WELCOME TO THE LIVE BLOG
Although this fight won’t take place until approximately 10:30 PM Eastern Time this evening, I’m posting this live blog early so that our friends in Ghana and Russia can visit, bookmark and know where they can follow the action for what should be an exciting fight for the vacant IBF lightweight championship.
I have received a lot of requests from around the world regarding the start time for this bout. The bell for the beginning of round one is expected to take place at approximately 3:30 AM in Ghana and 6:30 AM in Russia. It could be a little earlier or later depending on the ESPN broadcast, so make sure to keep refreshing your browser and don’t hesitate to find me on Twitter @peterkahn. I’ll keep each and every one of you up to date.
One person that I know will be watching closely is top five pound-for-pound great and current WBO and WBA lightweight champion, Vasyl Lomachenko, who will be fighting the winner between Commey and Chaniev in an effort to unify the lightweight division.
Thank you for joining me and as always I’ll do my best to be your eyes and ears for this lightweight championship bout.
I will provide updates and round by round scoring including my unofficial scorecard for this fight.
Follow me on Twitter @peterkahn. I’ll be here all day and happy to read your comments and answer any questions. I’d love to know who you’re picking to win. Commey or Chaniev?
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THE ODDS
According to the boxing odds at Sportsbookreview.com Richard Commey is a big favorite at -500 (wager 500 to win $100) while Isa Chaniev is an underdog at +400 (wager $100 to win $400).
.@RichardCommey gets a second shot at the IBF world lightweight crown as he takes on Isa Chaniev Saturday in Frisco, TX.
This one should be fun. Right, @VasylLomachenko?#AlvarezKovalev2
10PM ET on @espnpic.twitter.com/8p7JRdnxcN— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 2, 2019
Here are the two warriors at the final press conference in Frisco, Texas in advance of tonight’s lightweight clash.
@RichardCommey face to face with Isa Chaniev at yesterday’s @trboxing press conference in Frisco, Dallas. Both boxer were very well spoken and respectful but come Saturday night it’s WAR!!!! @Streetwisemgt @loudibella @BoxingGhana pic.twitter.com/ByzBlnAhJG
— Michael Amoo-Bediako Snr (@Mickey_Moo) February 1, 2019
BOTH OF THESE PROFESSIONALS MADE WEIGHT. WE HAVE A FIGHT!
Richard Commey 134.3 lbs.
Isa Chaniev 134.6 lbs.
Vacant IBF Lightweight World Championship TOMORROW on @ESPN 10pm ET@RichardCommey@DiBellaEnt@IBFUSBAboxing
(Photo Credit: Michael Ryan/Top Rank) pic.twitter.com/jgzlfys00E— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) February 1, 2019
VIDEO OF THE WEIGH-IN AND FACEOFF
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Follow me on Twitter @peterkahn. I’ll keep you updated throughout the day leading up to the fight.
With two hotly contested and controversial split decision losses on his record, is this Richard Commey’s time to finally become a world champion? Don’t let the 13-1 record of Chaniev fool you. He has an extensive amateur career and his come forward style and ability to box can provide issues for Commey. Who’s going to prevail? We’ll find out tonight. Stay tuned, keep refreshing throughout the day and I’ll be here to provide commentary and my unofficial scorecard for each round during tonight’s fight.
6:40 ET PM Update
I’m here and will be live blogging the Commey vs. Chaniev bout in approximately 3 and a half hours. The ESPN TV broadcast will go live in about 20 minutes.
Here’s what the entire card looks like.
We made it… Super Saturday… IS HERE!!!!
Buckle up for a night that includes 3 world titles AND 2018 prospect of the year @TeofimoLopez7PM ET – Undercards (ESPN+)
10PM – Valdez-Tommasone and Commey-Chaniev (ESPN)
Midnight – #AlvarezKovalev2 and Lopez-Magdaleno (ESPN+) pic.twitter.com/b8dMjDCKyP— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 2, 2019
A little fun fact regarding Ghana.
A win tonight makes @RichardCommey only the 9th world champion ever from his native Ghana. #CommeyChaniev for IBF Lightweight World Title TONIGHT at 10PM ET on @ESPN. @DiBellaEnt@IBFUSBAboxing@Mickey_Moo (Photo: Michael Ryan/Top Rank) pic.twitter.com/zX45GAIN3G
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) February 2, 2019
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Follow me on Twitter @peterkahn.
9:40 ET PM Update
The ESPN Broadcast will start in 20 minutes. Commey vs. Chaniev should be fighting closer to the top of the hour as the first fight on the broadcast. We’re getting closer!
The ESPN broadcast is live. We’re just moments away.
Remember, keep refreshing as I will be providing my round by round analysis and unofficial scorecard.
10:10 ET PM ET
Commey and Chaniev should be making their way to ring momentarily.
The fighters are in the ring. Jimmy Lennon Jr. introducing both fighters. We’re getting ready for round one.
ROUND ONE
Commey comes out working behind the jab. Chaniev looking to counter and lands to the body. Good left hook landed by Commey. Chaniev active and also working behind his jab. Very even round midway through. Commey landing some good right hands. Commey with a left hook too. Commey right-hand drops Chaniev in the first round! Commey all over him. Chaniev survives the round. Commey 10-8 round.
Commey 10-8 (Peter Kahn unofficial scorecard)
ROUND TWO
Commey knocks down Chaniev with a left hook right at the beginning of the round Chaniev trying to survive! Chaniev down again. The fight is over! Commey is the new IBF Lightweight world champion!
OFFICIAL RESULT:
Referee Lawrence Cole stops the fight at the 39-second mark of round two. Richard Commey is the IBF Lightweight champion.
