This weekends key fights

By Peter Wells:

Friday 27th September:

Selcuk Aydin 25-2(18)-DeMarcus Corley 39-20-1(23)

Saturday 28th September:

Stephane Jamoye 25-3(15)-Karim Guerfi 19-3(5)

European Bantamweight title

Adonis Stevenson 21-1(18)-Tavoris Cloud 24-1(19)

WBC Light Heavyweight title

Eleider Alvarez 12-0(8)-Edison Miranda 35-8(30)

Jean Pascal 27-2-1(16)-George Blades 23-4(16)

David Lemieux 29-2(28)-Marcus Upshaw 15-10-2(7)

Breidis Prescott 26-5(20)-Edinson Garcia 23-16(12)

Devis Boschiero 33-1-1(16)-Guillaume Frenois 31-0(5)

European Super Featherweight title

Humberto Soto 61-8-2(35)-Mahonri Montes 28-2-1(21)

Harry Simon 28-0(21)-Geard Ajetovic 23-8-1(11)

IBF International Light Heavyweight title

Alberto Rossel 30-8(13)-Jose Alfredo Zuniga 11-4-1(3)

Gavin McDonnell 9-0-1(3)-Josh Wale 15-5-1(8)

Andy Townsend 7-1(4)-Rendall Munroe 25-3-1(11)

Glen Tapia 19-0(11)-Elco Garcia 27-8(13)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr 46-1-1(32)-Brian Vera 23-6(14)

Diego Magdaleno 23-1(9)-Edgar Riovalle 36-15-2(25)

Karim Mayfield 17-0-1(10)-Christopher Fernandez 21-15-1(13)

Jose Felix Jr 24-0-1(19)-Joseph Laryea 17-8(13)

Matt Korobov 20-0(12)-Grady Brewer 30-16(16)

Monday 30th September

Ali Funeka 32-4-3(26)-Jason Bedeman 17-1-3(14)

Michael Perez 18-1-2(10)-Miguel Zuniga 12-2(7)

Sadam Ali 16-0(10)-Jay Krupp 17-5(8)

Stardom Awaits: Abner Mares vs Jhonny Gonzalez Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingsaddler):

Already a Pound-for-Pound hit, Abner Mares is aiming for the highest mountain peak as he prepares to trade blows with friend and fellow Mexican, Jhonny Gonzalez. The fighter born in the poverty stricken area of Guadalajara has thus far swept world titles from three weight classes and with a growing reputation looks set to expand further.

His next challenge though will be no easier than his previous 7 world title opponents. Gonzalez's impressive record of 54-8 with an astonishing 46 knockouts indicates this former Bantamweight and Featherweight world title holder is nothing short of a menacing threat to Mares' unbeaten ledger.

Although Gonzalez looked a faded figure when dominated by Daniel Ponce De Leon last September, it was his first defeat for 12 fights since he was halted in a shoot-out vs Toshiaki Nishioka. In between those two defeats the Mexican tore through both Hozumi Hasegawa and Rogers Mtagwa - the latter almost shocked Juan Manuel Lopez in a close decision defeat - in 4 and 2 rounds respectively. Elio Rojas was another high profile victory in that short time frame for Gonzalez.

Jhonny has shared the ring with some of the top Bantamweights and Super Bantamweights of his era: Gerry Penalosa (L KO 7) - when ahead on the scorecards - Fernando Montiel (W SD 12), Marc Johnson (W KO 8) and Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (W TKO 7) as well as several more.

Gonzalez has been widely known as a boxer/puncher. For many Mexican fight fans he doesn't have the aggressive nature for them to take him to their hearts, but then again those that booed during his fight with Israel Vazquez have likely never stepped foot in a ring. Gonzalez's style has brought him success in boxing and no one can fault him there, and despite his ability to outbox some of his rivals he has sometimes unwisely elected to stand and trade with his more limited opponents.

Until he became careless vs Vazquez, Gonzalez was in control having already sent the gun-slinging warrior to the canvas twice. In the 10th round when needing a stoppage, Vazquez had Gonzalez in the perfect position and managed to stop him there and then.

Abner Mares (Right) knocks down Ponce De Leon (Left)

While tomorrow night Gonzalez will not be taking on an opponent with the power of Vazquez, he will be challenging a champion with many more threats in his arsenal.

Abner Mares - 26-0-1(14) - has begun to win fans over since the controversial low blows he issued out in his first encounter with the likeable Joseph Agbeko (W MD 12). Many believe that Mares should have at least had points deducted or even been chucked out for his persistent fouling.

Wins over Vic Darchinyan (W SD 12), Eric Morel (W UD 12), Anselmo Moreno (W UD 12) and Daniel Ponce De Leon (W TKO 9) and a convincing win in an ordered rematch vs Agbeko (W UD 12) have transformed this once raw fighter into a pound-for-pound star. Mares' only blemish on his record came when he was unfortunate to be denied victory against Yonnhy Perez (D 12).

Although not a devastating puncher, Mares did pull out a stoppage vs the durable Ponce De Leon, in a fight that was close until the referee's intervention.

Despite Gonzalez's stellar career, it does seem that the 31 year old has hit a roadblock. His work rate was practically doubled by Ponce De Leon, while Mares was the busier fighter when he twice floored the 49 fight veteran.

Expect Mares to swarm Gonzalez from the start only to be met by the occasional sharp right hand counter. Landing a knockout punch while Mares rushes in may well be Jhonny's only shot at victory.

The pick is for Mares to come close to stopping Gonzalez in the middle rounds, but if he fails to do so then he may tire in the latter stages. Gonzalez will finish with a flourish but it wont be enough. Mares will take the victory via a comfortable unanimous decision.



Leo Santa Cruz (Left) & Victor Terrezas (Right)

On the undercard just a few steps behind Mares is fellow Golden Boy Mexican star, Leo Santa Cruz. His style has drawn many comparisons to Mares as well as the much bigger Antonio Margarito. Santa Cruz works off an unbelievable motor, but has also shown weaknesses when charging forward.
Having already struck gold with the IBF Bantamweight title, Leo takes on WBC Super Bantamweight title holder, Victor Terrezas - 37-2-1(21). The Mexican won the vacant title last time out when narrowly outpointing Cristian Mijares (W SD 12). He also has a win over Fernando Montiel (W UD 12), while losing on his debut and was also halted by Rendall Munroe (L TKO 9), 3 years ago.
Although a very good and experienced fighter, Terrezas has not fought the highest level of opponents. His two biggest wins were both close against arguably faded opponents.

The taller Santa Cruz - 24-0-1(14) - who has stopped three of his last 4 opponents can do the same here, with a stoppage in around 9 rounds.

Is this Cleverly's 'Lacy' Moment? Nathan Cleverly vs Sergey Kovalev Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingsaddler):

It's not often that a fighter goes into the lions den having the expectation of returning home with the lions scalp. Then again its not usually a dragon entering the den! That is indeed the case this Saturday when Nathan Cleverly 26-0(12KOs) will trade blows with his visitor - the Russian beast, Sergey Kovalev 21-0-1(19KOs).

The hype surrounding the unbeaten Kovalev is growing, and most believe the challenger will rip the WBO Light Heavyweight title from Cleverly's grasp. The big punching Eastern European has fought exclusively in his land of residence, USA and ventures across the Pacific to tackle the new Welsh Dragon.

While some sceptics may point to the fact that Kovalev has yet to challenge his unquestionable power against any of the heavyweights of the 175lbs division, just as easily the same can be said of the champion.

To their credit though they both have at least one well recognisable name on their records. Kovalev demolished the durable Gabriel Campillo in 3 rounds - who pushed world champions, Tavoris Cloud and Beibut Shumenov close and drew with Karo Murat.

Before becoming a world champion, Cleverly defeated Murat via 10th round TKO, now Murat is set to challenge fellow 175lbs title holder Bernard Hopkins. Then inbetween a few unknown defences Cleverly squeezed past rival Tony Bellew. Since then Bellew took two attempts to set up a WBC title shot vs the winner of Adonis Stevenson-Tavoris Cloud.

When it comes to styles clashing, this is undoubtedly a clash that is sure to provide nervy excitement. Kovalev is a patient knockout artist, his style drawing many comparisons to that of Middleweight banger Gennady Golovkin.

While his power has brought great success, it has also brought a tragedy no fighter ever wishes to be involved in. On December 8th 2011, Roman Simakov died in hospital, just three days after he was halted in 7 rounds by Kovalev. Hollywood would no doubt use this sad episode to further glorify Kovalev's fear factor, but in boxing we can only write it down as an unfortunate and tragic event.

Thankfully unlike many boxers before him Kovalev has not lost confidence and hasn't showed any signs that he is holding back on his own punches. Four knockout wins have followed and not one has exceeded the 3rd stanza.

Cleverly meanwhile has built his reputation as an exciting fast-handed boxer. Despite a lack in one punch knockout power, he has a solid chin and has become willing to engage against lesser challengers.

For Cleverly to be victorious he cannot afford to be dragged into exposing his macho side. The Welshman must remain calm throughout and dominate where he can - on the outside.

Cleverly's fans are hoping this fight will replicate the night when Joe Calzaghe schooled the feared favourite, Jeff Lacy. But lest we forget Kovalev's mindset is far from similar to Lacy's. Kovalev has already faced terrible adversity when Simakov passed away, and the way in which he has resumed his career shows their are no mental frailties in this Russian machines armour. Cleverly will not be able to break Kovalev mentally, like Calzaghe did to Lacy.

Yet this could still be Nathan's breakout fight, a chance to prove most of the world wrong. My own confidence in a Cleverly win has diminished slightly, as it's very hard to see him being able to avoid the inevitable bombs.

The pick though is still for Cleverly to pick his moments and outbox Kovalev for most parts of the fight. But if Kovalev can land enough significant punches then the visitor will likely rip away the title while injecting further fear into the Light Heavyweight ranks. With Kovalev at 175 and Golovkin at 160, there doesn't seem much place to hide for those locked in this small field of weight classes. Right now there may be no scarier place to be.

***

 

The undercard also packs a good punch, with plenty of sizzling match-ups to look forward to before the main attraction.

 

Ovill McKenzie 21-11(10KOs) will rematch Enzo Maccarinelli 36-6(28KOs) in a defence of the formers Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title. The first encounter was just beginning to live up to expectation as a slugfest when Ian John Lewis intervened prematurely, handing McKenzie a 2nd round win.

 

After a terrible start to his career McKenzie has only lost twice to Tony Bellew since winning the Prizefighter. A 3 round destruction of Tony Dodson suggested he'd do the same to the aging Enzo.

 

Still expect fireworks and a few knockdowns but the pick is for McKenzie to continue his good form, stopping Maccarinelli in 5 rounds.

 



In a fight expected to provide just as much excitement, Gary Buckland 27-2(9KOs) defends his British Super Featherweight title against one of the famous Smith brothers, Stephen Smith 16-1(9KOs).

Everything was going to plan for Smith before he ran into the improving Lee Selby who halted the Liverpudlian in 8 rounds. With confidence renewed Stephen is ready to step back up to the level where he was knocked off of nearly two years ago.

Buckland has only lost to Ben Murphy and one time world title challenger, John Murray, while wins over Paul Truscott, Stephen Foster and Gary Sykes (twice) show he is no easy obstacle for Smith.

The pick is for Smith's better boxing skills to prevail in a nip-and-tuck affair. Buckland's energy and punching power will keep him competitive, but in the end he'll narrowly miss out.

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