Archive for the ‘Boxing’ Category

Boxer’s Should Steal A Page From Bull Rider’s Playbook

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

By William Trillo


This past weekend I took a break from my normal boxing coverage in order to get my yearly dose of The Professional Bull Riders Tour. Without a doubt, the PBR is a must-see Adrenalin rush that would satisfy the palette of rabid boxing fans looking for an off-boxing weekend fix.



In a nutshell, the “Unleash The Beast” event is two nights long. The first night riders take to the bulls looking to make the eight second ride to qualify to go to the final round the following evening. Night number two culminates with the top qualifiers mounting up on the toughest bulls on the circuit.

From the top qualifying rider on down, the cowboys get to choose which bull they will take on for the final ride of the event. Just like the riders, bulls are ranked, so there is no secret about which one would pose the most difficult challenge. The field of bulls is impressive, but some of them are clearly leaps and bounds stronger, meaner, and tougher than others.


On this particular evening the tour’s top rider, Cassio Dias, made it to the final round. When it was his turn to choose a bull to ride, instead of “Cherry Picking” a lesser bull in order to keep his tour lead intact, Dias looked over the field and picked the toughest bull in the country, his name is Man Eater. For the record, Man Eater had never been successfully ridden. Every rider to a man was dispatched in less than eight seconds by the world class bucking fireball.

But this is what Champions do. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. No ducking for a lesser opponent here. No looking for a foe that is a bit too old, or a bit too small to provide a real challenge.


The result of the head-to-head battle you ask?

Not only did Dias conquer the dreaded and up until then unridden Man Eater, but he posted the best score seen on the PBR tour in the last four years. Needless to say, with the bold move and his fourth win this year, Cassio tightened his grip on his standing as the number one rider on the planet. To put that in boxing terminology, Cassio Dias is currently the best Pound4Pound rider on the planet.


That’s how it’s done boys and girls.

Do you feel me?


For more on The Professional Bull Riders tour and to find out when they are coming to a city near you log on to PBR | Professional Bull Riders

Check out www.Pound4Pound for all the latest boxing truth.

When Boxing Burns Twice

Monday, February 5th, 2024

By William Trillo


You know the feeling. You went out to the local Cantina to enjoy good times and some spicy South of The Border cuisine. But, after a few hours you realize you over-indulged and you were going to feel the burn one more time.

Keep that pleasant thought in mind while I give you my thoughts on the upcoming Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (24-0, 17 KO’s) vs. Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22 KO’s) meaningless Catchweight bout. The PBC promoted PPV fight will be their debut event on Prime Video.

That’s right, not only will you have to become a member of Prime Video to the tune of some $139 per year, but you will also have to shell out a yet to be announced price, (expect upwards of $69), if you want to view that throw away Main Event.

Do ya see what I mean? That burns twice…. Don’t it?

Truthfully, I really like what I see from Tim Tszyu and am thrilled to see the man from “Down Under” coming Stateside. But as far as Thurman goes, I personally don’t care if I ever see him in the ring again. Considering his activity in recent years, or lack thereof, it’s not like anyone is really going to miss him anyways. There was a point in time when Thurman was on the precipice of becoming one of the Pound4Pound best in the game. Then, for whatever reason, Thurman basically went “Off the Radar”. With that, his credibility took a nosedive. And yes, his record does look impressive, but anyone who follows the game knows he has looked pedestrian at best since 2017.

Expecting boxing fans to pay not once but twice to see his next fight burns to the core…twice. Let’s just tell it like it is here, most real boxing fans are Blue Collar workers, let’s call him “Joe Lunch Pail”. No disrespect intended; I am one of those guys. “Joe” is trying to earn a living and feed his family on a budget. Asking him to pay twice for an event like this is just wrong and the promoter knows it, although I don’t think he really cares.

I also must wonder how and why PBC is paying Thurman PPV money. Again, his lack of activity alone does not justify that kind of paycheck. Now, I understand PBC has some kind of unexplained loyalty to their washed-up fighters and has been known to give them undeserved paydays, (see Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.), but really…if you want to throw your guys a bone, use your own money and stop digging your hands into Joe’s pockets.

The Heart and Soul of boxing is its fans, not the promoters and certainly not a once every other year fighter. Stop using “Joe Lunch Pail” as your personal ATM machine.

In the “Come On Ice Cream” bout of the night on the same card, Rolando Romero (15-1, 13 KO’s) will defend his WBA Super Lightweight Title against Isacc Cruz (25-2, 17 KO’s). I can honestly say that Rolly vs. Pitbull should be a wildly entertaining brawl. Whether or not it takes the burn out of the cost of the PPV remains to be seen…and/or felt.

Also on the undercard is Erisandy Lara defending his WBA World Middleweight belt. It will be almost two years since his last fight when he steps into the ring to defend against some no named challenger.

Am I making myself clear? If you are planning on paying for this event, keep the Pepto nearby.

My prediction for the Main event on that night? All I can say is after the fight his nickname will be changed from “One Time” to “Last Time”.

Am I clear?

And finally, did Leonard Ellerbe really say Keith Thurman “Beat the brakes off Manny Pacquiao?” If memory serves me correctly, Thurman looked like someone went at him with a sack full of marbles after that fight.

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing truth.


Greed Is A Deadly Sin: Follow Up Report

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

By William Trillo

On Monday morning I placed a phone call to the NSAC to follow up on my report about the events surrounding the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Frederick Lawson fight that took place in Las Vegas this past Saturday night. The person I spoke to on the phone informed me that the Commission was preparing a statement that I would be receiving shortly.

As promised, I received an email from commission member Frankie Mason that read as follows:

NEVADA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION – January 8, 2024, Statement

On January 6, 2024, a contest was held between Vergil Ortiz and Fredick Lawson in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Contest was under the jurisdiction of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The health and safety of the unarmed combatants that compete in the State are paramount to the Commission. All contestants in the event were subject to full medical examinations and were cleared by medical experts to compete without restrictions.

The Commission and its Executive Director will continue its ongoing practice of reviewing its official’s performance during and after an event.

Nevada Athletic Commission

In response I replied,

Thank You for the reply.

Can you please tell me how many times Lawson was tested for a Brain Aneurysm? Was he in fact tested three times?

Thank You.

William Trillo

At the present time there has been no response.

Do with that information as you will.

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.

Greed Is A Deadly Sin

Monday, January 8th, 2024

By William Trillo


“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” – Erich Fromm, Escape From Freedom.

As soon as the Main Event fight between the returning Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Frederick Lawson was stopped at the 2:33 mark of round one, the Conspiracy Theorists and Boo Birds could be heard loud and clear.

Although Ortiz looked ferocious behind a Piston-Like Jab, the closing shots fired at Lawson were glancing blows or not landing at all. On the surface it seemed like a questionable stoppage by referee Tony Weeks. 100% of the people I spoke to after the fight came to the very same conclusion. “It was B.S!”

As most things go with Boxing, fans would voice their displeasure. But since it’s not the first time something like this has happened, nor will it be the last, this would most likely get swept under the rug and forgotten in a matter of days. Or so the powers that be might have hoped.

But less than 24 hours after the fight, a Social Media post revealed that Lawson had a brain scan that came up he had an Aneurysm. A second test was done, and the result was the same. After that, another Doctor was brought in, gave the same exam, stated it was negative for the Aneurysm, and Lawson was cleared to fight.

That was an interesting tidbit but with no real verifiable source, the post was merely “Food For Thought”.

Shortly after that post hit the internet a statement from Golden Boy was sent out to media members that read as follows:

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS STATEMENT:

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (January 7, 2024): Fredrick Lawson was cleared by a Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioned doctor to fight on Saturday night.

All other questions should be referred to NSAC

Oh wait…it get’s better.

Wanting to make sure I read the previously mentioned Social Media post correctly, I went back to the page I found it on, and guess what? The post had been removed.

Can you smell that stench?

Me too.

You know, Greed will make even the most charming person do things he normally would have never considered. I mean, who in their right mind would send not one but two fighters into the ring knowing full well both men had life threatening ailments?

It’s been well chronicled that Ortiz suffers from Rhabdomyolysis, defined by the CDC as “a serious medical condition that can be fatal or result in permanent disability.”

I realize Vergil is a warrior, maybe one of the best in the business, and there is no doubt he wants to be in the ring, no matter what. That’s the cloth Boxers are cut from. But sometimes someone must save a fighter from himself. That someone should be the people in charge of his career, unless of course their agenda is more about the all mighty dollar and less about the man’s health.

As far as the Lawson situation goes, the boxing public is not as stupid as the promoters would like to believe. It seems clear there is some “Shucking and Jiving” going on here. Again, apparently all in the name of that Cash Money.

I expect the phone at the NSAC will be ringing early and often Monday morning as everyone tries to figure out what exactly transpired in the events leading up to Ortiz vs. Lawson, and was that the cause and effect of the early stoppage?

As Julius Casablancas said, “Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer.”

It’s really a shame that boxing promotion won’t even try to get up and out of the hole they have dug for themselves.

In closing I would like to share something I found on Inspirationfeed.com:

Greed is an intense desire and passionate love for material wealth. Much like lust and gluttony, greed results from an irrational longing for what you don’t need.

The sin of greed manifests in various ways, including;

• Hoarding of materials,

• Theft and robbery, and

• Bribery and corruption.

Humph, Robbery, Bribery and Corruption.

Sound familiar?

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing truth.

Boxing 2023 Year End Awards

Sunday, December 31st, 2023

By William Trillo
Photo: Esther Lin – SHOWTIME



Fighter of the Year: Terence Crawford
Obliterating the undefeated Errol Spence Jr. and becoming the Undisputed Welterweight Champ speaks for itself.

Fight Of The Year: Crawford vs Spence
It was easily the most anticipated fight in many years. Although it didn’t live up to the war most expected, it was impressive watching Crawford dismantle Spence with the greatest of ease.

KO Of The Year: Crawford over Spence in 9
It’s doubtful anyone saw this brutal 9 round beatdown coming with the exception of yours truly.

Round Of The Year: Round 9 Crawford over Spence
Watching Crawford turning the face of Spence Jr. into hamburger until Errol wisely quit in 9 was must see TV and a round most won’t forget. I can neither confirm nor deny that In-N-Out wants to sponsor Spence in the rematch. It is doubtful Spence wants to give Crawford any ideas about ordering a Double Double Animal Style.

Pound4Pound Fighter Of The Year: Terence Crawford
In his own words Crawford stated, “I’m the only fighter to beat a top five pound for pound this year and the way I beat him was unmatched. 2023 Fighter of the Year is me. Some might say that I only fought 1 time, but that 1 fight was bigger than any of the others.”

Questions? Comments?

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.

My Canelo vs. Charlo Theory Relatively Speaking

Saturday, September 30th, 2023

By William Trillo


With the big fight only hours away I figured it was a good time to use a little Grey Matter and break down what I believe is going to happen in the main event in Las Vegas. Canelo Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KO’s) will be defending all four of his 168-pound belts as he goes up against Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KO’s) in this anticipated attraction.

Although Charlo has been considered a “Live Dog” by some experts, I believe he has bit off more than he can chew and will fall to Canelo’s strengths before the final bell rings, and here are my reasons why;

First and utmost is the inactivity of Charlo. Having not stepped into the ring since May of 2022, Charlo has accumulated more rust than a junk yard Edsel. No matter how good of shape he has gotten himself into, the lack of any competition in recent times will become painfully clear before the fight is halfway over.

Then there is the weight problem. Yes, Charlo is a proven warrior but those belts he owns come in two weight divisions under the challenge he takes on tonight. Trust me, Charlo is not going to be channeling Henry Armstrong. The size differential is going to prove to be problematic, there is no way to get around that.

Lastly, if you read between the lines, Charlo has made it obvious the main reason he took this challenge is the Mega-Fight payday. It’s hard to begrudge the man for that, but it will be to his undoing. His motivation to win is secondary, and that could make for a short night.

As far as Canelo goes, he has made his motivation clear. He feels Charlo has never respected his talent and is looking to prove him wrong.

It doesn’t take a Theoretical Physicist to see the writing on the chalkboard. Look for this one to be stopped after ten grueling rounds. I don’t expect to see Charlo answer the bell for round eleven.

On a side note, it looks like Haney is serious about facing Regis Prograis this year. I stand by my original prediction. This will not end well for Devin.

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.

Hot Prospect Watch: Gael Cabrera

Friday, September 15th, 2023

By William Trillo


As I sat at the Golden Boy press conference on Thursday afternoon, I was feeling a bit nostalgic remembering when I was just cutting my journalistic teeth in the sport as I watched and covered young fighters like Librado Andrade, Enrique Ornelas and Victor Ortiz begin their careers. As much as I enjoy covering the big fights, it’s always a treat to speak with young boxers who are looking to put their names on the pugilistic map. For the most part, all these guys are genuine, all they want to do is let their actions in the ring show fans who they are and what they are all about. In this day and age of “Look At Me” Social Media stars who are more interested in how many hits their webpage is getting than they are about their Punchstat hits, it’s a real treat to find out about these young men.

One of those fighters is Gael Cabrera. He will be entering the ring as a pro for only the second time on Saturday. I took the opportunity after lunch to speak with his management about the young man from Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.

As I found out, while in Las Vegas for a fight in August of 2022, Managers of Champions, Sergio Diaz and Francisco Espinoza were told about a fighter out of Mexico by the name of Gael Cabrera. As Diaz said, “We looked him up and knew we had to get this kid. His pro record is 1-0 with 1 KO but he had a great amateur career with over 200 fights.”

That was the right call by Diaz and Espinoza. Cabrera is an eight-time State Champion, three-time Mexican National Champion, two-time Mexican National Bronze Champion, and the 2022 IBA Junior World Championship Silver Medalist. Obviously, this young man is battle tested and with a newly signed promotional contract deal with Golden Boy, it is likely we will see him often in the coming year.


“He is a good kid and more importantly he is hungry,” stated Diaz. “He has a strong pedigree; his older brother is a fighter. Gael grew up in the gyms in Mexico, he knows what it takes.”

It seems like only yesterday we were talking with Diaz about his fighters Antonio Margarito and Jesus Soto Karass. “We go back many years and had some great times as we guided Tony and Karass to the top; it will be great to work with you again as we watch Gael’s career grow. You are going to see some great things”, said Diaz.

If you want to see Cabrera in action on Saturday, it’s a good idea to get to the show at The Commerce Casino early or catch his fight on The Golden Boy YouTube Channel. I highly recommend it.

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.

Crawford vs. Spence Random Thoughts

Monday, July 31st, 2023

By William Trillo
Photo: German Villasenor



No one adapts to another fighter’s style and exposes his weaknesses better than Terence Crawford…No One.

If Errol Spence Jr. had a Plan B he forgot to use it. (Big If).

I am trying to recall the last time a Super Fight that was basically 50/50 according to oddsmakers became such a one-sided beat down.

Outside of Tyson Fury entering the ring against Deontay Wilder to the song “Crazy”, the music Crawford played for his ring walk was hands down one of my all-time faves…and spot on for the evening.


In case you didn’t notice, Crawford, who can fight from either the orthodox or southpaw stance, fought as a lefty all night long and never switched up. Not once.


The last time Spence fought a southpaw was in September of 2015 against an extremely inferior opponent by the name of Chris van Heerden. Was anyone doing their homework at all over there? Hello?

So…Being right about how this fight was going to turn out got quite a few people uninvited to the party.

I have said it before, and I will say it again; You know all those faces that you looked at smugly as you climbed your way to the top? Remember this, you will have to look at those same faces again on your way down.

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing truth.

Nipping It In The Bud

Saturday, July 29th, 2023

By William Trillo
Photo: Esther Lin – SHOWTIME



Okay, all you gambling degenerates out there, if you have been waiting to hear who my pick is for the biggest fight of 2023 so you could go lay all your money down on the other fighter, now is the time.

Yes, I have been known to be way off in the past when it comes to my Big Fight predictions, but for this one, I have done my research and there is no doubt in my mind who will have his hand raised in victory inside The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas tonight.

In lieu of beating around the bush and trying to subtly hint at the how’s and why’s of boxing politics, I am just going to come out and say it.

Because of Erroll Spence Jrs. ties with PBC and their almost teenage crush of a love for him, there is no way on the face of the planet that Spence (28-0, 22 KO’s) loses by decision this evening. No way, no how. You know it, I know it, but more importantly Terence “Bud” Crawford (39-0, 30 KO’s) knows it and he is just the guy to do something about it.

We have all seen Crawford fight. He comes into the ring angry, and that’s against fighters who have shown him no disrespect at all. The outcome is always the same, “Bud” bludgeons his foe before sending him into oblivion.

Tonight, he will enter the ring with that anger and an extra chip of Promoter Disrespect on his shoulder to boot. Knowing the KO is the only way he will leave the arena with all four Welterweight Title belts in tow, Crawford will punish and knock Spence out inside of nine. Trust me on this one.

All right High Rollers, if you sign off now and get over to The Sports Book right away, you should have time to get your bets down before the first bell rings.

PS: And here’s a hot tip for no extra charge. If Devin Haney doesn’t change his mind about stepping up to fight Regis Prograis on October 28th in Las Vegas, finding a mask for Halloween will not be necessary. Prograis will be providing one for him, and it won’t be pretty!

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing odds.

20/20 Hindsight and the
Derevyanchenko Miscalculation

Monday, June 12th, 2023

By William Trillo


If the reports are true, Sergey Derevyanchenko was summoned to the Golden Boy offices only days before the fight with their last meal ticket possession, Jaime Munguia. The reason was simple, Golden Boy wanted the scheduled twelve round fight to be changed to a ten rounder and they were willing to pay a hefty six figure sum to buy their fighter, (so to speak), a six-minute break. Obviously there was concern in the Munguia camp that for whatever reason, their fighter wasn’t ready for a fight that included those crucial Championship rounds.

The proud Ukrainian, who has come up on the wrong side of some very questionable decisions in the past, felt this was the fight he was going to prove everyone wrong and show that even at 38 years old he was still a force to be reckoned with. He was confident he would get the win and turned down the lucrative offer.

As we know, the fight is already in the running for Fight Of The Year. Over the span of the first ten rounds Derevyanchenko was giving Mungia fits. Numerous times Munguia was rocked and in real trouble. In fact, when looking at the official scorecard, after ten rounds Derevyanchenko was winning be a close majority decision.


Then, as if Father Time had seen enough, Derevyanchenko’s legs turned into rubber in round eleven and he never got them back. A wicked body shot from Munguia put him down, but he was somehow able to collect himself to last the twelve round distance.

But in those two final rounds, the ones Munguia’s management was trying to buy away, the fighter from Mexico came on strong and in the end was awarded the unanimous decision victory. That’s why they make ‘em fight.

One can only assume it’s going to be a long plane fight home for Derevyanchenko. Had he taken the payoff not only would he coming home a winner, but he would also have an extra six figure amount in his wallet. Ouch!

Not to be forgotten in all this is what Munguia might be thinking right now? Did his team act on his behalf earlier in the week or was their lack of confidence in the fighter somewhat of a slap in the face? Whatever the case may be, Munguia proved his naysayers wrong as he gutted out an impressive victory.

For Munguia, who has been often criticized for his lack of stiff competition, this win should wipe that slate clean.

For Derevyanchenko, this loss will be tough to swallow. Considering he is in the twilight of his career, this could be the end. How many more tough losses can he take at the hands of the judges?

Truthfully, we can put down all the “robbery” talk. It was a close fight that could have gone either way, unless of course Derevyanchenko took that bribe, then we would be having another conversation. But…

Check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.