Boxing
Failure Prepared Elijah Pierce for OTX Success
Published
3 months agoon
Elijah Pierce. (Photo: Adam Hagy/OTX)
Life lessons both in and out of the ring have shaped Elijah Pierce into the warrior he is today.
Pierce hopes these lessons will lead him to becoming world champion.
The hard-hitting Pierce, rated No. 9 by The Ring at 122 pounds, will face Jose Sanmartin tonight at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The 10-round fight will headline a five-fight series that will air live on DAZN (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT).
At Thursday’s weigh-in, Pierce came in at the junior featherweight limit of 122 pounds. Sanmartin came in at 121.8 pounds.
In his last fight on March 29, Pierce (19-2-1, 16 knockouts) came back from a second-round knockdown to knock out Arthur Villanueva in the fourth. Pierce admitted he made a mistake by ignoring Villanueva, which he shouldn’t have done, and said it helped him prepare better for his opponents.
“It was another humbling experience,” Pierce told The Ring on Tuesday. “I overlooked Villanueva. I didn’t know much about him. I didn’t watch a lot of his fights. One or two. I didn’t think he was up there with me skill-wise. I didn’t really do any research, my team didn’t really do any research on his background. We didn’t know he was (Ring Magazine junior bantamweight champion Naoya) Inoue’s sparring partner. We didn’t know he was a three-time world title contender until after the fight. So those are the things that were essential. He wasn’t just a loser. You couldn’t just ignore him. He was a really tough, gruff guy who had a tenacious nature to fight, in addition to his lack of skill.
“At the end of the day, hats off to him. He brought out that other side of me. It woke me up. I’m looking forward to this fight, I’m in the best shape I can be. I’ll be in the best shape I can be because it was one of those lessons I had to learn. We’re not there yet. We have to stay alert all the time.”
The 27-year-old was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Sanmartin (35-8-1, 21 KOs) earlier this year, but the fight was rescheduled for tonight. Pierce has been reborn over the past few years, winning his last 10 fights since losing a majority decision to featherweight contender Sulaiman Segawa in September 2019.
Pierce suffered his next professional defeat in June 2018, when he lost a unanimous decision to current lightweight contender Giovanni Cabrera.
Despite the setbacks, Pierce believes he is a more well-rounded fighter and will continue to improve.
“Losing those fights, really, the first one was to a guy who was actually a lightweight,” said Pierce, who is co-managed by Trifon Petrov and Jessie Tanksley. “The second one was personal. I trained (only) for two weeks for that fight. It was a fight to a guy I could have easily beaten. I lost to him by majority decision, training again for two weeks before the fight. It was another lesson. You can’t expect to be vigorous in the ring if you’re not vigorous on top. When I got the knowledge and had the right team behind me that told me to come down and fight at 122 because I wasn’t cutting weight right. I wasn’t eating right. I was going through a lot of growing pains that I had to go through.
“Once I had the knowledge, everything around me started to improve a lot. I’ve always been blessed with God-given abilities. Strength, speed, quick reflexes, great footwork. It’s all thanks to my dad, who puts a lot of emphasis on footwork. All of these things played a role and made me who I am today. I’m still untapped and haven’t shown the world who I really am. I’m a person who doesn’t overdo it. I like to judge a fight by what’s necessary. I’ve often beaten these guys with my natural athleticism, I didn’t have to dig deep into my skills to beat them. At the same time, I had to be humble and hone those skills until it was time to utilize them.”
After Inoue, the 122-pound division is uncertain as several top contenders are vying for a chance to face the undefeated Inoue. Other top contenders include former unified world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, undefeated Sam Goodman, former world title challenger Luis Nery and former world champion TJ Doheny, who will face Inoue on Tuesday.
Pierce has been pushing for a fight with a top contender at 122 pounds, but he is confident that no one is better at that weight than him.
“I think I’m the best 122-pounder in the world,” Pierce said. “There’s no doubt about it. I may not be the champion yet. And I really like the word ‘yet.’ I’ve got to keep working rigid and staying focused. It’s going to happen. I’m sure it’s going to happen soon. I’ve got to keep working rigid and being patient. As far as my natural ability, my state of mind, nobody can handle all the attributes that I really have. I can’t wait to show them. I haven’t been in a position where I can show them as much as I can. That’s probably another thing I’ve had to learn.”
“Sometimes you have to know when and where to play your cards. You have to know when to do certain things. Sometimes you have to take a chance and do it. All those little things come into play and I look at them after every fight and evaluate them. What can I add to make myself even more of a spectacle in this sport? What can I do better? What should I focus on more? I think this fight is a perfect example of that. I’ve stepped outside of myself a little bit more. I’ve done more personal work for Sanmartin. From a personal standpoint, I know what he brings and what he can do. I’ve broken him down and I’m really excited to show what Elijah Pierce can do (Friday).”
Tonight will mark Pierce’s third fight under the Overtime Boxing/OTX banner. All of their fight cards have previously aired on DAZN, providing a platform for Pierce and other undefeated fighters and contenders to showcase their talents.
Having competed in several club events in recent years, Pierce is grateful for the opportunity to fight on OTX platforms, which allow him to showcase his talent to fight fans.
Pierce believes a world title shot is on the horizon. He hopes to get involved in philanthropy and community projects outside the ring once he becomes a world titleholder. That world title shot, according to Pierce, is on the horizon, after a long journey that has seen him now become a contender.
“OTX has just been gracious. The CEOs and most of the guys running it and doing the operations, we’ve been really close. I like what they’re doing. I like how they’re promoting me. It’s all happened organically. I think it’s an honor to be the face of a company that’s ongoing and modern, because it’s in the spotlight. I’m grateful that I can bring a different kind of attention to the company. I think OTX was the right fit for me. I’m elated to have this partnership with them. I’m looking forward to continuing to hold that candle to OTX. They’ve done a great job of supporting me.
“I can’t wait to see what happens next. We’re almost there, we’re ranked No. 3 (WBA). After this fight, we could be No. 2. Hopefully, next time we’ll fight in an elimination fight, and maybe a world title fight next year. It couldn’t be better. I’d like to be the first OTX world champion and bring the title to the company.
“I just see it as another milestone on my way to becoming world champion. That’s what it’s all about. I want to be world champion.”
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Boxing
George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team
Published
8 hours agoon
November 23, 2024Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.
Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.
The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.
Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.
The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.
“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.
“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.
“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”
Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.
“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].
Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.
“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.
Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.
“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.
Boxing
Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul
Published
2 days agoon
November 21, 2024One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.
WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.
“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.
“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.
“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.
He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”
Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.
Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.
Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.
Boxing
Lauren Price looks to win Jonas vs Habazin with an undercard victory
Published
2 days agoon
November 21, 2024Lauren Price MBE will defend her world title for the first time on Saturday, December 14 at the Exhibition Center in Liverpool, while the Welsh champion plans to stage an all-British unification clash with welterweight rival Natasha Jonas, which will headline the Collision Course that night.
Price defends her WBA welterweight title against undefeated Colombian challenger Bexcy Mateus on the same night as Jonas attempts to unify the IBF and WBC titles with Ivana Habazin as part of BOXXER’s ‘Collision Course’ fight night, which can be seen live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK UK and Ireland and Peacock in the US.
Price MBE (7-0, 1 KO) made history with an excellent performance, defeating former undisputed welterweight world ruler Jessica McCaskill in front of her fans in Cardiff in May.
Price, the first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold, once again entered the record books by becoming the country’s first world champion in just her seventh professional fight. The 30-year-old from Ystrad Mynach, who has yet to lose a round as a professional, will now defend her world titles for the first time as she focuses on dominating the welterweight division.
Mateus (7-0, 6 KO), ranked No. 5 in the WBA rankings, is undefeated in the professional ranks and has won all but one of her seven fights by knockout. The 29-year-old from Bogota, fighting outside her native Colombia for the first time, will now have her first chance at global fame, with her goal to dethrone Price and take the top spot in the welterweight division.
Lauren Price said: “I’m excited to defend my belts and complete what has been an crucial year for me. I have full respect for Mateusz. I will prove that I am the best in the division and I will not let anything or anyone stand in my way of being undisputed.”
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s a massive night for the women’s welterweight division with three world champions competing. Natasha Jonas returns to her hometown for a mandatory unification fight against Ivana Habazin, and Lauren Price defends her world titles against undefeated challenger Bexcy Mateus. The fight for the undisputed continues. If Natasha and Lauren win on December 14, it will set the stage for a massive “Battle Of Britain” world title unification fight next year.
There’s reason to celebrate as BOXXER delivers a Christmas cracker to end the year. In addition to the world championship fights between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, fight fans can expect a gala full of drama and entertainment.
Undefeated Irishman Stephen McKenna (15-0, 14 KO) will face English champion Lee Cutler (14-1, 7 KO) in an invigorating super welterweight fight for the silver WBC International title.
McKenna impressed fans in his three-round fight against Joe Laws last August at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley. The two struck out in the first round, then McKenna began to apply the pressure, losing Laws three more times and maintaining his undefeated record after a third-round stoppage.
English cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley (11-0, 6 KO) returns to action from a rib injury that has kept him out of the ring since a career-best victory over Mikael Lawal in March. Riley will be looking to shake off the ring rust as he takes on high-profile opponents in the recent year.
Undefeated Chorley super middleweight Mark Jeffers (18-0, 5 KO) scored an explosive fifth-round knockout victory over Darren Johnston in May and will be looking to bring more drama to Liverpool’s Exhibition Center as he goes in search of his 19th professional win.
Mason Cartwright (20-4-1, 8 KO) from Cheshire, a former two-time British title challenger from Ellesmere Port, will be counting on local support as he returns to the title track.
After signing a promotional contract with BOXXER, local star Frankie Stringer (8-0, 1 KO) can achieve his third victory in 2024, when he returns in front of his fans in Liverpool. The 23-year-old lightweight fighter is a player of the notable city team Rotunda ABC, and his manager is former world champion Liam Smith.
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