Boxing round up for the week (25 - 31 May)
The past week was pretty much “jam-packed” in terms of boxing activity with fights containing title defences and pound for pound elites in it. Amir Khan, Chris Algieri, Antony Joshua, Kell Brook all featured and contained excellent fights with world titles changing hands. Here is a quick recap of what all happened over the past week.
Amir khan against Chris Algieri was the pick among the lot, with a win for Khan making him nearer towards a title shot against Floyd Mayweather. The match was more competitive than expected with Algieri standing toe to toe with Khan all through the 12 rounds. Algieri’s good footwork and excellent counterpunching did give some tense moments for the Brit but Khan’s experience and in ring skills made him prevail at last and got him the Unanimous Decision (115-113, 117-111,117-111). The post fight interview made it clear whom Khan wanted to fight next with the Brit calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr. Algieri on the other hand has earned respect from the boxing world for the way he fought .
In an all English affair current IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook took on former British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Frankie Gavin with Brook’s IBF belt on the line. Both of them had a bit of a feud going into this match which made the bout more enticing. Brook was the heavy favourite to win the match but how he would was the question. He was on his perennial best and looked to be in command through most of the rounds with his explosive speed and timing and in the 6th rocked Gavin with a good uppercut followed by a straight right which put him on the ropes where further onslaught continued, the match was ended with the referee calling a stop . Brook (35-0) is a heavy favourite to meet Amir Khan as his next opponent and has certainly made a case for it through this recent thrashing.
Heavyweight prospect Antony Joshua was trying to get up the heavyweight ladder when he faced the tough Kevin Johnson on Saturday. Joshua was expected to have a tough fight against Johnson who has battled better quality opponents than him. The match had gotten a good hype-up through Johnson’s pre-match antics.
The bout however lasted only 2 rounds with Joshua’s punches too hot to handle for Johnson as he got knocked down in his professional career for the first time and further onslaught continued before the fight was stopped for good. Johnson has been heavily criticized after the match as many felt he was not in shape to fight and was just in it for the money. Joshua’s thundering win over Johnson gets him in line for a potential fight against heavyweight elite and further strengthened his image as a top prospect.
Last but not the least of all Lee Selby fought the fight of his life to claim the IBF featherweight title against Evgeny Gradovich. Selby from the start was giving all sorts of trouble to the former champion with his quick movement, footwork and accurate punching. Gradovich suffered a cut above his right eye in the 8th due to an accidental clash of heads, Gradovich began bleeding pretty badly and soon the referee after having a quick look put a stop to the match.
The decision went to the scorecards and it was pretty obvious who the winner was with Selby getting the Unanimous Decision(80-72, 79-73,79-73). Lee Selby has certainly propelled himself up the ladder with this performance. Selby will be putting his belt on the line against tougher opponents in future and if he can display performances like this then he could be regarded as top-notch!