Eleider Alvarez vs. Joe Smith Jr. - August 22, 2020

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Good fight

Alvarez better rounded fighter but can be outworked

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Leave the judges at home because Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. are coming for the knockout.

Alvarez and Smith will face off in a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator in Top Rank’s return to the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 22. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Alvarez vs. Smith and a co-feature will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I can’t wait to sit back and watch this fight, which features two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a 50-50 fight and a great way to kick off our return to MGM Grand.”

Said Alvarez, “This fight is critical for both of our careers. I respect Joe Smith, who has proven to be an elite fighter. However, I have all the tools to beat him, and that's what I intend to do. My goal is to become a two-time light heavyweight world champion.”

Said Smith, “This fight means everything to me. It’s my path to a world title fight, and I know this is my second chance to turn my dream into reality. Alvarez is a former world champion, and in my mind, I am treating this as a world title fight. To get there, I have to, and will, win this fight."

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) is a former Colombian Olympian who has made Montreal his home since turning pro in 2009. He gained widespread recognition following victories over Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal, but his August 2018 knockout win over longtime champion Sergey Kovalev earned him the WBO light heavyweight world title and recognition as one of the world’s top fighters. Alvarez lost a decision to Kovalev in a rematch the following February, but after recovering from a foot injury, he returned stronger than ever. He headlined a Top Rank on ESPN main event January 18 and knocked out Michael Seals with a single right hand. The knockout, an instant viral video sensation, became an early frontrunner for Knockout of the Year.

Smith (25-3, 20 KOs), from Long Island, rose to prominence in 2016 as the construction worker member of the Laborers Local 66 union who knocked out top contender Andrzej Fonfara and living legend Bernard Hopkins in back-to-back fights. He fell short in his only world title shot, a March 2019 decision defeat to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. The Bivol fight was a minor hiccup, as he returned in January and neutralized Jesse Hart over 10 one-sided rounds in a Top Rank on ESPN main event in Atlantic City. Smith, who now owns and operates a residential tree service company on Long Island, hopes to punch his ticket to another title shot. A win over Alvarez will assure him of that opportunity.

Joe DeGuardia, Smith’s promoter, said, "I just love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He is a true throwback, a fan-favorite with tremendous punching power. It will be thrilling to see him against Alvarez, who is one of the top fighters in the game. Not only will boxing fans see two of the toughest light heavyweights battle it out in a fight that will ultimately determine the WBO world champion, but this has all the makings of the Fight of the Year."

[Cent0089]

Honestly, i am pumped for this fight. I think Alvarez is just too good for Smith. On the other hand i thought Smith will lose against Fonfara, Hopkins and hart So who knows. But Alvarez is very tough, strong, has excelent jab and solid power. Not very high workrate.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Rob Brant-Vitaliy Kopylenko ESPN+ Co-Feature For Alvarez-Smith Show 8/22

Rob Brant’s opponent has been secured for his comeback bout.

Boxing Scene has learned that Brant will battle Vitaliy Kopylenko in a 10-round super middleweight match August 22 at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. ESPN+ will stream Brant-Kopylenko as the co-feature before Eleider Alvarez and Joe Smith Jr. meet in the main event, a 12-round WBO light heavyweight elimination match.

Brant (25-2, 17 KOs), a former WBA world middleweight champion, hasn’t fought since Japan’s Ryota Murata stopped him in the second round of their rematch in July 2019 in Osaka, Japan. Dallas’ Brant upset Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) by 12-round unanimous decision to win a version of the WBA’s 160-pound championship in October 2018 in Las Vegas.

Brant was supposed to return from this loss to Murata against Habib Ahmed on January 11 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. That fight, which ESPN would’ve televised, was canceled when Brant suffered a torn biceps while training early in December.

Ukraine’s Kopylenko (28-2, 16 KOs), who fights out of Oxnard, California, hasn’t boxed since losing a 10-round split decision to Montreal’s Steven Butler (28-2-1, 24 KOs) in May 2019 in Las Vegas.

Brant, 29, and Kopylenko, 36, are expected to meet slightly above the middleweight limit of 160 pounds.

Alvarez and Smith, meanwhile, will compete for the right to fight for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title next.

The Alvarez-Smith winner will face the victor between Umar Salamov and Maksim Vlasov for the unclaimed championship Canelo Alvarez gave up after knocking out Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round November 2 in Las Vegas.

Russia’s Salamov (25-1, 19 KOs) is ranked number one in the WBO’s light heavyweight ratings. Russia’s Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) is rated second by the WBO, one spot atop Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) and two spots above Smith (25-3, 20 KOs).

Alvarez, a Montreal resident raised in Colombia, and Smith, of Mastic, New York, were supposed to square off July 16 at MGM Grand Conference Center. Their 12-rounder was postponed late in June, when Alvarez sustained a shoulder injury while training.

[Cent0089]

Is Salamov vs Vlasov fight official ? Underrated fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Full Undercard Revealed

Former middleweight world champion Rob “Bravo” Brant’s comeback begins in a Las Vegas “Bubble.” Brant, who lost his belt to Ryota Murata last July and had a January return scrapped due to a torn biceps, will fight Vitaliy Kopylenko in a 10-round middleweight tilt Saturday, August 22 from the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Brant-Kopylenko will serve as the co-feature to the Eleider-Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. light heavyweight world title eliminator live and exclusively on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET).

The undercard stream (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET) features the return of boxing’s newest cult hero, “Cassius” Clay Collard, the former UFC fighter who is the leading contender for 2020 Prospect of the Year.

“We have a can’t-miss main event and the highly anticipated returns of Rob Brant and Clay Collard. What a night at the fights inside the ‘Bubble,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Rob is rejuvenated and ready to begin his ascent towards another world title. As for Clay, whenever he fights, he delivers.”

Brant (25-2, 17 KOs) upset the odds in October 2018, defeating Murata by unanimous decision to win the WBA world title nearly one year removed from his loss to Juergen Braehmer. He defended his world title once, then traveled to Murata’s home country of Japan intent on repeating the deed. Instead, Murata turned the tables, knocking out Brant in the second round of a slugfest that saw 354 punches thrown in 334 seconds of action. Following the Murata defeat, Brant hired a new trainer in Brian McIntyre, who is best known for his work with pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring.

Kopylenko (28-2, 16 KOs), from Vasylkiv, Ukraine hopes to rebound from a May 2019 split decision loss to Steven Butler. Prior to the Butler loss, he’d won six consecutive bouts. A 12-year pro, Kopylenko advanced to the semifinals of the 2014 "Boxcino" middleweight tournament, which aired as part of the ESPN “Friday Night Fights” series.

“I have worked extremely hard, even though the current climate through the pandemic has been a bit hectic,” Brant said. “After physical therapy, I stayed focused on my nutrition, thanks to my wonderful wife, Tiffany, and began doing a lot of distance running until I was cleared to start punching again. I have been in camp for close to three months now and feel very strong and confident. Kopylenko is talented with a great body attack. I am very confident, but I respect his skill set and will prepare like this is a world title bout. I’m back!”

Collard (8-2-3, 3 KOs) will face Maurice Williams in a middleweight bout scheduled for eight or six rounds, his third “Bubble" appearance since June 18. Collard is 4-0 in 2020, including three victories over previously undefeated prospects. Williams (7-1, 3 KOs) has won five in a row since a fifth-round TKO loss to Dennis Knifechief in November 2016. He has since avenged his loss to Knifechief twice, including a third-round TKO victory.

“I just look at this as another fight. Nothing’s really changed other than the attention I’m getting," Collard said. "I’m loving all of this. I’m just training and getting ready to do what I love.

“I didn’t know how I’d like fighting without fans and being quarantined, but I enjoy fighting for Top Rank in the 'Bubble.' I’m just blessed to be part of this experience."

In other undercard action:

In a 10-round duel of unbeaten junior welterweights, Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) will take on “Action” Anthony Laureano (13-0, 4 KOs). Rodriguez, a seven-year pro from Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., went 3-0 in 2019 following a nearly two-year layoff.

Star Boxing-promoted prospect Wendy Toussaint (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on “Bubble” veteran Isiah Jones (9-2, 3 KOs) in a middleweight fight scheduled for eight or six rounds. Jones, who went 1-1 inside the “Bubble” in June, is coming off a majority decision victory June 30 over the previously unbeaten Donte Stubbs.

In scheduled six-round contests, Robert Rodriguez (8-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Abel Soriano (10-0, 7 KOs) at bantamweight, while knockout artist Israel Mercado (7-0, 7 KOs) will battle fellow California native Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs) at junior welterweight.

Former U.S. amateur star Duke Ragan, from Cincinnati, will make his long-awaited professional debut against Luis Alvarado (1-1) in a four-rounder at featherweight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Is Salamov vs Vlasov fight official ? Underrated fight.

Not showing on Box Rec

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Smith has finished up his camp.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eleider Alvarez: Joe Smith brings everything he has to the ring, it will be a great match for the fans

Former light heavyweight titleholder Eleider Alvarez will face former world title challenger Joe Smith Jr. in an eagerly anticipated WBO eliminator at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Alvarez, who is rated No. 4 by The Ring at 175 pounds, is eager to match wits with his big-punching American rival.

“It’s a very good challenge for me,” Alvarez (25-1, 13 knockouts) told The Ring through Claire Couturier of GYM (Groupe Yvon Michel). “Joe Smith always brings everything he has to the ring, it will be a great match for the fans.

“Smith is maybe not the fighter with the most ability, but he brings power and courage.”

Alvarez was a long-time contender who finally broke free of the pack when he shocked Sergey Kovalev, coming from behind to stop the Russian in seven rounds to claim the WBO title in August 2018. However, Kovalev took revenge, dominating the direct rematch for a unanimous decision win six months later.

The Colombian-born Alvarez, who resides and fights out of Montreal, Canada, had a period of convalescing before returning against Michael Seals earlier this year.

“That was a comeback fight after [11 months of] inactivity, just to help me to stay busy,” said Alvarez, who impressively knocked out his American opponent at the end of the seventh round.

“The knockout was great, but that was not my best performance. I know I can do better.”

Alvarez intends to do just that against Smith, and if victorious he will meet either Umar Salamov or Maxim Vlasov, who are tentatively scheduled to face either other in 2020.

“My ultimate goal is to be a two-time world champion,” Alvarez said of the prospect of competing for the vacant WBO title.

Despite Alvarez being 36 years old, his long-time trainer Marc Ramsay hasn’t noticed his charge slowing down and is confident that he can claim a second world title.

“Eleider looks like he still enjoys coming to the gym every day and works hard,” said Ramsay. “The passion for the sport still there.”

Yvon Michel, of GYM, expects an entertaining battle between two of the best light heavyweights in the world.

“I believe this is an explosive fight where there will be a lot of spectacular action,” said Michel. “Both can punch, both can take a good punch, both are hungry and aware of the impact of this fight on their career.

“I consider Eleider Alvarez to be a more refined boxer with superior skill and more tools in his bag. He can outpoint a good opponent and can also knock him out. His success against the elite of the division is proven. It is not by chance that he outpointed Jean Pascal and knocked out Lucian Bute, Sergey Kovalev and Michael Seals.”

Smith (25-3, 20 KOs) turned professional in 2009 and is rated No. 8 by The Ring at light heavyweight. He was dubbed the legend killer after stopping Bernard Hopkins in 2016, however, he’s gone 2-2 since, dropping decisions to Sullivan Barrera (UD 10) and WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol (UD 12). The Long Islander scored a much-needed win over Jesse Hart (SD 10) in January.

The ESPN+ telecast which also features Rob Brant vs. Vitaliy Kopylenko begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT. A full undercard will be available to stream from 7:30 p.m.

[Enlightened-One]

This is a fight I'm looking forward to.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Eleider Alvarez – Joe Smith Jr live on ESPN+ on August 22



Leave the judges at home because Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. are coming for the knockout.

Alvarez and Smith will face off in a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator in Top Rank’s return to the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 22. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Alvarez vs. Smith and a co-feature will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I can’t wait to sit back and watch this fight, which features two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a 50-50 fight and a great way to kick off our return to MGM Grand.”

Said Alvarez, “This fight is critical for both of our careers. I respect Joe Smith, who has proven to be an elite fighter. However, I have all the tools to beat him, and that’s what I intend to do. My goal is to become a two-time light heavyweight world champion.”

Said Smith, “This fight means everything to me. It’s my path to a world title fight, and I know this is my second chance to turn my dream into reality. Alvarez is a former world champion, and in my mind, I am treating this as a world title fight. To get there, I have to, and will, win this fight.”

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) is a former Colombian Olympian who has made Montreal his home since turning pro in 2009. He gained widespread recognition following victories over Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal, but his August 2018 knockout win over longtime champion Sergey Kovalev earned him the WBO light heavyweight world title and recognition as one of the world’s top fighters.

Alvarez lost a decision to Kovalev in a rematch the following February, but after recovering from a foot injury, he returned stronger than ever.

He headlined a Top Rank on ESPN main event January 18 and knocked out Michael Seals with a single right hand. The knockout, an instant viral video sensation, became an early frontrunner for Knockout of the Year.

Smith (25-3, 20 KOs), from Long Island, rose to prominence in 2016 as the construction worker member of the Laborers Local 66 union who knocked out top contender Andrzej Fonfara and living legend Bernard Hopkins in back-to-back fights.

He fell short in his only world title shot, a March 2019 decision defeat to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. The Bivol fight was a minor hiccup, as he returned in January and neutralized Jesse Hart over 10 one-sided rounds in a Top Rank on ESPN main event in Atlantic City.

Smith, who now owns and operates a residential tree service company on Long Island, hopes to punch his ticket to another title shot. A win over Alvarez will assure him of that opportunity.

Joe DeGuardia, Smith’s promoter, said, “I just love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He is a true throwback, a fan-favorite with tremendous punching power. It will be thrilling to see him against Alvarez, who is one of the top fighters in the game.

"Not only will boxing fans see two of the toughest light heavyweights battle it out in a fight that will ultimately determine the WBO world champion, but this has all the makings of the Fight of the Year.”

JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. IS READY FOR VEGAS AS CAMP CLOSES

As JOE SMITH JR.’s (Long Island, NY 25-3 20KO’s) WBO Light Heavyweight World Championship Title Eliminator against ELEIDER “STORM” ALVAREZ (25-1 13KO’s) comes roaring around the corner on August 22, a unique fight camp comes to a close. Gyms that were once filled with echoing punches on the heavy bag, the clicking of a jump ropes on the floor and the conversation of stories from boxing past, now remain in a deafening silence.

Regardless of the current COVID world, when the phone rings, Long Island’s Common Man, Joe Smith Jr., answers. Come fight night the goal remains the same for Joe Smith Jr., “I just want to keep it going,” he said, ” I got to put on a great show every time I’m in there, so I can have more and more people recognize me.”

Fighters, who are often characterized as creatures of habit, have dealt with this “new normal” in different ways. For Smith Jr., it was a change he recognized, but something he knew he must embrace and make ‘common’, “It was different but as far as training goes, when your training you’re not really around people going out and doing things, so the last two months haven’t made a big difference because I would separate myself from everyone normally.”

Smith Jr. will be returning for his second consecutive bout on ESPN (this time on ESPN+), where he was last in action this past January, defeating then #3 world rated light heavyweight JESSE HART (then 26-2 21KO’s) in classic upset fashion. Smith believes it’s his duty as a fighter to to bring live sporting entertainment into the homes of millions who have otherwise been in a sport drought, “Boxing has been carrying the sports world. We have to make sure if we have a fight coming up that we stay in quarantine to not mess anything up and be able to get in there to put on a show for the fans.”

After tuning in to the ESPN boxing summer series, Smith Jr. says the circumstances will not faze him come fight night, “I have watched a few fights on ESPN. It’s definitely different, but boxing is a lonely sport, when you’re training it’s only you and your trainer, that’s it.”

WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT TO FIGHT ON UNDERCARD OF JOE SMITH JR.’S WBO TITLE ELIMINATOR VS ELEIDER ALVAREZ ON AUGUST 22

Undefeated, Haitian born, Long Island super welterweight WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (11-0 5KO’s) has been making a name for himself in the tri-state area since his pro-debut at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series.

Now, the 28-year old Toussaint will lace them up in Las Vegas for the first time in his toughest test to date, against Detroit’s ISIAH JONES (9-2 3KO’s). The bout will take place on the undercard of Toussaint’s fellow Long Island sparring partner and Star Boxing stablemate, #4 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR.’s (25-3 2KO’s) WBO World Title Eliminator against #3 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, ELEIDER “STORM” ALVAREZ (25-1).

Toussaint has found dynamite in his hands as of late, winning five of his last six bouts by knockout. This past February, Toussaint took on the always tough Jermaine Corley at The Paramount. With his full arsenal on display, Toussaint disposed Corley via second round TKO after a vicious uppercut, followed by a right hand.

Watch the full fight, HERE.



Toussaint had this to say about the opportunity, “I am ready to fight. I am always ready to fight. Nothing changes for me. The Haitian Fire is ready, anytime, anywhere.”

Jones will be making his third straight appearance at The Bubble, against his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent. In his most recent bout, Jones earned a tough fought majority decision over previously unbeaten Donte Stubbs. The 26-year-old Detroit native will look to keep the momentum on August 22.

“Wendy is a talented boxer,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA, “he has a very high ring IQ and power in both hands. He has tremendous potential. Jones will be a great test for Wendy.”

[margaret thatcher]

Lol that commentator called 3-8 Jermaine Corley a world class boxer, what a knob sucker

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ron C]

I’m SUPER excited for this. I loved the way Eleider Alvarez jabbed Jean Pascal’s face off. Alvarez is one of my favorite fighters. Tomorrow is so legit. Whyte/Povetkin on DAZN, Shawn Porter on FOX, Alvarez/Smith on ESPN. We haven’t had a night like this since pre pandemic. Love it!

[JxhDel.]

Joe is a victim for Eleider.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Montreal’s Alvarez officially weighed 174.6 pounds.

Smith, of Mastic, New York, stepped on the scale at 174.9 pounds.

[keirw]

Looks a nice little card this, any idea if it will be shown in the UK?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Looks a nice little card this, any idea if it will be shown in the UK?

Unfortunately not..

I thought Premier Sports/B-nation night start picking up these US cards.. but they haven’t.

[keirw]

Looks a nice little card this, any idea if it will be shown in the UK?

Unfortunately not..

I thought Premier Sports/B-nation night start picking up these US cards.. but they haven’t.

Isn't it a top rank show? was hoping that with Warren and Arum being homies BT might show it.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Looks a nice little card this, any idea if it will be shown in the UK?

Unfortunately not..

I thought Premier Sports/B-nation night start picking up these US cards.. but they haven’t.

Isn't it a top rank show? was hoping that with Warren and Arum being homies BT might show it.

Depends it BT want to show it.. BT don’t really care about boxing..

[brilo33]

But Joe lost to Sully Barrera and has the blandest name ever! He's a bum !

he use to be call the irish bomber https://bleacherreport.com/articles/373 ... es-perfect not that bland , and you should no more so then any one maggie

[brilo33]

But Joe lost to Sully Barrera and has the blandest name ever! He's a bum !

i belive sully broke jr jaw in that fight , should of beat him aswell got a little happy with the early knock down

Man, he's not a good boxer (Joe Smith). He's very strong though but really just a slugger. I'd consider him beating Alvarez an upset but I also think it's possible. Alvarez has a relatively low output and Joe may land something heavy. If I was to bet, which I don't at the moment as gambling is the devils work, I would bet on Alvarez via decision.

i meant he has improven as a boxer , does use his jab more, he has improved a lot over his fights , he dont rush like a mad man no more , which i meant no he is no bivol thats for sure ,

[keirw]

Unfortunately not..

I thought Premier Sports/B-nation night start picking up these US cards.. but they haven’t.

Isn't it a top rank show? was hoping that with Warren and Arum being homies BT might show it.

Depends it BT want to show it.. BT don’t really care about boxing..

Evidently, considering either of these could be a future opponent of Yarde it would make sense to let some of the British public see them fight.

People slag off sky, but if Yarde was with Hearn and sky had the relationship with espn that bt have, sky would show the fight.

[margaret thatcher]

But Joe lost to Sully Barrera and has the blandest name ever! He's a bum !

he use to be call the irish bomber https://bleacherreport.com/articles/373 ... es-perfect not that bland , and you should no more so then any one maggie

His name is Joe Smith mate