BOXING is a tough sport, full of rollercoaster moments. One minute, you’re on top of the world, the next you’re lying in the gutter staring up at the stars.
It might not have reached such high or low points for this week’s collection of winners and losers, but while some are living the life, others are not getting it quite as handy. Let’s see who made the list.
Boxing winners of the week
Jaron Ennis –
As potential matchups against Brian Norman Jr and Vergil Ortiz drifted by the wayside, Jaron Ennis seemed like he was about to be left on the shelf. Promoter Eddie Hearn was a little frustrated by the mixed messages. The Karen rematch was unwanted by everyone except the Ukrainian.
Now, all is forgotten as news broke this week that Ennis will take part in a welterweight unification. Opponent Eimantas Stanionis has been equally frustrated by his lack of meaningful activity, so the Lithuanian can join ‘Boots’ as a proxy winner.
Dalton Smith –
The Sheffield star has also been frustrated by his lack of substantial ring time lately and while that didn’t change on Saturday evening (his fight lasted a round), Dalton Smith’s name is relevant once again.
The DAZN analysis squad waxed lyrical about his performance – rightly so. They made sweeping suggestions that he is ready for anyone and everyone next. I’m not just as confident as them, but he has recaptured the form and buzz that followed the Jose Zepeda crushing.
Conah Walker –
It’s great to see a fellow Wolverhampton man grab the limelight and what a spectacular come-from-behind finish Walker delivered. It was only topped by a stirring post-fight speech.
The comeback right hand that caught Harry Scarff napping, combined with the emotional family-driven words on the mic, exemplified what this sport is all about. A definite winner.
Viddal Riley –
Viddal Riley, a winner, you say? He just lost out on a big fight with Isaac Chamberlain…only to land a much bigger one on an even bigger show!
Boxing Cheavon Clarke in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn. Sounds like a result. Both men have something to prove, so Riley-Clarke should be fairly tasty.
Boxing losers of the week
Leonardo Rubalcava –
His big slot on the Pacheco-Nelson undercard was supposed to be accompanied by a breakout performance for young Leo. Unfortunately, both he and his opponent, Israel Mercado, received different versions of the script.
Rubalcava can be thankful for a hindsight-driven first-round knockdown and a seventh-round low-blow deduction for saving his majority draw blushes.
In truth, Rubalcava probably should have lost, but taking a hard fight like this in only his 10th outing should be commended, as we want to encourage that mindset within the sport.
Therefore, calling him a loser is incredibly harsh. Yet, he’s made our column regardless. No sentiment in this business.
Terence Crawford –
Another man not used to taking Ls is multiple undisputed king Terence Crawford, who backed the wrong horse at the weekend. The Nebraskan has made a habit of getting the upper hand over Eddie Hearn, but this time, his man Steven Nelson couldn’t wreck Eddie’s Diego Pacheco plans, leaving ‘Bud’ on the losing team for once.
Ye Joon Kim –
Ye Joon Kim is enough of a winner for stepping in and saving the date, plus getting a hefty payday to boot, that we can add him in here for his antics.
Doing better than some expected, with nothing left to lose but his consciousness (great line from the corner), Kim did the unforgivable and started enjoying himself. Big mistake.
Beckoning Inoue inside was brave. ‘The Monster’ turned it into instant stupidity, unleashing full power to body and head, leaving the cocky Korean in a heap.
