By Kevin Iolen- Via Yahoo Sports
Fighting for a world title for the first time can be overwhelming for a boxer, even an experienced one. There are more demands on your time. The stakes are the highest. The opponent is elite.
For a 20-year-old who has never been through anything remotely like it, it can be a career-killer.
Read MoreBy Kevin Iole - Via Yahoo Sports
Floyd Mayweather is considered, and rightly so, by many boxing experts as the greatest fighter of his generation. Mayweather debuted in 1996 after winning a bronze medal in the Atlanta Olympics that year, and went on to unimaginable greatness.
Read MoreVia Yahoo Sports - By Kevin Iole
For the last few years, the fight that boxing fans kept calling for was a middleweight unification bout between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. Eventually, that fight happened and now the fighters are scheduled to have a rematch.
Read MoreVia Yahoo Sports - By Kevin Iole
March will be a huge month for boxing’s heavyweight division, as all four major belts will be defended. Showtime will be the place to catch it all.
Read MoreBy Lem Satterfield - Via Premier Boxing Champions
Cuban contender talks about how enduring “tough challenges” outside the ring has provided extra motivation for his Showtime-televised clash with Ray Robinson.
Read MoreSHARIF “THE LION” BOGERE DEFEATS ARTURO SANTOS IN A UNANIMOUS DECISION AT SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS, NV
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 27, 2018) – Sharif “The Lion” racks up another victory after a 10 round Lightweight showdown against Arturo Reyes, advancing Bogere’s record to 31-1 (20KO’s).
Both fighters took the first few rounds to warm up, Bogere was patient, while Santos remained calm, sizing Bogere up. Bogere kept a steady pace the entire fight peppering jabs to Reyes body, constantly staying in position to strike. Going into the final round, Bogere picked up the momentum, striking Reyes and pinning him against the ropes enabling Bogere to land several jabs and combinations.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity and getting the victory. I am not 100% where I want to be, but I feel like I am getting closer to where I need to be to get to that championship level. This fight I felt stronger, faster, and it showed in the ring,” says Bogere.
“This fight I came in heavier, which made it harder for me to move around like I am used to,” Reyes said. “It was difficult for me to attack, he was the better fighter tonight. Next time around, I have to take camp more seriously and lose the weight so I don’t have this issue again.”
The always exciting, Las Vegas’ favorite Cameron Krael, headlined the co-main event vs. Gaku Takashi in a Welterweight battle. From the first bell, Krael was active, jumping out the gate strong and leading the rounds fighting smarter with accurate punches that steadily started to break Takashi down. By the third round, Takashi’s right eye began to swell and Krael took advantage, resulting in a cut above the eye, after taking piercing punches from Krael.
By the middle to late rounds Krael kept fans on their feet and didn’t disappoint, dominating with a series of uppercuts, shots to the body, and heavy pressure. Unable to get into a groove, Takashi was left fighting defensively against the ropes for the majority of the fight, unable to land anything meaningful to stop Krael in his tracks. All of the judges were in agreement giving Krael a unanimous decision victory over Gaku Takashi after 8 rounds of action.
“I am extremely happy with my performance, I came into this fight feeling confident and got the win,” says Krael. “I attacked the body and my defense was sharper. I started to get a little tired toward the end of the fight, so the one thing I need to improve on when I get back to the gym is my conditioning.”
“My opponent was a tough guy, he made it difficult for me to stick to my game plan,” says Takashi. “He hit me with some good punches, but I am disappointed that I wasn’t sharper.”
Uzbekistan’s Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (10-0-1) put on a show as he became the new Jr. NABF Welterweight champion. From the first bell, Rakhmanov attacked Williams body delivering powerful punches to the solar plexus that forced Hylon Williams to take a knee in the first round. Williams suffered a brutal attack for the remainder of the fight as Rakhmanov closed the show by dropping him to the canvas for the third time in the second round. Judge Robert Byrd stopped the bout after just one minute and seven seconds into round 2, after Rakhmanov delivered a final body blow to end the bout.
Angelo Leo gained his second defeat since signing with Mayweather Promotions beating out Jonathan Aguilar. Oluwafemi Oyeleye fighting out of Los Angeles, California advanced his record to 5-0 with a unanimous decision win over Carlos Lozano. Las Vegas “knockout artist,” Rolando Romero remains undefeated, opening the Sin City Showdown card against Alex Silva with a TKO after three knockdowns in the first round.
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CONTACTS: Nicole Craig, Mayweather Promotions: (702) 807-1788
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Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton
On Saturday, Mayweather Promotions’ prospect Rolando Romero (3-0 3 KOs) will return to the ring for his first fight of 2018.
Across the ring from him will be Alex Silva (3-5). He may not have the prettiest record but Silva’s unorthodox stance should be good for the development of Romero.
"I just know that he is a come forward southpaw. That is about all I know about him. My first two opponents I didn't have no footage on them so I didn't study them. On my last opponent I saw a video but I don't spend much time on that. I adapt and learn very quick in the ring," Romero told BoxingScene.com.
The fight takes place at Sam’s Town Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather Promotions has consistently put on developmental shows for their up and coming fighters at this venue.
Romero, who’s father was a three-time national champion in Cuba, is hoping to have a busy 2018. He hopes to be crowned a world champion by the end of next year.
"I want to get as many (fights) as I can get. I want to be 12 or 13-0 by the end of the year so I can get close to fight for a title. Maybe by the end of 2019 I can fight for a title," he explained.
There is no shortage of quality sparring in Las Vegas and Romero has gotten in great work with his friend Teofimo Lopez who is also a lightweight prospect. Lopez was a 2016 Honduran Olympian and Romero said that the intensity level rises every time they get in the ring together.
"Teofimo is my boy. He is good. Honestly I think he was the prospect of the year (last year). We bring out the best in each other in sparring. We are both very competitive people and we want to punish each other," said Romero who finished this interview with a piece of advice for his opponent. "Try not to get knocked the fuck out."
Saturday’s Mayweather Promotions card will be headlined by Sharif Bogere who will face Arturo Santos Reyes in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter
Boxing Scene - By Elisinio Castillo
Rances Barthelemy was so focused for his rematch against Kiryl Relikh, that when they told him the fight had been postponed until further notice, he could not help but grimace. His mind and body were ready for February 10 and now the fight will take place on March 10.
"At first I felt bad, because in my mind I already saw myself as a champion on February 10," said the Cuban to George Ebro. "Then I took it as something that I had to take advantage of in my favor, to polish certain things, review everything. I will arrive in better condition than I would have in February 10."
The second match against Relikh broke down in principle when Mickey Garcia's opponent, Sergey Lipinets, injured a hand during a training session and was forced to ask for more preparation time. Garcia vs. Lipinets is the headline fight of the show.
The fight venue has been changed from the Alamodome to the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.
"We are talking about a few more weeks," said Barthelemy, who trains under Professor Ismael Salas. "We have lowered the intensity a bit, but we will soon resume the pace that will allow us get ahead for this commitment. ''
Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) goes for the vacant 140 pound title of the World Association (WBA), in search of becoming the first Cuban to conquer three weight divisions.
When the Cuban and the Belarussian first met on May 20, Barthelemy received a unanimous decision that at that time made him a mandatory challenger for then titleholder Julius Indongo, who would then be defeated by Terence Crawford.
The result of the first fight, however, was so close and controversial that the WBA ordered a new clash between Barthelemy and Relikh (21-2, 19 KO), setting the stage for this rematch that arouses many expectations.
"The goal of winning three titles is something that does not get out of my head," added Barthelemy, who won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds.
"It's almost an obsession, but I've channeled everything to not despair and put into practicing the fight plan that we have already agreed upon. There is little left, and less is needed. March 10 is the appointment."
Photo courtesy of Sean Michael Ham / Premier Boxing Champions
Boxing Scene - By Boxing Clever
On March 10 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) will look to become the first Cuban boxer to ever win world titles in three different weight classes when he faces Kirly Relikh (21-2, 9 KOs) in a rematch.
Barthelemy won a controversial decision over Relikh last May.
This time around, the Showtime televised fight will have the vacant WBA super lightweight title will be at stake.
In the main event of that card, Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs) will attempt to make history by capturing a world title in a fourth weight class when he challenges IBF junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs), who is making his first title defense.
Barthelemy wants to unify with Garcia next - provided that both of them win that night.
"A fight with Mikey Garcia is something I want. I'm completely focused on this fight against Relikh and making history, but I would be prepared to fight Mikey Garcia soon," Barthelemy said.
Barthelemy promises to make things right in the upcoming rematch, after getting dropped and looking very flat in the first encounter.
According to the Cuban boxer, his boxer felt weak in the contest and there wasn't a lot of energy in his legs for the full twelve rounds.
"I'm going to change a lot heading into the rematch. Last May I wasn't myself. I didn't feel like I had my legs coming into the fight and I wasn't able to perform how I usually do. This time my conditioning and nutrition is much improved. I'm going to use my legs and use my jab and put on a boxing clinic," Barthelemy said.
"There was nothing surprising about Relikh in the first fight. We knew he'd have power, but unfortunately I had to change my game plan when my body wasn't cooperating. I traded shots and fought his fight. I'm going to stick to my plan this time. Throughout my career I haven't paid enough attention to nutrition. It made my performances inconsistent. Bob Santos has come in and completely changed that. You'll see my conditioning on fight night is the best it's ever been."
Calculating, measured, calm and supremely confident, showing some improved footwork, Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KOs) took apart a very good—and very brave—Peterson, whose cornerman, Barry Hunter, wisely stopped the fight at :01 of the eighth round. It was the second time Peterson (35-4-1, 17 KOs) had been stopped in his career, and the victory extended Spence’s knockout streak to 10 straight.
Read More
Boxing Scene - By Elisinio Castillo
Yordenis Ugas is going to be in good company with countryman Rances Barthelemy. The Cuban welterweight contender was added to the February 10th card to fight for something very important for his career: a position close to the top in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rankings.
As part of that Showtime televised evening from San Antonio, where Barthelemy will look for his third world title, Ugas will face Ray Robinson in a showdown where winner will be placed in the number two position in the IBF's top ten.
"I have to underline the significance of this for Yordenis, because to win his next fight would be for something very similar to a world title," said Ugas' manager Luis DeCubas Jr. to George Ebro. "Everything he has done so far , all of his growth in the ring would be justified with a win.'
After almost two seasons away from the ring and a couple of failures difficult to digest, Ugas has gone through an impressive second chapter of his career with run of five wins, three of them by way of the knockout.
"What Yordenis has done should be praised, because nobody knew what to expect from him when he decided to return in 2016," DeCubas added. "He has surpassed all expectations and now we expect much more from him."
And the opponent in the other corner, who bears the identical name of the best fighter of all time? To begin with, he has more than 10 years of experience in the ring, he's fought with well-known names like Shawn Porter and his last victory was over Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott.
Robinson, 31, seemed to be on course to reach the heights of the welterweight ranks, when a car accident in 2015 kept him out of action for 18 months, until he returned in October 2016 and he's won his last five and four of them by knockout.
"This is a difficult opponent for Yordenis and he wants the same thing: to rise and to aspire for more," said DeCubas Jr. "But we are confident that he will be able to move forward and continue this climb of wins."
Boxing Scene - By Random Hits
On Saturday, February 10 live on SHOWTIME, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy will face Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their May showdown on SHOWTIME, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
The fight will be the co-feature to three-division world champion Mikey Garcia attempting to win a world title in a fourth weight class when he challenges unbeaten IBF 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets
The doubleheader of title bouts in the wide-open 140-pound division sets the stage for a potential unification match.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are priced at $250, $75, $50 and $20. Tickets will go on sale next week and will be available at Ticketmaster.com.
Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs), who was born in Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba and now lives in Las Vegas, has won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds. He defeated Relikh by unanimous decision in his debut at 140 pound in his last fight on May 20. If he defeats Relikh again, he will become the first Cuban boxer to win world championships in three different weight classes.
He defeated Argenis Mendez by unanimous decision to win the 130-pound world title in 2014 and a year later scored a unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov for the 135-pound world title. Barthelemy, 31, has two brothers, Yan and Leduan, who are professional boxers who he trains alongside with under the tutelage of Ismael Salas.
Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs) believes that he won the first match with Barthelemy and that the scorecards did not reflect the competitive nature of the fight. The 28-year-old nearly had Barthelemy out after landing a barrage of punches that penned Barthelemy on the ropes, but he was only awarded a knockdown. In the eighth round, Barthelemy came back to drop Relikh with a body shot.
Shortly after the May 20 title eliminator, the WBA ordered a rematch, this time to be contested for the vacant 140-pound title. This will be Relikh's second world title shot after the fighter from Minsk, Belarus lost a unanimous decision to Ricky Burns in Glasgow, Scotland on Oct. 7, 2016.
Photo courtesy of Andy Samuelson / Premier Boxing Champions
Boxing Scene - By Random Hits
Filipino contender Harmonito “Hammer” Dela Torre scored a knockdown in round two, but still suffered his first defeat of his career against Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar on Nov. 18 (Sunday in Manila) at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dela Torre landed a straight right hand to down Nyambayar in the second round. Nyambayar was able to bounce back to win by a unanimous decision.
“I’m very proud of Harmonito. He put on a great fight and I’m confident he will be back better” said manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, Sanman Promotions CEO. “It was a very close fight. Fight was more competitive than the scorecards show but Nyambayar deserved the victory."
Two judges both scored 78-73 while the other one had it 79-73.
Dela Torre, who has been training under Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami, Florida since last year, has accepted his first setback.
“Nyambayar is a good fighter. I will train harder and I will be back stronger” said the 23-year old DelaTorre (19W-1L-0D, 12 KOs).
IN OTHER NEWS: Serdar “Bomber” Sahin from Berlin is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Cruiserweight Champion after winning the vacant title on Saturday, November 18, at the Essen Fairgrounds in Essen, Germany.
With former undefeated World Super Middleweight Champion Sven Ottke in his corner, Sahin, now 27-2 (18), defeated Diego Javier Sanabria, 59-18-3 (46), by third round knockout, possibly breaking the Argentinians ribs with a perfectly placed body-shot.
The fight, waved off by referee Mike Wissenbach at 1:55, was the main event of a show promoted by the worlds youngest promoter, 15-year-old Ranee Schroeder.
In Dole, France, also on Saturday night, Bilel Latreche captured the vacant WBF International Light Heavyweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Finnish visitor Janne Forsman, in front of 2500 spectators on a self-promoted show at La Commanderie.
Latreche, who improved his record to 23-5-1 (5), was the more skilled of the two and had success with his movement and combinations, while Forsman, now 22-9 (14), attempted to land single power-punches but only managed to do so occasionally.
In round nine Latreche scored two knock-downs, forcing referee Christophe Hembert to appropriately call a halt immediately after the second. Time of stoppage was 3:00.
South Korea´s Hye-Soo Park won the vacant WBF Womens Intercontinental Light Flyweight crown at the Gyeyang Gymnasium in her home-town of Incheon, beating previously undefeated Hei Tao Zhang from China.
Televised live by KBS N Sports, Park won a unanimous decision with scores of 96-94 (Man-Deuk Kwon), 97-93 (Kyung-Han Lee) and 98-92 (Yeong Bok Park).
Hye-Soo Park is now 9-8-1 (2), and Hei Tao Zhang 5-1 (2). Promoter was SungSan Hyo Promotion in cooperation with Bumjin Promotion.
Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton
Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - In a battle of undefeated featherweight prospects, Olympic silver medal winner Tugstsogt Nyambayar (9-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for the first time in his career, and survived a knockdown, in winning an eight round unanimous decision over tough as nails Harmonito Dela Torre (19-1, 12 KOs). The scores were 79-73, 78-73, 78-73.
The contest started in a close and tactical manner, with both having some success. Nyambayar was landing the more solid punches and seemed to have the edge with the more accurate punches.
Dela Torre applied the pressure in the second and was getting caught by hard shots, but near the end of the round he landed a cracking hook that dropped Nyambayar down hard. King Tug made it up to his feet as the bell sounded to close the round out.
Dela Torre came out swinging in the third and looking to do more damage. Nyambayar was looking to dig to the body. During an exchange it was Nyambayar who shook up Dela Torre with a hard combination.
The hard punches were raining down from both in the fourth. Nyambayar was landing the flashier punches. In the fifth, a cut opened up above Dela Torre's right eye. Nyambayar continued to land the better punches. They traded hard right hands near the end of the round.
Nyambayar was landing solid shots to the head and body at the start of the sixth and continued to outland Dela Torre for most of the round.
A big shot connected to Dela Torre's chin in the seventh and really shook him up. Dela Torre's mouthpiece went flying and that created a break to help him recover.
Nyambayar once again rocked Dela Torre and had him in serious trouble in the eight and final round. Dela Torre managed to stay up on his feet and survived until the last bell.
ON THE UNDERCARD
Kicking off the card, heavyweight Marlo Moore (1-0) had a successful pro debut stopping Oswaldo Ortega (3-7).
Up next was Oluwafemi Oyeleye (4-0) who won a hard fought unanimous decision over Brandon Adams (4-6-1) in their super welterweight bout.
Super lightweight prospect Darwin Price improved to 13-0 with a shutout over Angel Hernandez (12-9-2). The scores were 60-54 on all three scorecards.
Mayweather Promotions veteran Lanell Bellows (17-3-1) picked up another KO, stopping Fabiano Pena (15-9-1) in 7 rounds in their super middleweight showdown.
Super bantamweight prospect Angelo Leo (10-0) picked up a stoppage win over Basilio Nieves (10-5).
Later tonight former super welterweight world champion Ishe Smith (29-8) faces former title challenger Julian Williams (33-1-1) in the main event of a Bounce TV televised Premier Boxing Champions card. Light heavyweight veteran Lionell Thompson faces unbeaten Earl Newman (10-0-1) in the co-feature bout.
Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton
Caleb Plant (16-0) may only be 16 fights into his pro career but he feels that he is ready for the big fights.
In his last fight he dominated Andrew Hernandez over 10 rounds at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The fight was televised by Showtime.
The Tennessee native who is now based in Sin City has called out newly crowned WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez and several other top fighters and prospects in the division with no success.
He is very confident in his skills and his ability to adapt but knows that he needs a bigger name opponent to really make a statement in the division
"I have been calling people out. The way to move up the ladder is to either fight an old big name or a new prospect. Those are the two ways to get your foot in the door. I tried to fight Julian Jackson, I tried to fight Dominic Wade, I tried to fight Jose Uzcategui. The list goes on and on," revealed Plant.
"It is because I want to be great and there is only one way to do that and that is to fight tough opposition. There is no other way to do that. I can't show the world what I want to be until I get that opportunity but I can't do it alone. It takes two people to make a fight. It takes two people to make a good fight. If I am in there trying and someone else is just surviving that isn't a good fight. I want to make a good fight."
As for what is next, this writer asked Plant if he planned on returning to the ring before the end of the year.
"That is the plan. We are working on something big, a name everyone knows, a tough fighter. That is what my team is working on," Plant told BoxingScene.com.
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter
Boxing Scene - By Ryan Burton
Up and coming super middleweight prospect Caleb "Sweet Hands" Plant (16-0) is yearning for a title shot.
At the top of the Tennessee native's wish list is newly crowned WBC champion David Benavidez who captured the title in September when he beat Ronald Gavril via split decision. Most observers thought the fight was nip and tuck and some believed that Gavril deserved the nod after he floored Benavidez in the final round.
Plant, who also fought on the card, was in agreement that the fight was close and is very confident that he can do much better than Gavril.
"I thought Ronald did great. That night after my fight I just wanted to be a fan. I am not saying that I am a fan of them but I just wanted to enjoy the fight. I wasn't trying to score it or anything like that. I thought Ronald did really well and at times he was out boxing David Benavidez," Plant told BoxingScene.com.
"I will be honest, Ronald is not the best boxer, he's got a ton of heart, good power and is solid all the way around but as far as a skilled boxer, he is not at the top of the list and what was he doing to David?"
The 25-year-old Plant feels that his skill set is vastly superior to that of Gavril and said that he hasn't yet been pushed to put his full arsenal on display.
"No one has seen everything I have. No one has seen everything I can do. They have seen spurts. People say I can cut the ring off and move forward. They know I can throw combinations and break people down. They know I can stick and move and box and that I am good on my feet and my toes. They know I can pick and roll. It is about being well rounded. People who are well rounded make it the farthest because at some point you are going to have to pull a different aspect out (to win the fight)," Plant stated.
Benavidez will likely return to the ring in January in a rematch against Gavril so Plant will likely have at least one interim fight before he gets a crack at the title. Both fighters are advised by Al Haymon so a future showdown is very likely as long as they both keep winning.
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter
Boxing Scene - By Boxing Clever
Earlier this month, David Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs), 20 years old, became the youngest world champion in the sport he won a twelve round split decision over tough as nails Ronald Gavril in The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The victory gave him the vacant WBC super middleweight title, which was vacated by Badou Jack when he moved up to 175-pounds.
According to Benavidez, during the fight with Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) he overcame an injured left knuckle on his left hand in the fourth round, and he also suffered a knockdown in the twelfth and final round.
“Every jab caused sharp pain in my fist, but champions push through obstacles finding ways to win. I gave up the knockdown going for the kill, but I got up and came out on top,” said Benavidez to Premier Boxing Champions. “I can attack the body more, use more head movement, work more combinations, but the crowd was going crazy after every round. I gave an exciting fight showing I’m a champion they want to see.”
After the fight with Gavril was over, Benavidez was confronted by undefeated Caleb Plant.
Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) saw action on the undercard of the Hard Rock event, winning a ten round decision over Andrew Hernandez (19-7-1, 9 KOs).
“He said, ‘Get ready, I’m coming after you,’ and if Caleb wants it, he can get it," said Benavidez. “Caleb couldn't stop a guy with six losses. Hernandez is a friend, but I’ve knocked out Hernandez a couple of times [during sparring sessions]. Trust me, Caleb’s not ready for me.”
Although he considers him to be a friend, Benavidez would love a unification with WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez (36-0, 24 KOs), who last week retained his world title with a hard fought decision over Jesse Hart (22-1, 18 KOs).
“He’s a native Mexican and I’m a Mexican-American, and sometimes the Mexican-Americans are considered fake Mexicans by the [native] Mexicans,” said Benavidez. “We’re friends, but if we ever fight it’ll be a spectacular brawl since I know his style and he knows mine."
Via Boxing Scene - By Boxing Photos
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is proud to announce he will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to his upcoming event in Las Vegas to help victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake.
The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican business man Carlos Slim's Foundation.
Boxing Scene - By Keith Idec
A brutal head-butt brought the J’Leon Love-Abie Han fight to an abrupt, unusual conclusion Friday night.
The super middleweights were engaged in a competitive fight scheduled for 10 rounds when an accidental clash of heads left Han unable to continue in Las Vegas. Blood began pouring from a cut near the left corner of Han’s forehead and he went down to the canvas, where he was writhing in pain as referee Kenny Bayless tended to him.
The bout ended at 1:02 of the eighth round, which sent the fight to the scorecards. It resulted in a majority technical draw because two judges – Tim Cheatham and Patricia Morse Jarman – scored it even (76-76).
Judge Richard Ocasio strangely scored the fight 79-73 for Las Vegas’ Love (23-1-1, 13 KOs, 1 NC), who’s promoted by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s company. Ocasio scored seven of the eight rounds for Love, who had difficulty at times dealing with Han’s awkward style.
Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs), of El Paso, Texas, had to be helped down from the ring and was wheeled away from it on a stretcher as a precaution.
Love-Han was the second of three fights Showtime aired as part of a “ShoBox: The New Generation” tripleheader from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Before the odd ending, the fight was close, though not especially entertaining.
Han switched to a southpaw stance and tried to confuse Love early in the fight. In the second round, Han landed two hard, straight right hands to Love’s jaw.
Han also connected with a counter left hook late in the second round. He followed that up with an overhand right to Love’s head as they traded in the center of the ring.
Love got hit less in the third round, but Han was the busier, more effective fighter in those three minutes. Love landed a hard right hand that backed up Han just after the two-minute mark of the fourth round.
Han repeatedly shook his right hand in the fifth round, but it wasn’t clear if he hurt it. Regardless, Han continued throwing it in the sixth round.
Neither fighter landed many clean punches during the seventh round. The eighth round was competitive as well prior to the accidental clash of heads.
Love, 29, ended nearly a one-year layoff Friday night. He hadn’t fought since stopping Dashon Johnson in the sixth round last September 16 in Las Vegas.
Han, 32, moved up from middleweight to box Love and fought for just the second time in two years. Before Friday night, his first-round knockout of overmatched Martin Rodriguez (4-21) was Han’s only fight since August 2015.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
Photo courtesy of Sean Michael Ham / Premier Boxing Champions
Boxing Scene - By Francisco Salazar
J'Leon Love will face Dashon Johnson on September 16, matchmaker John Beninati told BoxingScene.com.
The 10 round bout will take place inside the Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nev.
It is an intriguing crossroads bout between super middleweights, one vying for a world title opportunity and the other who has had a resurgence of sorts in recent years.
Love (22-1 1 ND, 12 KOs) has fought only once in 2016, stopping Michael Gbenga after the fifth round on April 1.
Love has won his last four bouts in a row since suffering his only defeat at the hands of Rogelio 'Porky' Medina in August of 2014.
Johnson (21-19-3, 6 KOs) has won six of his last seven bouts, with the lone blemish against Jesse Hart in a close fight.
Johnson has fought a who's who of world titleholders, contenders, and prospects. He has scored occasional upsets, including Mike Gavronski, Craig McEwan, and Elias Espadas.
In the main event of the Mayweather Promotions card, junior middleweight Ishe Smith (28-8, 12 KOs) will face Frank Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs) and unbeaten junior middleweight Domonique Dalton (17-0-1, 9 KOs) squares off against Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs).
Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds and will air on Bounce TV.
No word if the Love-Johnson fight will also be added to the live broadcast or be part of the non-televised undercard.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
