Amir Khan vs Josesito Lopez on December 6th?

By Peter Wells:

With talks apparantly ongoing between Eddie Hearn and Amir Khan's representatives about a spring showdown between Khan and Kell Brook, the former Light Welterweight champion is set to fight in the USA on December 6th.

The likely opponent ahead of his muted IBF Welterweight title challenge and grudge match is the well respected Josesito Lopez.

Lopez has had it tough since victory over Victor Ortiz in 2012. Losing two on the bounce to Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana. Since then he has come through a far from straightforward fight with Mike Arnautis, before halting Aaron Martinez and last night outpointed Rafael Cobos.

The 'Riverside Rocky' will know that another surprise victory would certainly get his career as a world title challenger back on track.

Khan however will certainly not look beyond Lopez, should the bout be made, knowing full well how defeat would effect future superfights both in Britain and America. 

Ortiz halts Kayode in One; Cuellar destroys JuanMa in Two

By Peter Wells:


Luis Ortiz TKO 1 Lateef Kayode 

Luis Ortiz (right) vs Lateef Kayode (left)

The main event proved a slight disappointment as Cuba's Ortiz 22-0(19) stopped formerly unbeaten Kayode 20-1(16) in the opening round.

The referee stepped in with Kayode trapped along the ropes late in the opener, Kayode protested after the stoppage.

Kayode didn't look perfectly steady after a left cross, right hook sent him to the canvas. Trapped in the corner, a left hook knocked Kayode sideward and into the ropes where he was held up. Kayode covered up, but not throwing back and the intervention came.

An anti-climax but Ortiz has power to burn and could be in the world title picture very soon.

Jesus Cuellar KO 2 Juan Manuel Lopez

 

The early promise for JuanMa Lopez 34-5(31) looks a long way away now, after another hard stoppage loss. After retiring in 3 rounds last time out many questioned why he was getting in with another hard hitting prospect.

This time Cuellar 25-1(19) took out Lopez in 2 sessions a blistering right hook followed by a peach of a left hook sending Lopez crumbling to the canvas, no count was issued by the experienced Tony Weeks. 



Jesus Cuellar (right) vs JuanMa Lopez (left)

Prior to the knockout Cuellar had Lopez nervously on the ropes, trading shots that Cuellar was constantly getting the better of. The left hook barely missed the chin of Lopez, that seems to have now taken too much punishment over some exciting years of boxing.

As for Cuellar he has certainly announced himself as a top Featherweight contender, following his points win over Rico Ramos and now this stoppage of Lopez. 

Jermall Charlo TKO 7 Norberto Gonzalez

Charlo 19-0(15) remained undefeated with a completely dominating performance against tough Mexican warhorse Norberto Gonzalez 20-5(13), who was rightly saved from further punishment in the 7th when his corner threw in the towel.

Gonzalez was tough but took punishment throughout the fight, being dropped by a straight right in the 5th. The 6th was dominant enough to be scored 10-8 without any knockdowns.

A point deduction in the 4th for a second low blow only invigorated Charlo to punish Gonzalez further. 

Charlo now isn't far from a world title shot. While wins may be hard to come by for Gonzalez.  

Julian Williams UD 8 Eliezer Gonzalez

 

Williams 17-0-1(10) continued his unbeaten streak while ending Gonzalez's with a unanimous decision win over 8 competitive rounds.

Julian Williams

Gonzalez 14-1(9) was more than in the fight after 4 rounds where he gave Williams plenty to think about, but then Williams' experience at a higher level took over.

A quality jab from Williams was missing for Gonzalez, who did keep reminding his Philly opponent he was there with fast counters. 

Both can take a lot from the fight, Williams looks on a good road, while Gonzalez must avoid dropping his level of opposition to make the most of his potential.

All three judges scored it 80-72 to Williams.

Errol Spence RTD 2 Noe Bolanos

Spence 14-0(11) continues to show himself as one of the best prospects in boxing, with a 2nd round retirement over Bolanos 24-11-1(16).

Spence pounding the body of Bolanos, while peppering with hard shots from the outside, landing 45% of his punches.

Bolanos retired at the end of the 2nd citing a hand injury, unfortunately halting a good workout for the talented Spence. 

No World Title shot for Saunders: Andrade-Korobov ordered

By Peter Wells:

In the matter of days, Billy Joe Saunders has gone from jubilation to frustration. 

After the announcement that Peter Quillin had vacated the WBO Middleweight title, it was believed that Saunders - as the number 2 ranked with the WBO - would be given a shot at the vacant title against the number 1 rated Matt Korobov. But it has come to the surface that the recent WBO Light Middleweight champion, Demetrius Andrade has been offered the opportunity instead. A mystifying choice considering Andrade has only recently claimed the WBO crown in the lighter weight class.

The aparant reason for not selecting Billy Joe is that he has not fought a top 15 fighter with the WBO. 

One has to point to the fact that neither has Andrade at Middleweight, and individual governing bodies rankings hardly give a legit landscape of the actual Divisions rankings.

However this proves a great opportunity for Andrade to become a two division world champion, with the hope that "Boo Boo" can become a wanted man, as oppossed to his current status as a man struggling to find the marquee fights. 

The two promoter's have 15 days to reach an agreement before the contest goes to purse bids. 

As for Saunders, its back to where he was a week ago, nothing much has changed. A grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr could be the most likely option for the European champion. 

Thursday Night Mayhem: The prelude to Mayweather-Maidana II

By Peter Wells:

One thing that we know for sure about Floyd 'Money' Mayweather, he doesn't just take part in a boxing match, he takes part in an event. When Mayweather fights it's the Superbowl of boxing, and he is the MVP. That's why fight week ahead of a Mayweather extravaganza isn't your ordinary fight week. You don't just get one undercard, you get two. On Saturday night there is the customary preceding fights to wet the appetite, but with Floyd that just wouldn't be enough. On the Friday - or Thursday in this case - before the fight, a card of its own is aired on Fox Sports in Las Vegas. An appetiser to get you in the mood just 24 or 48 hours before the main event.

Credit where credit is due, Golden Boy and Mayweather promotions haven't disappointed with a tasty Thursday night of boxing. Unbeaten Heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode top the show, with Jesus Cuellar taking on Juan Manuel Lopez in the other 12 rounder. Jordan Shimmell 16-0(13), Errol Spence 13-0(10), Prichard Colon 11-0(10), Josesito Lopez 32-6(19), Jamel Herring 8-0(5), Oscar Negrete 5-0(1) and Bryant Perrella 6-0(5) all grace the undercard. Jermall Charlo vs Norberto Gonzalez and Julian Williams vs Eliezer Gonzalez are the standout 8 rounders.

Luis Ortiz 21-0(18) vs Lateef Kayode 20-0(16)

Luis Ortiz (left) & Lateef Kayode (right)

Two crude but heavy punchers who should provide an entertaining Heavyweight affair - not a phrase you hear much these days. But the new dawn of Heavyweights are bringing as much excitement as vulnerability. Cuba's Ortiz and Nigeria's Kayode both have a lot to learn on the technical side - the Cuban as expected is the better boxer - but they both offer up explosive knockout power.

The left hand of Ortiz vs the right hand of Kayode, in a Southpaw vs Orthodox match-up. Ortiz is the taller and by far the wider. His best win to date came against a faded Monte Barrett (KO 4), but he still showed the type of power, accuracy and speed that has kept him unbeaten to this point.

This is a big step up as he takes on a Kayode who has been 10 rounds or beyond 4 times - Ortiz is yet to go past round 8. A strong puncher, but not necessarily a KO artist, Kayode drew with Antonio Tarver in his most serious examination in the ring - the result was later changed to a No-Decision after Tarver failed the drugs test. Matt Godfrey was down 3 times but survived to hear the final bell as did Felix Cora Jr minus the knockdowns.

Kayode has been hit back far more than Ortiz and has proven he can take a whack as good as he gives one, although upon taking a flush shot, Kayode often becomes wild reverting to a macho style of fighting. Against the faster Ortiz, he can't afford to become ragged.

Kayode's chin should see him through the early rounds where Ortiz will be most dangerous, before taking over in the 2nd half of the contest. If Ortiz's stamina holds up he can see it through to the final bell but will lose on a close decision. It will be wild and exciting at times and action-less and boring at others.

Jesus Cuellar 24-1(18) vs Juan Manuel Lopez 34-4(31)

Jesus Cuellar (left) & JuanMa Lopez (right)

Loser of 2 of his last 3 fights and JuanMa Lopez is looking on a downward spiral. Only rising from the deck to halt Daniel Ponce De Leon in 2 has kept the light burning.

Tipped to be the next Puerto Rican star, JuanMa has never been the same since his first defeat to Orlando Salido (TKO 8). Now fresh off the back of a 3rd round retirement against Super Featherweight Francisco Vargas, Lopez is moving back down to face another fighter on the rise.

Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar from Argentina last fought the night before Mayweather-Maidana 1 and hopes to take home another triumph on fight week for the rematch. Last time he defeated former world champion Rico Ramos on points.

Cuellar for all his aggression has been stopped himself by Oscar Escandon (TKO 7). Lopez still a big puncher can pull something out of the bag given the opportunity, and Cuellar certainly has a wilder style similar to Ponce De Leon or Lopez himself, rather than the more defensively tight Mikey Garcia and Vargas.

This should present opportunities for JuanMa as Cuellar pours forward but one cannot see Lopez pulling another rabbit out the hat. Cuellar can be caught flush and dragged into deep waters, but with the greater ambition and energy on his side he will be the one to surface first inside 6 rounds.

Julian Williams 16-0-1(10) vs Eliezer Gonzalez 14-0(9)

Julian Williams (left) & Eliezer Gonzalez (right)

If you want to see two contrasting ways of developing a fighter then look no further than the record of Julian Williams and Eliezer Gonzalez. Philly's Williams has been the 8 rounds with Joachim Alcine - dropping the Canadian 3 times - had an unfortunate no contest with unbeaten Hugo Centeno Jr, taken out Orlando Lora and Freddy Hernandez both in 3 rounds, before KO'ing Michael Medina in 8. That is a testing education, one that will hold him in good stead when he reaches world title level at Light Middleweight.

On the other hand Puerto Rico's Gonzalez has only fought one fighter with a winning record. Now a big step up in class awaits, but also an opportunity. His first contest outside of Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic and a chance to make a statement against the favoured Williams.

Williams is a patient but heavy handed fighter, who tends to let his fists fly with vigour. Eliezer touted as a hot prospect in Puerto Rico has had trouble finding opponents willing to step in and face him which should further encourage him to make a statement tonight.

Trained by Felix Trinidad Sr, Gonzalez will give an extremely good account of himself, but will fall just short on the scorecards in a terrific contest that would be better served over 10 or 12 rounds.

Jermall Charlo 18-0(14) vs Norberto Gonzalez 20-4(13)

Jermall Charlo (left) & Norberto Gonzalez (right)

Jermall, the twin brother of Jermell, will be less than satisfied with his two fights since a bout with IBF Light Middleweight champion Carlos Molina fell through at the 11th hour. A 3rd round retirement of Hector Munoz is now followed by the extremely tough but very beatable Norberto Gonzalez.

Jermall however is seen as the less seasoned of the twins, meaning a good 8 rounds in the bag against a man whose last 2 opponents were Yudel Johnson and Roberto Garcia, who are both looking to set up title fights in the near future following their respective wins over Gonzalez.

Charlo can punch and the plodding but defensively sound Gonzalez hit the canvas twice against Johnson. However the pick is for Charlo to dominate Gonzalez from the outside, before pushing the Mexican back in the later rounds of this 8 rounder to take a shutout points win.

Amnat Ruenroeng retains Flyweight belt with split decision

By Peter Wells:

The final fight of a week of Flyweight action saw Amnat Ruenroeng hold onto his IBF Flyweight strap with a split decision win against McWilliams Arroyo.

The champion out of Thailand survived a 6th round knockdown, his speed and activity helping him to fend off the more accurate and powerful Arroyo.

Now 14-0(5), Ruenroeng will be looking at future contests with the stars of the division, including Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada who were both triumphant at the weekend, and hold the other 3 world titles between them.

Puerto Rico's Arroyo 15-2(13) started the contest fairly well, as he found his way inside against the taller champion. Left uppercuts and body shots seemed to be getting to Ruenroeng. But still his work was often untidy, although it was far more effective.

Ruenroeng remained composed, before he was tagged hard and felled in the 6th round. Amnat flourished to end the session and came out determined in the next, regaining control from distance. The 7th and 8th rounds were poor for Arroyo as he lost momentum.

Arroyo covered up well all night, not taking any severe punishment, but often his attacks were wild and fell short where he was countered by the faster Ruenroeng.

Amnat then began to drop off the pace, holding more than anything, while Arroyo became increasingly frustrated. Still the away fighters aggressive approach compared to the negativity from Ruenroeng had to count for something.

Neither really took command in the championship rounds, and it proved crucial as Ruenroeng's earlier work was rewarded on the scorecards.

A close fight was reflected on the cards, 115-114 and 114-113 to Ruenroeng, and 114-113 Arroyo. I scored the contest 115-113 Arroyo.

In a stacked division, Arroyo can bounce back, while Ruenroeng will now be a target, with the likes of Brian Viloria, Juan Carlos Reveco, etc looking to make a statement in a weight class that has boxing fans talking.

Roman Gonzalez set for Luis Concepcion war

By Peter Wells:

Roman Gonzalez

Fresh off a stunning 9th round victory over WBC Flyweight champion Akira Yaegashi, Roman Gonzalez 40-0(34) looks set to entertain another mouth-watering contest with the exciting but vulnerable Luis Concepcion 32-3(23).

Nothing yet is confirmed, but the bout is being weighed up for November 22nd in Japan. 

While fans will not be disappointed by this potential thriller, the popular choice was for Gonzalez to rematch Juan Francisco Estrada who topped his victory of Brian Viloria with a 11th round stoppage of Giovanni Segura on Saturday night.

Gonzalez is now being recognised by fans across the globe as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. Many will rightly say that if Gonzalez was a Welterweight or Middleweight for example, he would be a huge hit on American TV. His style has been compared to that of Gennady Golovkin. His fan base in Nicaragua is growing with each performance, he was met by a hero's welcome when returning from victory over Yaegashi.

Thanks to YouTube and online streaming, hardcore boxing fans haven't had to miss out on some classic encounters.

Luis Concepcion

Concepcion is most well known for his two wars with Hernan 'Tyson' Marquez in 2011. The first encounter was a tremendous fight that saw both boxers hit the canvas - both down in the 1st before Concepcion went down again in rounds 3 and 10. 

The rematch lasted just 1 unforgettable round, Concepcion hitting the floor 3 times. 

Concepcion has recorded wins over Denkaosan Kaovichit (TKO 1), Odilon Zaleta (TKO 2) and others in spectacular fashion, but he is yet to hold a full world title.

Concepcion has the style to make an exciting encounter with Gonzalez, but the 5ft 2inch Panamanian is unlikely to offer 'Chocolatito' any major problems. Concepcion can punch, but his punch resistance may crumble early, in a fun but short affair. 

Billy Joe Saunders world title shot eyed for 22/11

By Peter Wells:

On Thursday it was announced that Peter 'Kid Chocolate' Quillin had decided upon vacating his WBO Middleweight title in search of greater opportunities, rather than accept the mandatory challenge of Matt Korobov 24-0(14).

With the news comes a great opportunity for the number 2 ranked Middleweight in the WBO rankings, London's Billy Joe Saunders 20-0(11).

Frank Warren has swiftly moved into action to ensure the European champion the world title shot.

If all negotiations go well then the aim is to place Billy Joe's maiden world title fight on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Derrick Chisora 2 at the Excel Arena in London. 

Saunders, a talented southpaw, would serve a great chance against the Russian-American. Both successful amateurs, but while both remain unbeaten it is Saunders who seems to have enjoyed a better transition to the paid ranks.

Victory for Saunders would make him the first Gypsy to become a world champion.

They are both quality boxers who carry a dig when needed. The bout would certainly be a tactical and tense affair that could go either way.