When top Cuban amateurs turn professional it's often a time to get at least a little bit excited and that's exactly how I feel having found out that Robert Alfonso (0-0) will be making his professional debut (originally slated for a few weeks ago, it will now take place in November).
As we all know the Cuban amateur scene is legendary and probably the best in the world. Just amongst the Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight divisions we've had legendary names such as Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón, Odlanier Solís and Roberto Balado. Whilst no one will ever put Robert Alfonso on the same pedestal as those names he was a very credible amateur.
In the unpaid ranks Alfonso was an exceptional fighter though not the most successful, in fact in international competition his best achievement was probably a Gold medal at the 2007 Pan American games.
Despite his lack of medals, his record was very solid with victories over Newfel Ouatah (the 2007 All African Games Silver medal winner), Michel López Núñez (2004 Olympic Bronze medal winner), Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (the 2006 South American Games Gold medal winner who is better known for his MMA exploits), Óscar Rivas (Pan Am Silver medal winner) and American Michael Hunter Jr (a 2-time AAU champion).
Stood at 6'4" and weighing around 220lbs Alfonso is an excellently sized Heavyweight and aged just 25 he has a lot of time to adapt to the professional game before needing to make his move towards a Heavyweight title. Interestingly Cuba have never had a professional boxing Heavyweight champion, despite both Juan Carlos Gomez and and Odlanier Solis fighting for the WBC title in recent years, maybe Alfonso could be the man to change that.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Bryant Jennings
We keep hearing time and time again that America has no Heavyweight hopefuls and that division has no interest at all in the US. I find this quite funny personally as the division does seem to have a lot of interest, especially stateside and especially this coming weekend.
Whilst in Russia we will see Vitali Klitschko defend his WBC Heavyweight title against Manuel in the USA we will see Tomasz Adamek v Travis Walker (hugely promising match between veterans), Steve Cunningham v Jason Gavern, Deontay Wilder v Damon McCreary and then we have Bryant Jennings v Chris Koval. With this in mind it seemed a perfect time to take a look at Jennings.
The unbeaten Jennings (14-0, 6) is a Philadelphia native who many are tipping to be the best amongst the current batch of US heavyweights (which also includes Tor Hamer, Alexander Flores, Seth Mitchell and Joe Hanks). At 27 years old he is starting to reach his physical prime though it's the combination of his opposition and his physical features that makes Jennings such a highly rated fighter.
Despite only having a short amateur career, consisting of 17 fights (13-4) Jennings was hugely impressive reaching two finals (2009 PAL Nationals and the 2009 National Golden Gloves) though sadly came up short to Lenroy Thompson both times. Despite only having a short time in the amateurs Jennings was a natural athlete who seemed to fit comfortably into any sport he tried his hand at.
In 2010 Jennings made his professional debut by defeating fellow Philadelphian by decision over 4 rounds Zeferino Albino. By the end of the year Jennings had moves his record to 5-0 (3) including stopping Albino in the opening round of a rematch. The following year saw Jennings adding 6 more victories to his ledger with 2 of those by T/KO as he moved to 11-0 (5).
Despite looking solid in his early bouts Jennings hadn't really been tested, he was beating low level competition and finding his feet in the sport without being pushed too hard too soon. It didn't take long however for Jennings to be stepped up as he faced the then unbeaten Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, 9) at the start of 2012. This bout, put together at a weeks notices, was aired on NBC Sports after Eddie Chambers suffered an injury and saw both fighters putting their records on the line. In a thoroughly competitive bout Jennings did just enough to take the unanimous decision over the 10 round distance.
The victory over Byarm not only gave Jennings his first major television exposure, but also his first 10 round bout and perhaps more importantly his first title as he won the Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title. It didn't take long for Jennings to prove he wasn't just a 1-hit wonder as he completely dominated former WBO Heavyweight Siarhei Liakhovich before forcing a 9th round stoppage again on NBC.
Most recently Jennings claimed his second professional title, the USBA Heavyweight, by dominating and out pointing Steve Collins over the 10 round distance. This bout, like the previous two for Jennings, was aired on NBC with Jennings almost becoming an "NBC Fighter". Despite coming in at a career heaviest 225lbs Jennings was in fantastic shape against Collins.
After scoring 3 impressive wins, Jennings will now face veteran Chris Koval (25-9, 18) in what should again be a notable victory for Jennings (if he wins, as expected). Whilst this is another solid move in the right direction Koval has only won 2 of his last 7 and has been stopped 5 times in his last 9 bouts, so isn't likely to be hugely testing or particularly confident going in to this bout.
Whilst a lot is made of Jennings' athleticism and record (having faced solid tests already) it's also worth noting his unusual physical features. Despite "only" being around 6'2" Jennings has freakishly long arms which has allowed him to be very effective at range and whilst he may not always use his reach properly he has also got excellent hand speed up close.
Sadly despite a number of appearances on NBC Jennings still seems to have been repeatedly overlooked by boxing fans who really should sit up and take notice of this talented youngster who is willing to take risks, something it seems compatriot Deontay Wilder refuses to do.
Video below is thanks to BERLINKERNEYSTUDIOS
Whilst in Russia we will see Vitali Klitschko defend his WBC Heavyweight title against Manuel in the USA we will see Tomasz Adamek v Travis Walker (hugely promising match between veterans), Steve Cunningham v Jason Gavern, Deontay Wilder v Damon McCreary and then we have Bryant Jennings v Chris Koval. With this in mind it seemed a perfect time to take a look at Jennings.
The unbeaten Jennings (14-0, 6) is a Philadelphia native who many are tipping to be the best amongst the current batch of US heavyweights (which also includes Tor Hamer, Alexander Flores, Seth Mitchell and Joe Hanks). At 27 years old he is starting to reach his physical prime though it's the combination of his opposition and his physical features that makes Jennings such a highly rated fighter.
Despite only having a short amateur career, consisting of 17 fights (13-4) Jennings was hugely impressive reaching two finals (2009 PAL Nationals and the 2009 National Golden Gloves) though sadly came up short to Lenroy Thompson both times. Despite only having a short time in the amateurs Jennings was a natural athlete who seemed to fit comfortably into any sport he tried his hand at.
In 2010 Jennings made his professional debut by defeating fellow Philadelphian by decision over 4 rounds Zeferino Albino. By the end of the year Jennings had moves his record to 5-0 (3) including stopping Albino in the opening round of a rematch. The following year saw Jennings adding 6 more victories to his ledger with 2 of those by T/KO as he moved to 11-0 (5).
Despite looking solid in his early bouts Jennings hadn't really been tested, he was beating low level competition and finding his feet in the sport without being pushed too hard too soon. It didn't take long however for Jennings to be stepped up as he faced the then unbeaten Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, 9) at the start of 2012. This bout, put together at a weeks notices, was aired on NBC Sports after Eddie Chambers suffered an injury and saw both fighters putting their records on the line. In a thoroughly competitive bout Jennings did just enough to take the unanimous decision over the 10 round distance.
The victory over Byarm not only gave Jennings his first major television exposure, but also his first 10 round bout and perhaps more importantly his first title as he won the Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title. It didn't take long for Jennings to prove he wasn't just a 1-hit wonder as he completely dominated former WBO Heavyweight Siarhei Liakhovich before forcing a 9th round stoppage again on NBC.
Most recently Jennings claimed his second professional title, the USBA Heavyweight, by dominating and out pointing Steve Collins over the 10 round distance. This bout, like the previous two for Jennings, was aired on NBC with Jennings almost becoming an "NBC Fighter". Despite coming in at a career heaviest 225lbs Jennings was in fantastic shape against Collins.
After scoring 3 impressive wins, Jennings will now face veteran Chris Koval (25-9, 18) in what should again be a notable victory for Jennings (if he wins, as expected). Whilst this is another solid move in the right direction Koval has only won 2 of his last 7 and has been stopped 5 times in his last 9 bouts, so isn't likely to be hugely testing or particularly confident going in to this bout.
Whilst a lot is made of Jennings' athleticism and record (having faced solid tests already) it's also worth noting his unusual physical features. Despite "only" being around 6'2" Jennings has freakishly long arms which has allowed him to be very effective at range and whilst he may not always use his reach properly he has also got excellent hand speed up close.
Sadly despite a number of appearances on NBC Jennings still seems to have been repeatedly overlooked by boxing fans who really should sit up and take notice of this talented youngster who is willing to take risks, something it seems compatriot Deontay Wilder refuses to do.
Video below is thanks to BERLINKERNEYSTUDIOS
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Alexander Flores
The USA may not be the home of the Heavyweight division any more though that doesn't mean the US can't have it's own emerging Heavyweight prospects. With this in mind it seems a fitting time to look at young American Heavyweight Alexander Flores (9-0, 7).
The good looking 22 year old Flores from California first came to the sport as a chubby kid looking to lose weight though swiftly made an impact in the local amateur scene as claimed the Southern California Golden Gloves title.
Following his amateur success, and short career in the unpaid ranks (where he went 14-2) Flores turned professional and debuted in March 2010. On debut Flores managed to stop Antonio Robertson (also making debut) in the 2nd round. Just months after his debut Flores was again in the ring, this time with Richard Hale. Hale, like Robertson, managed to make his way into the second round but was stopped before the end of the round. Flores would end the year 3-0 (2) after adding Cornell Davis to his record and securing his first decision victory.
After a successful 2010, Flores continued to improve and scored 4 more wins the following year, including out pointing the once promising Quadtrine Hill and stopping Ukrainian Serhiy Karpenko, two very good tests for a novice like Flores. By the end of 2011 Flores was starting to receive some hype and whilst it was only a whispers of his potential some hard started to take attention to the tall (6'4"), well conditioned and good looking fighter who had not only the skills to go a long way but also the looks that boxing promoters kill for. The boxing world was waking up to Flores and as a result he was able to spar with a number of highly rated opponents, including former world title contender Chris Arreola.
So far in 2012 Flores has managed to again takes steps in the right direction and claimed his first title, the WBC Youth Heavyweight title as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joey Montoya. In his next fight Flores will face the much more experienced Henry Namauu (10-4, 5), an opponent who's last stoppage loss came in 2008 to the hard hitting Seth Mitchell.
If Flores can continue to improve under the radar there really is no limit to just how far the youngster can go. He may well become one of America's top hopes for a Heavyweight world champion in a post Klitschko era.
The good looking 22 year old Flores from California first came to the sport as a chubby kid looking to lose weight though swiftly made an impact in the local amateur scene as claimed the Southern California Golden Gloves title.
Following his amateur success, and short career in the unpaid ranks (where he went 14-2) Flores turned professional and debuted in March 2010. On debut Flores managed to stop Antonio Robertson (also making debut) in the 2nd round. Just months after his debut Flores was again in the ring, this time with Richard Hale. Hale, like Robertson, managed to make his way into the second round but was stopped before the end of the round. Flores would end the year 3-0 (2) after adding Cornell Davis to his record and securing his first decision victory.
After a successful 2010, Flores continued to improve and scored 4 more wins the following year, including out pointing the once promising Quadtrine Hill and stopping Ukrainian Serhiy Karpenko, two very good tests for a novice like Flores. By the end of 2011 Flores was starting to receive some hype and whilst it was only a whispers of his potential some hard started to take attention to the tall (6'4"), well conditioned and good looking fighter who had not only the skills to go a long way but also the looks that boxing promoters kill for. The boxing world was waking up to Flores and as a result he was able to spar with a number of highly rated opponents, including former world title contender Chris Arreola.
So far in 2012 Flores has managed to again takes steps in the right direction and claimed his first title, the WBC Youth Heavyweight title as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joey Montoya. In his next fight Flores will face the much more experienced Henry Namauu (10-4, 5), an opponent who's last stoppage loss came in 2008 to the hard hitting Seth Mitchell.
If Flores can continue to improve under the radar there really is no limit to just how far the youngster can go. He may well become one of America's top hopes for a Heavyweight world champion in a post Klitschko era.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Joseph Parker
Later this week boxing fans will get the chance to see the professional debut of highly regarded New Zealand Heavyweight Joseph Parker, a fighter who many feel is the best New Zealand prospect since David Tua.
The 20 year old from Auckland had an incredibly impressive amateur career with a number of medals both domestically (a Silver medal in the 2009 National championships) and internationally (including a Bronze at the 2010 Youth World Championships, a Silver at the 2010 Youth Olympics and a Gold at the 2011 Arafura Games).
Sadly Parker lost out on a chance to go to the 2012 Olympics and rather than wait around for another 4 years Parker has decided to turn professional. He will be debuting on Thursday as he faces 38 year old
Parker is a tall, powerful Heavyweight who although still young for a Heavyweight prospect does look very promising with very respectable skills, size and power. Whilst it's fair to say that Parker will be a long term prospect he is one worth keeping an eye on as we really feel their could be something to this kid.
The 20 year old from Auckland had an incredibly impressive amateur career with a number of medals both domestically (a Silver medal in the 2009 National championships) and internationally (including a Bronze at the 2010 Youth World Championships, a Silver at the 2010 Youth Olympics and a Gold at the 2011 Arafura Games).
Sadly Parker lost out on a chance to go to the 2012 Olympics and rather than wait around for another 4 years Parker has decided to turn professional. He will be debuting on Thursday as he faces 38 year old
Dean Garmonsway (2-1, 2), a fight that Parker will be expected to win and win in style.
Parker is a tall, powerful Heavyweight who although still young for a Heavyweight prospect does look very promising with very respectable skills, size and power. Whilst it's fair to say that Parker will be a long term prospect he is one worth keeping an eye on as we really feel their could be something to this kid.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Erkan Teper
The future of the heavyweight division seems to be Europe and Germany seems to be one of the key boxing countries at the moment, this means looking at German heavyweights for the future may be the way to go. One of the most promising German heavyweights is Erkan Teper (7-0, 5) a former stand out amateur who won a silver medal at the 2008 Military Games.
Teper turned professional in 2010 and made his debut by stopping the likable and hard hitting German journeyman Marcel Zeller in 3 rounds. Just months after stopping Zeller we would see Teper in what was on paper another solid match up for a novice professional when he faced Alexander Kahl. Kahl had been in over 20 fights prior to facing Teper but the extra experience did little to help him as Teper finished the fight inside a minute.
After running up 3 swift stoppage wins Teper would be put in with durable Hungarian Sandor Balogh and for the first time Teper was forced to go 6 rounds before winning the bout on points. Teper was again forced to go the distance as he took on experienced American Robert Hawkins who was dropped twice though managed to survive the 6 round distance.
Teper's 6th fight would see him facing Jakov Gospic of Croatia in a bout for the WBC Mediterranean heavyweight title. Gospic would prove to be a tough opponent though was eventually broken down in the 9th round where he was dropped twice and eventually stopped as Teper won his first title as a professional.
Since winning the WBC Mediterranean title Teper has fought just once in a none-title bout stopping the experienced Cisse Salif who had only been stopped once in has career way back in 1999 by former title contender Ray Austin. The win over Salif took Teper's record to 7-0 (5) and now Teper prepares to defend his title for the first time against an opponent who is yet to be announced. If Teper continues to face solid competition as he has done so far we can expect him to be one of the big threats in the post-Klitschko era.
Teper turned professional in 2010 and made his debut by stopping the likable and hard hitting German journeyman Marcel Zeller in 3 rounds. Just months after stopping Zeller we would see Teper in what was on paper another solid match up for a novice professional when he faced Alexander Kahl. Kahl had been in over 20 fights prior to facing Teper but the extra experience did little to help him as Teper finished the fight inside a minute.
After running up 3 swift stoppage wins Teper would be put in with durable Hungarian Sandor Balogh and for the first time Teper was forced to go 6 rounds before winning the bout on points. Teper was again forced to go the distance as he took on experienced American Robert Hawkins who was dropped twice though managed to survive the 6 round distance.
Teper's 6th fight would see him facing Jakov Gospic of Croatia in a bout for the WBC Mediterranean heavyweight title. Gospic would prove to be a tough opponent though was eventually broken down in the 9th round where he was dropped twice and eventually stopped as Teper won his first title as a professional.
Since winning the WBC Mediterranean title Teper has fought just once in a none-title bout stopping the experienced Cisse Salif who had only been stopped once in has career way back in 1999 by former title contender Ray Austin. The win over Salif took Teper's record to 7-0 (5) and now Teper prepares to defend his title for the first time against an opponent who is yet to be announced. If Teper continues to face solid competition as he has done so far we can expect him to be one of the big threats in the post-Klitschko era.
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