What currently bothers me the most in boxing discussions

[Mammoth]

Here's an idea Z - how about you EARN a fight with Bivol & Beterbiev by fighting Smith, Jack or even Kovolov or Alvarev??? Your not as big of a superstar as you think you are buddy.

"Earning" fights. It's always a decent fight when this term gets used too like title holders in the same division or a perfectly acceptable title challenger.. If it was some 5-0 prospect or someone completely washed up i'd get it but this never makes sense to me.

[ShoulderRoll]

Well, if you have a certain fighter testing himself and taking on challenging fights throughout his career it's not cool to see other fighters just coast and wait for a big fight opportunity to fall in their lap.

They shouldn't be rewarded for putting in the least effort they can. They should do something to earn the big fights.

[Thuglife Nelo]

Well, if you have a certain fighter testing himself and taking on challenging fights throughout his career it's not cool to see other fighters just coast and wait for a big fight opportunity to fall in their lap.

They shouldn't be rewarded for putting in the least effort they can. They should do something to earn the big fights.

Sure. but the specific context from that discussion was about Zurdo Ramirez.

Here's what we would access. Zurdo is undefeated. He's a former champion. He is Mexican. This brings value GUARANTEED with ratings if he's matched with a good opponent. Now if a fight with Bivol or Beterbiev, which let's be honest, don't bring high ratings in the American market, would benefit from a dance partner like Zurdo and vise versa. Realize the situations and accolades isn't the same as Berlanga...

So, we as fans, go to a resort that makes sense in the real world. OFFERS! Since Zurdo, Bivol, Beterbiev, Smith, none of these guys are stars, then it's safe for us fans and promoters to start making offers because the risk assessment is easy to guage.

The original post should be like if GBP sends a lucrative offer to Bivol or Beterbiev, THEN let's see how the fighter responds. Everyone KNOWS that by beating Zurdo, a tall big Mexican, would make noise towards Canelo...so, Bivol and Beterbiev should show interest. In fact, seeing how Zurdo would perform against them, who knows, if Benavidez can't get the fights he wants at 168, he might leach off the noise or loss that Zurdo had to Bivol or Beterbiev and attempt the challenge himself. This is the hunger and obvious noise that MOST FIGHTERS would radar as their goal setting.

[Thuglife Nelo]

"Earning" fights. It's always a decent fight when this term gets used too like title holders in the same division or a perfectly acceptable title challenger.. If it was some 5-0 prospect or someone completely washed up i'd get it but this never makes sense to me.

When everyone says ''boxing is a business'' it refers to FAIR EARNINGS and accolades, nothing more. Like I always say, it's a meritocracy. That's the reason why fighters can't agree on splits or other fighters price themselves out.

To put in a simple perspective. What's the easiest or simplest RATIO of earnings would one split Canelo vs Plant? Think of all the ratings, gate, PPV, sponsors, etc.. that Canelo has accumulated and then think of what an opponent should get for the exposure he will receive. That's how boxing and star power is measured.

This is why Al Haymon is a funny hot cheetos eating goblin from LOTR episode 7. Canelo WAS ALREADY making noise before he fought Floyd yet he took a wimpy pay compared to what fighters are begging for NOW to fight Canelo. I mean seriously, Haymon taking his fighters to a purse bid against Canelo Alvarez? How can fans be blind? lol. 30% off Canelo because you've done what? LDBC kids claiming Canelo ducking Charlo Bros and Andrade BEFORE. By 2012, Canelo Alvarez was already an HBO attraction! What would've been the splits back then? As you can see, if Andrade felt unfair earnings with the Charlos before, why would one assume easy negotiations with Canelo in those days.

People like to blame Canelo, but GBP were Canelo's financial handlers and the insecurities were created from them. Oscar would make it apparent how much GGG was to get before the first fight. Those negotiations had drama BEFORE Khan. Again, Loeffler and Sulaiman trolling with a purse bid for Canelo and GGG??!!!

Let it be known that fighters and their handlers can easily duck fights by splits alone ala Crawford vs Spence or Wilder vs AJ. the LDBC know this very well but never apply it to the grand master Canelo because they're bitter about life in general. That is why Canelo is the HNIC!