Comments Thread For: “Fighting Words” - On the Ward-Rodriguez Money Debate

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

by David P. Greisman - The 24/7 nature of boxing news has made it easier for fans to follow the fighters they support — and to be critical of those they dislike.

That’s because being a boxer is no longer just about being under the spotlight on fight night, but also includes being under the magnifying glass for many of the remaining 361 to 363 days of the year. Negotiations are no longer merely conducted in meetings and via phone calls and exchanges of contracts. Now the media coverage is co-opted for the sake of leverage.

Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara, fresh off the biggest wins of their respective pro careers earlier this year, had their promoters turn to the press and deride each for having styles that make them difficult to promote. Months after Rigondeaux topped Nonito Donaire, Bob Arum of Top Rank said he still didn’t have another appearance on HBO lined up for him. [Click Here To Read More]

[johnnyrambo]

This is exactly what a sport becomes with no labor union!..., nuff said.

[Bigg Rigg]

HBO was going to pay $3+ million for this bs fight??? Lol and Smh. That right there is ridiculous!!! Rodriguez getting $800k was good money though IMO. Guess he wasn't feeling how Ward was trying to take damn near $2.5 out of the HBO offer.

[DoktorSleepless]

This is exactly what a sport becomes with no labor union!..., nuff said.

How exactly would a labor union fix anything in the Ward-Rodriguez situation?

[Foreign Soil]

How exactly would a labor union fix anything in the Ward-Rodriguez situation?

It wouldn't. Ward would just go on strike like he's somewhat doing, and boxing would be even worse off as fighters would get even lazier. Unions are garbage.

[Check_hooks]

Ward needs a reality check. HBO needs to put him on PPV and show him his numbers

It would have less than 10k buys

[Weebler I]

lol Greisman's Dad sounds harsh.

This is a great fight, hopefully they can get it done.

[slicksouthpaw16]

Rodriguez doesn't come off as that bright. Back in the day, title challengers were willing to take anything. I like what Ward said in the article that he was willing to accept anything vs Kessler because he was confident in his abilities. You worry about winning the fight and the big money would come down the line. I think the wrong boxers are in the sport today. All they want is big money immediately when they haven't done ****, like Broner. He wants to be on PPV but the best fighter he beat, was Pauli and it was controversial. These people need a reality check.

[Pigeons]

Rodriguez doesn't come off as that bright. Back in the day, title challengers were willing to take anything. I like what Ward said in the article that he was willing to accept anything vs Kessler because he was confident in his abilities. You worry about winning the fight and the big money would come down the line. I think the wrong boxers are in the sport today. All they want is big money immediately when they haven't done ****, like Broner. He wants to be on PPV but the best fighter he beat, was Pauli and it was controversial. These people need a reality check.

I think the problem has more to do with Rodriguez's lack of belief in his own skills. He doubts his ability to finish, let alone win, a fight against possibly the best fighter in the world. Then any shine that he currently has is gone, and so are the ~400-600K paydays. Why not fight 3-5 more times for you are making now than take 800K, get trounced, and have to start all over. Fast food is a dirty game.

[bojangles1987]

It would be great if Ward being one of the 2 best fighters in the world meant he was paid accordingly, but that's not the truth of it. He cannot let money disputes waste away his prime.