Dereck Chisora W TKO 6 Malik Scott: Review

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):

When discussing controversy in boxing, 90% of the time its the judges at ringside who are at fault, but last night at Wembley Arena it was the 3rd man inside the ring that made the crucial error. After Scott was sent to the canvas from a right hand, the American shook it off looked to his corner and waited for the signal to rise. That signal obviously didn't come till late in the count as Scott rose as the referee said "9". But the referee who seemed to panic at the late rise waved the fight off as if he had counted Scott out.

The complaints from Scott were minimal, maybe out of respect or possibly out of relief that the fight was stopped - although I completely disagree with the latter.

Firstly id like to clear this up. Even though Scott lifted himself up late in the count, his knees and gloves were off the canvas before the count of 10, meaning the referee had no reason to stop the fight unless he believed Scott was in no position to continue. Which if he did believe this then why not do what every referee does and check first to see if Scott can reply to simple instructions, like "walk towards me".

Whatever you say about Malik Scott, the referee was at fault, there's absolutely no disputing that, and sadly its taken away from what was a great win for Dereck Chisora.

Now to the fight, and at the time of the stoppage I had Malik Scott ahead 49-47, but with the knockdown in the 6th, that score would have been 57-57 at the end of the round.

Scott began the fight well, his movement was slick and Chisora had trouble getting onto the inside early. Scott's punches clearly lacked in the power department but the high volume of shots resulted in the American taking the opening 2 rounds.

The third was a tale of two halves. Scott opened the round well, before 'DelBoy' closed the gap and began pounding the long torso of Scott. An overhand right late in the round from Chisora may have edged the stanza in his favour, although I scored it even.

The 4th was much better for Chisora, who once again had Scott on the ropes for the majority of the round. When Scott was not on the ropes he wasn't throwing as much either, making it far easier for Chisora to close the gap.

In the 5th, Scott seemed to have found his jab again after it seemed the 6ft 4inch Heavyweight was slowing down, he was back on his toes and darting from side-to-side. Chisora didn't look concerned and continued to plod forward looking for a big shot to change the course of the session.

The 6th round was more alike with the 4th as Scott's early work faded in the final minute when Chisora's charge became more furious. With the round winding down an overhand right landed high on the side of the head of Scott, and the heavily tattooed fighter went down in the corner. When the fight was waved off, even the victor Chisora had the look of bewilderment.

While a rematch is possible it is unlikely to happen just yet, but Malik Scott should not be looking to stoop back to the level he was fighting at prior to this bout. The 32 year old could well set up a match-up with fellow prospect Bryant Jennings in a undercard fight in America.

As for the winner, Dereck Chisora there will surely be a long queue of fighters for his next opponent - including our old friend Audley Harrison who says he would like to fight Chisora next.

Hank Lundy W UD Ajose Olusegun: Review

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):

Lundy(Right) catches Ajose(Left) on the chin with a sharp jab

For Ajose Olusegun last night was far, far from the way himself and his team had envisioned the fight going. Ajose wasn't the only one surprised, as almost all boxing fans believed that Ajose would come out on top, but what took place was far too similar to the beating Ajose took at the hands of Lucas Matthysse rather than the beatings Ajose was offering out to his opponents at a lower level.

While Lundy's performance was exceptional, Ajose's lacked in almost all departments. There was little snap in his punches and it seemed after the 5th round he lost all confidence in his ability to keep Lundy off him. Sadly it seems that inactivity and the beating at the hands of Lucas Matthysse has finally caught up with the 33 year old boxer.

But while Ajose seems to have faded their is no denying that Hank Lundy put in one of his best career performances to date. In winning, the Philadelphian fighter snapped a two-fight losing streak and will now find himself in a solid position for a shot at one of the top 10 fighters. This win will also ensure he has a high ranking with the WBC, a shot at their interim title could be next.

As I expected their was no cautious start between the pair, as both went to work early. But rather than trying to initiate himself off the front foot, Ajose was backpedalling early. This caused trouble as Lundy began to stalk his opponent who kept a good early work rate.

While Ajose was throwing a high volume of punches, they clearly didn't have the sufficient zip behind them to derail 'Hammerin' Hank who continued to steam forward, throwing more and more as the rounds ticked by.

In the 5th stanza, Ajose was shaken and used his incredible balance and conditioning to stay upright. But the tone was set and several more shaky moments followed before the final bell.

In the 2nd half of the contest, the punches were no longer flowing in any clean rhythm for Ajose and Lundy was oozing confidence by the finish.

While I scored the contest 97-93 to Hank Lundy, the official scorecards read: 98-92 (twice) and a slightly unfair 100-90.

While Hank's future in boxing looks slightly brighter, its hard to see Ajose bouncing back at this high level again at the age of 33. Don't expect Ajose to retire, as he has no doubt still got enough to compete at European level, but unfortunately the world stage found him too late - and that is just as unfortunate for us fans as it is for Ajose.

Derek Chisora vs Malik Scott Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):



Scott(Left) & Chisora(Right) at yesterdays weigh in

The 'Jekyll & Hyde' story continues for Derek 'DelBoy' Chisora tonight as the Londoner known more for his out of the ring madness than his in the ring serenity, takes on unbeaten heavyweight prospect Malik Scott.
Three defeats in a row may have broken the sanest of fighters, but Chisora's dual personality has ensured through it all he's remained calm. Like Nate Robinson on the basketball court, Chisora never lacks self confidence and always insists to himself that he is on fire, no matter how bad things get.
While Chisora's career has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride, Malik Scott's better resembles that of a merry-go-round. Apart from one draw on his record - when Scott looked the clear winner - in his last bout, the Philadelphian boxer has had everything go his way - albeit against very poor opposition.

It isn't easy to define Scott's best win, but Bowie Tupou's record suggest he would be the one - although Tupou's record does not justify just how poor he was that night.

On the other hand 'DelBoy' has a whole heap of recognisable names on his record - names that most none boxing fans would recognise. While all those defeated Chisora - Tyson Fury (L UD), Robert Helenius (L SD), Vitali Klitschko (L UD) & David Haye (L TKO 5), he still has good wins on his resume - Sam Sexton (W TKO 9), Danny Williams (W TKO 2) & Carl Baker (W TKO 2).

One must also take into consideration that vs Fury, Chisora was in terrible shape and most fans who watched Chisora vs Helenius believed that Chisora deserved the decision, but Helenius was awarded a generous hometown decision.

While Chisora is a throw-back heavyweight, standing just 6ft 1inch, Scott although only 6ft 4inches, has the look of a new-generation heavyweight.

Scott enjoys fighting at his own slow and easy-going pace, while Chisora is rugged and tries to force the action at all times. David Haye made a very good point in Boxing News, that the one who makes the other fight his fight will win.

For me that fighter will be Malik Scott. Chisora will have success in spurts at finding his way onto the inside, but Scott has enough boxing ability to pick Chisora off with head-snapping punches before diverting in different directions. But like I said earlier, Chisora will not once lose belief, and even if he comes out of this fight as the loser, don't expect this colourful character to think he's still not world class.

Don't forget to take a look at the in depth stats for this fight. All stats are courtesy of http://boxstat.co/ Follow them on twitter @box_stat:

dereck chisora vs malik scott

Ajose Olusegun vs Hank Lundy Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):



Hank Lundy(left) & Ajose Olusegun(right) at yesterdays weigh in

Tonight at the Rockingham Park in New Hampshire, Hank Lundy attempts to snap his 2 fight losing streak when he takes on British-Nigerian Ajose Olusegun. The Philadelphian may have lost his way some what in recent fights but his resume offers enough to suggest that the 29 year old cannot be considered as an easy opponent for Ajose.

Lundy lost his last 2 fights to current Lightweight world title contender, Raymundo Beltran and the 21-fight unbeaten Viktor Postol.

In Lundy's 22-3-1(11KO) record, his only other defeat was at the hands of John Molina in a 11th round stoppage defeat, when Lundy was clearly ahead on the scorecards after 10 rounds.

The biggest win of his career came in 2010 when he defeated current WBA Lightweight titleholder, Richar Abril via split decision. Hank also recorded a 6th round stoppage victory over David Diaz in 2011 when he had already been down.

While for some Lundy has never entirely fulfilled his potential as a legitimate world title contender, Ajose Olusegun has done nothing but exceed what was expected of him.

Even when capturing the Commonwealth Light Welterweight title, Ajose was not considered to be heading onto the world stage. But finally heads began to turn when the former Nigerian Light Welterweight champion stopped well respected Colin Lynes in 8 rounds.

Then after earning the position as mandatory challenger for the WBC title, a spell of inactivity cost Ajose dearly. The WBC title changed hands like a game of pass-the-parcel, and no one seemed interested in taking less money to fight the unknown Ajose.

After a year out of the ring, last September Ajose was offered to fight Lucas Matthysse for the Interim WBC Light Welterweight title. Sadly for Ajose the Nigerian born fighter had been royally stitched up by the WBC - offered a shot at a meaningless title against arguably the best 140lbs fighter in the world, while the actual WBC Light Welterweight champion was preparing for a pointless rematch vs Erik Morales.

Matthysse handed Ajose his first defeat of his now 32 fight career in 10 one-sided rounds. Although Ajose was competitive he lacked the power or defensive noose to trouble Matthysse.

In that particular fight in Las Vegas, Ajose showed a good variety of punches and an accuracy that would have troubled many other 140lbs fighters. Lundy will not have the same power that Lucas had, meaning Ajose will be able to outwork his opponent without losing rounds to a fighter landing fewer but more eye-catching shots.

Expect Lundy and Ajose to circle one another in the centre of the ring early in the bout, with both looking to outbox the other. Ajose can build an early lead with his faster hands meaning his ability to punch off the back foot will leave Lundy in a sticky situation in the 2nd half of the fight when he is required to press the action. This is where Ajose can extend his lead down the stretch to take a clear and unanimous points victory. If Ajose can find the right punch, don't be surprised to see Lundy hit the canvas - he has already touched down 5 times in his career.

The 33-year old Ajose will then be looking to finally force a "real" world title shot, and not many fans would begrudge the likeable Olusegun that.

Don't forget to take a look at the in depth stats for this fight. All stats are courtesy of  http://boxstat.co/ Follow them on twitter @box_stat:

ajose olusegun vs henry lundy

Kell Brook vs Carson Jones 2 Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingbrains):

Almost a year ago, after 6 rounds, everything was going so smoothly at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. But suddenly Kell Brook ran into a brick wall, in both himself and the 44 fight veteran, Carson Jones.

At the end of the torturous 12 rounds, Kell Brook was left beaten but still undefeated, but barely as his American opponent received all the praise for a performance not expected from a boxer seen as nothing more than a stepping stone for the 'Steel City's' latest star.

After the conclusion of the fight it was revealed that the lack of a nutritionist had cost Brook dearly in making the weight in a healthy manner. Using his only win since as a measuring stick would not offer a conclusive evaluation as Hector David Saldivia was stopped in the 3rd round - an impressive victory but Saldivia had been demolished in 1 round by the raw Said Ouali.

Brook was then set to challenge IBF Welterweight champion, Devon Alexander. Although Brook had impressed throughout his career, Alexander was for the majority - including myself - the favourite to win the fight. But as it happened, several cancellations due to injuries, culminated in the proposed affair being called off altogether. Since then Alexander dominated the outgunned replacement Lee Purdy, while Kell Brook has not fought since October 2012.

So now Kell Brook and everyone watching can witness the improvements - if any - Brook has made in the 12 months since Brook and Jones first collided.

Since the fight, Jones has himself a 3rd round stoppage victory added to his resume, but a draw at the hands of late replacement Dean Byrne cast a dark cloud over how good Jones really is. Although many blame the poor showing on lack of motivation after preparing for Lee Purdy.

The performance vs Brook may well have overshadowed the fact that Carson Jones had already lost 8 times in his career, and besides the occasional recognisable name - like Jesus Soto Karass - Jones has not mixed it with the highest level of company.

So with viewers now taking more notice of Jones' record, the expectations for Brook to impress have risen. This time around there will be no room for a lacklustre performance.

While Brook insists he wants a knockout victory, it is likely that for the opening 4 or 5 rounds the 27 year old will box gracefully off the back foot, not expending any more energy than needed. Once Jones becomes desperate, Brook can pick the OKC fighter off before teeing off with shots to the head and body.

Brook may come close to a stoppage but with this fight only scheduled for 10 rounds, that may well prevent him from capping off an otherwise faultless night.

 

***

 



On a packed bill that includes, Curtis Woodhouse, Lee Selby, Rocky Fielding, Anthony Ogogo and the debut of Luke Campbell, the pick of the lot is Derry Matthews vs Tommy Coyle.

With his only defeat coming in the Prizefighter, Coyle will be looking to add his largest scalp of his 16 fight career. but expect Derry Matthews to force the action, and landing enough clean blows to discourage the hometown fighter. Although Coyle will have his moments, Derry's aggression and power will be enough for him to control the fight throughout. Matthews can stop Coyle in the championship rounds.

Tony Thompson vs David Price Review

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):

One stoppage defeat is a step back, but something one can put down to a lucky punch, a laps in concentration or just one of those off nights, but stoppage defeats in succession is difficult to explain to both the fans and oneself.

For David Price the next few days will culminate in trying to pinpoint exactly what is going wrong and what he can do to change his recent fortunes.

On Saturday night David Price fell foul to Tony Thompson for the second time this year. While Price had far more success in the fight labelled as "Redemption", the final result ended in a repeat, with Thompson scoring a stoppage in the 5th round after hitting the canvas in the 2nd.

Price began the contest well. Seemingly finding it impossible to miss the target in front of him with the right hand. But as Price found his confidence in his offence, the jab slowly disappeared, the gap closed and suddenly Price was slugging it out with the shorter man.

In the 2nd round a clean right hand sent Thompson to the canvas, and Tony was saved by the ropes in the next.

Into the 4th round and tell-tale signs of Price's fatigue were picked up by the veteran fighter, and so Thompson upped the tempo and badly hurt Price at the end of the round with a left-right combination to the body followed by shots upstairs.

In the next round it was obvious that Price hadn't recovered and a barrage of uppercuts tore through Price's limp guard. As the towering Liverpudlian toppled back, Thompson continued to wail away at head and body. With David throwing nothing back the referee stepped in to give a standing 8 count. Thankfully the third man in the ring noticed that the count was not enough for Price to recover his senses and the bout was waved off. The Merseyside crowd silenced once again by the American.

Price wore the same face as 4 months ago, maybe this time it's the right idea to accept that at this very moment he isn't at the same level as Tony Thompson, who's only defeats have come at the hands of, Wladimir Klitschko (twice) and Erik Kirkland - in just his 5th professional outing.

Can David Price recover? Of course he can. This is Heavyweight boxing, where suffering knockout defeats rarely effects what a heavyweight goes on to achieve. But Price must rebuild and rebuild slowly, the step up from Matt Skelton to Tony Thompson was just a ridiculously large one.

As for Thompson, although he has already fought Wladimir twice, with the Heavyweight kings lack of options beyond his upcoming bout vs Povetkin, it wont be a surprise to the see a third fight in the coming 12-18 months. Although a potential fight with Tyson Fury may well be looming.