At the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, in Verona, NY, Saturday, two world title bouts were promoted by Eddie Hearns Matchroom Boxing, Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Kathy Duva’s Main Events and Dmitry Ivanov’s World of Boxing over DAZN.
In the Main Event WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol, of KYR and St. Petersburg, FL, retained his title defeating No. 8 ranked Joe Smith, Jr., 24-3 (20), of Long Island, NY, over 12 rounds.
In the first two rounds Bivol controlled with his boxing. In round three Bivol continued controlling the round with his jab. Referee Gary Rosato warned Smith for hitting behind the head. In the fourth round Bivol landed a combination. Smith is plodding after Bivol getting hit with a controlling jab. Smith landed a solid right on the side of Bivol’s head.
In the fifth round Bivol landed a right and left frustrating Smith. Bivol landed a left hook to the chin. Bivol landed three jabs. Smith ran into a left hook. Bivol doesn’t waste any punches. In the sixth round Bivol landed a solid left hook to the chin. Smith runs in and gets hit with a right uppercut on the chin.
In the seventh round Bivol landed a left hook on the chin hurting Smith. Bivol’s accuracy has Smith taking a beating and getting frustrated. In the eighth round Bivol backs up Smith with a jab followed by a right to the chin. Bivol landed a short left hook to the chin. Bivol landed a 3-punch combination to the head of Smith.
In the ninth round Smith tossed Bivol to the canvas. Referee Gary Rosato warned him if he did it again he would take away a point. Bivol landed a left hook to the chin. Bivol has taken Smith “to school” in this one. In the tenth round Smith landed three jabs but missed with a right. Bivol landed four punches without return. Smith backs up Smith with a pair of left hooks to the chin. Bivol drives Smith to the ropes with a pair of left hooks. Smith landed a hard overhand right on the side of the head at the bell staggering Bivol as he wobbled back to his corner.
In the eleventh round Smith tried to capitalize on the last round and landed a chopping right. Bivol came back with a 3-punch combination. Smith had blood dripping from a cut outside of his left eye. In the twelfth and final round Bivol landed a left hook to the chin. Smith knew he needed a knockout and is swinging wildly and missing. Bivol lands that left hook whenever he wants. Bivol rocked smith with a flurry of punches having him hurt at the bell. Smith was outclassed by a tough Smith.
Scores were 118-110, 119-111 twice with this writer having it 118-110.
In the Co-feature WBO World Super Lightweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker, 26-0-3 (17), of Dallas, TX, defeated No. 14 ranked Mikkel LesPierre, 21-1-1 (10), of Trinidad & Tobago, over 12 rounds.
Scores were 119-108, 120-107 and 118-109.
Light Heavyweight Callum “The One” Johnson, 18-1 (13), of Boston, Lincolnshire, UK, stopped Sean Monaghan, 29-3 (17), of Long Beach, NY, at 0:23 of the third round.