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It's because he didn't get the job done. He's had numerous opportunities, the backing of multi-million dollar promoters and networks but failed every time the opportunity presented itself:
Opportunity #1: Zab Judah
Judah fought an eliminator against a past prime Zab Judah. This would have been the ideal time to make a statement. A big name, an HBO headline and millions watching. That didn't happen. Zab Judah was able to bank the early rounds and hang on for a close points decision.
The Excuse: Matthysse was robbed that night
The Truth: He wasn't good enough that night. This was a close fight that could of gone either way. Look what elite fighters like Khan and Garcia did to this past prime Judah. Beat him handily and left no question.
Opportunity #2: Danny Garcia
On the undercard of the 2nd biggest PPV audience in boxing history, Matthysse had the chance to become the unified lineal champion. He had what was described as a beatable, flat footed opponent in front of him that has shown vulnerabilities. He was the betting favorite in the fight and had a legion of fans supporting him. He blows it again. Garcia wins a competitive decision.
The Excuse: The phantom punch, the eye, the clinching, the low blows. Starting to see a trend?
The Truth: He just wasn't good enough.
Opportunity #3: Viktor Postol
Matthysse not only gets a chance to win a title, but puts himself in position for a PPV showdown with Manny Pacquiao. He had an unproven yet fundamentally sound fighter in front of him. But once again he was the betting favorite. He loses by stoppage.
The Excuse: the eye and the clinching
The Truth: He just wasn't good enough
Conclusion: Elite fighters would have capitalized on the opportunities Matthysse had throughout the years. But Matthysse isn't in that category. He's a solid contender and has produced excitement. I'll give him that. But stop making excuses for his limitations.
The Peterson Fight: Some would say he was robbed of a title here because of mean old Haymon. Well:
1. It was Matthysse that didn't want to lose his mandatory shot at DSG
2. Peterson should have been stripped of that belt for PEDs.
I look at the Peterson fight as nothing more than an eliminator.
Opportunity #1: Zab Judah
Judah fought an eliminator against a past prime Zab Judah. This would have been the ideal time to make a statement. A big name, an HBO headline and millions watching. That didn't happen. Zab Judah was able to bank the early rounds and hang on for a close points decision.
The Excuse: Matthysse was robbed that night
The Truth: He wasn't good enough that night. This was a close fight that could of gone either way. Look what elite fighters like Khan and Garcia did to this past prime Judah. Beat him handily and left no question.
Opportunity #2: Danny Garcia
On the undercard of the 2nd biggest PPV audience in boxing history, Matthysse had the chance to become the unified lineal champion. He had what was described as a beatable, flat footed opponent in front of him that has shown vulnerabilities. He was the betting favorite in the fight and had a legion of fans supporting him. He blows it again. Garcia wins a competitive decision.
The Excuse: The phantom punch, the eye, the clinching, the low blows. Starting to see a trend?
The Truth: He just wasn't good enough.
Opportunity #3: Viktor Postol
Matthysse not only gets a chance to win a title, but puts himself in position for a PPV showdown with Manny Pacquiao. He had an unproven yet fundamentally sound fighter in front of him. But once again he was the betting favorite. He loses by stoppage.
The Excuse: the eye and the clinching
The Truth: He just wasn't good enough
Conclusion: Elite fighters would have capitalized on the opportunities Matthysse had throughout the years. But Matthysse isn't in that category. He's a solid contender and has produced excitement. I'll give him that. But stop making excuses for his limitations.
The Peterson Fight: Some would say he was robbed of a title here because of mean old Haymon. Well:
1. It was Matthysse that didn't want to lose his mandatory shot at DSG
2. Peterson should have been stripped of that belt for PEDs.
I look at the Peterson fight as nothing more than an eliminator.
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