I like Joshua, but he should be fighting THREE times a year. Same was true Wladimir Klitschko, who I was a fan of. He too didn't fight often enough, sometimes just once a year, usually twice.
Boxrec is now listing Steven Lyons is Darmani Rocks' Feb 8th opponent. From what I've been able to gather about Lyons: He swings back and forth between CW and HW Has points wins over Keenan Hickmon and Santino Turnbow Has a points loss against Marquice Weston and he got stopped by a E. European or FSU prospect (don't remember the name) Good size; some skill, not really a big hitter. Pretty good gas tank. On paper this seems like an OK matchup - but Boxrec was indicating that Lyons will only have 3 weeks notice between the fight with Rock and his previous fight. So that's a disadvantage for Lyons. With Rock the question will be - is he finally showing signs of taking his career seriously and dropping some weight? I think he was about 275 lbs for his last fight; which is at least 25 lbs too many, IMO.
Eric Molina back tomorrow against Hugo Trujillo (4-1-1). Wasn't there talk about Molina fighting Szpilka? Hope that fight happens this year.
Szpilka fight are usually entertaining in the fact that he could be winning every round right up to the last but still have a high chance of getting knocked out.
Artur Szpilka (22-3, 15 KO) claims that he is open to the idea of a revenge "fight for everything" with Mariusz Wach. The proposal was made recently in social media by "Wiking" and talks about returning to training under the guidance of a new trainer, who may be Russian Roman Anuczin.
“Bermane Stiverne begins his comeback at the expense of the Giant Joe Joyce. Unfortunately, for the local fans of Joe there will no ‘re Joycing' - as my once - and future champion Bermane Stiverne will slay Joyce just like St. George did the dragon of old. But no matter, we will pick up the pieces and bring back Joyce just as I have brought back and helped build many a future together," King said. "I recall when I came [to the UK] with Oliver McCall and he was given no chance against Lennox Lewis. Then the underdog became the top dog when Oliver KO'd the previously unbeaten champ and we went home with the title. History will repeat itself of February 23 when Bermane sends another undefeated Englishman to defeat. "Now retooled, resuscitated, renewed, rejuvenated and recommitted Bermane Stiverne will resurrect his career on February 23 when the 'Lord of Ring" crushes the "Lord of the World" - 'Juggernaut" Joyce on his inexorable march to regain the heavyweight championship of the world. Bless all British fans, God Save the Queen - but heaven help Joe Joyce!"
Very surprised Ajagba is stepping up this much as Shield’s indicated he’d be moved pretty slowly. Interesting to see how his performance will compare to Hrgović’s. He’s more of a physical freak but also the clearly less polished technician.