![[SPORTS] LOMANCHENKO OUTPOINTS PEDRAZA TO UNIFY WBA, WBO TITLES](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8851.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
Loma Gets Tough, But Decisive Victory At MSG
The world doesn’t know just how dominant and how brilliant Vasiliy Lomanchenko is going to be on a fight-to-fight basis. Coming off right shoulder surgery, Lomanchenko wanted to put on a show for the New York City crowd.
Vasiliy Lomanchenko (12-1, 9 KOs) defeated Jose Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs) by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden to unify two lightweight title belts.
It may be looked at as a disappointment that on his own part that he didn’t finish a fight he very nearly did in the 11th round, but Lomanchenko walks away from New York City on Saturday with the WBA and WBO belts on his shoulders.
Lomanchenko used a violent and hellacious 11th round onslaught to drop Pedraza twice to the canvas. Pedraza took what seemed like 30 unanswered punches before falling to a knee for the first knockdown of the fight, then moments later falling to a body shot from Lomanchenko.
Before that, somewhat of a competitive fight was breaking out between the two lightweight world champions.
Lomanchenko — brilliantly fighting with pressure and range — tattooed the Puerto Rican Pedraza with jabs and hard straight lefts, who’s face gave way to the WBA champion’s shots early.
Pedraza did well in the opening rounds of crafting puzzles for Lomanchenko to solve, making himself a moving targeting constantly with his head as he leaned out of the way and kept his head off the center line. He often switched stances from southpaw to orthodox and back, creating further difficulty for “Hi-Tech” at times.
There were times when Lomanchenko looked entirely human, with Pedraza looking like a live dog in the later rounds after he put together solid rounds late, but not rounds that would allow him to win most of them to make the judges decision unclear.
His best moments of the fight happened when he made a commitment to the body while also avoiding the ropes, which allowed him to establish somewhat of a jab.
Lomanchenko blasted away with straight lefts and a steady jab as he pressured his opponent, wearing down a game and tough Pedraza who’s legs were all but unsteady by the end of the fight.
The biggest takeaway from this fight is that Lomanchenko didn’t finish his opponent, who he was expected to finish in sensational fashion.
Pedraza’s lone loss coming into tonight was a 7th-Round TKO stoppage against undefeated WBA junior lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
While crafty and determined, Pedraza never quite was as close to pulling an upset as some may have thought as judges scored the fight wide for the Ukrainian.
Is their a kink in Lomanchenko’s armor? His only professional loss came when he was being low blowed throughout the fight by Orlando Salido and he had some difficulty in the first half of that fight of adjusting to Salido’s rough house tactics.
After that fight he went on to dominate top junior lightweights like Gary Russell Jr., Roman Martinez and Nicholas Walters before disposing of one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world in Guillermo Rigondeaux with a 6th-Round TKO stoppage victory.
Jorge Linares knocked down Vasiliy Lomanchenko with a straight right hand in the sixth round of their WBA lightweight title fight this past May, a personal low light for Lomanchenko as it marked the first knockdown of his career.
That knockdown was the most human we’ve seen an almost unstoppable Lomanchenko look since his split-decision in his second career fight to Orlando Salido, and tonight we saw moments where he looked unimpressive offensively vs. an opponent who took his shots better than most and was difficult to gage at times.
Vasiliy Lomanchenko, however, is winning most of these rounds and doing them so where there’s little controversy.
There was little gamesmanship or taunting on the part of Lomanchenko tonight, who got all he can handle from Jose Pedraza.
More fact than opinion, no one’s knocking down Bob Arum’s door to fight one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, but maybe few are getting happy feet to do so in the near future.
What are your thoughts on the Vasiliy Lomanchenko’s victory on Saturday night? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] DINWIDDIE STARS AS NETS HANG ON FOR WIN AT MSG](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8844-1.jpg?resize=680%2C464&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
Brooklyn Picks Up Back-To-Back Wins For First Time Since Early November
Winning a game got the first time in two weeks was the Nets goal that they accomplished on Friday night over Toronto Raptors. Following that vs. a New York Knicks team that in many ways have mirrored them this season was their latest challenge.
The Brooklyn Nets picked up a 112-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden to make it two straight wins.
Spencer Dinwiddie scored a team-high 23 points and added six assists off the bench as the Nets’ super sub keyed their latest win.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored a season-high 20 points while grabbing six rebounds as he was as aggressive as he has been this season with his shot, making seven of 14 shot attempts.
The Brooklyn Nets, looking to continue a trend that’s befell them over the past few weeks, got off to a strong start and didn’t look back vs. their crosstown rivals.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Kenny Atkinson’s team looked sharp in the opening half, owning an early double digit lead before going into the half with a 56-45 lead.
The 3-point shot as well as the Nets dominance in the paint helped tell the tale of this third meeting between the two teams, as Brooklyn held significance edges over New York in both categories.
Active on the glass and solid in their defensive rotations, Brooklyn took an 18-point lead in the middle of the third quarter before seeing David Fizdale’s team make a late push in the fourth quarter.
Enes Kanter finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Knicks. Enes Kanter was a handful for the Brooklyn Nets, coming close to a near double-double in just the first half as he had 14 points and nine rebounds in the first half.
After being a healthy scratch over the past four games, Frank Ntilikina made the most of his minutes as he finished with seven points and three assists, sparking New York in the fourth quarter as they fought to get close down the stretch.
A search for defensive consistency is still ongoing for Fizdale as it relates to his team, who lost their third straight game on Saturday to fall to 8-19.
With that said, there’s plenty to be encouraged about when it comes to his young bench, which easily outplayed the starters.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has fallen into a rough stretch of shooting, going missing 10 of his 12 shot attempts tonight and finishing with seven points in just 23 minutes, and as a result, it’s hard for this current team to get wins on nights where their defense is mostly invisible.
The two teams split the previous two meeting this season, with Brooklyn taking the first game and New York taking the last game. Brooklyn’s win on Saturday marks the first by the road team, as Brooklyn suddenly has positive energy flowing in their season once again.
The Brooklyn Nets will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
Meanwhile the New York Knicks will turnaround and face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.
What were your thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets victory over the New York Knicks tonight? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] KYLER MURRAY WINS 2018 HEISMAN TROPHY AWARD](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8843-1-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
Boomer Sooner! Dual-Threat QB Takes Home The Prize
After transferring from Texas A&M to Oklahoma and waiting his turn behind Baker Mayfield, Murray waited his turn to dominate the college football world which culminated in him winning college football’s most prestigious award on Saturday night.
Kyler Murray was awarded the 2018 Heisman Trophy award at the 84th annual Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday night at the Marriot Marquis in Time Square in New York City.
The two-sport athlete beat out fellow Heisman finalists Tua Tagovailoa and Dwayne Haskins for the honor, as all three led their team to conference titles.
It was a historic year for the junior Murray, who finished with 4,053 passing yards with 40 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He also dominated on the ground, as the dual-threat quarterback rushed for 892 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, giving him 51 total on the season.
He follows his close friend Baker Mayfield’s 2017 Heisman Trophy win with a Heisman Trophy of his own as he electrified college football on Saturdays this past season with his running ability, accuracy in the pocket and on the run, and arm strength to make all the throws down field.
As great as Kyler Murray was in his first season with the Oklahoma Sooners, the 21-year-old has his sights on the MLB, but has left open the door on a possible NFL career.
The multi-sport talent was drafted by the Oakland Athletics with the ninth overall pick in this past year’s MLB amateur draft as an outfielder, and he has his commitments past this year of joining the Athletics minor league affiliates next year.
In leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a 12-1 record and Big 12 conference title, Murray’s Sooners will have the opportunity to play for a national championship as the Oklahoma Sooners will face the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 29th in the Orange Bowl.
Tua Tagovailoa, who was named the starting quarterback heading into his sophomore year, finished second behind Kyler Murray in voting.
Murray winning the award doesn’t come without controversy as Tagovailoa finished with 1,871 voting points, the most by a runner up in Heisman history. Tagovailoa also won the Nissan Heisman fan vote.
Tagovailoa was the leading engine in a perfect 13-0 regular-season for the Alabama Crimson Tide as he finished the season throwing for 3,333 passing yards with 37 touchdowns while throwing four interceptions. He also rushed for five touchdowns.
Former Heisman Trophy winners such as Barry Sanders, Doug Flutie, Ricky Williams, Charles Woodson and Eddie George were all in attendance to help enshrine in the latest member, who at the end of the day, is hard not argue was this season’s most deserving player.
Kyler Murray became the seventh Heisman Trophy winner in Oklahoma history, which ties Ohio State and Notre Dame for the most all-time.
He’s also just the third recipient of the award who will go on to play in the MLB. Both Bo Jackson and Vic Janowicz.
Was Kyler Murray your pick for the 2018 Heisman Trophy Award? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] WILDER RIPS MAYWEATHER: HE’S A HATER](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8840.jpg?resize=968%2C645&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
WBC Heavyweight Champ Doesn’t Bite Tongue
Deontay Wilder feels he’s the next box office attraction in boxing. But when it comes to being the next Floyd Mayweather of boxing?
“I’m the new Deontay Wilder of boxing,” Wilder told TMZ on Friday in response to that question.
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native is coming off an exciting heavyweight title bout with Englishman Tyson Fury that ended in a split-decision draw last Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In high spirits as usual, Wilder went on about how that fight was a resurrection of sorts that brought fan interest back to the division, but pointed out that “Money” — who was in attendance — was not on approval.
“The world loved it, but I don’t think he liked that though,” Wilder said, referring to Floyd Mayweather, who abruptly left the Staples Center in anger following Saturday’s fight.
“He wanted all the attention on him. It’s sad that it’s like that but the heavyweight division is where it’s at. Because people know we’re big guys and they want to see heavy hitters. And when you get a fight like that [on Saturday], that’s what they want to see. The excitement [is] back, and he always want the attention…but no more of that.”
After trailing by a wide margin on the scorecards throughout, Wilder scored two late knockdowns in the fight against Fury, which played a significant role in him retaining his title.
Wilder, 33, went on to say that he doesn’t want to be Floyd and that he was “coming” for the crown as the next star attraction.
“It’s a lot of fighters that’s jealous of me…for no reason. I’ve never said nothing bad about no one. I’ve always wished them well. I’ve always defended other fighters because I’m a fighter and I know I risk my life for this. Some fighters just don’t want to see me make it.”
As mentioned, it was reported that Mayweather stormed out of the Staples Center after the split-decision draw verdict, which has been mostly unpopular with fans, analysts and writers.
In a video released by FightHype.com, Floyd Mayweather analyzed the fight and saw Fury clearly winning the fight five rounds to nothing as it was happening.
“Deontay Wilder…he’s depending just on one shot. He’s looking for one big shot,” Mayweather said. “And as a fighter, you have to use other weapons. Fury [was] using combinations and a very fast jab and taking his time.”
Floyd Mayweather has been in the news recently, as it was announced on Thursday that he will in fact compete in a exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa on New Years Eve in Japan.
The exhibition is set to be with boxing rules scheduled for three 3-minute rounds.
What are your thoughts on Wilder’s comments? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] BECKHAM JR. RULED OUT VS. REDSKINS WITH BRUISED QUADRICEPS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8839-1.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 9, 2018 | SPORTS
OBJ To Miss First Game Of 2018
When the New York Giants attempt to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Washington Redskins on Sunday, they’ll be doing so without their top pass catcher.
Odell Beckham Jr. will miss Sunday’s matchup at FedEx Field vs. the Washington Redskins with a bruised quadriceps injury.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise as news about Beckham’s status throughout the week appeared checked off and that he would be able to play in this game.
Beckham Jr. played a big role in New York’s 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium — with his arm.
The Giants wide receiver threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to fellow wideout Russell Shepard to give New York a 17-14 lead in the third quarter. He later caught a touchdown pass in the game and finished with three receptions for 35 yards.
Beckham Jr. has 77 receptions for 1,052 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season.
What are your thoughts on the New York Giants chances of winning without Beckham Jr. on Sunday? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] WBC ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMATCH BETWEEN WILDER AND FURY](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8836.jpg?resize=680%2C492&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 8, 2018 | SPORTS
All Signs Point To Wilder-Fury II
Following an entertaining and memorable heavyweight title fight that ended in a controversial draw, both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury called for a rematch to settle the score.
With the WBC playing a role in matchmaking and sanctioning, all signs point to a second fight become a reality sooner rather than later.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said the organization conducted a vote among its board of governors on a potential second fight, with the board voting unanimously to sanction a direct rematch.
Deontay Wilder had a mandatory challenger in Dominic Breazele for his WBC title, but Breazele will have to wait after Friday’s ruling.
Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) scored two knockdowns last Saturday night against Tyson Fury, with the final one in the 12th round appearing to look like a dagger, only to see the Englishman epically resurrect himself from the mat to finish the fight.
It was only the second time in Wilder’s career he’s gone the distance, with the last being in January 2015 when he beat former WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision.
Tyson Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs) controlled the fight throughout, dominating with his jab, faints, and combinations while staying out of harms way of Deontay Wilder’s punching power for much of the fight.
He taunted and mocked Wilder throughout the fight, even after being knocked down in the 12th round, as Fury was fighting for the third time in 2018 after retiring briefly in 2017.
The amazing and brilliant showing by Fury capped one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history as the England-bred boxer battled depression, suicidal thoughts, drug abuse and growing exceedingly overweight in his time away from the ring over the past few years.
Wilder played a role in Fury making his return back to the ring, as he repeatedly tried to callout the Englishman for a comeback to the squared circle but also threw a wrinkle in there by saying he didn’t believe Fury had it in him to battle back from his adversity.
The first fight came to fruition after contract talks between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua fell apart earlier this year, something that caused both Wilder and Fury to blast Joshua, who holds three world title belts.
After Fury laid into Joshua on social media, he told Wilder to send him a contract to fight him and the negotiations for the fight were made just before Fury’s decision victory over Francesco Pianeta.
The Showtime Boxing PPV turned out to be a success, as the event is being said to have done 300-400K PPV buys.
What are your thoughts on a rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury? Leave your comments below!
