Comments Thread For: Tureano Johnson: Cotto's Decisions at 160 a Disgrace!

[hitking]

The difference is that Cotto doesnt just hold an alphabet title which we dont care about. He is the lineal MW champion of the world. He won the belt from Martinez who won it from Pavlik who won it from Taylor who won it from Hopkins...

Lineal championships are historically important and if Cotto doesnt want to fight at the MW limit or fight the best MW's then he shouldnt be allowed to market himself as the MW champ

Lineal titles are only as meaningful as the fighter holding it. Dariusz Michalczewski was the lineal light heavyweight champ during much of Roy Jones' reign there. And Roy's title eventually became the title who's lineage was recognized as THEE lineal light heavyweight title. Floyd is criticized to this day for fighting Baldomir, who was the lineal welterweight champ. Ironically, a good percentage of those that criticize Floyd-Baldomir are the same folks acting as if a Cotto fight is a must for GGG. What's the difference between Cotto's lineal title and Baldomir's?

[Tom Cruise]

Lineal titles are only as meaningful as the fighter holding it. Dariusz Michalczewski was the lineal light heavyweight champ during much of Roy Jones' reign there. And Roy's title eventually became the title who's lineage was recognized as THEE lineal light heavyweight title. Floyd is criticized to this day for fighting Baldomir, who was the lineal welterweight champ. Ironically, a good percentage of those that criticize Floyd-Baldomir are the same folks acting as if a Cotto fight is a must for GGG. What's the difference between Cotto's lineal title and Baldomir's?

Well I can only speak for myself when I say that IMO Michalczewski should have fought Roy Jones and I dont have any problem with Floyd taking on the lineal WW champ.

[Fantasiabruja]

I'm speaking about boxing as a whole. Not just Cotto's situation.

Same day weigh in's need to be brought back. It's becoming ridiculous when a fighter comes into the ring 2 weight classes above the weight class limit that he is campaigning at. Either that or implement a rehydration clause of no more than 5-7lbs above their weigh in weight.

Good thought, but please don't say that in relation to a fight between Cotto and GGG. Because you will get red k'd galore.

[Barcham]

I agree with what Johnson had to say but whoever wrote the article is an idiot. In what universe does Johnson have a shot at the winner of Cotto-Canelo? He has a better shot at the ********** nomination for President than getting that title shot.

[hitking]

Well I can only speak for myself when I say that IMO Michalczewski should have fought Roy Jones and I dont have any problem with Floyd taking on the lineal WW champ.

Of course Jones-Michalczewski should have happen. But, neither wanted to fight in tje other's backyard.

Either way, my point is that lineal titles are just another title. Yes, the lineal title generally reflects what most view as the class of a division more often than the ither belts. But at day's end, a fighter doesn't always need it to legitimize himself as the class of a division.

[Fantasiabruja]

True same goes for many

And so on and so on, and the point is what? The issue here is that GGG fans like you Punch, are making a big deal of catch weights now because your favorite fighter will be affected if he fights either Cotto or Canelo. But you guys don't see a problem with the G man being willing to go to 154 for Mayweather to make the big money. GGG is a beast he can beat anyone from 154 to 168 so whats the big deal with taken the WBC belt at any where between 155 and 160? The money will be big with either Cotto or Canelo. Then he can make his demands because he will be the man at MW.

[Tom Cruise]

Of course Jones-Michalczewski should have happen. But, neither wanted to fight in tje other's backyard.

Either way, my point is that lineal titles are just another title. Yes, the lineal title generally reflects what most view as the class of a division more often than the ither belts. But at day's end, a fighter doesn't always need it to legitimize himself as the class of a division.

Yeah I definitely get that. GGG is the best MW on the planet, and I dont need a lineal title to tell me that. However Cotto is marketing himself as the lineal champ, reaping the financial benefits that title brings, and as fans we should call him out on the fact that he isnt fighting the best available contenders or even fighting at the MW limit.

For GGG the 'belt' represents legitimacy, he doesnt need it to be the best fighter at MW, but having it is a huge boost to his marketability and would make him much harder to avoid.

Basically my original point was Cotto is not just pissing around with a paper title, he holds the title at MW. It represents the pinnacle of our sport and shouldnt be held hostage by someone who doesnt intend to fight his top contender

[Barcham]

I think when you force other 160 lb fighters down to fight for the title it becomes an issue. When he or Canelo asks GGG to come down to 155 it will be ridiculous fighting for the Lineal title..

Not happening because that fight is a mandatory defense and no conditions can be applied to a mandatory.

[hitking]

Yeah I definitely get that. GGG is the best MW on the planet, and I dont need a lineal title to tell me that. However Cotto is marketing himself as the lineal champ, reaping the financial benefits that title brings, and as fans we should call him out on the fact that he isnt fighting the best available contenders or even fighting at the MW limit.

For GGG the 'belt' represents legitimacy, he doesnt need it to be the best fighter at MW, but having it is a huge boost to his marketability and would make him much harder to avoid.

Basically my original point was Cotto is not just pissing around with a paper title, he holds the title at MW. It represents the pinnacle of our sport and shouldnt be held hostage by someone who doesnt intend to fight his top contender

I don't think the title does anything for Cotto's marketability. Dude has consistently been one of those guys that is a fringe crossover star for awhile now.

As for GGG. I don't think the title will make him "less avoidable." Personally, I don't view him as "avoided" now. Guys "avoid" him when he doesn't make financial sense. Just like he's "avoiding" Ward because it doesn't make financial sense. If GGG's marketability reaches a point where big names are gonna make money fighting him ghat they can't refuse, they'll fight him. Simple as that.

[hitking]

Not happening because that fight is a mandatory defense and no conditions can be applied to a mandatory.

GGG will either bend over or go fight Andy Lee in another pointless "unification."