Podcast: Referees have a terrible night in Romero, Janibek wins
Plus: Regis Prograis interview; fight recaps; news of week; memories on anniversary of Winky Wright's masterpiece against Felix Trinidad
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There were two notable cards on Saturday, the PBC/Showtime show headlined by the Rolando Romero’s massively controversial stoppage of Ismael Barroso to claim the vacant WBA junior welterweight, and the Top Rank/ESPN card on which Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO middleweight title by second-round obliteration of Steven Butler. We discussed both cards and you will also hear my extended interview with WBC junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis on his recent signing with Matchroom Boxing and his plans. Plus we covered some news items and shared memories on the anniversary of Winky Wright’s tour de force victory over fellow Hall of Famer Felix Trinidad.
Here’s what we discussed on this episode (in order):
Full recap and analysis of Romero’s ninth-round stoppage of Barroso and the gargantuan controversy of referee Tony Weeks’ historically abysmal stoppage. We had much to say on the matter and everything else about the fight.
Recap of the undercard, including junior welterweight Rances Barthelemy’s decision over Omar Juarez and the sensational fight of the year candidate between Kenneth Sims Jr. and Batyr Akhmedov, who met in a WBA junior welterweight eliminator in the opener.
Recap of Jason Moloney’s decision win over Vincent Astrolabio to win the vacant WBO bantamweight title in the Top Rank opener.
Recap of Alimkhanuly’s destruction of Butler and the dereliction of duty by referee Jack Reiss for allowing the fight to go on for so long when Butler was taking such massive punishment, had been down multiple times and had no sense of balance.
My interview with Prograis in which we covered many topics: his free agency; offers he had; why he picked Matchroom Boxing; why he split with his manager and did the deal on his own; his upcoming defense against Liam Paro to begin the contract; the opponents he may face later this year; and his belief he will land a unification fight with Subriel Matias.
The plans for a lightweight title eliminator between former unified champion George Kambosos Jr. and Maxi Hughes as a Top Rank headliner on July 22.
Liam Smith’s minor injury that has caused his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. to be postponed for two weeks.
Ringside memories on the 18th anniversary of Wright’s pure domination of Trinidad for the biggest victory of his career.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
We will be bringing you the weekend recap each Monday. Let me know what you think of the podcast by leaving your comments.
Photo: Esther Lin/Showtime
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