Tyson vs. Jones wasn’t great, but it was entertaining and satisfying enough.

The question was whether Mike Tyson and Roy Jones could still provide a level of entertainment and excitement during their eight, two-minute round exhibition last night live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on Pay-Per-View. Both Tyson and Jones provided everyone with an intriguing, entertaining, as well as, a competitive clash of titans that failed to disappoint.

The unofficial fight was ruled a draw by the WBC, who awarded both Tyson and Roy with commemorative championship belts. Everyone loved what Tyson and Jones were able to put together – a fun night of glorified sparring, and a unified fighting spirit in the name of competition. Remember, Tyson is 54 and hasn’t fought professionally in over 15 years. Jones, at 51, is more than two years removed from his last professional contest.

Mike Tyson & Roy Jones, Jr. provided some much needed entertainment in boxing.

Obviously, we didn’t get the same Tyson that bobbed and weaved his way toward becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at age 20. We didn’t see the same head-moving, punching machine that mowed down Trevor Berbick, James Tillis, Tyrell Biggs, Carl ‘The Truth,’ or even Tony Tubbs. We didn’t see the intimidating Tyson that twice terrified Frank Bruno to death. We didn’t see the one-punch Mike that drilled Frans Both with one solid shot, nor did we see that Tyson that abused and obliterated Michael Spinks in one round.

What we did see, however, was a reminder of just how excited were all were to see a Mike Tyson fight. Tyson wearing those famous black trunks with black shoes; the slight weaving head-movement, and those crippling left hooks to the body brought back so many memories of Tyson’s quick finishes.

At 54, Tyson was well-engaged with an elusive, faster-moving opponent in Roy Jones, one of the most skilled and decorated fighters of his time. In his prime, Jones, like Tyson, was an Undisputed World Champion, but at light-heavyweight. Like Tyson, Jones, in 2003, became a WBA-heavyweight champion when he beat John Ruiz to become the first former world middleweight champion in over 100 years to win a heavyweight title.

Jones didn’t give you the famous single-body shot that KO’d Virgil Hill, or dazzle you with rapid hand-speed and punches you couldn’t see. Jones gave Tyson angles and hands that he never saw during his career. Jones did well enough to stay away from the ropes where Tyson would unload with heavy body punches. Jones was active and offensive, but felt every one of those body punches Tyson landed. Jones even took a couple shot upside his head. Jones felt only a taste of the power that made Tyson one of the most feared competitors to step into the ring since Sony Liston, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier.

Tyson was disciplined and in control. He didn’t come close to having any meltdowns like did against Evander Holyfield, Danny Williams, or Kevin McBride – his career finale. Jones was nearly anything, but the same guy that was pummeled by Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, or Danny Green. His performance against Tyson was more respectable than his lackluster rematch with Bernard Hopkins.

Although this exhibition did not count, it provided excitement and plenty of memories of yester-year whenever Tyson and Jones fought. Last night erased the memories of how badly Tyson’s career ended and gave us a new reality of perhaps watching Tyson, as well as Roy Jones, compete in another exhibition.

Tyson vs. Jones wasn’t great, but it was entertaining and satisfying enough.

Jacobs, Rosado to settle differences in a ‘Black Friday’ hate match live on DAZN

The long-awaited grudge match between Danny Jacobs (36-3, 30 KOs) and Gabriel Rosado (25-12-1, 14 KOs) will finally happen on this ‘Black Friday,’ the day after Thanksgiving. These two have been talking so much toward one another, the hatred (or jealously) is for real. These men really don’t like one another.

JACOBS vs. ROSADO will be streamed live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on DAZN. The undercard fights begin streaming live at 8PM ET/5 PM/PT.

“He’s been give this opportunity,” Jacobs said. “You didn’t earn this fight. You talked your way into this opportunity.”  

Throughout Jacobs’ career that included a stellar amateur career of more than 130 victories, a Golden Gloves National Championship and a PAL National Title, he has been highly-touted as a top fighter with tremendous talent. As a professional, while many point to his three professional losses in the biggest fights of his career, Jacobs is a two-time middleweight world champion with 30 of his 36 victories occurring by KO. Jacobs is only 33 and maybe in his physical prime as a pro boxer.

Rosado, however, isn’t impressed at all.   

“The competition he fought coming up wasn’t no big deal,” Rosado said. “When he had to step up, he only stepped up two times – Canelo & GGG, he came up short.  I didn’t come up on the politics. I came up fighting the top guys. I had to learn on the job. I didn’t have that amateur career. He was groomed to be in this position. There’s a difference.”  

Jacobs brutally responded to Rosado’s criticism.

“12 losses, knockouts, he’s been put on the canvas,” Jacobs said. “When he stepped up, he lost. Out of your last 10 fights, how many fight have you won? Right, so… OK.”  

Rosado, throughout his career, has indeed fought a ‘who’s, who’ list of opponents: Jermell Charlo, GGG, J’Leon Love, Martin Murray, David Lemieux, Glen Tapia, Martin Murray, Willie Monroe, and so many more. The guys that Rosado fought either were actual world champions, became world champions, fought for world titles, or became bigger names in boxing at Rosado’s expense. At one point, Rosado went winless for three years in his career.

Jacobs believes that Rosado is the perfect opponent to keep busy, as he awaits an eventual world title fight at 168 next year. Jacobs is currently the #3. WBO, #5. WBC, #5. WBA, and # 9. IBF-ranked contender at super-middleweight. Rosado will be the only opponent Jacobs fights in 2020.

“My plan is to go in there and execute,” Jacobs said, “but what that execution looks like? We shall see. You’re going to see a more enhanced, more improved Danny Jacobs.”

Jacobs added: “This is going to be an opportunity for me to shut this man’s mouth once and for all. You can go and continue to be a gatekeeper, or retire, and to be an actor, or a Hollywood star you so claim you want to be. I’m going to give you that platform my brother.”

Rosado wasn’t trying to feed into Jacobs’ words and had a few choice words of his own.

“It’s going to be a war,” Rosado said. “I promise you dog. I’m going to knock [those] ears out your mouth.”

MIKE TYSON will fight ROY JONES on Saturday, BUT…

It’s FIGHT WEEK! There are a lot of fights to look forward to this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but I think the one fight people will be most excited to see is between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr.

TYSON vs. JONES: is an unofficial, exhibition bout that will be broadcast live on Pay-Per-View beginning at 9PM/ET. Also on the card, Jake Paul (1-0, 1 KO) will face former NBA superstar Nate Robinson (0-0) Light-heavyweight contender Badou Jack (22-3-3, 14 KOs) will face unbeaten Blake McKernan (13-0, 6 KOs).

Mike Tyson was one of the most intimidating and feared fighters in the history of boxing. Tyson, liked by few, hated by many, but respected by all, became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at age 20. Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick to win the WBC title on November 22, 1986 in Atlantic City. Tyson went onto become the first to ever unify the WBC/WBA and IBF titles to become the youngest Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion. Tyson would defend the undisputed championships successfully nine times before losing everything to Buster Douglas (Feb. 1990, Tokyo, Japan) in perhaps the biggest upset in boxing history.

In the midst of a serious comeback, Tyson was imprisoned for an alleged “rape” and would miss nearly four years of his boxing prime. When Mike returned in the summer of 1995, he managed to regain the WBC & WBA heavyweight titles, but clearly struggled to regain the top form he once used to dominate the heavyweight division. His knockout defeat to Evander Holyfield (Nov. 1996), followed by the infamous “bite” where Tyson was DQ’d for biting Holyfield’s ear off out of frustration during their June 1997 rematch, was a clear indication just how far Tyson’s physical skills and mentality as an elite fighter had diminished over the course of time.

Yes, Tyson remained active pummeling guys like Lou Savarese, Andrew GolotaOrlin Norris, Frans Botha, Julius Francis, Brain Nielson, and Clifford Ettiene, but his handlers refused to put him in the ring against the best names in the division at the turn of the millennium: Tua, Rahman, Byrd, Peter, and the Klitschkos, etc. Tyson was given opposition to create the illusion that “Tyson’s Back!” When in reality, Tyson was so far gone, the stiffs he fought successfully masked Tyson’s diminished skills enough to create the illusion that Tyson was on the verge of reconquering the heavyweight division again.

Then he was KO’d by WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in June 2002.

Afterwards, Tyson mentally broke down and quit after he couldn’t get a badly hurt Danny Williams (2004) out in the first round. Tyson was so diminished as a fighter, people finally realized Tyson was “long finished” when he simply sat on the canvas and allowed himself to get counted out Kevin McBride (2005) knocked him down.

And now, Tyson, at age 54, returns to the ring to face Roy Jones, Jr. (now 51) in an exhibition boxing match – 15 years removed from his last fight? The big question isn’t what version of Tyson are we going to see, nor how will he look against Roy Jones? The big question is whether Tyson is still exciting and entertaining to watch?

Disappointingly, Tyson and Jones, both with a combined age of 105 years, will “exhibit” with restrictions:

• No knockdowns allowed.
• No judges ringside.
• A winner will not be declared.
• If a fighter is cut, the “fight” is over.
• There will be 8-rounds scheduled for two minutes each.
• For those that were willing to “play,” no bets are allowed since this is an “exhibition.”

These restrictions may have taken all of the excitement out of “TYSON vs. JONES.” What was shaping up to be a competitive exhibition between two awesome fighters of their generation, is starting to sound like a disappointing letdown.

A major part of Tyson’s mystique as a fighter was the level of entertainment and excitement he brought into his fights. The fact that Tyson, even in his diminished phase, would go for broke in that ring kept people engaged. Anyone that has ever watched a Tyson fight, whether in a sold out arena, or live on pay-per-view at a friend’s house, has at least one story about what they did on “Fight Night.” People either gambled, partied, played video games, got drunk, had sex, or simply watched TV before heading to bed because they had to wake-up early enough for church the next morning; assuming Tyson fought on a Saturday night.

 REGARDLESS… Tyson was always the Sunday morning topic regardless as to what you were doing and whom you were with when he fought. Will Tyson generate enough excitement and entertainment this Saturday for people to talk about him again come Sunday morning?

UFC 255: Deiveson Figueiredo & Valentina Shevchenko retain UFC men and women’s flyweight titles

The UFC flyweight champions in the respective men and women’s divisions headlined UFC 255 live form the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday. Neither the 125-lb. men’s champion Deiveson Figueiredo, nor Valentina Shevchenko failed to disappoint, as both champions successfully retained their titles in clinical fashion.

In the first defense of his UFC flyweight championship, Figueiredo (20-1) took less than 120 seconds of the first-round to submit #4-ranked Alex Perez (24-6). Figueiredo may very well be the hardest hitting flyweight in the world, the first two front kicks he landed against Perez’ body echoed throughout the APEX. Figueiredo’s strikes quickly zapped Perez’ willingness to engage, as he quickly realized that he couldn’t punch with the champion.

Figueiredo impressively performed what appeared to be an attempted used a reverse-spinning leg sweep that he somehow wrapped himself around Perez’ lower-body; trapping his leg. Figueiredo transitioned into a guillotine submission. The fight was over in seconds!

“He looked incredible tonight,” said UFC President Dana White. “He’s fun to watch. He can knock you out; He can submit you. He’s got that meanness to him when he comes into fight. If you don’t like this guy… stop watching fights!”

White also added that the champion will have a rapid turn-around, as he plans to have Figueiredo fight No. 1-ranked Brandon Moreno as soon as December. Moreno appeared on the undercard and was tremendous beating up the #6-ranked flyweight Brandon Royval in the final second of round one.  

“We’re not sending Figueiredo back to Brazil,” White added. “We’re going to keep him.”

Another fight in 2020 would be Figueiredo‘s fourth this year. In February, Figueriedo squandered his first attempt to win the UFC flyweight championship after he failed to make weight for his fight with Joseph Benavidez. Figueiredo won the fight by KO, but couldn’t win the title as a penalty. In an immediate rematch this summer, Figueriedo. successfully made weight and won the flyweight title with a sickening rare-naked choke at the end of the first-round.

“I’m very patient,” Figueiredo said. “I come here with no pressure. I know this is my belt. I’m going to be champion for a long time. I have no pressure. I come here to do what I told everybody I’d do – win the fight in the first-round.”  

Valentina Shevchenko, the UFC women’s flyweight champion, retained her title for the fourth time since winning it nearly two years ago. Shevchenko (20-3) dominated Jennifer Maia (18-7-1) four of the five championship rounds fought, as all three official judges scored the bout 49-46 each.

“She looked completely dominant tonight and started picking her part later on,” White added. “Maia is super-tough. Shevchenko is at a place in her career where she needs an opponent where people think actually has a chance at beating her.”  

Shevchenko has fought Amanda Nunes twice in her career. Their fight (2016) was close, but many felt Shevchenko should been awarded the decision in the rematch (2017). Shevchenko has won her last six fights, 5-0 in world title fights at flyweight. Shevchenko could face #1-ranked Jessica Andrade next.

Light-heavyweights: #14. Mauricio Rua (27-12-1) may have reached the end of his road in the UFC following a second-round demolition defeat to #15. Paul Graig (14-4-1). The two fought in a rematch from their questionable draw last year November. Rua, a former UFC light-heavyweight and PRIDE Grand Prix middleweight champion, has made a career taking on the very best fighters in UFC history. Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida, Chuck Liddell, Forest Griffin, Alistar Overeem, Antonio Rogerio, Nogueira, Dan Henderson, and Rampage Jackson all fought Rua when he was in his prime. At age 38, Rua may have had enough.

Welterweights: Tim Means (31-12-1) defeated Mike Perry (14-7), via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice). Nicolas Dalby (19-3-1) defeated Daniel Rodriguez (13-2). Alan Jouban (17-7) defeated Jared Gooden (17-5). Sasha Palatnikov (6-2) stunned Louis Cosce (7-1) at the end of the third and final round.

Women’s flyweights #.2 Katlyn Chookagian (15-4) won a unanimous decision against # 4. Cynthia Calvillo (9-2-1). Scores: 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27. No 15-ranked, Antonina Shevchenko (9-2), the sister of UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, stopped Ariane Lipski (13-6).

Flyweights: #1-ranked Brandon Moreno (18-5) pummeled Brandon Royval (12-5) at 4:59 seconds of the first-round; dislocating Royval’s right shoulder in the process.

Middleweights: Joaquin Buckley (12-3) created another career-highlight reel knockout over another previously unbeaten opponent in Jordan Wright (11-1). Kyle Daukaus (10-1) defeated Dustin Stoltzfus (13-2).

CANELO returns to DAZN to face Callum Smith in 168-lb. clash

Mexican superstar boxer Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is set to return on Saturday, December 19, to challenge Callum Smith (27-0, 19 KOs) for the WBA and RING Magazine super-middleweight titles. No venue has been announced as of press time. Ironically, the fight will be streamed live on DAZN, whom along with Golden Boy Promotions, was involved in a lawsuit filed by Canelo for breech on contract several weeks ago.

DAZN initially signed a 5-year, 11-fight deal worth $365 million and after three fights into the deal, DAZN, Golden Boy and Canelo had a disagreement on the selection of opponents. DAZN also wanted Canelo to take a significant pay cut. Canelo sued for a contract breech of $280 million.

While Canelo was released from his deal with Golden Boy, DAZN reportedly renegotiated their deal with Canelo for a minimum of $20 million per fight and both have a greater say in whom Canelo fights. There will be added pressure on Canelo and his group to make the best fights possible.

“I’m very happy to return to the ring and continue to make history,” said Canelo. “I am motivated to continue to be the best, and I look forward to fighting Callum Smith, who is one of the best at 168lbs.”

Canelo, who hasn’t fought since November 2019, was on a historic run ever since he signed with DAZN. Canelo’s victories against Rocky Fielding, Danny Jacobs, and Sergui Kovalev allowed enabled him to become a simultaneous three-division world champion at 160, 168, and 175 lbs.

Perhaps the toughest test since joining DAZN will come from Callum Smith, the tall, unbeaten, and highly-technical 30-year-old fighter from the United Kingdom. Smith has been nothing, but impressive; knocking out George Groves to win the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) and Muhammad Ali Trophy in 2018. Smith has since defeated Hsaan N’dam and John Ryder in previous fights.

“I’ve been wanting a big fight since becoming World champion, so I’m so pleased that during these challenging times we can deliver to the fans a fight between the very best in the division,” said Smith. “I truly believe I beat him and will prove that 168lbs is my division.”

“I’m delighted to be part of this huge fight to close out 2020 and deliver this opportunity for Callum Smith,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. “Canelo is a fearless competitor who constantly challenges himself against great champions and this will be a thrilling battle for 168lb supremacy.”

Unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua returns home to defend titles on Dec. 12th

Unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) is set to defend his IBF/WBA/WBO and IBO championship belts against IBF No. 1-ranked, 39-year-old Kubat Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday, December 12, live from the O2 Arena in London, England.

“December 12 is the date and once again the heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come December 13 they are in their rightful place in the UK,” Joshua said. “The O2 is the original lion’s den, I have a lot of history with the arena, but without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in, but we will have to see.  I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”

It will be Joshua’s first fight in England since he knocked out former WBA titlist Alexander Povetkin more than two years ago. This can be considered a homecoming for the 31-year-old British native.

Following the Povetkin fight, Joshua had a disastrous U.S. in-ring debut when he lost his unified titles to Andy Ruiz in June 2019 in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Joshua regained the unified titles from Ruiz in an immediate rematch at a neutral site in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Joshua intelligently used his 6’ 6,” 240-lb. frame to cleverly out-box the always fast-handed and dangerous Ruiz.

Joshua has one of the finest resumes in all of boxing. As a once unbeaten prospect, the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medalist knocked out Matt Skelton, Michael Sprott, Kevin Johnson, and Dillian Whyte within his first 15 professional fights.

Joshua won his first world title within his first 2 ½ years as a pro. It took Joshua two rounds to beat previously unbeaten Charles Martin for the IBF heavyweight title. After stunning KOs of Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina, Joshua challenged Wladimir Klitschko to unify the IBF/WBA heavyweight titles in front of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium in April 2017; one of the greatest world heavyweight championship fights of the last 20+ years. Joshua rose from the canvas to stop Klitschko’s unrelenting pursuit of reclaiming the world championship.

Joshua went on to defeat Carlos Takam before winning the WBO title from previously unbeaten Joseph Parker in March 2018.    

In 24 professional contests, Joshua has accumulated a stellar number of victories within a short span. Already a veteran of nine heavyweight championship fights, Joshua is preparing heavily for Pulev, who will be anxious to win the unified heavyweight titles.

“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the heavyweight titles is a great accomplishment,” Pulev said. “This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarian’s around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Pulev once challenged Klitschko for the unified heavyweight titles exactly six years ago and was knocked out cold. Since then, Pulev has remained active winning eight consecutive fights between his native Bulgaria, Germany, and the U.S. Pulev has been on a tear beating guys up repeatedly and has his sight set on winning Joshua’s belts.

“After a challenging year for everyone, to end with the unified world heavyweight championship is very special,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Over a year after regaining his crown, Anthony Joshua takes on yet another dangerous challenger in mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. AJ’s resume is unrivalled, and this is the final hurdle until we challenge for the undisputed crown next year.”

Top Rank Boxing/ESPN Release: Terence Crawford KOs Kell Brook

Savage: Terence Crawford KOs Kell Brook in 4

Franco-Moloney 2 ends in controversy

LAS VEGAS (November 14, 2020) — It ended in a flash, and once again, Terence “Bud” Crawford let his fists do the talking. Crawford successfully defended his WBO welterweight world title with a fourth-round TKO Saturday evening over former welterweight world champion Kell Brook Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) was leading on two of three judges’ cards entering the fourth round, but it was Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) who unleashed the boom. A right jab forced Brook into the ropes for a knockdown. The end was near, as Crawford unleashed a combination that prompted referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight. Crawford has now won eight straight fights by knockout dating back to July 2016. “I already said who I want {next}. I want Pacquiao. I want to revisit that fight,” Crawford said. “That was a fight that should’ve happened right now. But being that the pandemic happened, and they weren’t going to allow fans in the Middle East, they had to put a hold to that. Everything was 95 percent done. We had the venue. The money was almost there. It wasn’t quite there. That was the only thing we were waiting on. “Kell is a tremendous talent. He came and he tried to take my title. He was in shape. He made the weight. There were no excuses to be put on the table. He came off of three wins.” Added Brook, “Never in my career, nobody has ever done that to me in sparring or anything.   “It was one of them… I got caught with a shot I didn’t see. I’m gutted because nobody could’ve gotten me in better condition. I was bang on the limit. Maybe I could’ve been a bit more relaxed and loose and let the shots go.” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said, “Terence Crawford showed, once again, why he is the best welterweight in the world. It was a dominating performance over a very good fighter in Kell Brook. Terence ranks up there with all the great welterweights I’ve promoted.” Franco-Moloney 2 Ends in Controversy After a 26-minute replay review, controversy reigned supreme. WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco retained title via no decision over Andrew Moloney. Franco dethroned Moloney back in June via unanimous decision, and in the rematch, Moloney controlled the first two rounds before the bout was stopped. The injury sustained by Franco in the first round caused the fight to be halted following the conclusion of the second. Moloney said, “They took this away from me. The injury was caused by a punch. I can’t believe this.   “I was in control of the fight and on my way to a clear victory. I deserved this win. I landed 50 punches on that eye. It was not even close.”   Added Arum, “This is an absolute disgrace. There was no headbutt.  Andrew Moloney should be the new champion.” In undercard bouts: Bantamweight: Joshua Greer Jr. (22-2-2, 12 KOs) Majority Draw 8 Rounds Edwin Rodriguez (11-5-2, 5 KOs). Scores: 77-75 Rodriguez and 76-76 2x. Noted spoiler Rodriguez nearly pulled another upset, but Greer closed the bout strong to salvage the draw. Rodriguez is 2-0-2 in his last four fights, all of which came against undefeated fighters. Middleweight: Tyler Howard (19-0, 11 KOs) UD 8 KeAndrae Leatherwood (22-8-1, 13 KOs). Scores: 77-73, 77-74 and 76-74. “Hercules” Howard returned from a nearly 18-month layoff to pick up the most significant victory of his career. In a closely contested bout, Howard dropped Leatherwood in the closing stages of the eighth round to clinch the decision. Featherweight: Duke Ragan (3-0, 1 KO) UD 4 Sebastian Gutierrez (2-1-1). Scores: 40-35 2x. Ragan, a top prospect from Cincinnati, Ohio, cruised to the win after knocking down Gutierrez in the second round. Bantamweight: Vegas Larfield (2-0, 2 KOs) TKO 3 Juan Alberto Flores (2-1-1), 1:07. Larfield, who trained with Andrew Moloney to prepare for this bout, made a memorable American debut, scoring two knockdowns in the third round. Entering the third round, two judges had the fight even, while the third had Flores ahead 20-18. Lightweight: Raymond Muratalla (11-0, 9 KOs) TKO 3 Luis Porozo (15-5, 8 KOs), 2:40. Muratalla upped his KO streak to six with a statement-making performance over the former Ecuadorian Olympian. Muratalla, who is trained by Robert Garcia, notched a pair of knockdowns in the third round. (Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

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Crawford TKOs Brook, awaiting Spence, Garcia, Porter, or Pacquiao next

WBO welterweight champion Terrence Crawford is 15-0, 12 KOs in career world title fights.

WBO welterweight champion Terrence Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) not only kept his unbeaten record intact, but the 33-year-old, switch-hitting southpaw convinced many that he very well be the best fighter in the world, ‘Pound-for-Pound.’ Crawford, having not fought in more than 11 months was behind on the scorecards 28-29, 28-29, but led 29-28 until be stopped Kell Brook (39-3, 27 KOs), a former IBF welterweight titlist, at 1:41 seconds of round four.

CRAWFORD vs. BROOK was the main event of a Top Rank Boxing event live from the MGM Grand ‘Bubble’ in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday. The event was broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+.

Prior to moving-up to welterweight, Crawford gained massive recognition during his successful quest to become the Undisputed World Jr. Welterweight Champion at 140 lbs. Crawford’s stellar performances against Vikor Postal, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Ricky Burns, Raymundo Beltran, Thomas Dulorme, Dierry Jean, Felix Diaz, and Julio Indongo allowed him to become the only boxer in history of the 140-lb. division to unify the WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine titles.

At 140, it wasn’t nearly as difficult for Crawford to get fights, as opposed to 147. Since moving up to welterweight, Crawford has been isolated on the ‘wrong side of the tracks,’ as the best welterweights in boxing fight for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). Their fights are televised on FOX Sports/FS1 and have a manager/advisor that rival Crawford’s promoter Bob Arum.

Crawford has called out Errol Spence, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, and Keith Thurman ever since the Oklahoma native move d up to welterweight in 2018. In Crawford’s first fight at 147, he handedly defeated Jeff Horn to capture the WBO welterweight title; convincingly beating the same opponent Manny Pacquaio lost the title to in Australia in 2017.

At one point, both Crawford and Pacquiao were promoted by Arum. That fight could have easily been made, but Pacquiao left Top Rank, defeated Lucas Matthysse for the WBA welterweight championship as a ‘free agent’ before signing an advisory deal with PBC in 2018. At age 40, Pacquiao has since looked spectacular against PBC’s Adrian Broner and Keith Thurman in 2019.

Crawford continues to keep busy and has failed to disappoint, as he has won all five of his welterweight title fights by KO. Crawford’s last 15 fights (15-0, 12 KOs) were all world title fights in two weight-classes, including victories against 6 unbeaten fighters and more than 6 world champions including Amir Khan at Madison Square Garden last year.

Crawford’s performance against Brook, a former champion of nearly three years at 147, was another huge victory.  Brook has world title victories against Porter and Jo-Jo Dan. Brook also challenged Gennady Golovkin for the World Middleweight Championship before losing his IBF 147-lb. title to Spence in 2017.

Crawford’s performance against one of the top-tier welterweights may not necessarily entice Spence, Garcia, Thurman, Porter, or Pacquiao to fight him next, but the public’s demand to see Crawford fight any one, or two of those guys will certainly increase. The boxing community will continuously ask PBC and its welterweight crop more intense questions of the possibility of any of their fighters meeting Crawford eventually.

Right now, PBC is very comfortable having their welterweight compete exclusively against one another. We’ve seen THURMAN vs. GARCIA, THURMAN vs. PORTER, SPENCE vs. PORTER, PORTER vs. GARCIA, even PORTER vs. UGAS. In fact, SPENCE vs. GARCIA is scheduled to take place on FOX Pay-Per-View on December 5, at Cowboys (AT&T) Stadium in Texas.

But of course, one loss may alter the direction of any fighter’s career. Today, people are talking about Crawford vs. Spence/Garcia or any of these other fighters, but had he lost to Brook, the biggest fight that would have been made at 147 would have been a Crawford vs. Brook rematch.

The best thing Crawford can do is to simply keep winning and hope that PBC will eventually invite Bob Arum & Top Rank to their welterweight party.  

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

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Devin Haney unanimously retains WBC lightweight title against Gamboa

WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) successfully defended his title for the second time following a 12-round unanimous decision victory against Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs). It was a dominant performance, as Haney led by widespread official margins of 120-107 (twice) and 118-109.

“I thought I put in a world-class performance,” said Haney, soon to be 22. “Of course, I wanted the knockout, but he was a crafty veteran, he was doing a lot of holding, trying to survive.”

HANEY vs. GAMBOA, the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card at the Hard Rock Live in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL, was streamed live on DAZN.  

Haney looked sharp as he easily outworked Gamboa, a former Olympic gold medalist and three-division world champion. Although he was 38, Gamboa proved to be very durable and did pose the threat behind his notable skills and experience. Gamboa fought some really good fighters over the years, but losses to world champions Terrence Crawford, Gervonta Davis, and journeyman Robin Castellanos, it’s clear that the 38-year-old Cuban amateur star is long past his peak.

Haney did not underestimate his opponent and respected Gamboa’s long reputation of having been explosive. Haney boxed behind his jab when he needed and applied pressure when he wanted. Haney didn’t get the KO, but Gamboa held late in the fight which led to a point deduction late in the fight.

“I showed that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere,” Haney added. “Fighting someone like Gamboa was a stepping stone, but I’m here for the big fights. I want to make the biggest fights happen to bring the best out of me.”

There are plenty of great match-ups that can be made in the 135-lb. division, but it appears as though everyone wants a piece of Teofimo Lopez, who recently unified the IBF lightweight championship after his stunning victory over Vasyl Lomachenko to claim the WBA/WBO and WBC franchise titles.  

In other bouts:  Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (12-0, 10 KOs) stopped Rydell Booker (26-4, 13 KOs) in round five. Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei (22-0, 17 KOs) knocked out Devin Vargas (22-7, 9 KOs) in round four. Welterweight Reshat Mati (8-0, 6 KOs) KO’d Marcos Mojica (17-6-2, 13 KOs) in round two. Featherweight Raymond Ford (7-0, 3 KOs) TKO’d Rafael Reyes (18-11, 14 KOs) in round three. Junior welterweight Arthur Biyarslanov (7-0, 6 KOs) KO’d Juan Jose Martinez (28-10, 20 KOs) in one round.

At 45, Anderson Silva retires

Anderson Silva has finally competed in his final fight. The 45-year-old from Brazil ended his illustrious career as one of the greatest fighters of all-time. Silva (34-11) went out fighting, gave it everything he had, but sadly went out on his shield against a much younger and resurgent Jamaican artist Uriah Hall (16-9).

UFC President Dana White agreed that Anderson Silva has fought his final fight, at least in the UFC. And that Uriah Hall is too ‘”guy-shy.”  

“He fought a guy that has absolutely zero output,” said UFC President Dana White. “They’re in a five-round main event on ESPN and they threw (expletive) 11 punches in the second round. You fight any of these other savages, he’ll be in big trouble, and he’ll take a (expletive) load of punishment. Uriah Hall threw 11 punches in the second round. Uriah Hall is one of the most gun-shy fighters in the UFC. And look at Anderson. When the fight was over, he couldn’t even stand up to do his interview. He had to sit down and do an interview. I made a big mistake and I shouldn’t have let him fight this fight tonight. He’s a legend of this sport and he’s a legend of this company, and I did something I disagreed with. I knew I was right, and tonight proved I was right, and Anderson Silva should never fight again.”

Silva displayed flashes of skills that made him an MMA legend. The spinning back hands. The kicks to the body. The high-knees and leg-kicks. The efficient striking skills that made Silva a UFC legend wasn’t quite the same, but it was effective enough to keep Hall defensive early in the fight.

Hall dropped Silva with an overhand-right at the end of the third round. Hall dropped Silva again early in round four and followed with a barrage of punches to finish Silva; ending his storied Hall of Fame career.  

It was a great win for Hall. To the victor goes the spoils, as Hall still has the rest of his career ahead of him. Hall, winner of three consecutive fights, four of his last five, is ranked No. 10 in the middleweight division.  

It wasn’t about how Silva’s career ended that people will remember. It’s about remembering what Silva did during his time as an MMA fighter and celebrating what he’d accomplished.

Anderson Silva UFC debut – 49 seconds vs. Chris Leben

After winning middleweight world titles in Japan and the U.K., Silva debuted in the UFC at ‘UFC Fight Night 5,’ on June 28, 2006. Silva earned ‘KO of the Night’ honors following his 49-second knockout of veteran Chris Leben with a knee to his face. Silva, who debuted in the UFC at age 31, impressed everyone with his movement, footwork, striking efficiency, power, and diversity in such a short frame of time.

Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin – UFC middleweight championship

Anderson Silva, in his seconds fight in the UFC, systematically broke Rich Franklin to become the UFC middleweight champion on October 14, 2006. Silva held Franklyn’s head forward and unloaded with series of vicious knees to Franklin’s ribcage. Silva unloaded with kicks to the head and strikes to the face; pressuring Franklin against the cage before knocking him out with a knee to the face. Another one-round demolition win.

Silva fought Franklin in a rematch in October 2007. Franklin did a lot better than their first encounter the previous year, but the result remained the same – an Anderson Silva victory, via knees to the head and body.

Silva would remain champion for more than seven years. Silva defended his UFC championship 10 times and even tested the light-heavyweight division in search of fresh opponents. As middleweight champion, Silva defeated Dan Henderson, James Irvin, Patrick Cote, Thales Leites, Forrest Griffin, Demain Maia, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Yushin Okami, and Stephan Bonnar

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnon  Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnon 2

Perhaps one of the biggest rivals of Anderson Silva’s career was Chael Sonnon. This guy talked so much trash, Sonnon was awarded a title shot after winning three fights against Okami, Marquart, and Franklin – opponents that Silva already defeated.

Sonnon gave Silva one of the toughest fights of his career as middleweight champion in August 2010. A lot of people felt it was a great fight until Sonnon tapped while Silva submitted in a triangle-choke late in the fifth-round.

In the rematch nearly two years later, Silva KO’d Sonnon in the second-round.

Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman 1

After successfully defending the UFC middleweight championship against Bonnar, Anderson’s aura of invincibility suddenly disappeared when he fought Chris Weidman. On July 6, 2013, Weidman shocked the world in one of the greatest upsets of all-time when he caught a showboating and taunting Silva while his arms were down at his side with a barrage of punches. It was one of the most embarrassing moments in all of sports.

Anderson Silva breaks leg in Weidman rematch

In the rematch, five months later, Silva broke his fibula in his left-leg and was in tremendous pain when he challenged Weidman. The fight was stopped immediately in round two.

Silva went on to resume his career in January 2015, but was approaching 40 years of age. Silva fought Nate Diaz, Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier, Derek Brunson, Israel Adesanaya, and Jarrod Cannonier before losing to Uriah Hall.

Silva finished his career having gone winless in 8 of his final 9 fights dating back to the first Weidman fight more than seven years ago.  

PEDs: Throughout Silva’s career, it was not common for his opponents to test positive for PEDs. Irvin tested positive for methadone and oxymorphone. Sonnon had elevated levels of testosterone. Bonnar tested positive for a boldenone metabolite, while Griffin tested positive for illegal substances. Even Nate Diaz tested positive for marijuana when he fought Silva, who coincidentally, tested positive drostanolone and androsterone. Silva’s victory was changed to a no-contest. Silva was always regarded highly as a clean professional athlete and his one-failed test does nothing to diminish, or taint is legacy in the slightest.