tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18753347240440302842024-03-13T10:04:13.643+00:00SportingMatrix • We Live For SportSportingMatrix is a UK run blog dedicated to providing authentic news updates, reports and opinion as part of a vast library of sporting content, made by the fans. We Live For Sport.Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.comBlogger2487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-8505487211137089812024-02-11T14:47:00.003+00:002024-03-08T07:03:32.067+00:00Super Bowl LVIII: Preview, Prediction<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qEhWYTITOaZmp5RXYNeuXUEsrfxsd_WTtdMVLTICvH5tqkvnqHYj3EQC3gcOgAB1ariduo_rHbwGuMw6YtdsBcfydwXScXB_1qCAZfhgcRCznJ3vsPazYMRo_X7CIR2D8qax99xbQMr4wAaT90JpheYRxS6EevvMMXWfQJ_aWVy_DvQ6n5yUS6B53qvM/s8640/4OMOF26YTFOMZFXVPCM6ITKYGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qEhWYTITOaZmp5RXYNeuXUEsrfxsd_WTtdMVLTICvH5tqkvnqHYj3EQC3gcOgAB1ariduo_rHbwGuMw6YtdsBcfydwXScXB_1qCAZfhgcRCznJ3vsPazYMRo_X7CIR2D8qax99xbQMr4wAaT90JpheYRxS6EevvMMXWfQJ_aWVy_DvQ6n5yUS6B53qvM/s16000/4OMOF26YTFOMZFXVPCM6ITKYGA.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Welcome back to the 4th annual preview on SportingMatrix for Super Bowl 58, or LVIII. This year heading to Paradise, Nevada are defending champions <a href="https://www.thesportmatrix.com/search?q=chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> and NFC Champions <a href="https://www.thesportmatrix.com/search?q=49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a>. Opened in 2020 and home to the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium has a capacity for NFL games of 65,000, expandable to 71,835. At a cost of $1.9 billion, it is the second-most expensive stadium in the world, only behind Super Bowl LVI host SoFi stadium. </div><div><br /></div><div>The 49ers come into the big game off a 12-5 regular season record, being the NFC’s #1 seed. After receiving a first-round bye, they dispatched of back-to-back NFC North opponents in the Divisional Round and Conference Championship respectively. First, the Green Bay Packers went down 24-21, before San Fransicio needed to rally from 17 points down to defeat the Detroit Lions 34-31 to book their ticket to their first Super Bowl since 2020, against the same opponents that they meet in 2024… </div><div><br /></div><div>The Chiefs went into the playoffs with an 11-6 record, only enough for the #3 seed in the AFC. The first team in the way of defending their crown was the Miami Dolphins, who suffered a 26-7 defeat against Kansas City. Then in the much-anticipated rematch, this time in Buffalo, the Chiefs squeaked by the Bills 27-24 to make their 5th AFC title game in a row. They would win their 4th of these, taking down near-unanimous league MVP Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in what was hardly a classic. </div><div><br />After last season's success of the 262nd pick in the 2022 draft Brock Purdy, San Francisco committed to him by naming him their starter and trading away 3rd pick of the 2021 draft Trey Lance. Brock repaid this faith shown in him by putting up 4280 passing yards, 31 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, with a 69.4% completion percentage. This bettered his QB counterpart Patrick Mahomes (4183 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 67.2% completion), although he had his worst statistical season in several categories. The 49ers have been an offensive juggernaut, becoming the first team in league history to have four players with over 1000 scrimmage yards. Defensively they were 3rd in the NFL, giving up an average of 17.5 points per game. They are looking to win their 6th Super Bowl in their 9th appearance, and in doing so they would be the first NFC team to have 6 wins and also join the tied record in the NFL alongside the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Kansas City’s offense struggled this season, leading the league in dropped passes going into week 18 and Travis Kelce going under 1000 receiving yards for the first time since 2015. However, they have still found their way through the playoffs and will attempt to become the first team to successfully defend the Super Bowl since the New England Patriots in 2004. They were the latest team to attempt this, winning in 2019 before losing in 2020. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwBJYQ0R3oUstk6jFUuLx7AUZ_h9aNw2fbWXNlmy04KjQnYFTqt_9tsZ8SwqTN-cBfa9INaeMJBvf1-_p7SgOoUkg3ZIuBimXs_cdwEbfEly_84LHqrYyfxat3Qdq2WE9Tnzc1JcLfnI1eSWPZddQEofjSJJfHXiFLoOrsSwGJDTA0AM-d11LIGa72QP6p" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwBJYQ0R3oUstk6jFUuLx7AUZ_h9aNw2fbWXNlmy04KjQnYFTqt_9tsZ8SwqTN-cBfa9INaeMJBvf1-_p7SgOoUkg3ZIuBimXs_cdwEbfEly_84LHqrYyfxat3Qdq2WE9Tnzc1JcLfnI1eSWPZddQEofjSJJfHXiFLoOrsSwGJDTA0AM-d11LIGa72QP6p=s16000" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As if any more incentive to win a Super Bowl is needed, this is a rematch of Super Bowl LIV where the Chiefs won their first championship since 1970 against the 49ers, who themselves haven’t won since 1995. Taking place in Miami, Kansas City overturned a 10 point 3rd quarter deficit with 21 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to win 31-20. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eight-time Grammy winner Usher will perform this year's half-time show. One of the best-selling musical artists of the 2000’s decade, the “King of R&B”s 2004 album Confessions sold over 20 million copies worldwide, certified diamond by the RIAA and contained four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles; “Yeah!”, “Burn”, “Confessions Part II” and “My Boo”.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyFh7q_Ohrg4Hg3HnumqwN3Fe-frZbhsQ_eU20n48kerpas5SxSeFx0ZTLPypvlv7O99ibm8KTOdp4_JrC-55hlNyfXrfkQraHtDcY2DtObaP_uswvLYGxUHNEyR-9TnVGbOJ064Vn8qnP3wLv3B3TJab6scyMnsdjsOv1p4cG25TCtGu0Vsu1S9JZoWri" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyFh7q_Ohrg4Hg3HnumqwN3Fe-frZbhsQ_eU20n48kerpas5SxSeFx0ZTLPypvlv7O99ibm8KTOdp4_JrC-55hlNyfXrfkQraHtDcY2DtObaP_uswvLYGxUHNEyR-9TnVGbOJ064Vn8qnP3wLv3B3TJab6scyMnsdjsOv1p4cG25TCtGu0Vsu1S9JZoWri=s16000" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>As with previous years, I have been predicting every game across the NFL season. This year prior to the Super Bowl I have gone 169-115, with a disappointing 5-7 postseason record. I am now 1-2 with Super Bowl picks writing for SportingMatrix, having successfully backed the Chiefs to beat the Eagles last year, also getting the exact margin of 3 points. I am predicting an equally close one here too, but against my better judgment am going against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and backing the 49ers to win by 3 this time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Super Bowl LVIII will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1, with pre-game coverage starting at 10:45pm and kick off expected for 11:30pm. It will air in the US on CBS, streaming on Paramount+ at 6:30pm ET (3:30pm PT) The game will air all over the world, for the full list of countries and channels, visit <a href="https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/ways-to-watch/countries-and-languages/ " target="_blank">https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/ways-to-watch/countries-and-languages</a>/.</div>SportingMatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08706506657273010895noreply@blogger.com0Las Vegas, NV, USA36.171563 -115.13910097.8613291638211535 -150.29535090000002 64.481796836178845 -79.9828509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-18644236382945403762023-11-01T10:02:00.002+00:002023-11-01T10:02:17.937+00:00Concern mounts for Fury following Ngannou near-miss <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioYMvn6x-w9keLJpU21EkNqecNPWjck6WS5-5XpfZQw0zw9rSaWyNI2CtzP5vuK7mCa9YhAIxU4g-okHze-wv8ynaYLi3sLaLjbNaDSWgTkQRobIsoEajBvM627ytQOM_nk7_19BfNIBgUJj_gwICMFPSUtoqJ9XZHeNdMqRHa9sajlp3ggM83T2fUVtC9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioYMvn6x-w9keLJpU21EkNqecNPWjck6WS5-5XpfZQw0zw9rSaWyNI2CtzP5vuK7mCa9YhAIxU4g-okHze-wv8ynaYLi3sLaLjbNaDSWgTkQRobIsoEajBvM627ytQOM_nk7_19BfNIBgUJj_gwICMFPSUtoqJ9XZHeNdMqRHa9sajlp3ggM83T2fUVtC9=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Justin Setterfield / Getty Images </td></tr></tbody></table>On paper, this was a lay-up for Tyson Fury. Secure a multi-million dollar paycheque, shake off the cobwebs, and make a statement against a formidable opponent to set up the biggest fight of his career (and one of the biggest in boxing history). With Oleksandr Usyk watching on, "The Gypsy King" avoided disaster by the skin of his teeth. <div><br /></div><div>It was a commendable display from professional boxing debutant and former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou. Never allowing the Brit to settle, establish rhythm, or impose his size, Fury was made to work and looked a shadow of his prime self, which begs the question: is Fury now finally slowing down, or was this a result of overlooking Ngannou with poor preparation? Both are equally concerning. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the age of 35, retirement has been on the mind and even enacted by Fury throughout his career. From knocking Wladimir Klitschko off his perch some 8 years ago, to a near-catastrophic downfall of addiction and weight gain, to coming back to usurp the hardest hitter in the division Deontay Wilder and string a few further defences, it has been a long, hard and legendary road for The Gypsy King. That road may finally be taking its toll.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether you binge-watched "At Home With The Furys" on Netflix or stumbled across Tyson's own personal remarks about retirement, it's clear that the exit game is on the agenda, and it has been for some time. It was only last summer when the 6'9" switch hitter announced he was hanging up the gloves after flatlining Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. But then came Dereck Chisora in a farcical event before Ngannou, which would have set the table very nicely for a career-defining Fury vs Usyk mega showdown for all the belts in the heavyweight division. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bruised left eye of Fury tells the story - this did not go to plan. Ngannou was supposed to go over far easier, not push the champion to the brink of defeat. Fury will take the blame but perhaps the promoters and his team also should - taking a fight like that against an unknown entity just 8 weeks out from the super fight in theory ticks all the boxes, but the margin for error is minimal. The December 23rd date now looks unlikely as a result, and with that, the chances of the fight collapsing at the next round of negotiations has gone up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ngannou's tactics certainly threw The Gypsy King off. He expected to rely on his reflexes and excellent counter-punching as the Cameroonian recklessly waded in. Instead he found himself at times losing the lead hand fight, and dealing with the awkward switch stances of the former UFC champion. Ngannou exercised a patience that was only seen towards the tail-end of his UFC career when he captured the heavyweight title in an empty UFC Apex against Stipe Miocic. Calculated and biding his time, The Predator did not want to lose the cardio battle and paced himself as a result - maybe too cautiously, as he could have poured it on Fury following the third-round knockdown. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fury was also deterred by the fact that, despite landing several clean right hands down the pipe, Ngannou was able to absorb them unphased and continue walking forward. This is where the style that secured him heavyweight supremacy against Klitschko could have come in, as oppose to the search-and-destroy method that has been honed under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward. A more boring stick-and-move approach might have done the trick.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was also the physicality, strength and tenacity of Ngannou which was a perfect kryptonite for Fury's clinching tactics. We saw in the Wilder trilogy that Fury was able to wear down "The Bronze Bomber" by leaning on him in the clinch and making the American carry his weight. In Saudi Arabia, we saw Ngannou rattle off uppercuts and at one point even shrug Fury off that sent the Morecambe native to the ropes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fury will know all too well of how the media can be unrelenting in their criticism and he has been scolded in the aftermath of the bout. It would be jumping the gun to indicate that the end is nigh but the facts are it was a performance of concern for The Gypsy King. Against Usyk, the knockout threat won't be as potent but he does find himself against a skilled boxer who will know all the tricks and if Ngannou was able to stifle Fury then the Ukrainian will be licking his chops. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-20812038255256053672023-10-30T15:08:00.001+00:002023-11-01T10:02:47.604+00:00Ngannou delivers after going all in on himself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0nv8jNTZJn4tqc71WPegRZMvuE_Dbf9IMVHFKWkr5GC7cVcCJLw2q3CS0bG5UpJxR2ssnWaodKUCqgmrjkEs8LpAoHa3qyJ8k6z9lxlDeWWbf0UURCq7mvYQXfGUfe5FUhc0qRiIBvzlrQDLAmMjWZSHtWo1QmjBs5ASMwCukUEZYY1msUa7SV9jSDwin" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0nv8jNTZJn4tqc71WPegRZMvuE_Dbf9IMVHFKWkr5GC7cVcCJLw2q3CS0bG5UpJxR2ssnWaodKUCqgmrjkEs8LpAoHa3qyJ8k6z9lxlDeWWbf0UURCq7mvYQXfGUfe5FUhc0qRiIBvzlrQDLAmMjWZSHtWo1QmjBs5ASMwCukUEZYY1msUa7SV9jSDwin=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Mikey Williams / Top Rank / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>The eyes of the world descended upon the Nafud desert for a night unlike any other. The stage was set for Tyson Fury, amid all the glitz and glamour, to put on a classy display and dispatch professional boxing debutant (and former UFC heavyweight champion) Francis Ngannou to seal the deal for an undisputed mega fight with Oleksandr Usyk. <div><br /></div><div>But ultimately, by the skin of his teeth, The Gypsy King avoided one of the great disasters the sport has ever seen, recovering from a third-round knockdown to defeat the Cameroonian via majority decision. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's still difficult to come to terms with the performance put on by Ngannou. Counted out as merely a participant for a payday, he was able to go toe-to-toe with one of the greatest heavyweights to ever lace up the gloves and in many people's eyes even defeated him. For a man to do that on his professional boxing debut is simply extraordinary. </div><div><br /></div><div>"The Predator" was scoffed at over a year ago when he decided to relinquish the UFC heavyweight crown following a stand-off with the organisation about fighter pay. Only pocketing $600,000 for a defence of the heavyweight crown last January was one of the most glaring examples of pay discrepancies in the sport.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was plenty of shopping around, during that time which the 37-year-old was subject to immense criticism for as they say, fumbling the bag. But that all changed in the summer when a mammoth showdown with Tyson Fury was finally announced - a payday and opportunity of a lifetime in which Ngannou seized spectacularly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did Ngannou put on a remarkable account himself and the sport of mixed martial arts on the world stage, he also sealed a few further paycheques by essentially catapulting himself into the heavyweight top 10. Put the Cameroonian in with any of those other names and you have a massive fight where Ngannou is very much in contention. </div><div><br /></div><div>Talk of what next hasn't been exactly obvious in the aftermath of this contest, but one thing is for sure, Ngannou's options have never been more open. And that is a result of a masterfully executed gameplan over 10 rounds, complemented perhaps by Fury overlooking him. Ngannou did what was asked of him and much more, never tiring and refusing to let The Gypsy King dictate the bout. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are junctions in life where you must take gambles, and as a man who had already been making them, from the fateful decision to leave his home of Cameroon and engage in a life-threatening 14-month journey, finally ending up in the streets of Paris where he found his calling. MMA was what got him here, but boxing was his true love. </div><div><br /></div><div>It makes the subsequent gamble to ditch the UFC and forge his own path, far less risky, but almost as inspiring. Against the odds, he backed himself when few others would, and saw it through to this moment. And if that wasn't enough, he only went and hit it out of the park with one of the most memorable heavyweight performances ever seen. This next chapter of the incredible life of Francis Ngannou may have only just begun. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-6722132247694265242023-10-22T13:43:00.006+01:002023-11-01T10:02:47.604+00:00Makhachev makes Volkanovski pay the price for his courage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolx8CeJ7-cutWTNw0KFcrX-fdh4MrrbB0r_ASQvpCgiw0ySZJpWc8C41UuWH6LIT8t2ISJsE7spjdA4F070yiIFxfRyge48E3tpJCM6c08Un1UjJVCE2Exk6XU4Dw-U11pc6qV1XoBxq2kJfIYYKBGqjKKPDBk4m5gFijajHTui6BBK9wiXp1UYG4r3nG/s1093/MAKHACHEV%20CBS.fw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1093" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolx8CeJ7-cutWTNw0KFcrX-fdh4MrrbB0r_ASQvpCgiw0ySZJpWc8C41UuWH6LIT8t2ISJsE7spjdA4F070yiIFxfRyge48E3tpJCM6c08Un1UjJVCE2Exk6XU4Dw-U11pc6qV1XoBxq2kJfIYYKBGqjKKPDBk4m5gFijajHTui6BBK9wiXp1UYG4r3nG/s16000/MAKHACHEV%20CBS.fw.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: CBS Sports</td></tr></tbody></table>Alexander Volkanovski was chomping at the bit to save the card but ultimately found out the hard way why weight classes and fight camps exist. He was no match this time round for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev who scored the most spectacular victory of his career with a first-round head kick in Abu Dhabi. <div><br /></div><div>The Russian was not touched with a significant strike as he took his time, briefly wrestled with the featherweight titlist before uncorking a sensational left high kick that connected on Volkanovski's dome, sending him stumbling to the canvas before a few ground-and-pound shots made the referee step in. </div><div><br /></div><div>While saving the card was a courageous step that will have the Australian revered by fans for some time, in hindsight Volkanovski may just regret what could have been his last shot at double-champion status. He certainly proved he has the tools to dethrone the Dagestani, having pushed Makhachev to the brink during a thrilling war in Australia in February.</div><div><br /></div><div>Makhachev will for now bask in the finality of the debate after such a hotly contested result in the first bout. The gameplan and measured approach was that of a champion who had brushed shoulders with a defeat and amended it with diligence. The success of his left kicks from the southpaw stance was clearly something the camp had worked on in the last eight months.</div><div><br /></div><div>Landing several low kicks and finding the mark to the body also, Makhachev mixed up the levels perfectly and did not allow Volkanovski time to make his reads, a conundrum for the Aussie with his lack of preparation considered. His striking skills are continuing to flourish as he sharpens into a pound-for-pound tier prizefighter.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Volkanovski certainly has merit to warrant another clash with Makhachev haivng saved the event on a fortnight's notice, it would be a hard sell for the promotion with clear business to take of yet again for both divisions. Ilia Topuria is waiting in the wings for Volkanovski back at 155, while Justin Gaethje's stupendous head-kick knockout of Dustin Poirier in the summer has him in the driver's seat for the next lightweight title shot.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-12539314260630247312023-10-18T15:53:00.001+01:002023-11-01T10:02:47.604+00:00England's stars aligning for historic Euro 2024 run<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjvgEPjT_uiTFLcm0WwwKggwhZfFinMmI87sfvgaLEnc6K1GWjfIlU2i98qO0HFBvQam5paKEL519hURRae3XzrljhsihuVr-c7S65yYP-zI3-_G1oh3bjCu7Q3nyQ8D6scyulUoQwDM0AdvL4OCV5MJPMuCFfSzdkcQougCFmSeMse7pS8DKhfzJCCEG/s1051/KANE%20BELLINGHAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1051" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjvgEPjT_uiTFLcm0WwwKggwhZfFinMmI87sfvgaLEnc6K1GWjfIlU2i98qO0HFBvQam5paKEL519hURRae3XzrljhsihuVr-c7S65yYP-zI3-_G1oh3bjCu7Q3nyQ8D6scyulUoQwDM0AdvL4OCV5MJPMuCFfSzdkcQougCFmSeMse7pS8DKhfzJCCEG/s16000/KANE%20BELLINGHAM.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: @HKane via X</td></tr></tbody></table>Take a trip down memory lane to the summer of 2021. With the country getting to grips with the pandemic and things finally beginning to open up, England's football side are poised to propel the nation into delirium as they embark on a historic European Championships Final at Wembley Stadium. What follows is a dramatic 120 minutes before The Three Lions' hearts are shattered by defeat in the most crushing fashion of all, through a penalty shootout. Forza Italia was heard from the rafters because it wasn't coming home anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>That easily could have been the peak moment of this generation. Yet here we stand, perhaps going into their biggest chance of all. After England secured qualification to Euro 2024 through a spectacular comeback victory, there is a feeling that we may be seeing more huge moments next summer. And what better way to secure it than exacting revenge and conquering the Italians on the same turf they lost the European final two years prior. </div><div><br /></div><div>Optimism and expectation are exercised with caution when it comes to England's football hopes, as has been the status quo maybe all the way back to 1966. There was Gazza mania, the golden generation and now there is the Southgate era that has truly been earmarked - the near-miss of the 2018 World Cup, the agonising 2021 heartbreak against Italy and then the somewhat anti-climax of slipping to France in the 2022 World Cup quarter final - England have at least proved they belong. And with the lineup they have now, they may just be one of the favourites for next summer which still is surreal to say out loud.</div><div><br /></div><div>England's qualification triumph over Italy was not just the exorcism of demons past, but also a reverberating statement that this team are a force to be reckoned with. The developing younger talents shining in the Premier League alongside a more matured and Bundesliga-hardened Harry Kane, as well as a man who may soon take the mantle as the star of the show Jude Bellingham will have "It's Coming Home" blaring on full blast next June. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kane will lead the attack as the skipper who has hit the ground running at Bayern Munich. Having stayed the course at Tottenham Hotspur and doing what he could over a turbulent spell, the 30-year-old finally got his big money move, albeit not to one of the Premier League giants as initially expected. Instead, Kane finds himself deep in Bavaria with the German champions, and wasted no time continuing his prolific form with seven goals in his first five matches, as well as becoming the first player in Bundesliga history to have 12 goal involvements in his first seven appearances. Not only is Kane flourishing as a goal-poacher, as seen when he fended off Allesandro Bastoni after taking a long ball and slotted it past the keeper, but he is also continuing to thrive in his hold-up play, making the most out of his pacey teammates like Leroy Sane at Bayern. The flourishing depot of wingers such as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in the England camp will also be waiting on his service. </div><div><br /></div><div>Behind him likely in the number 10 role will be Bellingham who has justified one of the biggest transfers of this era with a spellbinding start to life at Real Madrid. This is the exact dream vision of a Galactico paying off and the seamless continuation of his hot form into the Italy game was magnificent. He won the penalty after bursting into the area and made a smart decoy run to open up Rashford's electric run for England's second goal, and at 20 years of age can be the man England can build their future around. Galvanising the crowd when the energy dropped and causing panic for the Italians throughout the game, Bellingham lining up behind Kane next summer will be a dangerous tandem. </div><div><br /></div><div>Questions still remain as to the direction manager Gareth Southgate will go, however. Fond (almost too fond if you ask certain pundits who have dubbed them "handbrake" tactics) of playing two holding midfielders, the weak link appears to be whoever sits alongside Calvin Phillips in that position. Southgate will be tempted to enlist Bellingham there and rely on James Maddison or others to fulfil the number 10 but it would be missing a major opportunity. Bellingham must be given the freedom to express himself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Southgate has been accused of playing it too safe before and while his defence-first approach has allowed England to go deep into tournaments, it would be too big of an opportunity to miss by not letting The Three Lions flex their muscle. In what could be his last rodeo as a manager, the stars have aligned for him to concoct a spectacular first tournament win in nearly 60 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>If luck goes England's way and they make it into the tournament with Kane and Bellingham firing, they will be the obvious favourites. As ludicrous as it sounds, it may finally be coming home after all. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-35494147554851400352023-10-17T11:27:00.002+01:002023-11-01T10:02:47.604+00:00Beginning of the end for influencer boxing?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR1TBD7sarYGL6g2iYMG_IrsJFzZp1EAoyMYXmZFLOKOvVSBpOQd8TD9r4BZEigi6jEeUYwhnTwu8_WGtCl0QxB0xcrkmEDLa0IxqtGKo6BYRQuzW-k9vjokTmVmigjWA0OkY7SNVOBxOpKxjZOfa8rDWlKrXJw0lShWn96Kuybv8Ckyi42jdQ2kAWeoJ/s1920/olajide-olayinka-williams-tommy-fury-852488006-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR1TBD7sarYGL6g2iYMG_IrsJFzZp1EAoyMYXmZFLOKOvVSBpOQd8TD9r4BZEigi6jEeUYwhnTwu8_WGtCl0QxB0xcrkmEDLa0IxqtGKo6BYRQuzW-k9vjokTmVmigjWA0OkY7SNVOBxOpKxjZOfa8rDWlKrXJw0lShWn96Kuybv8Ckyi42jdQ2kAWeoJ/s16000/olajide-olayinka-williams-tommy-fury-852488006-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>At first glance, it was another smash hit for the influencer boxing world. A capacity crowd filed in early, A-listers watched on ringside, social media impressions went through the roof, and pay-per-view buys will likely reach a record for an event of this nature. KSI vs Tommy Fury, Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis - the PRIME card was the pinnacle for boxing at this level, and it showed.<div><br /></div><div>What on paper appeared to be two fascinating contests, galvanized by the bad blood seen in the pre-fight buildup, ultimately proved to be contests that were more sizzle than steak. It was as if the main show had already happened by the time the fighters stepped foot in the ring, which makes you wonder - can this really last, or is this merely a niche in this moment in time?</div><div><br /></div><div>Logan Paul exacted revenge over Dillon Danis, but hardly in the way he or the fans would have wanted. It was six messy, clunky rounds where Danis ultimately destroyed his stock as a future pay-per-view fighter going forward. Walking forward with his hands up and taking Paul's poorly-picked shots before making a fool of himself by attempting jiu-jitsu techniques, the former grappling world champion sunk to a desolate decision loss, wasting his and everyone else's time in the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>The main event failed to impress also as professional boxer Tommy Fury snuck past KSI in an uninspiring six-round contest, whereby the YouTube sensation was left enraged having believed he deserved the decision. The Londoner found himself resorting to sitting on the outside and then lunging in with wild overhand rights before clinching with the Love Island star, who himself failed to kick on after just getting by Jake Paul in February. </div><div><br /></div><div>What was billed as a monumental event where history was made turned out to be a damp squib. Add in the controversial final decision and the woes were only stacked further. The signs appear to point that we are getting to the end of the runway for influencer boxing, whether it can take off is now in huge doubt with how this event unfolded. There's only so much marketing and pre-fight drama that can help fans wash the taste out of their mouths with events like this. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tommy Fury was lauded as a messiah for the purists, here to clean up boxing and deal with the two biggest names in the circle, but instead found himself dropped in the last round by Jake Paul, and pushed to the brink by KSI. His star power may dwindle and it would be advised that if he does have ambitions in boxing, going back to the drawing board and building himself as a legitimate prospect will be the best direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe the only thing that can extend the lifeline for influencer boxing is one of the biggest fights the sport can offer, bizarre to say but a fact nonetheless - Jake Paul vs. KSI. It is a fight that, with the right appeal, may just sell out a football stadium in the United Kingdom, but a fight that will once again expose the limitations as both as merely two businessmen putting on the gloves and fighting as novices. Not a bad thing, but not a sustainable one either. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-61282426054322639692023-10-11T18:32:00.001+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.486+01:00Leigh Wood stakes claim as one of most thrilling fighters of modern era <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS5DBUq8oJ6MClsY8yKTILuBBzMg_iOMBQZzaYrwlKh0TgZYl7LkWQN-ccvF-_3EIUau80v7eHhXY8y3_qwQE316CbI4bhPAF5AAl8V0KC_bm2lKYrwGBSBz4Z66ao9gZJV9l4gJDIzECKDUyV5RaQI7J28AG0_7M7IZGoJplhqWBgh0gtQg5jD0wMgNYP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS5DBUq8oJ6MClsY8yKTILuBBzMg_iOMBQZzaYrwlKh0TgZYl7LkWQN-ccvF-_3EIUau80v7eHhXY8y3_qwQE316CbI4bhPAF5AAl8V0KC_bm2lKYrwGBSBz4Z66ao9gZJV9l4gJDIzECKDUyV5RaQI7J28AG0_7M7IZGoJplhqWBgh0gtQg5jD0wMgNYP=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing</td></tr></tbody></table>Give him the City Ground. Give him a knighthood. Heck, give him a Rocky blockbuster because we are witnessing one in real life. Once again, with his back against the wall, Leigh Wood pulled it out of the bag in the only way he can - spectacularly.<div><br /></div><div>Former two-time IBF featherweight world champion Josh Warrington had marauded his way through seven rounds of a frenetic affair in Yorkshire, unsettling the current champion who was sporting the scars of battle as blood trickled from a cut near his right eye. "Leighthal" looked subdued at times and beaten to the punch, struggling to navigate through what was appearing to be the toughest task of his career. And so, hanging by a thread, the hopes of headlining a fight is his hometown stadium were fading.</div><div><br /></div><div>At times opting for a southpaw stance in which his success was surprising albeit limited, Wood cut an ever increasingly frustrated figure until he let it all go with a spectacular combination in the late stages of the second stanza. Warrington was rocked, wobbled and then sent down to the canvas as the hooks poured on. Stumbling back to his corner with the klaxon sounding, the referee would dismiss the contest to the furore of the Leeds man. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while the debate will go on about the timing of the stoppage, what cannot be denied is the thrills that have become a staple of the career of Leigh Wood. This was another major feather in the cap for a man who a few years ago was on the verge of packing up the sport following an unsuccessful bid for the British title. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since then he went on to blow away Can Xu in the gardens of the Matchroom Boxing head offices, climb off the canvas to deliver an all-time classic with Michael Conlan, and bounce back from a crushing KO defeat against Mauricio Lara to school the Mexican for 12 rounds. The only thing left to do is headline the stadium of his boyhood club.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wood's power has bailed him out on countless occasions and he won't deny it. As from a boxing skillset there are many other featherweights in the division who have quicker feet and hand speed however the grit shown by the Nottingham man is defiant and now has himself asserted as one of the best British fighters of the modern era. He has already etched his name in folklore.</div><div><br /></div><div>What appears next could be a Warrington rematch dependent on the amount of fuss kicked up by both the camp of The Leeds Warrior and the fans. It would be a fitting backdrop for a sequel that feels like it has plenty to offer, but the days at featherweight could be over for Wood who admittedly looked weight drained on the scales. </div><div><br /></div><div>"It's been too difficult for him," promoter Eddie Hearn explained of the weight cut. "When you've been a career featherweight, it's very difficult to make weight." All signs point to Wood venturing up to super-featherweight where another mammoth domestic clash could await with IBF titlist Joe Cordina, should the Welshman get by Edward Vasquez in Monte Carlo next month. What more could set the stage than a stadium dream realized and a chance to become a two-weight world champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>That stadium fight has been the north star of Wood's career ever since he held the world title aloft, and so it should be. But whatever that promises to deliver, Wood has etched his name in the record books as one of the most exciting fighters ever seen, and the real fans shall remember that. Never shying away from the pocket, never afraid to take one to land one, and never afraid to take a risk. The football season will need to get over and done with before that night, but when it does, the City Ground will be rocking - what will the latest, and perhaps final sequel of this Hollywood blockbuster have to offer?</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-21946618691706884052023-10-05T13:08:00.006+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.485+01:00Another formality in the Canelo Alvarez sweepstakes <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5o5lbZiJxqbxetUczNLTRbyWSlWF4AtI1p8l_MKNvN8Ckf3r6TSw4MyIdfx2nqEG2qN34q6sHyel3lOtKmmQmz_fjRZHf1ZRlBXYeJ1ii2vEWMNzDSJcNGHUVyiYCMjhFTcjoZqct4zDS_i9iELuCN_x0FtargWmn4g7Kzv9-m2mFprqm1RKi_3px277p" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5o5lbZiJxqbxetUczNLTRbyWSlWF4AtI1p8l_MKNvN8Ckf3r6TSw4MyIdfx2nqEG2qN34q6sHyel3lOtKmmQmz_fjRZHf1ZRlBXYeJ1ii2vEWMNzDSJcNGHUVyiYCMjhFTcjoZqct4zDS_i9iELuCN_x0FtargWmn4g7Kzv9-m2mFprqm1RKi_3px277p=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: John Locher / Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table>Granted, the Houstonian was climbing up two weight divisions to take on one of the most formidable forces in the sport, but it all too quickly appeared that Jermell Charlo was there to make up the numbers as part of another formality in the Canelo Alvarez roadshow.<div><br /></div><div>Derailed last spring at the hands of Dmitry Bivol, there's no doubting that the Mexican, while remaining the biggest star in boxing, is on a slide. A tepid trilogy with Gennady Golovkin followed by twelve rounds against John Ryder on home soil were enough for a handful to pick Charlo to pull off a major upset, but he and those in that school of thought quickly lost belief with how the fight panned out.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was ultimately a night where a victorious Canelo raised his hands aloft in front of a Mexican crowd with a night that had the all-too-familiar script of the Floyd Mayweather heydays. A paycheque for the opponent to dance, while the expected outcome unfolded, as most sit back and wonder why they ever thought it would be different.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jermell deserves immense credit for making such a leap of two weight divisions to save the day, after his twin brother Jermall who campaigns at 160 pounds was declared unready for this opportunity. The lustre of two undisputed champions going toe-to-toe was enough to make a historic byline, but that was probably the most special thing the fight would offer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The American found himself on the retreat for a vast majority of the twelve rounds while an aggressive Canelo tried to break him down, coming closest in the seventh round, landing an overhand right to the top of the dome that stumbled the legs of Charlo before he wisely took a knee to defer a subsequent onslaught.</div><div><br /></div><div>The power did not convert for Charlo 14 pounds higher, with his decent counters and several left hooks landing, but never appearing to bother the Mexican. Canelo was able to walk through the fire that became increasingly intermittent, while landing his own patented left hooks and battering the guard of his opponent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Early in the fight Charlo's approach already turned from that of the hunter, to survival mode. Even in the dwindling moments of the fight he appeared reluctant to engage. All the pre-fight confidence was soon washed away because, while Canelo may be declining, he remains a problem to be in the ring with. Meanwhile Canelo, now 2 years since his last stoppage defeat, will expect his power and credentials to be further questioned after failing to get a smaller fighter out of there despite such an aggressive approach. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alvarez shows no signs of wanting to hang them up anytime soon, which will present some exciting prospects going forward. With all due respect his last two contests have been more of a showcase as oppose to a legit challenge on his conquest for greatness as were the days of his super-middleweight undisputed run or the decision to go up to the 175-pound weight class to challenge Bivol. Most will be hoping that Canelo will go back on such a hunt to cap off what is already a stellar legacy in the sport.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you may need to look no further than the man most claim can end Canelo's 168-pound dominance, David Benavidez. He has been linked to Canelo for quite some time and if he can get by Demetrius Andrade in November, he will emerge as a leading candidate for a shot at the Canelo sweepstakes. He possesses all the qualities to make for a thrilling contest, and his imposing size will cause Canelo problems, making it a genuine challenge for the face of boxing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Canelo may also turn his attention back to Bivol, the only man to beat him alongside Mayweather. Canelo came spectacularly unstuck at the hands of the Russian's elite ringcraft last May and it's a defeat that clearly still stings. Whether at 168 or 175 pounds, it remains a massive rematch and potentially the defining fight of his career. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the paydays and marquee occasions still will entice Canelo, most likely being Terence Crawford who has been considering making an unprecedented leap of 21 pounds to step in there with Canelo. While Crawford may hold the pound-for-pound mantle, it would be hard to see how he could take on such a challenge having already come up the weight divisions to get to 147. But as a showpiece, it would certainly hit big at the box office. Whichever way Canelo decides to go, there remains a lot of legacy to be defined and dollars to be made, but time is ticking for him to decide which path. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-43892072168083314372023-09-26T09:16:00.002+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.486+01:00Zhang vs Joyce: an unnecessary rematch in hindsight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4uogdNGr5cECnvpXYxLW4gbiPxkmHeZlpNyiZf30ZUBumTM3QsXtHvIFish9gWj6meKfmQbfFgM_rEPZ7Rw4v8IxfNoCmbz2c00tihdl5qNX4xZ6jXWbt5fXfHaYpL9uEHySj2pwVxwIL9wktzuJbwm2Y7s2EIM79MDNAV8ZYMQsHFGF5iJYhNRpVyePr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4uogdNGr5cECnvpXYxLW4gbiPxkmHeZlpNyiZf30ZUBumTM3QsXtHvIFish9gWj6meKfmQbfFgM_rEPZ7Rw4v8IxfNoCmbz2c00tihdl5qNX4xZ6jXWbt5fXfHaYpL9uEHySj2pwVxwIL9wktzuJbwm2Y7s2EIM79MDNAV8ZYMQsHFGF5iJYhNRpVyePr=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Bloody Elbow </td></tr></tbody></table>Perhaps it was naivety, or maybe a force of habit, that took Joe Joyce and his team down the trodden path into a rematch with Zhilei Zhang. But within a few seconds of the first bell, it was clear that this was a huge and potentially fatal mistake.<div><br /></div><div>Following a tentative opening stanza in which neither fighter did much, Zhang opened up and could not miss with the straight left hand. The lethal weapon that bludgeoned the face of the Brit five months prior was once again taking center stage. Joyce, now heavier in both weight and also doubt following the beatdown he sustained in the spring, had no answer. </div><div><br /></div><div>From there, things would go from bad to worse for the former Olympian. Zhang continuously buzzed him with the lefts while Joyce was treading in treacle putting himself on the opposing end of target practice. Joyce would retreat and his slow lead hand would not phase the Chinese southpaw, who detonated a spectacular right hook as Joyce walked forward to put the lights out at the end of the third round.</div><div><br /></div><div>"The Juggernaut" was finally toppled. Having made a name for himself in the paid ranks with a granite chin and unrelenting gas tank, it was a unique sight to see the timber fall but with it the hopes of a world title have gone up in smoke. A man who was on the verge of a showdown with divisional titans Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the gold is now staring down the barrel.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile Zhang, at the ripe age of 40 years, shows no signs of letting up and is a major problem for anyone in the division. Don't expect anyone to be calling out his name anytime soon - southpaw, still a mystery and hard-hitting, the risk-reward ratio shows he is all wrong even for the very best. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fact that Joyce, who was already positioned perfectly for a shot at the heavyweight elite, took this fight is commendable, but also perhaps a lesson on the cruelties of this boxing business. Zhang was seen as a formidable test but very few would have picked him to do a number on Joyce the manner which he did - let alone twice. Joyce could have waited on the sidelines and potentially been next in line for Usyk or Fury, and now he is on the outside looking in. </div><div><br /></div><div>In hindsight, the decision to take the rematch will fare even worse than the first choice to take on the initial bout. Joyce had told media before the fight that he rectified several small issues in the previous camp, which is why he bizarrely opted to come in 25 pounds heavier this time round. The tactic was clear, to push Zhang back, impose his size on him and wear him down. But Joyce was far too tentative and even more static, making himself easy pickings for "Big Bang" - and what a big bang it was to end that third round.</div><div><br /></div><div>British fighters especially have fallen into the habit of overcompensating with rematch clauses and treating it almost like an entitlement. Almost every contract these days has an iron-clad rematch clause locked in, we've seen Anthony Joshua get second bites of the cherry alongside the likes of Josh Warrington and David Haye following stunning upsets. Since things didn't go to plan for Frank Warren this time round, a rematch was the logical choice (on paper) to make things right. But the devastating loss now threatens to rob Joyce of his world title moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>While a few paychecks will still loom for Joyce should he want to take them, it is a major setback that puts him several steps away from the top of the pile. Daniel Dubois, following his unsuccessful attempt against Usyk in Poland, would serve as an obvious British blockbuster rematch following the pair's first meeting in 2020. There could be another another decent domestic clashes but that all depends on Joyce's ambition and mindset after being so spectacularly undone. The traits which got him to that point in the first place all betrayed him. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-3635003620368537712023-09-10T10:21:00.000+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.485+01:00Stunning Strickland rips up the script<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXNEumDMXy456Fe7zya-Rsd6cG-kn2T4pQ9FZ9SE4-duQCZBdceiEtDN8s_9Cz4NzW-jgddKQZ3vVI2AKK-hXXNyeeyaLE7ZZtwApTepMzyU_sIzbmvVR1bnlOystCIGhK03DM28yzcvS6rz9d0I0Lr0aIoWeGHY9RAROniOqmIuS9HHXJjsIVlXBlhDp-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3081" data-original-width="4278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXNEumDMXy456Fe7zya-Rsd6cG-kn2T4pQ9FZ9SE4-duQCZBdceiEtDN8s_9Cz4NzW-jgddKQZ3vVI2AKK-hXXNyeeyaLE7ZZtwApTepMzyU_sIzbmvVR1bnlOystCIGhK03DM28yzcvS6rz9d0I0Lr0aIoWeGHY9RAROniOqmIuS9HHXJjsIVlXBlhDp-=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Zuffa LLC / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>For a promotion that has taken a large share of the combat sports audience for staging competitive fights where anything can happen, it's testament to this sport that the rare occasions where the UFC promotes a mismatch headliner, things don't go to plan. <div><br /></div><div>We've seen plenty of shocks and upsets before but UFC 293 may top the pile. Sean Strickland tore up the script and prematurely ended the second reign of middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, completely dominating the New Zealander on enemy soil over the course of a simply astonishing 25 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>What on the outside appeared to be setting up a lamb to slaughter turned into a performance for the ages. You would have been hard pressed to find anyone outside of Strickland's inner circle back the American to pull it off on a short notice turnaround. The bookkeepers agreed, with Adesanya swelling to as much as a -700 favourite before the bell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Strickland had his credentials but appeared unworthy of a title shot, perhaps a win or two away from that honour. But when Driccus du Plessis was unable to answer the call, the American appeared to be the next best fit with some <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/30/23190637/sean-strickland-goes-after-israel-adesanya-in-fiery-exchange-at-ufc-276-press-conference" target="_blank">pre-installed needle between the pair already fuelling the pre-fight promotion</a>. Strickland offered plenty to make a compelling build-up at least, while his style of marauding forward and the manner in which former champion Alex Pereira laid him out had him teed up for a spectacular highlight-reel victory for Stylebender.</div><div><br /></div><div>That could not have been further from the truth. From the first bell, the New Zealander was on the retreat as Strickland marched straight into pace with his hands up, actively defending shots coming his way and checking kicks to keep Adesanya pinned on the outside of the Octagon, frequently budging into the cage wall. The champion was certainly slow out of the gates with a reduced output while Strickland already caused early marks on the face of his adversary with several jabs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Warning klaxons would finally sound to confirm Adesanya was in real trouble at the end of the first round. Adesanya loaded up for a left hook and was met with a swift one-two right down the pipe that dropped and put the hometown favourite on the brink of being finished. He covered up and stuck to his feet to see out the round but what was a slow start had now manifested into a disastrous one.</div><div><br /></div><div>The drama would simmer over the second round as Adesanya went back to a more creative attack, throwing body and leg kicks while Strickland was somewhat guilty of admiring his work. Still, we saw Adesanya's shots whistling past the dome of American, a sight seldom seen in the career of the two-time middleweight supremo. </div><div><br /></div><div>But after getting back in to the zone Strickland continued to march forward, giving Adesanya no breathing room and progressively inflicting more damage on the former kickboxing phenom. Complimenting the approach with stabbing front kicks to the body, Adesanya's rhythm was constantly thrown off as the unique, somewhat awkward strikes of Strickland continued to catch him and stifled any counter attacks.</div><div><br /></div><div>The champion appeared to tire and wilt while Strickland seemed to blossom down the stretch, gaining more confidence and sustaining his output. Swelling on the right eye and a bloodied nose were the products on the canvas of Adesanya, masterfully executed by Strickland who embraced a performance that would be worthy of the Louvre. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was clear that Adesanya was massively behind on the scorecards but even in desperation times he was unable to detonate anything to force the challenger to retreat. The kicks were off-beat, the one-two was blocked in the same manner, and Strickland continued to press relentlessly towards the world title. An outburst in the final 20 seconds saw the American trying to egg Stylebender on to trade or come for the finish, but the battered champion continued to retreat, seeing out the final bell with a whimper.</div><div><br /></div><div>All three judges ruled the contest in favour of Strickland, agreeing that he won all but one round over the course of a stunning UFC 293 main event. Ironically it was his defence and striking skills that left his opponent with no answers, not the other way round as almost everyone had expected.</div><div><br /></div><div>Far from the marketing dream, and renowned for making several controversial statements Strickland will be far from everyone's cup of tea. But all that truly matters in what happens in the cage, and at UFC 293 we saw Strickland rise to the occasion, execute his gameplan when the heat was on, and produce one of the all-time great upsets in UFC history. He ripped up the script and has unleashed a shockwave that will disrupt the UFC for quite some time. Let the Strickland era begin, who on Earth knows what to expect?</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-72269445558726248522023-09-09T19:59:00.003+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.486+01:00Eubank Jr. performs when it matters most to save career<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGqb3XDEgkiX9yMaRVObvI0rpQJpH8B1u6UDteX5VALeIKELbrKLll91u-sJokpQqYmaPBDpkhn5nkoNbtPRWcY0EA3_VJcBfIp-NOZb9zYQ2F6dWSVG_3l1-IZGVL8Le7T7gTIqb__6FH6L0KFjSm90scxPf3tO31-peCRImf4EnuhLrY5fhONMAhD4oo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="2500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGqb3XDEgkiX9yMaRVObvI0rpQJpH8B1u6UDteX5VALeIKELbrKLll91u-sJokpQqYmaPBDpkhn5nkoNbtPRWcY0EA3_VJcBfIp-NOZb9zYQ2F6dWSVG_3l1-IZGVL8Le7T7gTIqb__6FH6L0KFjSm90scxPf3tO31-peCRImf4EnuhLrY5fhONMAhD4oo=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Peter Byrne / PA</td></tr></tbody></table>The reputation, livelihood and career of Chris Eubank Jr. hung precariously by a thread when he stepped foot inside the cauldron of the Manchester Arena on Saturday night. Having had his resolve quite literally shattered at the hands of a stunning knockout defeat to Liam Smith eight months prior, there could simply be no mistakes or lapses in concentration this time round.</div><div><br /></div><div>The son of the legendary British middleweight Chris Eubank Sr. who captivated crowds and sold out stadiums in his heyday had long found himself under the gigantic shadow cast by his father. On so many occasions for big Eubank Jr. fights the questions have always revolved around whether he can prove he is good enough and bear the weight of the family name. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday night was the biggest of said occasions. A loss to Smith would have wiped him away at world level and taken all the gigantic paydays with it, so much so that the questions of whether he should carry on would be reverberating. With the pressure turned all the way up, Eubank dazzled in the best performance of his career, battering Smith over 10 rounds before a compassionate referee stoppage. </div><div><br /></div><div>It could not have been more different to the January night where Eubank Jr. spectacularly unravelled after an electric fourth-round combination from his Liverpudlian adversary. Back then we saw Eubank under the tutelage of the legendary Roy Jones Jr. trying to mimic the pound-for-pound great, relying on his reflexes and sitting on the backfoot. It was back to the wrecking machine ways this time round as Eubank rattled off his output and Smith could simply not cope with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The elephant in the room will certainly be Smith's condition going into, and during the fight. It was clear after a few rounds that the legs were not under him, but whether that was a result of a pre-existing injury or because of the thunderous uppercut he ate in the fourth stanza. Smith's physical condition was also a talking point, with his physique looking not-so-ripped on the night. To his credit "Beefy" has made no excuses, but it could mean a rematch may be down the line.</div><div><br /></div><div>A trilogy could be a hard sell following the manner in which Eubank bludgeoned his opponent, suggesting that another huge fight could be on the horizon, or a shot at the world title. The victor had Conor Benn and Gennadiy Golovkin on his lips in the post-fight interview, either occasion of which present both winnable contests, whether that is due to the advantages of weight or age, which would be massive spectacles. Meanwhile, the champions at middleweight do present lesser-known but far riskier challenges - don't expect Eubank to mention Janibek Alimkhanuly any time soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the age of 33 we may be heading into the final twilight of Eubank's career which still has a sense of incompleteness to it. What matters though is that he remains fully in the mix having vanquished Smith in devastating fashion. Out of all the versions of Eubank Jr. we have seen down the years, this one definitely provides the most enticing prospects. Fearless combination punching and pressure gives any fighter around that weight a ton of problems to deal with. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-58717655527644940402023-08-21T16:46:00.000+01:002023-10-18T15:54:33.486+01:00All eyes on The Suga Show<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strike>The biggest UFC superstar since Conor McGregor? The world is Sean O'Malley's oyster following his spectacular UFC 292 victory </strike></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFKCBpNOR2xOPOzCQeJbt3g35127ITi1ZKpNoxaPfgd-IlIhtyGvqNR6KuOTrVJ5-8X73EZkLTypgqtaU7QTAB8Q2-AEnSOoDBCp2s5EhF5s4GmRcXWoEpc478IW-8SPHgyOljSjN_L2uYMZ0cZKZqGjGdoPDrxSsAfiVTpIZBxENt31llc3TU3ua4RliS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFKCBpNOR2xOPOzCQeJbt3g35127ITi1ZKpNoxaPfgd-IlIhtyGvqNR6KuOTrVJ5-8X73EZkLTypgqtaU7QTAB8Q2-AEnSOoDBCp2s5EhF5s4GmRcXWoEpc478IW-8SPHgyOljSjN_L2uYMZ0cZKZqGjGdoPDrxSsAfiVTpIZBxENt31llc3TU3ua4RliS=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Cooper Neill / Zuffa LLC / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Sean O'Malley left all his cards on the table on Saturday night and banked on himself when it mattered. The pay-off was tremendous, ramifications of which may not be fully seen for years to come.<div><br /></div><div>Enter the UFC's newest superstar. Having snuck through a baptism through fire against Petr Yan in Abu Dhabi last year, the UFC decided to finally pull the trigger and line him up for a shot at the world title. Sceptics wondered whether he was truly ready. Barring the Yan victory O'Malley had been largely untested and it wasn't too long ago since Marlon "Chito" Vera deadened his leg with calf kicks en route to a stoppage win in 2020. </div><div><br /></div><div>Odds were against the 28-year-old as he headlined Boston's TD Garden for 135-pound supremacy. And based on the momentum from Sterling, who could have blamed the bookmakers? "Funkmaster" was on a red hot nine-fight win streak having vanquished the likes of Yan, Henry Cejudo, TJ Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen. His wrestling was unrivalled in the division while he had proven championship mettle time and time again. Meanwhile O'Malley was going into the first five-round fight of his professional career.</div><div><br /></div><div>General consensus was that if Sterling was able to wrap around the wiry, lanky frame of the challenger then it was going to be a long night for "Suga". Sterling's acumen on the mat has been proven on countless occasions, and all he would need was one well-timed level change to take the fight into that realm. But despite applying pressure right off the bat in UFC 292's main event, Sterling was unable to close the distance to effectively execute that gameplan. The movement of the Montana native kept him off the fence wall and continuous changing of his lateral movement made it nearly impossible for Sterling to pin him down. Throwing in feints and stance switches only complexified the conundrum further. </div><div><br /></div><div>The good old "wrestler question" hasn't really surfaced since Conor McGregor's stratospheric rise almost a decade ago. But it is certainly back for O'Malley who was expected to be dragged into deep waters and backpacked by the champion. Instead, he would fend off a level change late in the first stanza and quickly scrambled to his feet after a slip in the second round - that would be the only grappling required this time round, before a stupendous counter right hand cleaned Sterling's clock as he lunged forward. Some further ground-and-pound was enough for Marc Goddard to wave off the contest.</div><div><br /></div><div>O'Malley has made a habit of becoming a viral sensation, but the reaction to his title triumph has been off the charts. A man affiliated with the Paul brothers, the Nelk Boys and various other influencers is only going to rise his stock further. This has potential to be one of the most talked about moments in UFC history. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dana White would have been an extremely happy man this weekend knowing that the new cash cow had well and truly arrived. While a Conor McGregor-sized void still looms large over the sport as The Notorious' return remains a question, the UFC are trying to line up their superstars to carry the pay-per-view buys forward. Their business model relies on consistent quality that they are able to deliver, but needs those marquee names scattered throughout the year to really drive revenue. O'Malley can be one of those mega stars, a feat achieved seldom by even the best of fighters.</div><div><br /></div><div>As conversation quickly turns to who O'Malley faces next, he certainly has his work cut out for him in the shark-infested waters of 135 pounds. It is a heavily stacked division with potentially nightmare matchups for the newly-minted titleholder. If Sterling decides to up sticks and move to featherweight, then his close friend and training partner Merab Dvalishvili will be chomping at the bit to get his turn. He will be straight to the point with the wrestling and try to grind out O'Malley for five rounds which could make for tepid viewing, and don't be surprised if the UFC goes in another direction to avoid the O'Malley hype train converting to a damp squib in his first title defence. Cory Sandhagen also will wait his turn having put together a strong case, most recently with a not-so-thrilling decision win over Rob Font.</div><div><br /></div><div>But O'Malley has made it clear who he wants next, the only man to beat him, "Chito" Vera. The Ecuadorian had a strong decision win over Pedro Munhoz to open the main card and he and O'Malley have been intertwined ever since they locked horns in an empty UFC Apex in the UFC 252 co-main event. </div><div><br /></div><div>O'Malley was flowing and enjoying success back in that fight until right leg was severely compromised thanks to a hard low kick that essentially rendered the limb unresponsive. O'Malley would stumble around the cage for the following moments, struggling to place weight while Vera smelled blood. One more stumble lead to some ground-and-pound for Herb Dean to step in. O'Malley has regarded that outcome a freak injury as oppose to a loss, but will now relish the chance to take that revenge in his first title defence in what would be a massive pay-per-view to end the year in Vegas.</div><div><br /></div><div>With all due respect to Chito it is a much more favourable matchup than some of the other killers in the division who may opt to wrestle and grind out the new champion as oppose to strike with him at distance. O'Malley will relish the chance to exorcize those demons from 2020 and it will be another moment where he has to conquer a mountain that some may consider unconquerable. And as "Suga" has made a habit of, those are the events that sell tickets.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two things are certain for O'Malley going forward: there will be even tougher challenges meaning the ride may not last that long, but for as long as it does, he will have the eyes of the world on him as perhaps the biggest UFC star since McGregor. It will take some doing to surpass the levels the Irishman reached, but with performances like that at UFC 292, he is heading in the right direction.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-19461760295578326022023-08-13T11:52:00.000+01:002023-08-22T15:15:23.719+01:00Joshua's rebuild stutters before a much-needed knockout victory <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdGsQH9iWqt9vWZr0xoqDE6QHkIxMrpyfvzPAVghd_-fsCczJoEvNyDnOXHmA8_SYDguj4xpVvAAjrIVQ8BW5KR2YiJuhV7eEIdXsGcE-gHBC0kkpcBXK1FurbihB7Cch3FpvUAgdmTueo9PkaUlzKUwMpU5A28Okx_JEQAH-hSGjOS5OBLTtAtPRoPhX/s1594/Screen-Shot-2023-08-12-at-7.05.15-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdGsQH9iWqt9vWZr0xoqDE6QHkIxMrpyfvzPAVghd_-fsCczJoEvNyDnOXHmA8_SYDguj4xpVvAAjrIVQ8BW5KR2YiJuhV7eEIdXsGcE-gHBC0kkpcBXK1FurbihB7Cch3FpvUAgdmTueo9PkaUlzKUwMpU5A28Okx_JEQAH-hSGjOS5OBLTtAtPRoPhX/s16000/Screen-Shot-2023-08-12-at-7.05.15-PM.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing </td></tr></tbody></table>Ever since he lead the charge on home soil for an Olympic gold medal, every move of Anthony Joshua has been under the microscope. Seldom have British boxers faced such immense pressure and scrutiny as the former two-time heavyweight champion who once again will be under heavy fire following a victory over Robert Helenius. Or at least that was the case until he put the lights out with a thunderous right hand in round seven. </div><div><br /></div><div>Initially slated to face nemesis Dillian Whyte before an adverse drug test finding for "The Body Snatcher" nixed the fight within a week, Finland's Helenius stepped up to the plate and provided a stern test over seven rounds - too stern for the liking of a critical public who, until uncorking a spectacular right hand in the seventh stanza - Joshua struggled to impress.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw a tentative Joshua once again who apepars to still be healing from the scars of crushing back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, with the ghosts of that stunning upset defeat to<span> Andy Ruiz Jr looming somewhere in the subconscious. In his second contest under the tutelage of Derrick James as the Brit aims to regroup for one more run at the heavyweight championship of the world, Joshua was either patient or gunshy, depending on how you look at it.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>With a Deontay Wilder fight potentially on the horizon, comparisons between the way "The Bronze Bomber" dispatched of the Scandinavian as opposed to Joshua are inevitable. Back in October, the former WBC kingpin needed less than a round to punish Helenius with a thumping right hand, rendering him unconscious after wading forward into range. Meanwhile, Joshua found himself marked up, and on a few occasions was made to look uncomfortable in the squared circle, thanks to a myriad of jabs that found the target from "The Nordic Nightmare".</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Having enjoyed so much success with his combination punching over the years, it made for frustrating viewing as AJ resorted to single shots, mainly stabbing jabs to the body and the occasional power shot upstairs. Following the sixth round, Joshua admitted to his coach "it's hard to fight the right hand," just a few inches out of range as Helenius moved to safety. </div><div><br /></div><div>On several occasions Joshua was able to cut the ring off and corner Helenius in the danger zone. But even after landing a stiff shot, he almost let the Fin off the hook and stepped off, squandering his opportunity to finish the bout. Whether this was a process of him shaking off the cobwebs and trying to get through the rounds, or the fact that he was unable to land the right hand until he did, partially due to the complexity of Helenius' challenge and perhaps additionally because of the conflicting education of styles he has received. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was Joshua's first stoppage in two-and-a-half years since he stopped Kubrat Pulev in a Covid-capacity crowd at Wembley Arena in December 2020. Back then, Joshua's work rate was far improved and he had Pulev in big trouble in the earlier rounds. This time round, Joshua's work rate was diminished as he conserved his energy - but the questions are if Wilder was standing on the opposite corner, that may have been a recipe for disaster. </div><div><br /></div><div>What Joshua was able to show is that he still possesses the KO power to put the lights out. Landing that devastating right hand on Helenius is just what the doctor ordered for the confidence of AJ. It is fascinating that despite all of his accolades, he remains a work in progress. This knockout will certainly have spared the blushes from going tooth-and-nail with Helenius for twelve rounds, but it will also go a long way for rebuilding Joshua. Whether Wilder is next remains to be seen, but Joshua will admit that he will need to be far better if he is to stop "The Bronze Bomber" in his tracks. One thing is for sure though, both have the ability to stop the show at any time. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-36109174704997480272023-08-11T10:58:00.000+01:002023-08-22T15:15:23.720+01:00Forget the super fights, just appreciate pound-for-pound greatness<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strike>Following spectacular coronations for Crawford and Inoue last month, talk has quickly switched to two farcical super fights that should simply not be entertained</strike></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf51pUidHk6m0Tg3NiTOGAMt9h7-qiDWWNNeWoJJa6NhA72Mo4b2o_kyf9L4it96EYZkMXb2q6BfZKE9VqDteO4yWbWTuzeHfhdbiJ6_CogvPFuzjfZwBgo7Uhx_ehCmwyLysk0Hg1APBgj0P_pnVJI9s2AmmqDCTV50Xvnlo6m57w9gsdcgW8JM4C8Jg/s800/INOUE%20CRAWFORD%20NK.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf51pUidHk6m0Tg3NiTOGAMt9h7-qiDWWNNeWoJJa6NhA72Mo4b2o_kyf9L4it96EYZkMXb2q6BfZKE9VqDteO4yWbWTuzeHfhdbiJ6_CogvPFuzjfZwBgo7Uhx_ehCmwyLysk0Hg1APBgj0P_pnVJI9s2AmmqDCTV50Xvnlo6m57w9gsdcgW8JM4C8Jg/s16000/INOUE%20CRAWFORD%20NK.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: John Locher / AP; Naoki Fukuda</td></tr></tbody></table>What will be revered as quite simply a stupendous week back in July won't be forgotten any time soon. Two pound-for-pound kings perching the throne with sublime performances against arguably their toughest tests to date. Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue showed exactly why they are the best boxers on the planet.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Debate will undoubtedly rage on throughout the coming months as fighters come and go on the pound-for-pound list accounting all different challenges with a variety of accolades hanging in the balance. But what mustn't be forgotten is that we are seeing these fighters at the pinnacle right now - which makes it frustrating that almost as soon as the dust had settled in Las Vegas and Tokyo, talk was being entertained of two outright farcical potential future super fights.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the biggest question would be which one is more bizarre. Terence Crawford taking a leap up three weight divisions to battle the monstrous Canelo Alvarez, or Naoya Inoue going up to 135 pounds - having started his career at 108 - to take on pay-per-view superstar and knockout artist Gervonta "Tank" Davis. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The fact that either of these can be entertained is simply for cash grab purposes and once again threatens to put a stain on the sport of boxing which was so wonderfully exhibited by Inoue and Crawford last month. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While both undisputed champions will undoubtedly fancy their chances and relish such a challenge, we must recognise that weight classes exist for a reason. We all saw how brutally Amir Khan was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez back in 2016 before Kell Brook's facial structure was rearranged by Gennady Golovkin later that year - the outcomes of physicality being able to overpower the skill seems almost inevitable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What we should really focus on is embracing these performances and recognising that there won't be much time left. Crawford has toyed with the idea of multiple retirements, and at the age of 35 after becoming the first man to take all the marbles in two weight divisions, there is little else on the table except maybe that one ridiculous payday. But then that begs the question, is it really worth it? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inoue, meanwhile, may go on further but he is operating towards the end of his tether as far as weight classes go. Having become a unified champion at 122 pounds following a spectacular destruction of Stephen Fulton Jr., the Japanese star has captured world titles in four weight classes. There's always limitations to one's frame. Promoters even suggesting that he should leap all the way up to fight Gervonta simply eye a surging fighter for Davis to add to his record, rather than entertaining the host of super fights at his weight already such as Shakur Stevenson or Devin Haney. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We would hope this is all talk, and that boxing can continue with its current promising trajectory where the best are fighting the best at nearly the right time. Davis and Garcia did so in April before Crawford and Spence finally locked horns in July. Fury and Usyk's undisputed heayvweight showdown seems distant now, while talk has quietened about a showdown between light heavyweight phenoms Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. But nonetheless, the trend is a positive one, so one would hope that this continues rather than entertaining these fights which don't make any sense, except financial. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to smell the roses once in a while. And it's also okay to give heroes their flowers while they are still able to receive them. That's what we should be doing in the careers of Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue right now - not entertaining crazy weight jumps or unfeasible attractions, but appreciating the boxing greatness that we have in front of us right now, because there is one other reality that remains - this won't last forever.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-29374071642020860792023-08-02T12:25:00.001+01:002023-08-22T15:15:23.719+01:00What's next for Errol Spence Jr.?<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRrmPoqyNGIN3HjQNW6orPLrB3bdH8qu113gUBgHpK3HsFVAii7KWLuI4EWP7Mu8PGnbLYwuAF-cXggxzp2OB6k_y6niYlBAzwiXbxbNuFPGq0dQOZhrKmIAvVil4lYlNFXoGQJbjuBtR0x1RDDi9DMv9zfMy9AMP7_iEQA8rkrZ-J8-7BsCaRzi3VFEG/s1030/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1030" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRrmPoqyNGIN3HjQNW6orPLrB3bdH8qu113gUBgHpK3HsFVAii7KWLuI4EWP7Mu8PGnbLYwuAF-cXggxzp2OB6k_y6niYlBAzwiXbxbNuFPGq0dQOZhrKmIAvVil4lYlNFXoGQJbjuBtR0x1RDDi9DMv9zfMy9AMP7_iEQA8rkrZ-J8-7BsCaRzi3VFEG/s16000/Capture.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME</td></tr></tbody></table>The very fact that Errol Spence Jr. stepped through the ropes on Saturday night is a victory in itself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It would turn out to be the most devastating night of his career as his IBF, WBA and WBC world welterweight titles were cruelly snatched from him at the hands of a spectacular performance from arch rival Terence Crawford. For the first time in his career "The Truth" found himself staring at the lights as he was floored three times before being stopped in the ninth round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Texan's face became an increasingly gory canvas of Crawford's brutality. After a decent start in the first round where both combatants jousted with their jabs on the outside, "Bud" was able to gauge the time and distance remarkably to begin to pick away. With every spiteful southpaw jab, the face of Spence reddened further and he looked more and more helpless - sights few thought we would ever see with the run of dominance he was on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spence continued to smile with his <a href="https://www.boxingscene.com/spence-t-spar-posts-mouth-replaced-by-permanent-teeth--148556" target="_blank">surgically repaired teeth</a> but it was clear that he was in big trouble. He continued to wade forward into the fire, at times almost sacrificing himself to the punishing counters of his opponent. The show of courage was admirable, but there was little else on display as the fight wore on, with Crawford almost leaning towards mercy on his rival.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether it was discombobulation from the punishment taken already or exposure as a one-dimensional fighter, Spence's attempts to double up the jab and follow it up with an overhand left were far too telegraphed and easy for Crawford to see coming. The odd shot snuck through but did not phase Bud one bit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What also didn't materialize were the body shots of Spence, a topic discussed ad nauseam in the build-up to the fight. Fans were curious as to how the patented attack downstairs from the unified champion would throw off Crawford who was smaller and less physically imposing - but instead it was the former super-lightweight king that ripped in body shots as part of his electric combinations. Spence Jr. was essentially beaten at his own game, and while a rematch was certainly on his mind in the post-fight discussion, it is an awfully steep mountain to climb.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To his credit, Spence Jr. did not divulge into a litany of excuses that he could have rattled off. From the car accident and the potential long-lasting effects to the retinal detachment that sidelined him for over a year, and then of course the weight. Spence has campaigned at 147 pounds throughout his career despite putting on a lot of muscle over that time. The weight cuts have only got tougher and on Saturday night it certainly didn't help his chances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Truth has toyed with the idea of venturing up to super-middleweight for quite some time and seems set on doing so after this defeat. There was even talk of a Canelo super fight down the line, ideas of which were quickly shot down by the American citing that his focus was on the undisputed title showdown. Not having to boil down to 147 will give him an extra edge in the new weight class, but it will hinge on whether Crawford is willing to accept a rematch at the new division also. With no belts on the line, it may be a reach.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The immediate rematch clause has been publicized but Spence may want to look at rebuilding before venturing back into the fire once more. A good run at 154 pounds to perhaps acquire a world title for Crawford to challenge for would set the table - that's if Bud hangs around. He has flirted with the idea of retirement, and after undisputed status at two weight divisions at the age of 35, who could blame him if he walks into the sunset. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While it should always be down to the fighters and their close teams and families to make these decisions, retirement may also be an option. Spence Jr. has achieved what most could only dream of in the squared circle. Winning three world titles in a stacked division and overcoming world class talent and some of the divisional greats while packing out stadiums in Texas, it has been a remarkable run for the 33-year-old. Overcoming his trials he can certainly step away from the sport with his head held high. But the very reason he is boxing in the first place probably rules that out. Spence is a fiery competitor at heart and this loss will be stinging badly. It's only a matter of time before he picks up the pieces and heads back to Derrick James' World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas with redemption on his mind. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-40232744837641009082023-07-25T16:13:00.001+01:002023-07-30T05:34:16.546+01:00Spence vs Crawford: Preview, Prediction <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcgRFVCoigvZUJEd4gDdSTUj3ay_bjWsD_0ox7h0KOpinXkzuot9SobtxrHtZEqSv2pz-moMDiuaFPBKFvesBx0gh4zeppVEFsmgsJ8NaHkV-Uyfh7ysa6lSgGIh4Vp69gjltvvXHwZSq_mliB0iVOSd3cmzQeCB_XusdkjJPvJJkJaFE-6VKF-s3Uf9EE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcgRFVCoigvZUJEd4gDdSTUj3ay_bjWsD_0ox7h0KOpinXkzuot9SobtxrHtZEqSv2pz-moMDiuaFPBKFvesBx0gh4zeppVEFsmgsJ8NaHkV-Uyfh7ysa6lSgGIh4Vp69gjltvvXHwZSq_mliB0iVOSd3cmzQeCB_XusdkjJPvJJkJaFE-6VKF-s3Uf9EE=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME</td></tr></tbody></table>There were hurdles, near-catastrophes and a whole lot of doubt, but on Saturday night, one of the biggest fights in boxing history finally goes down. Two unbeaten, seasoned champions leaving it all on the line with all the marbles on stake. Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford - a fight for the ages.<div><br /></div><div>Only one space on the coveted throne awaits, and it's been a long time coming. At times, it appeared that this fight was destined to join the pile of carcusses of fights that could have been - or worse, ones that finally went down as a shell of what they could have been, the most famous example being Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao's long awaited showdown in 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div>Promotional tug-of-wars, a global pandemic and various mandatory challenges made this fight seem too good to be true at times. Both champions have handled business inside the ring with composure and in a clinical manner, seeing off all comers in a host of the welterweight's division's best talent. There have been hairy moments but that's part and parcel of the sport - both men have come through these moments stronger to only impose their will and inflict more pain on opponents. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the heat was on and in the ring, both men have been able to hit a gear that only the greatest fighters could have reached. Spence Jr. dug deep to win his first world title in Sheffield's Bramall Lane and went tooth and nail with Shawn Porter before most recently vanquishing Erdonis Ugas after a scary sequence - meanwhile Crawford survived a near knockdown from Kavaliauskas and was able to pour it on Porter to get the job done two years ago. They have done all that is asked of them, with just one remaining assignment before they either walk away from the sport as immortals or relocate to pastures new at 154 pounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all could have gone up in smoke on a fateful night in late 2019 when Errol Spence Jr. hurtled through the air during a high-speed crash in his Ferrari 488 Spider during a drink-driving incident. The welterweight champion found himself tossed to the sidewalk, lucky to be alive. That was as harsh a reminder as any, that time is of the essence. Not just for boxing, but for life. And here we have two men who have dedicated their lives to their craft, now moments away from a dance of a lifetime. 12 rounds or less, where immortality awaits. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is as best of a 50/50 fight that you can get. Spence Jr. possesses the power, physicality and strength while Crawford has the technical skills, ringcraft and fight IQ. It really depends on which way inclined you are to the beautiful art of pugilism. It will be fascinating to see who dictates the pace and imposes themselves in the contest. Will Spence attempt to be a battering ram to break through the guard and make the WBO titlist uncomfortable? Can Crawford's counter-punching open holes in the sometimes leaky defence of Spence? There are a host of questions that will only intensify at the first bell. </div><div><br /></div><div>The jury is split down the middle. Bookmakers will veer it slightly towards Crawford at a push but who knows how he can get it done. Spence Jr. will not go away easily, if at all, and should the fight go down the stretch then expect the Texan to pour it on in a bid to keep his dream of undisputed supremacy alive. </div><div><br /></div><div>A combined 67 wins with 52 knockouts, 0 defeats, 4 world championship belts shared between them, it simply does not get better than this. And we are now just days away from a monumental showdown that could take its place alongside the pantheon of greats, from the legendary days of the Four Kings. They will be knocking on the door of the very best fighters we have seen. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while bad blood will spill over when the camps get involved, both men have an incredible amount of respect for each other's accomplishments. This is a fight that was ultimately sealed over a FaceTime call about family, life, and then boxing. Two fellow greats coming to terms with the requirements to define their legacies and perhaps the gaping omission from their records should they not lock horns. Two family men who have dedicated their lives to becoming the best are now just one shot away from that, but it comes in the form of the hardest tests of their careers by a country mile.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whichever way it goes, we are in for a slice of history. It won't necessarily be a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em affair, for these are two highly intelligent and skilled fighters with an ability to dictate the pace of the contest and for the most part, execute the sweet science with ruthless precision. But this will be a fight of the highest skill level, with neither willing to give an inch, a mistake that could be costly from Spence's ability to burst through guards and Crawford's unbelievable accuracy. There just remains the hope that when all is said and done, we will have one clear victor, one king of the welterweight division, and a man who can certainly call himself one of the greatest boxers to ever grace the sport. Who takes that accolade may simply be down to who wants it more. And we are mere hours away from finding out the exact answer to that question.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prediction</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This may be a contest that could take some time to catch fire, but it will be worth the wait. In Spence and Crawford we have two cerebral geniuses of the sweet science, with neither willing to give up an inch or make a mistake especially with so much on the line. I expect a cagey start with Spence trying to target the body while Crawford bides his time and tries to establish counter attacks. As the fight wears on I can see Crawford getting rocked and hurt but managing to stem the tide and begin to separate himself on the scorecards. The pick is Crawford via split decision, to set up an enticing rematch.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-22261489466782320322023-07-10T11:51:00.001+01:002023-07-25T16:14:44.032+01:00The unstoppable evolution of Alexander Volkanovski<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbB7RYyRC88crNVzU0IziIueNNhP_AUflNWH3S5lxs5A8rdfcXEl-aL6ai976tNx6Cwm39BPnBR-Ownb7EK_aaUiUL6i_cXcuo21ggE7aoPYBKxVIZrBE-zGT5FU0s4fYYRIAvMcZdE5SOW8kIicEPHpo-44SK1rqJQBRBY0ULiYR0TMlV-t6M93YU238g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbB7RYyRC88crNVzU0IziIueNNhP_AUflNWH3S5lxs5A8rdfcXEl-aL6ai976tNx6Cwm39BPnBR-Ownb7EK_aaUiUL6i_cXcuo21ggE7aoPYBKxVIZrBE-zGT5FU0s4fYYRIAvMcZdE5SOW8kIicEPHpo-44SK1rqJQBRBY0ULiYR0TMlV-t6M93YU238g=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Steve Marcus / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>There comes a time in a fighter's career where they transcend from a champion to an all-time great. For Alexander Volkanovski, that transition happened a while ago yet the Australian continues to get better and better.<div><br /></div><div>Coming off his first UFC defeat - a narrow loss to lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev who he pushed all the way - Volkanovski got back to business at 145 pounds with another sublime performance to see off Yair Rodriguez in the promotion's international fight week headliner.</div><div><br /></div><div>A fitting billing for a man so easily overlooked in the past, Volkanovski cannot be denied any further. He is well on his way to cementing himself as the greatest featherweight of all time, competing on a list that includes Conor McGregor, Jose Aldo and Max Holloway - the latter duo of whom he holds three wins over.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems as if the run is only getting more dominant. There was the first fight with Holloway that was close, the second that was closer, and then the third that was a shutout of epic proportions as the Aussie outclassed the UFC legend in every element in one of the most jaw-dropping performances ever seen. Sandwiched in between that was a demolition of Chan Sung Jung and a spectacular display of mental fortitude when he resisted an almost certain death of a Brian Ortega guillotine choke. </div><div><br /></div><div>Volkanovski has seasoned himself into the perfect mixed martial artist. A sensational blend of accurate, sharp striking, excellent grappling skills both offensively and defensively, to go with one of the highest fight IQs in the business, all enhanced by brilliant athletic ability puts him at the top of the pound-for-pound pile alongside Makhachev.</div><div><br /></div><div>At UFC 290 the Aussie found himself against a young, fresh and rangy striker, but he once again understood the assignment. After tempting fate with some exchanges on the feet, he took Yair down at will and had his way for a solid start to the fight. And while the wild Rodriguez was able to mount some near-spectacular offence in the third, Volkanovski was right in the pocket to counter him and begin the fight-ending sequence that retained his championship belt.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a featherweight division that shows no signs of letting up, Volkanovski's next challenge appears apparent in the form of young Georgian knockout artist Ilia Topuria. Coming off his first main event victory, a bludgeoning of Josh Emmett in Jacksonville, Florida, Topuria will prove a stiff and formidable challenge for Volkanovski, but once again the Aussie will go in as the favourite. </div><div><br /></div><div>The hope for "Alexander The Great" is that he can clear up at 145 pounds before another crack at lightweight which is most certainly deserved. Had it not been for Yair capturing the interim strap back in February, the stars would have been aligned to see the undisputed 145-pound kingpin lock horns with Russia's Makhachev again. After all, the lightweight supremo is awaiting his challenge with the Abu Dhabi date most likely off the cards as Charles Oliveira tries to get back to full health while UFC 291's main event between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje promises too violent of a fight for a quick turnaround.</div><div><br /></div><div>Volkanovski has set about carving a legacy through a menacing amount of activity both in fighting terms and frequency. His goal of having four fights in 2023 may now be out of reach but regardless he finds himself in a hall of fame worthy position that shows no signs of letting up. With each passing challenge its as if he is only getting better, and that's not just a scary proposition for 145 pounds, but the lightweights should also be looking closely when the time comes for Australia's superstar to tread those waters again.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-63848741856230059082023-06-18T21:31:00.004+01:002023-07-25T16:14:44.033+01:00Untouchable City without a challenge in sight <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strike>What next for Guardiola's treble winners after one of the greatest seasons ever recorded in club football</strike></h3><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDiZHjhcNGE9B2aAbSa1W8F7mg3VLvS9L0h4Noodx3Hokfm7uSAFRMffYqYHTiVt68iOFKBFNjmCjEyBI4jyhooRvi9f5X6a96U-wUX7tR8ZTAiMm7D_iOx7ollu_U-6q_z3BOodjOnLaFSJ9lpNgMlQ9AJ4qVVlq3p9pP1kmRdGPgj1LFo-ce0UcUaRx/s1485/CITY%20HOIST%20UCL%20-%20GETY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDiZHjhcNGE9B2aAbSa1W8F7mg3VLvS9L0h4Noodx3Hokfm7uSAFRMffYqYHTiVt68iOFKBFNjmCjEyBI4jyhooRvi9f5X6a96U-wUX7tR8ZTAiMm7D_iOx7ollu_U-6q_z3BOodjOnLaFSJ9lpNgMlQ9AJ4qVVlq3p9pP1kmRdGPgj1LFo-ce0UcUaRx/s16000/CITY%20HOIST%20UCL%20-%20GETY.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Pep Guardiola's Manchester City had been perched at the top of club football for some time, yet there remained one glaring omission from the trophy cabinet. At times it seemed the pinnacle would never be scaled. From last-gasp heartbreak with VAR drama to fluffing their lines when it mattered most in the final, it was the one feather in the cap that at times they seemed destined to never scalp.</div><div><br /></div><div>But ironically, when the dust settled in Istanbul, it was an outcome that seemed never in doubt. The sky blue confetti was pumped into the night air on The Bosporus Strait as the all-too-familiar site of the Citizens basking in glory was beamed around the globe once again. This was not the formality of capturing a Premier League title, or the feel-good Wembley Stadium vibes after their fans flocked nearly 200 miles for the FA Cup Final - this was the crown jewel that had alluded them all this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a swashbuckling season that may have its footnotes and asterisks as a war is waged in the backroom as the Premier League looks to impose charges for transgression of financial rules, but nonetheless this is a sublime team and now a dynasty that Guardiola has masterminded. They are head and shoulders above the rest with no competition in site.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course challengers will be waiting next season in the league as a hectic transfer window kicks into action, but we are looking at a team that have been there and done it. Perhaps only complacency, or what could result in lethargy by the boredom of hoisting the English prize aloft season after season would be their downfall. It's all too easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a far from spectacular final in Istanbul as City would be forced to grind out the victory against a stern Inter Milan, with Rodri driving it in a few yards inside the box to make the difference. Erling Haaland was unable to add to his jaw-dropping debut season tally of 53 goals in a quiet game while Kevin De Bruyne hobbled off before half-time - none of that would matter as City were once again able to tap into their unprecedented squad depth and yield the resources to conjure up victory. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ecmzYnRN5xtPMvuoM_Hw6ql-UI44IolYgbLBbMz2BXpfEem0UDnbCPzpFtDe5NaEE0DA1mDRlaA73TfTDDy5f_WxbPGYIuMc4ftf5KGGxXPFtJqxI3df3_DaatBXXd3z8qq-CL_6g2lO9VumdTfncITKYPIDv7m8vSFFE645fbSH12R2rDA6o7JUA3o/s1319/guardiola%20ucl%23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ecmzYnRN5xtPMvuoM_Hw6ql-UI44IolYgbLBbMz2BXpfEem0UDnbCPzpFtDe5NaEE0DA1mDRlaA73TfTDDy5f_WxbPGYIuMc4ftf5KGGxXPFtJqxI3df3_DaatBXXd3z8qq-CL_6g2lO9VumdTfncITKYPIDv7m8vSFFE645fbSH12R2rDA6o7JUA3o/s16000/guardiola%20ucl%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: AP</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Few clubs would have enjoyed the disruption to the season as a result of the Qatar 2022 World Cup than them. It was almost as if they were licking their lips ready to unleash another historic, patented run that is typical to them these days. During the Christmas break, it was very much in doubt to the neutral that City would go on to retain their title. Mikel Arteta had worked wonders with the Arsenal side and had them mounting a challenge as they sat atop the table, but City had too much artillery in their own arsenal as they rattled off 12 wins on the bounce to clinch the championship. In a war of attrition with this depth and now experience, City are juggernauts. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a busy fortnight after hoisting the title, the city of Manchester took over the English capital for a historic derby between United and City in the FA Cup Final. They could not have dreamt for a better start when skipper İlkay Gündoğan scored the fastest goal in cup final history with a sensational volley 12 seconds in. The German would come again after Bruno Fernandes equalised from the spot to score the winner and tick the FA Cup box - with just one thing remaining to get the treble that was done in stringent fashion. </div><div><br /></div><div>With three trophies and a historic season replicated only by one other English team in the past, questions will soon turn as to what's next, if anything for City. We all know that Pep Guardiola is a man with a competitive fire who will probably be kicking himself over City's elimination to Southampton which squandered their chances of Carabao Cup glory in August, and he will already be plotting something even more magnificent next season. Perhaps his ride into the sunset is already waiting, which may simply serve as added motivation for City to once again stamp their authority. </div><div><br /></div><div>It really may be the case that after all this, City cannot be matched on the pitch. They will just want to hope their lawyers can land the equivalent of Gündoğan's volley in the courtroom if the Premier League get a foothold on these charges. That can only be their downfall now. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-28056146807442119812023-06-15T10:06:00.004+01:002023-07-25T16:14:44.032+01:00Retirement or not, a full circle moment for Teofimo Lopez<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVGjmerSQxt8Nqaeivtjv1JEbwEFbt3rsFlRiM4DDD6hZ_qcTs4-D1oV9-0IPZsrLDDvdbcto_K4c6MYCP-kmF7qCLnUdAeGQnSEP6JAl--nBH6D9HriXPWlCNnCsf5UAJH7NRLe0qXmdhtv23yHYK0IGdf9vxHRE4TPJBY305HXYZ7TQOSFN19UTrw/s1014/TOP%20RANK%20MIKEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVGjmerSQxt8Nqaeivtjv1JEbwEFbt3rsFlRiM4DDD6hZ_qcTs4-D1oV9-0IPZsrLDDvdbcto_K4c6MYCP-kmF7qCLnUdAeGQnSEP6JAl--nBH6D9HriXPWlCNnCsf5UAJH7NRLe0qXmdhtv23yHYK0IGdf9vxHRE4TPJBY305HXYZ7TQOSFN19UTrw/s16000/TOP%20RANK%20MIKEY.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Mikey Williams / Top Rank / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Teofimo Lopez had his "y'all must have forgot" moment on Saturday night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Under heavy duress as he took to Madison Square Garden to duke it out with former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor, it was a critical crossroads fight for an individual who has already achieved so much in the sport at the ripe age of 25.</div><div><br /></div><div>Add into the mix all the fight week antics, controversial soundbites and numerous questions about the Honduran-American's mental health going into the contest, and it really had a win or go home feel to things. <br /><br />But when it mattered most, with the attention of the world fixated, Teofimo did what is becoming a habit of his - rising to the occasion. We saw the spectacular passing of the torch in an empty studio during the Coronavirus pandemic back in 2020, and this time in the small room of Madison Square Garden, 5,151 fans were in attendance to witness the coronation of a two-weight world champion.<br /><br />After navigating some closely contested early rounds, "The Takeover" did just that in taking control of the bout with a majestic display of counter punching that had the battle-hardened and previously undefeated Taylor questioning his own credentials. Each time as he lunged forward from the southpaw stance he was made to pay, whether that was a crushing right uppercut, or array of shots downstairs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lopez danced and flowed with Taylor's shots whistling by him, progressively dwindling in their threat while the New Yorker put his foot on the gas more. Lopez wasn't too far from stopping Taylor in the final round as the Scotsman was stopped in his track by hard body shots - and come the final bell, there was no question as to who was the victor. Even the judges couldn't save Taylor from this one had they done back in Glasgow in the controversial fight against Jack Catterall last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Taylor likely will up sticks and venture up to 147 pounds, Teofimo has laid a ground marker in the super-lightweight division and is here to stay. With undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney soon to join him, it could only be a matter of time before Lopez has a chance to add more gold to the collection. </div><div><br /></div><div>His dynamic relationship with father and head trainer Teofimo Lopez Sr. is often the talk of the pre-fight amble and perhaps rightly so when you consider a few off-the-cuff comments from the fighter about his dad, but once again they got it right on Saturday night. To do this in such dominant fashion against a pound-for-pound hall-of-fame legend in Lomachenko, and then to another world class unbeaten operator in Taylor shows they are doing something right. </div><div><br /></div><div>But that could also be the end of the story.</div><div><br /></div><div>"The Takeover" announced his retirement in the days after the fight and while it was met with skepticism, if it is the end of a ride, it has been a short but incredibly sweet story. Climbing to the top like a phenom, coming unstuck a year later after turmoil outside of the ring, and then rallying back to put on a performance for the ages - it will be a shame if this is the end of the road with his potential, but what a sight it would be to see him go out on top. After what the fighters leave in the ring, that's the least they could ask for.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-40088788984224318682023-05-21T10:52:00.004+01:002023-07-25T16:13:32.599+01:00Haney clings on to undisputed titles with razor-thin decision over Lomachenko<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp2iO3vye5ZbJDuf_kbfmTvi6eoODN-F7c97dHHUHhhHEL4V2cHKbDjlisKZgYnzoBdo3tsK0ktbDvzD3Iu_r1RvS4ITz_IaHAA_3Jwec6ttp3UQuhlLSffVAOaTn3pNAfEpPMlo0ysJwHzQrjpr9_oRicJ6m2hGCy5O6gZQxp7uue62KbRLMxSZe_0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp2iO3vye5ZbJDuf_kbfmTvi6eoODN-F7c97dHHUHhhHEL4V2cHKbDjlisKZgYnzoBdo3tsK0ktbDvzD3Iu_r1RvS4ITz_IaHAA_3Jwec6ttp3UQuhlLSffVAOaTn3pNAfEpPMlo0ysJwHzQrjpr9_oRicJ6m2hGCy5O6gZQxp7uue62KbRLMxSZe_0w=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Mikey Williams / Top Rank / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Long after the chess pieces of this epic are cleared up will the debate rage on about the victor, but unfortunately for Vasiliy Lomachenko it was only the opinion of three men ringside who ruled Devin Haney the victor after 12 intense, razor close rounds in Las Vegas.</div><div><br /></div><div>The American had to dig deep and started strong with attacks to the body to ultimately cling on to his WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine lightweight titles, cementing his position as the best 135-pounder on the planet. It would turn out to be the toughest night of his career and then some, as the 35-year-old Ukrainian went toe-to-toe with the young champion in a fight for the ages.</div><div><br /></div>The champion set out to impose his physicality and size advantage from the first bell, finding the mark with a left hook and going downstairs with right hooks to the midsection of the Ukrainian. The light-footed former pound-for-pound king meanwhile was on the backfoot, circling and landing a good one-two with a flurry to end the first stanza.<div><br /></div><div>Lomachenko came out more aggressive in the second round forcing Haney to roll and keep his head low before initiating the clinch, as the American then came back with a crushing counter shot to the body. The hand-speed of the challenger was evident as he landed an uppercut and hook combo before a flurry of straight shots as Haney backed towards the ropes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The patented jab of the undisputed champion would finally materialise in the third round however he would still find himself in close quarters all too often with the southpaw. Lomachenko landed a stiff straight left down the pipe that Haney would eat and come back with a colossal left hook that the challenger ate well. Loma would finish with another flurry with yet another razor-close round in the books.</div><div><br /></div><div>As chants of "Loma" reverberated around the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the Ukrainian was galvanised and put his foot on the gas. Haney was trying to get behind the jab but was unable to control the range as he had done in previous contests, while Lomachenko landed a good right hook and another rapid combination. The fighters would hit the canvas for the first time towards the end of the fourth but not as a result of a knockdown, rather a tussle in the clinch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Haney did more to take round five with active right hands and some sharp pull right hand counters. Lomachenko came back with another blitz of punches forcing the champion to cling on serving another reminder that the fight remained on a knife edge.</div><div><br /></div><div>The American dished out more punishment to the body as the contest hit the halfway mark, but the straight lefts of the challenger were becoming increasingly potent. Granted, those moments were far more sporadic with Haney delivering a more consistent output.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern would be somewhat flipped in the seventh with the champion securing the eye-catching moment by virtue of a check left hook that rattled Loma who otherwise was in control with a string of left hands troubling Haney when backing up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The tussles would spill over again in the eighth stanza as Lomachenko hit the canvas when the two clashed in the clinch and barring some good jabs and a pull counter from "The Dream" it was a round where the Ukrainian to impose himself more and up the workrate with rapid punches.</div><div><br /></div><div>Round nine saw Haney sit down on his punches more, first catching his opponent with a left hook as he exited the same way and punctuating the round with a thumping counter right. In between we saw Lomachenko beginning to gauge the body shots and time them with responses as Haney left his head exposed.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were ever so slight signs that the champion was beginning to dwindle as Lomachenko moved off the angles and found the mark with his left hand. A fleeting combination briefly put Haney in trouble but he quickly recovered and landed a brilliant one-two. The pace would slow for the remainder of the tenth with both men taking their foot off the gas, preparing for a sprint finish in the championship rounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lomachenko once again had Haney in trouble in the penultimate stanza making Haney pay for his attempts to go down to the body. The Ukrainian followed through from a left hand to the body with a hard right upstairs that briefly buckled the legs of the undisputed king and landed some more jabs and straight lefts throughout the remainder of the round. Haney would mostly spectate and try and recover.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the final round Haney went back to the work that put him in good stead at the start of the contest, landing a myriad of body punches while Loma tried to flurry but smothered his work. It was yet another close round which left everyone on their feet awaiting the scorecards.</div><div><br /></div><div>Judge Dave Moretti scored the bout 116-112, while David Sutherland and Tim Cheatham ruled it 115-113 all in favour of the champion who would cling on to the undisputed lightweight titles. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-30686131624494298932023-05-20T10:41:00.006+01:002023-07-25T16:14:44.032+01:00Katie Taylor finally encounters a bridge too far<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZURtfifecvK547-2bp4ZTamSiiFXbi3cs6VmENfsdz43B_rJwD0MoZFA6t7L_QETvnTJtRmVlnw7jzyBilLa6EPyfIFJiLXgSzxooUIlnEhTiTeJs-8uIpwuIIlfCr-_7mjMDZhVo1TEZxrzS78e6XC_-d4e8YcqVl9rU3woDZh3lKIGm2-tEQIWIA/s1590/CAMERON%20TAYLOR%20PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZURtfifecvK547-2bp4ZTamSiiFXbi3cs6VmENfsdz43B_rJwD0MoZFA6t7L_QETvnTJtRmVlnw7jzyBilLa6EPyfIFJiLXgSzxooUIlnEhTiTeJs-8uIpwuIIlfCr-_7mjMDZhVo1TEZxrzS78e6XC_-d4e8YcqVl9rU3woDZh3lKIGm2-tEQIWIA/s16000/CAMERON%20TAYLOR%20PA.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: PA</td></tr></tbody></table>The only thing more surreal than finally seeing Katie Taylor's come home in front of her Irish faithful was the end result - her first professional loss. The consensus greatest female boxer of all time finally came unstuck in her biggest challenge as Chantelle Cameron spoiled the party to retain her undisputed super-lightweight belts in Dublin. <br /><div><br /></div><div>In hindsight, it goes to show just how game Taylor was. Initially slated to run it back with Amanda Serrano following their 2022 fight of the year, an injury to the Puerto Rican threatened to put the homecoming on hold - but just as she had done throughout her career, Taylor went off-script and elected to go up a weight division to challenge Cameron for all the marbles at 140 pounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a thrilling ten-round contest, Cameron was the aggressor for the majority and slowed down Taylor with a barrage of body shots to retain her crown and deflate the 3Arena in the Irish capital. Taylor fell behind early and was never able to really get herself back into the fight for a sustained period of time, as Cameron continued to shut the door with each and every passing combination. The late surge from the 2016 Olympian was on but not enough to sway the tide.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in her professional career, Taylor's hand was not raised at the end of the fight and it made for surreal viewing, not most for the Irishwoman herself who's biggest night became her most painful one. The scars of losing will cut deep for Taylor over a difficult few months of self-reflection leading into an inevitable rematch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Serial winners like Taylor relish a chance to get it back and that is likely how it will go. Whether that remains at 140 or back down to Taylor's division at lightweight remains to be seen, but the chances are Katie will enter the fight as an underdog with her career all but on the line. At the age of 36, the clock is ticking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether it was time catching up, the body shots, or perhaps a harsh adrenaline dump after soaking in the crowd from the stage, Taylor was slow out of the gate appearing uncharacteristically fatigued at times. There will be many adjustments to make between now and the proposed rematch in the winter and they may resort to Taylor having to once again rip up the script from what she knows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout her storied career the Irishwoman has never cowered away in the pocket. At times it is the one flaw that has resulted in her taking unnecessary damage in some contests. Taylor loves to plant her feet and exchange which, against the bigger fighter, is not a wise idea. Taylor had her eye catching moments but the champion was there to meet her each and every step of the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>All eyes will now focus on the rematch towards the end of this year where Taylor will need to leave it all on the line. After all these years, here we are, in a familiar place for Taylor. Just like in the beginning when she attempted to blaze a trail through the sport for women and legalise it in Ireland, to capturing multiple world titles and taking on every challenger - it's win, or go home, perhaps this time for good.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-26549220011632852232023-04-23T22:35:00.007+01:002023-07-25T16:13:32.599+01:00Classy Davis punctures Garcia with seventh-round bodyshot KO<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4QPHG1cWmV5ThfOjBqNpFgbXn8o_y_vA0wZfr-9qxwH1i1CBp38zA81VLIwZu7bOoMME4jfAbwGqja_q12J3PsSmw4j2ThLpP47BUtT0Zsz7CJlLkpSs0ZJImw-PL6Nec8vDzIMArp7HNeerNICyQGQ_UkbqPVq6XfwW0r8S08o5NpwZh4wnc1nABQ/s1596/Garcia%20Davis%20Showtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4QPHG1cWmV5ThfOjBqNpFgbXn8o_y_vA0wZfr-9qxwH1i1CBp38zA81VLIwZu7bOoMME4jfAbwGqja_q12J3PsSmw4j2ThLpP47BUtT0Zsz7CJlLkpSs0ZJImw-PL6Nec8vDzIMArp7HNeerNICyQGQ_UkbqPVq6XfwW0r8S08o5NpwZh4wnc1nABQ/s16000/Garcia%20Davis%20Showtime.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME</td></tr></tbody></table>The man known as "Tank" had too much artillery for his adversary in the biggest boxing fight of the year. There may not have been any belts on the line but Gervonta Davis seized all the marbles when he forced Ryan Garcia to take a knee for the count following a crushing seventh-round body shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a performance on a defining night for Davis that will cement him as the biggest star in American boxing. He figured Garcia out with ease and bided his time even after knocking his foe down in the second round.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garcia set out to establish his jab in the opening stanza while Davis circled on the outside, applying a high guard and making reads on the left hand of his opponent. Garcia's blitzing speed was on display early as he rattled off a double jab and left hook combination, although the WBA lightweight champion appeared largely unphased. </div><div><br /></div><div>A sudden switch was made by Garcia in the second round who turned the aggression up significantly and tried to put a dent on his counterpart. Davis was warned by the referee after lunging in numerous times to try and tie up Garcia who continued to try and land some shots, a couple of hooks which managed to get through. But Davis - consistently smirking and moving - picked his moment to duck under a lunging left hook and counter with a left hand down the pipe that floored Garcia. The "King" still had his legs under him and answered the count but would receive another straight left for his troubles in the last few seconds, before coming back with a sharp left hook of his own.</div><div><br /></div><div>What followed in the next few rounds was a diminished output from Garcia as a result of a more cautious approach following the stern reminder of the firepower possessed by his opponent. Gervonta was making reads with more comfort of the lead left hand from Garcia, moving his head just out of range and also varying his attacks to the body, hitting the solar plexus several times with a straight left. </div><div><br /></div><div>Garcia was still trying to force the action in round four as his nose was bloodied and his face grew in concern. Davis once again pulled out of the way of a jab and came back in with a left hand counter that Floyd Mayweather, ringside, would have been proud of. He continued to land shots in the bread basket while Garcia came back with some singular right hands that bounced off "Tank".</div><div><br /></div><div>As the fight progressed Gervonta would ooze confidence, mocking his opponent with a pirouette as he cowered in the clinch after missing a left hook. Davis continued to move from side to side trying to draw Garcia on to a counter, while chipping away at the body. </div><div><br /></div><div>Up until then Garcia appeared out of ideas with Davis seeing everything coming from his perceived one-dimensional attacks. But in round six Garcia managed to find home when he shot his right hand after trapping Davis against the ropes. In a largely quiet round, Garcia landed the more eye-catching work with a few blistering combinations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Davis was backed up by a string of right hands early in the seventh round as the rally appeared to be on. That was until it was ended by way of a perfectly placed liver shot from the Mayweather protégé. Davis masterfully ducked under a winging hook and placed his left hook into the body of Garcia who took a few seconds before taking a knee and seeing out the 10 count, unable to get back to his feet. Davis had beaten him into submission. </div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-78761124336721495362023-04-16T13:56:00.001+01:002023-07-25T16:13:32.600+01:00Holloway shows no signs of letting up in five round war with Allen<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdOdH-rMCoFhVdRWKZjfWlic3dAUURtQgeuIizQmsnInBfWJvPpdLZYcDTcTEifm47rVlaelnmcf_UIvG6j3My6ScBdRy5DtPi6dk0I1HdcgQ_lVSKulawP33juAkr4bw0RzK1QBdNpBy9G7N6wlb2C3eJeJ_qx7c1Ta7LzlZUc_XHSR5MIINlI27UA/s1007/ALLEN%20HOLLOWAY%20GETTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdOdH-rMCoFhVdRWKZjfWlic3dAUURtQgeuIizQmsnInBfWJvPpdLZYcDTcTEifm47rVlaelnmcf_UIvG6j3My6ScBdRy5DtPi6dk0I1HdcgQ_lVSKulawP33juAkr4bw0RzK1QBdNpBy9G7N6wlb2C3eJeJ_qx7c1Ta7LzlZUc_XHSR5MIINlI27UA/s16000/ALLEN%20HOLLOWAY%20GETTY.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>While another crack at featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski remains out of reach, Max Holloway proved he remains the standard in the division as he fended off a spirited challenge from England's Arnold Allen over five rounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Blessed" took many of the best shots that his opponent had to offer but was able to control the fight down the stretch to keep his name close to the very top at 145 pounds in the main event of the UFC's highly anticipated return to Kansas City.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Garcia pieces up veteran Guida</span></b></div><div><i>Rafa Garcia def. Clay Guida via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Too sharp, too fast and perhaps too young - it was a breakout win to raise the curtain for the main card as Rafa Garcia bludgeoned legendary UFC veteran Clay Guida for three rounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guida was making his 35th Octagon appearance at the age of 41, twitching and moving early and tagging his adversary with an overhand right. It wouldn't take long however for Garcia to gauge the timing and begin landing straight shots including a myriad of jab, leaving his opponent busted up by the end of the first.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lead uppercut and elbow were on the mark early before Garcia shrugged off a takedown attempt and continued to land the jab at will through the second. The odd shot would sneak through for "The Carpenter" but otherwise Garcia was in full command of the fight, beginning to throw uppercuts behind the jab and punctuating another dominant round with a couple of straight rights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guida landed a rare combination early in round three as the crowd tried to spur on the UFC hero but Garcia remained composed and stuck to his gameplan, reading the one-dimensional attacks from Guida. He defended the sporadic takedown attempts and teed off down the stretch, going for a takedown of his own late in the fight. It appeared Guida was ready to call it a day as he removed his gloves following the result announcement, rather it was a show of respect to his young opponent to swap over the leather.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Munhoz halts fledging contender</span></b></div><div><i>Pedro Munhoz def. Chris Gutierrez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It wasn't pretty at times but Pedro Munhoz proved a gatekeeper too difficult to crack as he halted the fledging Chris Gutierrez.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gutierrez was feinting heavily as the pair exchanged kicks before Munhoz displayed his power when he dropped the Boston resident with a left hook. Gutierrez closed his guard while he attempted to clear his head and worked his way back to the feet as Munhoz pursued a submission. Gutierrez was able to land a string of jabs at the end of the round but was clearly still shaken by the knockdown.</div><div><br /></div><div>Round two was on a knife edge as Gutierrez was hesitant to commit while making Munhoz miss often. Munhoz was continuing to apply pressure to disrupt the game of his younger opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fans in attendance at the T-Mobile Center were vocal in their boos as Munhoz pressured more in the third round while Gutierrez struggled to get going barring a right hand and body kick. Munhoz landed some good combinations while Gutierrez pawed with his shots and the fight fizzled out to a decision nod for the Brazilian.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Hulk" re-emerges</span></b></div><div><i>Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser via TKO (strikes), round 1 (2:05)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Sweet rage of victory was finally tasted by Ion Cutelaba as he snapped his losing skid with an explosive first-round finish over divisional returner Tanner Boser.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boser was making his first appearance at 205 pounds in nine years after a long spell at heavyweight, and looked to make use of his newly found speed with sharp straight shots, while Cutelaba attempted to counter while sitting down on his hooks. After a good kick to the body, Cutelaba threw a jab, leaving it out there a little longer to send a straight right down the pipe to buckle the legs of the Canadian. As he wobbled in retreat Cutelaba followed up the punches and landed a takedown, teeing off some ground and pound shots as he trapped Boser for the finish.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Murzaknov holds on to keep perfect record</span></b></div></div><div><i>Azamat Murzakonov def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It was a nervy final round with his gas tank waning, but Azamat Murzaknov kept his unbeaten record intact with a brilliant striking display against Dustin Jacoby.</div><div><br /></div><div>The striking acumen of former professional kickboxer Jacoby and the reach advantage suggested he would enjoy success on the feet however it was the Russian instead. He got going with a couple of overhand lefts and then truly exhibited his power when he dropped Jacoby with a thumping jab. Murzakonov put his foot on the gas to try and take him out but Jacoby would scramble and eat more hard shots as he returned to his corner stunned.</div><div><br /></div><div>Murzakonov slipped the jab to land another uppercut in round two followed with some more overhand lefts, proceeding to shoot for a takedown in which Dustin was able to defend. The pace would slow as Jacoby clinched against the cage before Murzakonov dropped Jacoby with a left hand and the American would be saved by the bell. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Russian was evidently tired in the third round and Jacoby looked to capitalise with some combinations before Murzakonov unsuccessfully went for a takedown. Jacoby would end up wasting crucial time trying to pursue a takedown of his own as time ran out and Murzakonov made it to the final bell.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Another highlight reel for timeless Barboza</span></b></div><div><i>Edson Barboza def. Billy Quarantillo via KO (knee), round 1 (2:37)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The phenom that is Edson Barboza shows no signs of letting up as, at the age of 37, the Brazilian was in the best shape of his life to deliver a knee to knock out Billy Quarantillo in the co-main spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Quarantillo chased a takedown off the bat and looked to take away the space from the veteran while Barboza slammed a few leg kicks and an overhand right. Edson timed the level change to perfection as Quarantillo dipped his head for a takedown, landing a knee on the button that dropped his opponent and landing a shot on the ground for good measure. It's another highlight reel knockout to add to the incredible collection for one of the most prolific strikers in UFC history.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Blessed" beats Allen at his best</span></b></div><div><i>Max Holloway def. Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>"Blessed" remains one of the best as Max Holloway fended off a valiant Arnold Allen to keep his name close to the top of the featherweight pile.</div><div><br /></div><div>England's Allen was heavy on the gas early and following a short pause due to a groin strike "Almighty" landed a solid left hook that got the former champion's attention. Holloway meanwhile landed some swift combinations of his own and began to find punches to the body as the action progressed. The Hawaiian would pour on the volume as the first five minutes expired, switching stances and going for a spinning back kick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Allen looked to halt the momentum in its tracks and found success with a right hook followed with an overhand left, the latter of which was landed at several points during that part of the contest. Max's jab remained as sharp as ever while Allen tried to stand his ground and back him up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Holloway opened up the third with a blitz but would soon be bloodied after a left hand cut the inside of his left eyebrow. There was more urgency to the work of "Blessed" with some more straight shots while Allen tried to punch with him with some more successful overhand shots. Holloway briefly buckled the legs of the Englishman with a low kick and appeared to take the upper hand midway through the fight, tallying up the body kicks and going for a spinning back fist as Allen returned to his corner bloodied up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Venturing into a fourth round for the first time in his professional career, Allen appeared to hold up well to the pace as he pressured to start and went for a high kick as well as a left hand. Holloway still remained comfortable and in control with more punches and circling away from the power shots of his opponent. Allen's nose would be busted via a hard one-two and then ate some more body kicks for his troubles with a finish appearing necessary for him to salvage the fight in the final round.</div><div><br /></div><div>Firas Zahabi implored the Englishman to go for it in the final round and he did just that, landing some good hooks before Holloway responded with a knee and spinning elbow in the midst of the fire. Holloway ate some power shots well and came back with more body kicks before a dramatic final minute saw Holloway briefly buzzed with a left hand before dropping Allen as he came forward in the final few seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Allen certainly proved he has the minerals to compete at the very top of 145 pounds but Holloway's experience, movement and defence were key to victory. He was able to keep the fight to his rhythm for a majority of the contest while his chin once again stood up to the test, eating several of Allen's overhand lefts that would have dropped many a featherweight. It may be a hard case for "Blessed" to get a fourth fight with current champion Alexander Volkanovski who he is 0-3 against, but he will be watching the unification fight later this year between the Aussie and Yair Rodriguez very closely.</div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-40731341960502626022023-04-09T07:01:00.008+01:002023-07-25T16:13:32.599+01:00UFC 287: Adesanya finally conquers Pereira in spectacular fashion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwqTWp3u6PSLJEHbFVdNSd4arbPStlYt93izNNZOzk_WUzo5N05bSjpe3GFyyxXLRQT_xaXoOmmjFfWYo0TfueQyxbOvHcEbUKBS1d6kNV6QqRXLE6nD03zLQQjUNjsbSuEHvNV1_04rxeTzDZSTTchC5nD8VjGBhjFVrHWKOuaVCDF20Y5v5Uj6OFA/s1379/ufc%20getty.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwqTWp3u6PSLJEHbFVdNSd4arbPStlYt93izNNZOzk_WUzo5N05bSjpe3GFyyxXLRQT_xaXoOmmjFfWYo0TfueQyxbOvHcEbUKBS1d6kNV6QqRXLE6nD03zLQQjUNjsbSuEHvNV1_04rxeTzDZSTTchC5nD8VjGBhjFVrHWKOuaVCDF20Y5v5Uj6OFA/s16000/ufc%20getty.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Zuffa LLC / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>It was the one bridge too far in the legendary career of Israel Adesanya until the Octagon rocked up to The Magic City. The curse of Alex Pereira no longer looms over The Last Stylebender as he destroyed his nemesis with a knockout for the ages, reclaiming his middleweight title in Miami. <div><br /></div><div>The New Zealander delivered a titanic overhand right late in the second stanza after another close duel between the former kickboxing rivals to avenge his defeat to the Brazilian last November, marking his first win out of four against Pereira in professional competition. </div><div><br /></div><div>It would be less sweeter for Miami's own Jorge Masvidal who appeared to bow out following a lopsided decision loss to surging welterweight contender Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRrr7LAsv8Zkz8kY7pQXhecrPC8Qp4r4_lpblBNAatIoQPKUoKudvDs3dND4naLT6YuHFwp8TqMWNe7Cq-_VGmuuaGpfs2L2tdRApo_aKZdGb9uFf6kiat_dwvDtzpUL12VVsyArxSsWMHFxD6NdBBzMwDh2prS5aeDRvwSUj4B8smonwoCazcp1zTw/s1363/BURNS%20MASVIDAL%20GETTY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRrr7LAsv8Zkz8kY7pQXhecrPC8Qp4r4_lpblBNAatIoQPKUoKudvDs3dND4naLT6YuHFwp8TqMWNe7Cq-_VGmuuaGpfs2L2tdRApo_aKZdGb9uFf6kiat_dwvDtzpUL12VVsyArxSsWMHFxD6NdBBzMwDh2prS5aeDRvwSUj4B8smonwoCazcp1zTw/s16000/BURNS%20MASVIDAL%20GETTY.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Zuffa LLC / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rodriguez schools the prospect</span></b><div><i>Christian Rodriguez def. Raul Rosas Jr. via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Christian Rodriguez put the hype train of the youngest winner in UFC history on hold as he taught Raul Rosas Jr. a valuable lesson over three rounds in the main card opener.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl_nzX0rxdtwGPINUQTHEJgkVWig4lcjW53kLhM-FuSxEahsMpwJtUzxKn3L3NbIksPJr8KP6o-e4CFQdG8GHR-ueYBsylAC3NWtrVEscix_JrAx5J45LZPZ95nr2aFiBerJ-c1ePQ7q2wMwqaNAMPkUQ8kyZ3vR88tQuAeXvm0pm70o8HbM_6cJytNg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl_nzX0rxdtwGPINUQTHEJgkVWig4lcjW53kLhM-FuSxEahsMpwJtUzxKn3L3NbIksPJr8KP6o-e4CFQdG8GHR-ueYBsylAC3NWtrVEscix_JrAx5J45LZPZ95nr2aFiBerJ-c1ePQ7q2wMwqaNAMPkUQ8kyZ3vR88tQuAeXvm0pm70o8HbM_6cJytNg=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />18-year-old Rosas dived straight in at the hips of his opponent on the first bell although Rodriguez did a fine job in fending off the takedown, clinching against the cage while Rosas expelled a lot of effort in trying to take the fight to his realm. The Mexican-American was eventually able to secure the takedown and following some decent scramble attempts from Rodriguez, he would spend most of the round pursuing a rear-naked choke after securing the back. Rodriguez was able to see off the attempts and make it back to his corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rosas Jr. had taxed his gas tank immensely with the first round efforts and it soon showed in the second stanza. An early takedown was fended off well with a knee to the body to go with it followed by short punches in the clinch. Rodriguez was then able to take control on the mat in side control and even came close with a rear-naked choke attempt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Going into the final round Rosas Jr. was clearly spent as he missed with some wild strike attempts. Rodriguez was once again able to secure a takedown and land some heavy ground-and-pound shots as he mounted the 18-year-old. Rosas Jr. could only cover up and try to save himself from further punishment in the compromised position. The two worked back to their feet to end the fight but the result was a formality by the final bell. It's a hard lesson learned at a great time for the young Rosas Jr.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible effort by an 18 year old Raul Rosas Jr. Imagine being 18 and being on that stage. Lessons learned ad he’ll be back better next time.</p>— michael (@bisping) <a href="https://twitter.com/bisping/status/1644893864564752386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><div><br /></div><div> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trailblazer gets back on course</b></span></div><div><i>Kevin Holland def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via KO (left hook), round 3 (3:16)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>"Trailblazer" is back on course. Kevin Holland returned to the win column in spectacular fashion, extinguishing Santiago Ponzinibbio with a devastating left hook in the final round. </div><div><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kevin Holland doing Kevin Holland things 👊💥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/7onz0Et16K">pic.twitter.com/7onz0Et16K</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1644902694619078656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ponzinibbio looked to negate the reach advantage with a steady diet of low kicks while Holland exploited his physical attributes with push kicks to keep him at bay. When the Argentine did trot forward with combinations, Holland was defensively sound as he rolled out the way or caught them on his gloves. The American then rattled off some jabs and punctuated the round with a knockdown as Ponzinibbio stood still after catching his kick and received a backfist sending him crashing down to the canvas in the final seconds of the first.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ponzinibbio landed more low kicks in the following round that appeared to bother Holland, but he was able to land the more effective work once again with jabs and a hard right hand that hurt his opponent as he began to apply more pressure and up the work rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ponzinibbio tried to produce something dramatic to change his fortunes but it would be to his detriment. Holland began to time the low kicks with checks and counters, and then caught a kick and as Ponzinibbio retreated he landed a fine left hook that faceplanted the Argentine as the referee rushed in to enforce the stoppage.</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The real BMF- <a href="https://twitter.com/Trailblaze2top?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Trailblaze2top</a> <a href="https://t.co/QqUvbOZiVw">pic.twitter.com/QqUvbOZiVw</a></p>— KOreps (@ko_reps) <a href="https://twitter.com/ko_reps/status/1645083487966310400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Font prevails in battle of bantamweight bombers </span></b></div></div></div><div><i>Rob Font def. Adrian Yanez via TKO (punches), round 1 (2:57)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Fireworks were promised and they were delivered in just shy of three minutes as Rob Font obliterated Adrian Yanez to keep his name in the mix at the upper echelon of the bantamweight division.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rob Font is that dude 😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/dygbB7PXyf">pic.twitter.com/dygbB7PXyf</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1644907544081747969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><div>In what was essentially a boxing bout with MMA gloves and the occasional low attack, Font opened up with an overhand right and some jabs before Yanez came back with some one-twos of his own and bloodied his opponent early. Both would get rocked as they planted their feet and looked to unload on combinations before Font once again got behind his patented jab and did some damage. Yanez would be wobbled by a right uppercut as Font looked to tie up, and followed it up with some more combinations as he went on the retreat. A hard right hook would drop Yanez hard and some ground-and-pound would seal the deal for an electric victory.</div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eh4LnGBNauM?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">King of Miami's homecoming ends in tears</span></b></div><div><i>Gilbert Burns def. Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>It wasn't meant to be for the king of The 305 as Jorge Masvidal bowed out in a whitewash defeat to Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkpb8eYgy-WIly_0u899n-9C4bdgMFmHorLknP4uXYCORJSkIxq5U324Xgkq96dhMps9LUZKHlXu5m2acdO1Azn7sIFo8eKMlEUfNCvYaJ8GNtyz_8OJ8SZtTOX2xKRUzHnBlpompl-xHBR4SQPupNUJsoRU1NXL6yBK-BG7Ywl9p-xl3qCRgRvcC1kw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkpb8eYgy-WIly_0u899n-9C4bdgMFmHorLknP4uXYCORJSkIxq5U324Xgkq96dhMps9LUZKHlXu5m2acdO1Azn7sIFo8eKMlEUfNCvYaJ8GNtyz_8OJ8SZtTOX2xKRUzHnBlpompl-xHBR4SQPupNUJsoRU1NXL6yBK-BG7Ywl9p-xl3qCRgRvcC1kw=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"Durinho" was slow to start as "Gamebred" landed a string of low kicks in the first round, before the Brazilian got behind his jab and landed a hard one-two that stumbled the BMF. Masvidal responded with a right hand that was ate well before Burns finally level changed and secured a takedown, controlling his opponent in side control.</div><div><br /></div><div>Burns came out with a vengeance in the second round, dropping Masvidal with a one-two. While the Miami native was able to pop back to his feet, Burns quickly changed levels and secured a slam takedown where he would spend time in the guard of Masvidal doing little. Masvidal was able to grind his way back up but was dragged down for most of the round, until the final moments where they got back to their feet and Gamebred landed a bodykick before his opponent responded with a counter right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Down on the scorecards, Masvidal showed the intent to swing the fight in his favour with some low kicks while his power shots failed to land clean. Burns meanwhile landed further jabs and a hard one-two that had Masvidal badly hurt. Some more right hands followed with the writing on the wall as the home favourite was wobbled against the cage wall. Burns would get a trip takedown and spent the remaining moments on top control to prevent any miraculous last minute comeback victories.</div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4X4A6-HqL9Y?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stylebender conquers his biggest demon</span></b></div><div><i>Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira via KO (punch), round 2 (4:21)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>The looming ghost that is Alex Pereira no longer haunts The Last Stylebender after Israel Adesanya produced one of the most incredible knockouts in UFC history to conquer his biggest foe and reclaim the middleweight throne.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtO6k8illgmusdYYrgjWDnjeILC0vdbHHvRjazWXakuFgZjukuaRx0ICzPDc8_58nl9m0hK074u5HfnQPv5VuHWAIzSvQg4U5ot3L9igoKxhKAOf_fJybcWA1vY5i-bs9_04KfWuhbUGtc0R4k_pgRubs4A_4zLqkHoqgt4JaB7r0v2RlY7MK5EMj2dw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtO6k8illgmusdYYrgjWDnjeILC0vdbHHvRjazWXakuFgZjukuaRx0ICzPDc8_58nl9m0hK074u5HfnQPv5VuHWAIzSvQg4U5ot3L9igoKxhKAOf_fJybcWA1vY5i-bs9_04KfWuhbUGtc0R4k_pgRubs4A_4zLqkHoqgt4JaB7r0v2RlY7MK5EMj2dw=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />High-level kickboxing was on the agenda as the duo exchanged calf kicks early, before the Kiwi landed a jab and overhand right that glanced over the side of the Brazilian's dome. After a couple of body kicks from Adesanya, Pereira began to tot up the calf kicks which were instrumental to his success in their meeting last year. Adesanya would switch to southpaw where he landed a straight left down the pipe to close out a close first stanza - Pereira enjoyed success with his low kicks while Adesanya was able to land some clean punches and control the distance.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZ2FpqMh1qTr4M6Y4HXCD1Ql9qzAwgjGK2jZEEh-tGhhFYLbNB7F-V5xoa3Oo3q_5yqY6IQasYK3nVoR2tQZ0mnf-XFJ67ARiCQo_xYuPx5VQ0fDDhy7OkXKfeDXm5QkSrt9WYOmf4hDJ7xh62qFo-cfydGA3_Lx2n_hOQnfqwZlB5JWV4LclWoV6g/s1311/UFC%20287%20CK%20AFP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZ2FpqMh1qTr4M6Y4HXCD1Ql9qzAwgjGK2jZEEh-tGhhFYLbNB7F-V5xoa3Oo3q_5yqY6IQasYK3nVoR2tQZ0mnf-XFJ67ARiCQo_xYuPx5VQ0fDDhy7OkXKfeDXm5QkSrt9WYOmf4hDJ7xh62qFo-cfydGA3_Lx2n_hOQnfqwZlB5JWV4LclWoV6g/s16000/UFC%20287%20CK%20AFP.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Chandan Khanna / AFP / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Intensity continued to ooze out of the former champion knowing the task he had ahead of him, landing a low kick, question mark kick and front kick early in the second frame. The dangers of Pereira were potent though as he reminded his previously vanquished opponent of his dangers, backing Adesanya up against the fence and landing a hard left hook. Stylebender kept his composure and ate the shot well before coming back with some firepower of his own, landing a right hand on the temple of "Poatan". But when it came down to the power contest, Pereira appeared superior with a hard jab while adding up more calf kicks to both legs throughout the round. Adesanya's body kicks were finding the mark and he wasn't hesitant to plant his feet and stand in the pocket, clipping his foe with a left hook followed by a combination with two hooks to the body. Warning sirens would signal for Adesanya however when he was buckled by yet another calf kick and was forced to retreat. He would cover up against the fence inviting Pereira to deliver an onslaught with some hooks and a knee up the middle. With the Brazilian now open, Adesanya unleashed a thunderous right hand that stopped Pereira in his tracks momentarily, and when the champion came back in for more, he received another crushing right hand that would sent him crashing to the canvas - with a left hook for good measure. As the unconscious, frozen Pereira flopped to the canvas, Adesanya delivered a final hammerfist for good measure as the referee waved off the contest late in the second round. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a glorious moment of poetic vindication for the former long reigning king and now incumbent middleweight sovereign. A gesture of a trio of bow arrows delivered to his lifeless opponent in the aftermath was proceeded by jubilant celebrations and a post-fight speech for the ages. </div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZNoODFgTq3c?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>"People, Earth I need to say something. I hope everyone of you can feel this level of happiness just one time in your life," he exclaimed to the camera. "But guess what, you will never feel this level of happiness if you don't go for something," the champion declared as he once again scaled the summit at 185 pounds. </div></div></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">“I don’t throw and hope, I aim and fire!” - Me 🏹 <a href="https://t.co/jYCReHrrMk">pic.twitter.com/jYCReHrrMk</a></p>— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) <a href="https://twitter.com/stylebender/status/1644960741852876801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Adesanya has now beaten every fighter ranked in the top five of the UFC's middleweight division.<br /><br />The king of the middleweights has returned 👑 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/FZRJETxyPV">pic.twitter.com/FZRJETxyPV</a></p>— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1645094207646826497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875334724044030284.post-6398518233672420482023-04-08T21:43:00.006+01:002023-04-09T07:04:08.010+01:00UFC 287: Preview, Predictions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi__WPD9vYK3LWsvEwUnhTbV-riCSTfttPUpUz_L9OeBfH-qXPLVT3c_OoYODrYCoeWmlJBWtbFHIwM1Js-17732Ni3DXldRJ5QTzgcjTKbJxZ-W32tW0WlEj1Q2s_PYNn-njz_qVNoQNs-HMJXvoNiC-YvZXMn9PRa2tsdF7IWeym_JbejrwK0fWKP9A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi__WPD9vYK3LWsvEwUnhTbV-riCSTfttPUpUz_L9OeBfH-qXPLVT3c_OoYODrYCoeWmlJBWtbFHIwM1Js-17732Ni3DXldRJ5QTzgcjTKbJxZ-W32tW0WlEj1Q2s_PYNn-njz_qVNoQNs-HMJXvoNiC-YvZXMn9PRa2tsdF7IWeym_JbejrwK0fWKP9A=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: MMA Fighting</td></tr></tbody></table>Israel Adesanya had long ruled the roost at middleweight until an old nemesis came knocking and turned his world upside down last winter. Five months removed from that fateful night in The Big Apple, "The Last Stylebender" puts his legacy on the line when he tries to snatch the title back from the large clutches of Alex Pereira.<div><br /></div><div>It was an all too familiar sinking feeling for the former champion who crossed paths with the Brazilian first in the kickboxing realm, suffering two defeats - the latter a devastating one-punch knockout defeat. Adesanya appeared well on his way to exorcising those demons back at UFC 281 until a rally from "Poatan" in the final round saw his title reign go up in flames.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a blockbuster UFC 287 main event, old foes will once again lock horns in the Octagon in a fight pivotal for both legacies. For Pereira, it's a chance to stamp his mark as UFC world champion, while for Adesanya, his legacy hangs in the balance - will he be able to conquer his biggest nemesis, or will he be remembered as just another UFC champion?</div><div><br /></div><div>On a sizzling return to The Magic City, the UFC ends a wait of more than two decades as they splash upon Miami shores again with a card for the ages. An electric co-main event pits the 305's very own and acclaimed "Baddest MF'er" on the planet Jorge Masvidal against another Florida resident in Gilbert Burns with massive ramifications at 170 pounds. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the loaded card does not stop there, with a war promised when fledging bantamweight Adrian Yanez steps up against perennial contender Rob Font, while welterweights Kevin Holland and Santiago Ponzinibbio go toe-to-toe with a win crucial for both. There's also the return of the UFC's youngest fighter, Raul Rosas Jr., who opens the main card.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all roads lead to five or less pivotal rounds at 185 pounds, where Pereira and Adesanya will close the show in what promises to be a spectacular sequel - or quadrilogy, whichever way you look at it. How much could have changed in the short time between their first UFC meeting and now, what mindset will Adesanya carry in a fight of such high stakes, the questions go on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pereira knows he possesses the power to put Stylebender's lights out. "Poatan" lived up to his name in 4 ounce gloves, with "Stone Hands" almost separating the Kiwi from his senses with an electric stoppage in the final round. Adesanya knew what was coming, but could not stop it as the Brazilian was finally able to unload down the stretch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether this will mean we see an even more confident and imposing Pereira remains to be seen, and whether this could play into the elite counter striking game of the former champion. After all, look at how he decimated Paulo Costa at Fight Island. If you come in reckless against Adesanya, punishment is on the menu.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adesanya has presented a much different character this fight week. Less of the showman, less of the talk, and much more business. That's because he knows the stakes this contest carries. A loss here and his legacy is in tatters. He may not find himself a route back to the belt when Pereira is at the helm. Even if he does should Pereira move north to 205 pounds, the credibility will have taken an almighty hit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Likewise for the other EA SPORTS UFC 4 cover star, it's make or break in the co-main event. Jorge Masvidal is on a three-fight losing skid - granted two defeats against then pound-for-pound king and welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and a decision loss to number one contender Colby Covington. In a home game for "Gamebred" he looks to right the wrongs and throw his name into the hat for one last crack at the world title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Standing opposite in the cage from him will be Gilbert Burns who is plotting a similar path. He had Usman in big trouble in the first round of their title fight back in 2021 and after going toe-to-toe with Khamzat Chimaev last year, looked brilliant against Neil Magny and is continuing to make leaps towards rounding out his game. His grappling credentials are seldom matched within the division as a multiple time jiu-jitsu world champion, but Burns has diligently worked alongside coach Henri Hooft to round out the skillset, and looks to pick up the biggest win of his career against Masvidal. If its impressive enough, it may even warrant the attention of Leon Edwards who is currently on track to make the second defence of his title against Colby Covington.</div><div><br /></div><div>Masvidal will want to go out on his shield and he has went on record saying that a loss here will be catastrophic and likely spells the end of his UFC run. Big paychecks in the influencer boxing circle may still await the Cuban-American, but he has a desire to compete at the highest level of prizefighting and will need to summon his inner savage to get the job done - after all, the fight with champion Edwards writes itself following the infamous three-piece and soda incident a few years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>It promises to be a spectacular night as the UFC returns to Miami with a night we likely won't ever forget. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Predictions</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Adesanya def. Pereira via decision: </b>This is one of the hardest fights to pick in recent memory. Adesanya had plenty of success in November but all it took was Pereira stepping on the gas and unloading to finish the job. Pereira's power will make it 25 minutes of intricate fighting and the highest amounts of concentration from the former champion but I believe he will get it done. Pereira was allowed to walk forward and dictate the pace too much in the first fight and I think this time round Adesanya devises a gameplan to make him work harder with a few more takedowns to pull ahead down the stretch. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Masvidal def. Burns via TKO: </b>Masvidal has looked flat in his last few performances and they were against opposition who were really able to wrestle him and grind him down. Burns definitely has that ability but he is less likely to adopt that route for the whole 15 minutes. Masvidal could catch him this time and he does have some of the biggest power at 170, it may be too much for Burns to take.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rest of main card:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Font def. Yanez via decision</li><li>Holland def. Ponzinibbio via submission</li><li>Rosas Jr. def. Rodriguez via TKO</li></ul></div>Nisar Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101082648178811085noreply@blogger.com0