Boxing fans of a certain age will likely remember a time when boxing could be found being broadcast on weekend afternoons courtesy of major American networks. CBS, NBC, and ABC, through it’s Wide World of Sports programming, turned fighters like Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Mike Tyson from relatively obscure entities to high-level attractions. Thanks to outlets like ESPN-plus and DAZN, some fans today can be forgiven for thinking they’re going back to those days of weekend afternoon ring battles. No matter that the reason for this largely rests on the fact that these afternoon broadcast fights are being fought in Europe, where there is a much earlier time zone, weekend afternoons can present some memorable throwdowns for American fans nonetheless.
Although there were no major bouts to be found being broadcast this weekend, there were some interesting and entertaining affairs to behold in England, courtesy of ESPN-plus and DAZN. The twenty-four-year-old middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz looked extremely impressive Saturday as he wiped out Liam Williams in the opening round at Copper Box Arena in London. After first dropping the experienced Williams with a jab, the far taller Sheeraz dropped Williams a second time with a potent uppercut. While Williams was able to rise from both knockdowns, it was clear he was being completely dominated. His corner wisely threw in the towel before the opening round came to an end.
Yet Sheeraz wasn’t the only one to impress Saturday in London. Less than half an hour away from the Copper Box, at the O2 In Greenwich, undefeated junior lightweight Liam Dillon lost his first fight, a blistering battle with Reece Bellotti, that was as entertaining as it was high energy. Dillon seemed to control things early on thanks to some very effective aggression. Bellotti, however, was able to make his punches count. This caused Dillon to slow down as the fight progressed, allowing Bellotti to stack up much-needed rounds. Still, Dillon came on extremely strong towards the end of the fight, and it was clear that either man might have gotten the judge’s nod. Only one of the two men could win on the judge’s cards, though, and the officials ruled in favor of Bellotti via unanimous decision. Bellotti subsequently improved his record to 15-5 while Dillon now stands with 13 wins against 1 draw and 1 defeat on his resume.
With only three knockout victories on his record, one could only wonder how the fight might have gone had Dillion possessed a bit more power in his gloved fists.
As the landscape of boxing evolves, the accessibility of fights has become increasingly diverse. Gone are the days where major American networks dominated the sport’s airwaves. Now, fans can enjoy the thrill of watching afternoon boxing through platforms like ESPN-plus and DAZN. Though these fights may be taking place on European soil, the earlier time zone allows American fans to relive the nostalgia of weekend afternoon ring battles.
One fighter who left a lasting impression on fans was Hamzah Sheeraz, a talented middleweight. His bout against Liam Williams showcased his exceptional skill and dominance within the ring. Sheeraz’s height advantage played a significant role, allowing him to dictate the pace and control the fight. Williams, despite displaying his resilience by getting up from knockdowns, was no match for Sheeraz’s relentless assault. It was evident that Sheeraz’s star is on the rise, and his performance only solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
In another noteworthy fight, Liam Dillon, an undefeated junior lightweight, faced Reece Bellotti in an electrifying battle. Dillon started strong, displaying effective aggression that seemed to catch Bellotti off guard. However, Bellotti quickly adapted and began landing powerful punches that took their toll on Dillon. As the fight progressed, Dillon’s momentum dwindled, allowing Bellotti to gain the upper hand. Despite a commendable comeback towards the end, Dillon fell short, resulting in his first defeat. This loss serves as a pivotal moment in Dillon’s career, highlighting the importance of refining his skills and developing a stronger knockout capability.
These weekend afternoon fights provide a glimpse into the future of boxing. With platforms like ESPN-plus and DAZN, fans can experience the excitement and intensity of international bouts from the comfort of their homes. The accessibility and variety of fights on offer ensure that there is something for every boxing enthusiast. As the sport continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more unforgettable battles and rising stars making their mark on the global stage.
The reemergence of weekend afternoon boxing, facilitated by platforms like ESPN-plus and DAZN, transports fans back to the golden days of the sport. Hamzah Sheeraz’s dominance and Liam Dillon’s setback exemplify the unpredictability and raw talent that make boxing such a captivating sport. These fights serve as a testament to the passion and dedication of the athletes who step into the ring, showcasing their skills to a global audience. With the evolution of broadcasting technology and accessibility, the future of afternoon boxing shines brightly, promising more thrilling spectacles and memorable moments to come.
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