Anybody that defends Stevenson is pathetic

[Rage of Wodan]

He has NO INTENTION of fighting Sergey. NONE.
He's 37. He'll be too old to face Kovalev soon. That'll be the excuse. And who's to say Fonfara won't catch him?

[boliodogs]

I don't think he is avoiding Kovalev because the fight won't pay enough. I'm sure he would be well paid. I think he is afraid of losing by KO and losing his title and much of his ability to make big money in the future. I would pick Stevenson to beat all light heavyweights except Kovalev so if he avoids Kovalev he will be fine. I think his new adviser Haymon advised him not to fight Kovalev. I wonder if Pascal would fight either of these hard punchers. Pascal seems very popular in Canada and if Kovalev could KO him the demand for a Stevenson-Kovalev fight in Canada would probably be huge.

[BennyBlanco]

These athletes have a small window in their careers to get as much money as possible.

If they did what these ****** fans wanted they would end up punch drunk and broke. Meanwhile the promoters and networks move on to the next one and enrich themselves off the blood, sweat and tears of the fighters.

I begrudge none for maximizing their money when given the opportunity.

100%. That's why I don't begrudge any combat sport athlete getting paid, even if it postpones a big fight.

[BennyBlanco]

I don't think he is avoiding Kovalev because the fight won't pay enough. I'm sure he would be well paid. I think he is afraid of losing by KO and losing his title and much of his ability to make big money in the future. I would pick Stevenson to beat all light heavyweights except Kovalev so if he avoids Kovalev he will be fine. I think his new adviser Haymon advised him not to fight Kovalev. I wonder if Pascal would fight either of these hard punchers. Pascal seems very popular in Canada and if Kovalev could KO him the demand for a Stevenson-Kovalev fight in Canada would probably be huge.

Since when is going with the highest bidder a duck? Especially when the highest bidder has a high-level opponent for a big payday for the next fight too?

Whether haters like it or not, it is possible that this is simply a financial decision.