel any pressure that my whole country will be watching. I'm a fighter and this fight is mine. I'm here to win. This will be a good fight and I'll be the next champion.

 

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX:

 

This is really my weight - 118. I fought at 122, but I feel very comfortable at 118. Boxing is like mathematics, so we're going to adjust to whatever my opponent brings. We can box and also, what you saw in my last fight, we can pressure. I can also bring that tomorrow.

 

LIBORIO SOLIS:

 

There's always that same hunger to win a championship again. It's been a while, so I want it back. With faith in God, I will get it back tomorrow. I want to state that me and Guillermo are both warriors. We're both going to give a great show out there. If he comes out boxing, then I'll box him. If he comes out with pressure, like he did in his last fight, then I will come out that way. We both want this fight. We know it's a great opportunity and I'm going to show the best of me tomorrow.

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Gary Russell Jr. vs. Tugstsogt Nyambayar Final Conference and Weigh-in

By Chris Mealey

The events leading up to the WBC World Featherweight Champion bout between Gary Russell Jr. and Tugstogt Nyambayar at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA have been what some may call the "calm before the storm." On one side of the table, a flamboyant, energetic champion, and on the other side, a man of few words, the hungry challenger who prefers letting his hands do the talking.

Nyambayar is a boxer with a young but impressive record of 11 victories, with 9 of those wins inside the distance. Earning two silver medals in both the 2009 Championship Games and the 2012 London Olympics. These feats are not to be overlooked, as the champion Russel Jr.,  knows not to look past his opposition.

"The Mongolian people are warriors." "I won't look past Nyambayar."

Though the Champion has stated he will not look ahead of his challenge on February 8th, he has still emphasized his will to face bigger names in the sport.

"I want to fight Gervonta Tank Davis, Leo Santa Cruz, all those guys"

Russell Jr. will make his first title defense this year, having been away from the ring since May 2019, while Nyambayar will be shaking more of the rust off from his last bout in January 2019.

Undercard matchups taking place before the Showtime main event will display a list of popular prospects who are aiming to make their presence known as they continue climb up the rankings.

Super Featherweight 4 Rounds:

Martino Jules vs Pablo Cupul

Super Bantamweight 4 Rounds:

Rajon Chance vs Joseph Quintana 

Bantamweight 8 Rounds:

Gary Antonio Russell vs Jesus Martinez

Bantamweight 6 Rounds:

Jonathan Torres vs Edson Eduardo Nero

Super Welterweight 8 Rounds:

Jamontay Clark vs Anthony Leno

Welterweight 4 Rounds:

Marlon Bolen vs. Larry Ventius

Super Lightweight 10 Rounds:

Gary Antuanne Russell vs Jose Marrufo

WBA World Super Featherweight Eliminator 12 Rounds:

Jamie Arboleda vs. Jayson Velez

*Jason Velez was one pound overweight.

Co-Main Event WBA World Bantamweight Championship 12 Rounds: 

Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Liborio Solis

Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime will air at 9pm EST/ 6PM PT, while the doors open at the PPL Center at 5PM EST. 

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Showtime Stumbles in 2020 Barclays Debut

By Milo Taibi

Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza came under heavy scrutiny in 2019 for the network's boxing coverage. Desirable PBC events went to Fox pay-per-view or Fox cable networks, while Showtime had to settle for pedestrian fight cards. In the wake of HBO's departure from the sweet science, it was fair to wonder if premium TV wasn't long for boxing.

To Espinoza's credit, he and the network remained steadfast in their dedication to boxing, rolling out a stellar schedule for the first quarter of 2020. By the time Showtime arrived in Brooklyn for its Jan. 25th broadcast, the network had already staged two previous events in the year. Claressa Shields kicked the year off with a Jan. 10th title defense over Ivana Habazin, and Shohjahon Ergashev headlined a Jan. 17th ShoBox from Sloan, Iowa. These entertaining events provided upsets- such as Elin Cederroos' triumph over Alicia Napoleon Espinosa- and viral knockouts, like Ergashev's sickening body shot stoppage of Adrian Estrella.

However, it would be a herculean task to maintain this success throughout the year. And indeed, Showtime's momentum fell flat at the Barclays Center. The night featured a triple-header of Stephen Fulton vs. Arnold Khegai, Jarrett Hurd vs. Francisco Santana, and Danny Garcia vs. Ivan Redkach. Many in boxing circles had correctly predicted that Fulton vs. Khegai would steal the show; what pundits didn't anticipate was the co-main and main event being comprised of 22 uncompetitive rounds of boxing.

The super bantamweight scrap between "Cool Boy" Fulton and Khegai offered a terrific clash of styles. Khegai, the bruiser, used relentless pressure and dirty tactics to bully Fulton in early rounds. A pure boxer, Stephen survived these scares and used his superior footwork to claim a wide decision. Similar to fellow Philadelphian Jaron "Boots" Ennis, Fulton used Showtime's exposure to put himself on the map with an early 2020 victory.

The night's malaise started with Jarrett Hurd's tune-up fight with Francisco Santana. A journeyman who was fighting up a weight class, Santana posed no threat to Hurd. The fight amounted to a 10-round sparring session; an opportunity for Hurd to shake off the ring rust after he'd been unseated for the WBA and IBF titles by Julian "J Rock" Williams. As Paulie Malignaggi astutely pointed out on the Showtime Boxing Podcast, there's nothing wrong with Hurd taking this type of fight to ease himself back into contention. The problem is subjecting premium TV viewers to a fight devoid of stakes. Whereas Fulton's fight whetted the public's appetite for a world title shot, Hurd's fight had an opposite effect. Rather, many fans wondered aloud what happened to the old Jarrett Hurd.

Accomplished welterweight Danny "Swift" Garcia closed the show with a stay-busy fight against Ivan Redkach. While not an ideal main event, the fight was practical as each boxer had more preferable matchups fall through in a similar timeframe. Garcia had been slated to face Errol Spence Jr. before "The Truth" was injured in a car crash. Meanwhile, Redkach was reportedly set to fight Adrien Broner, before myriad legal issues sidelined the Cincinnati native.

Redkach's cagey nature, coupled with Garcia's counter-punching prowess, ostensibly could have led to fun exchanges and an early night. This was not to be, as Redkach's inability to close distance led to a shutout decision win for Garcia. The only memorable moment from the fight came when Redkach bit Garcia's shoulder in the eighth round.

Garcia did all that he could to finish Redkach, and in his post-fight interview cited frustration with referee Benjy Esteves for not stopping the fight. The remark was warranted. Following a brutal 2019 which saw two boxers in US events succumb to injuries suffered in the ring, a sport-wide priority needs to be circumventing senseless punishment. After the 7th or 8th round, when it was plainly obvious that Redkach had no path to victory, either Esteves, a ringside physician, or trainer Jack Mosley should have stepped in to stop the contest.

Though the fight won't be remembered as a fan favorite, Garcia's win left him well-positioned for a potential pay-per-view showdown with Manny Pacquiao. And, similarly, Showtime remains primed for a bounce-back 2020 despite Saturday's misfire. ShoBox has two events scheduled through February, and Gary Russell Jr.'s Feb. 8th featherweight title defense against Tugstsogt Nyambayar has the potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate. Boxing is better off with Showtime at the top of its game; let's hope Saturday night proved to be an anomaly.

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Jaron "Boots" Ennis Interview

By Luis A. Cortes III

I caught up with Philadelphia's Jaron "Boots" Ennis (25-0, 23 KOs) this weekend at the Liacouras Center in North Philly. Ennis is coming off of his 25th victory, the 23rd by way of knockout, over Bakhtiyar Eyubov (14-2-1, 12 KOs) on January 10th at the Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City. Ennis and I discussed his career, and future in the welterweight division.

You can stream our interview on both SoundCloud and iTunes.

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Marshall Kauffman Interview

By Luis A. Cortes III

I caught up with the "King of Kings Promotions" Marshall Kauffman to discuss his fighter Erik Spring (13-3-2, 1 KO), and his upcoming bout on Saturday, January 18th at the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia. Spring will fight Joey Spencer (9-0, 7 KOs) on the undercard of the Premier Boxing Champions' card on Fox featuring a main event between Julian Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) and Jeison Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs). 

Kauffman also discussed his stable of fighters and upcoming shows in 2020. For more information on Kings Promotions and their fighters check out their official website.

You can stream our interview on both SoundCloud and iTunes.

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Julian Williams Press Conference

By Luis A. Cortes III

Check out audio from the Julian "J-Rock" Williams' (27-1-1, 16 KOs) press conference at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Williams discussed his January 18th match up against Jeison Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs), the Philadelphia boxing scene, and the current state of the super welterweight division, among many other topics.

You can listen to audio from the press conference on both SoundCloud and iTunes:

Julian William Press Conference on SoundCloud

Julian Williams Press Conference on iTunes

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Saturday night is step one for Lara to regain his position at 154

By Luis A. Cortes III

Heading into this Saturday night's fight with Ramon Alvarez (27-7-3)(16 KO’s) (1 NC), Erislandy Lara (27-3-1)(11 KO’s) will set out to prove that he is still one of the top fighters in the talent rich super welterweight division (Fox 8 p.m. ET).  For the 36-year-old former Cuban amateur champion and former WBA champion, a victory in this fight could easily put him back in place to challenge for one of the major championships.  It wasn’t long ago that Lara was the man viewed as the best fighter and champion at 154-pounds prior to his loss to former champion Jarett Hurd in April of last year.  It was a loss that some felt was controversial after what turned out to be twelve grueling and entertaining rounds of action.   

With father time not on his side, along with Hurd all but set to have a rematch with Julian Williams (current WBA/IBF champion) in December of this year, it seems that a victory for Lara on Saturday means future major pay days and the chance to reclaim the number one spot.  It also helps that the WBC portion of the title is held by Tony Harrison, who should be facing the man he beat for that, title Jermell Charlo, in a rematch.  These fighters mentioned compete under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner, which means that making a championship fight for Lara, if he were to be victorious, much easier.

While this fight for Lara is an important moment in his already successful career and may dictate just where the rest of his career goes, one boxing promoter who has dealt with the PBC shed some light as to why so many fighters remain loyal to the PBC and its lead advisor, the always elusive Al Haymon. “Al is a genius at getting fighters paid on a constant basis.  He is great at recycling fighters and putting them back into competitive fights,” stated the promoter.  “Just look at what he did for Chris Arreola.  Most of the other promoters would have felt that his career was over.  That his best days were behind him.  They may have even just used him as a stepping stone for younger prospects in their stable.  He (Al Haymon) allowed Arreola to earn more money with more fights and Arreola proved that he is far from a shot fighter.”

Haymon is technically just an advisor and none of the fighters are under promotional contract with the PBC.  Over the years, many of the PBC fighters have been offered lucrative contracts with large lump sums of money to jump ship and join the other major promotional outfits.  However, most of the fighters remain faithful to the PBC and Haymon due to what the promoter stated above.  In the case of Lara, due to his advanced age and being on the cusp of yet another title shot, and despite the sense of security in knowing that a loss doesn’t necessarily mean that his time in the lime light is over, Lara won’t be taking any chances against Alvarez and doesn’t want to find out what awaits his career should he lose. 

“I came (to the United States) and I achieved almost everything that I have asked of myself,” stated Lara.  “I was world champion for many years and the most important thing is that now I feel very happy because they gave me another chance for the world title and to be crowned again.” 

One can’t really blame Lara for having the mindset that he carries in that he is an undefeated fighter.  All three of his losses have been close decisions.  They include a majority decision loss to former two division champion Paul Williams in 2011 and a split decision loss to the sports current biggest box office draw Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in 2014.  While most felt that Alvarez did enough to win the fight, it was a fight that saw Lara confuse the younger Alvarez at times with his boxing skill.  Aside from Alvarez’s loss to Mayweather and two recent fights with Gennady Golovkin, his fight with Lara was the toughest of his career. 

This adds a bit of intrigue to this fight on Saturday night.  Ramon Alvarez is the older brother of Canelo Alvarez, and is himself trying to capitalize on this opportunity to take his own career to the next level.  For all the praise that his younger brother has received as one of the best fighters and the sports biggest star, Ramon has yet to have a truly career defining victory of his own.  “I will work to make things very clear to Lara that I am not my brother and that this fight will not be the same,” stated Alvarez.  “This is everything for me.  To make my own legacy.  My own path and show I got here with nobody’s help.”

After his fight with Hurd last year, a fight that many felt was the fight of the year, Lara returned to the ring and fought the always dangerous Brian Castano of Argentina.  It was yet another fight that Lara thought he won, but it ended in a draw, which again adds more meaning to this fight with Alvarez.  Despite those constant opportunities to make money that are given to fighters that make them stay loyal to PBC, those types of opportunities and paydays will eventually run their course if a fighter can no longer produce positive results. 

With the added pressure of what a victory would mean for both careers and the underlining story of a type of revenge for Lara against another Alvarez, Saturday nights fight between these two veterans could easily turn into an exciting battle and should have fans tune in to this night of action.   

  

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