Two Fights a Year Isn't Enough

[al-Xander]

"Yet there are a whole bunch of top fighters aligned with PBC who have only fought once this year who are in need of bouts. They include Daniel Jacobs, Garcia, Thurman, Shawn Porter, Adonis Stevenson, Andre Berto, Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Julian Williams, Erislandy Lara, Vanes Martirosyan, James DeGale, Badou Jack, Anthony Dirrell, Andre Dirrell, Austin Trout, Adrien Broner, Rances Barthelemy, Gary Russell Jr., John Molina Jr., Dejan Zlaticanin, Jose Pedraza, Edner Cherry and Lee Selby, among others.

Perhaps some of the fighters have fought only once by design but certainly not all of them or even most of them. But when so much of the money that was once there to bankroll PBC cards is gone, it's hard to keep guys busy at their expected purse level.

There are others who have not fought at all this year, including Peter Quillin, Devon Alexander, Lamont Peterson, Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares."

http://www.espn.com/blog/dan-rafael/...xing-champions

This can't possibly be just a coincidence that most of these fighters are now fighting once or less than twice a year.

[M Bison]

Atleast 3 fights a year but in your youth when you're fighting bums, overmatched opponents you should be fighting like guys of the old era possibly in the double figures for a year.

3 to 4 is the sweet mark imo 2 definitely is too little

[StefanTosic]

Atleast 3 fights a year but in your youth when you're fighting bums, overmatched opponents you should be fighting like guys of the old era possibly in the double figures for a year.

3 to 4 is the sweet mark imo 2 definitely is too little

Yeah man. I'm waiting to see if the death of PPV would bring some changes, but I doubt it. I guess the big stars would keep fighting once or twice a year. Hopefully I'm wrong.

[yngwie]

I used to be pretty critical on Julio Cesar Chavez for fighting so many not rated fighters, but the man used to keep himself busy, he would fight against anyone anywhere, why fighters don't try to copy him?

[Tony Trick-Pony]

I used to be pretty critical on Julio Cesar Chavez for fighting so many not rated fighters, but the man used to keep himself busy, he would fight against anyone anywhere, why fighters don't try to copy him?

When fighters stay busier, they stay sharper and in better shape. Plus, the fans benefit from seeing them fight more often and of course, the high light reels go up which is always a good thing for them. Obviously, they will be making steadier money as well. I think it's all around good for the sport.

[yngwie]

When fighters stay busier, they stay sharper and in better shape. Plus, the fans benefit from seeing them fight more often and of course, the high light reels go up which is always a good thing for them. Obviously, they will be making steadier money as well. I think it's all around good for the sport.

I agree, twice a year it's pathetic, i remember when Donaire was picked as fighter of the year, he fought 4 times that year and people were crazy for such an accomplishment, not hating on Donaire, was really good that he did that, but that shouldn't be an accomplishment.

[StefanTosic]

I used to be pretty critical on Julio Cesar Chavez for fighting so many not rated fighters, but the man used to keep himself busy, he would fight against anyone anywhere, why fighters don't try to copy him?

That's the guy I have in mind every time I read this thread. To me he's the perfect example how it should be done! Have 5 or 6 fights a year, 2 of them could be tough fights (3 is too much to ask today's boxers) and the rest of them just to keep you busy. Hell, even towards the end of his career he used to have 3 or 4 fights a year. 4 fights in 1999.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

I agree, twice a year it's pathetic, i remember when Donaire was picked as fighter of the year, he fought 4 times that year and people were crazy for such an accomplishment, not hating on Donaire, was really good that he did that, but that shouldn't be an accomplishment.

Yes, it should be the norm. Hell, Roberto Duran was fighting four times a year in his forties. These twenty-somethings should get off the couch.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

That's the guy I have in mind every time I read this thread. To me he's the perfect example how it should be done! Have 5 or 6 fights a year, 2 of them could be tough fights (3 is too much to ask today's boxers) and the rest of them just to keep you busy. Hell, even towards the end of his career he used to have 3 or 4 fights a year. 4 fights in 1999.

Very good point. We know that ring rust can really hurt a fighter. Staying busy like this would definitely deter that.

[JJRod]

Some people blame Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for this trend. He might have had a part in it, but I won't say it was only him. Lots of guys have been doing this for a while. In my opinion, the top fighters especially, shouldn't just be stepping into the ring twice a year.

Now I'm not knocking Canelo for this year since it seems that he has another fight on the horizon and three is better than two. Golovkin might get a December date, also and Golovkin has consistently been fighting three times a year for a while which is better than twice. Crawford and Spence could easily fight three times this year as well. So maybe the trend is fading. I certainly hope so.

The big problem I have with this is that it creates a lack of opportunities. Jack Dempsey is one of my favorite champions of all time, but his reign was too lax. He gave way too few guys an opportunity at his title. And I see this with the supposed A-side fighters whatever that means.

Danny Garcia has fought once since January against Guerrero who I didn't see as deserving a shot at anything. Keith Thurman has fought once against Shawn Porter who was a very quality opponent. Still, I doubt he fights again this year. Billy Joe Saunders hasn't fought at all with really no explanation. Fury and Klitschko have dragged out their rematch all year long. Danny Jacobs just fought his first fight this year against a weak opponent. Roman Gonzalez will most likely only fight twice this year and he's number 1 p4p according to the Ring. I think this does not bode well for the sport.

Duran, Chavez, Sr. and so many others fought four-six times a year in their heyday. I would like to see the highly regarded guys fighting at the same. we'd get to see them more often and when they do face weaker opposition, it won't seem nearly so bad when they have a big fight right around the corner. And it would give more guys an opportunity to rise up as well. A fighter who's in his prime fighting twice a year is wasting his time and could be doing much more- making more money, entertaining more crowds and building his record as well.

Two fights a year if you're a mega star like Mayweather, Pacquiao, Cotto or Canelo is fine with me. It takes a lot of time, and effort to put on their events.
However everyone else IMO should be aiming at fighting at least 3 times a year. 2 HBO/Showtime worthy fights, and 1 stay busy gimme fight.
IF not people will forget about them.