At the Centre Videotron, Quebec, James DeGale successfully defended his IBF Super Middleweight title. After 12 competitive rounds, judges ringside scored the contest 116-112 and 117-111 (twice), which unfortunately spoke little of Bute’s tremendous effort. Here at Boxing Base we had it 114-114.
There was nothing dull about DeGale vs Bute, but it was another one of those painfully difficult fights to score. DeGale clearly edged Bute in the first 3 rounds, but from that point on things became very subjective. Bute proved he was a million miles away from the junkyard, and did a fantastic job of keeping his younger foe on the back foot while raining in some eye-catching assaults. The Montreal-based warrior certainly impressed, making a strong case on the cards (Boxing Base’s, at least).
DeGale may have been fighting on the back foot for the most part, but he often caught the eye with head-snapping, crisp punches, particularly uppercuts during the middle rounds. Despite sustaining a cut over his left eye in the 5th, it was DeGale who was the superior, more versatile boxer.
So, did Bute’s pressure and aggression warrant the nod? Or did DeGale’s cleaner work? Two questions boxing fans (and of course judges) often have to ask themselves during neck-and-neck fights.
According to those seated ringside, DeGale was the more deserving. And though I’d have prefered to see a Draw, I don’t think a DeGale victory is controversial. That said, I do think the Olympic Gold Medalist needs to be more assertive in his next outing. Being defensive-minded is great, but it leaves far too much to chance on the scorecards. They’ve been friendly tonight – and against Anthony Dirrell in May – but will they be next time?
Anyway, not a bad fight at all. A hard night’s work for DeGale, but a win’s a win. DeGale, who jumps to 22 wins, 1 defeat, 14 knockouts, may now look toward to an April clash with WBC champ, Badou Jack. I’ve no idea who’d be the favorite if that showdown comes together. After tonight’s performance, that man could well be Jack.
As for Bute, who reduces to 32 wins, 3 defeats, 25 knockouts, I don’t think this setback will be too major. The 35-year-old has clearly rebuilt his confidence (which Carl Froch blasted to pieces in 2012), and could even find himself challenging for another title at the tail-end of 2016. Considering he was a heavy underdog, the man deserves our respect big time.
DeGale vs Bute Undercard
Eleider Alvarez vs Isaac Chilemba
Eleider Alvarez outpointed Isaac Chilemba via Majority Decision in a painfully hard bout to score. After 12 rounds, the official scorecards came in at 114-114, 118-110 and 115-113. Boxing Base saw it 115-113, Chilemba, feeling that his slightly crisper work and slipperiness earned him the nod.
Alvarez and Chilemba’s styles just failed to gel. Both men were defensively tight, highly focused, and left few holes to exploit. While perhaps eye candy to a boxing purist, this WBC Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator barely reached a simmer. And that’s a shame since the winner will supposedly challenge TNT-fisted champ Adonis Stevenson next.
Can Alvarez beat Stevenson? Man, I don’t even want to answer that question since I’m totally bummed the Sergey Kovalev fight is nowhere closer to happening. If Stevenson vs Alvarez does materialize, let’s just hope that, if anything, it’ll be more fan-friendly than Alvarez vs Chilemba.
Alvarez now builds to 19 wins, no defeats, 10 knockouts, while Chilemba reduces to 24 wins, 3 defeats, 2 draws, 10 knockouts.
Oscar Rivas vs Joey Abell
Also in action was Oscar Rivas, a 28-year-old prospect who showcased his impressive power against a brave but bona fide gatekeeper in Joey Abell. Rivas took his time in the opener, taking a good look at his man. It cost him the round on Boxing Base’s card, but it soon mattered little shortly after the 2nd round begun.
Rivas exploded on Abell, chopping down his man on the ropes with thunderous shots. The ending was most violent, with Abell dazed and despondent, leaving the referee no choice but to wave the count. Is the 6′ 6″ Rivas a threat to Heavyweights out there? Right now, and especially after witnessing Klitschko vs Fury, I’d have to say probably not.
Rivas has decent power, but the champions of the Heavyweight division are absolute skyscrapers. Fury, the new IBF, WBO, WBA champ, is 6′ 9″, and Wilder, the WBC holder, is 6′ 7″. Still, Rivas looks like an exciting fighter, and the division always needs guys like that.
Rivas now jumps up to 18 wins, no defeats, 13 knockouts, while Abell drops to 31 wins, 9 defeats, 29 knockouts.
Amir Imam vs Adrian Granados
A huge Junior Welterweight upset unfolded when underdog Adrian Granados survived a 1st round knockdown to outwork and beat up Amir Imam en route to an 8th round TKO. Imam was considered a red-hot prospect beforehand, and so naturally, promoter Don King will be kicking himself. Meanwhile, Quebec fight fans witnessed an enthralling war in this DeGale vs Bute appetizer.
For what it’s worth, Imam was the better, smarter boxer, proving that in the 1st round by knocking down Granados with a crisp right hand. But from the 2nd round onwards, Imam allowed himself to get dragged into a toe-to-toe slugfest, standing in front of Granados too long and eating countless head shots. Imam’s defense soon became non-existent, and in the end the 25-year-old paid the price on the ropes.
What an upset, and what a fight. This outcome will of course shake up Boxing Base’s 140 lb Rankings tremendously. Granados now rises to 17 wins, 4 defeats, 2 draws, 12 knockouts, while Imam falls to 18 wins, 1 defeats, 15 knockouts.
Give us your take on DeGale vs Bute, plus the undercard below, fight fans.
