Why do mediocre-level boxers like Paul Smith get repeated title shots?

[W1LL]

Nowhere near World-level, and not a particularly marketable opponent. Doesn't have a big following even in the UK. Why is it that these types of boxers keep getting opportunities?

Edit - There's talk Paul Smith will be the opponent for the winner of the Tyron Zeuge vs. Isaac Ekpo, WBA "Regular" title fight. Smiths last three opponents:

Daniel Regi, 28-13 (15 KO)
Bartlomiej Grafka, 17-20-3 (8 KO)
Bronislav Kubin, 18-18-2 (11 KO)

[asgarth]

because zeuge's handlers are not fully convinced that he is ready for the top guys. He couldnt convincingly beat De Carolis.

Smith is the kind of opponent who is durable enough, but cant beat the top guys. He also had 2 fights against arthur abraham, so he is relatively known to the german public.
His handlers probably also hope that Zeuge beats Smith more convincingly than Abraham, so they can set up a big fight between him and abraham.

[aretrospective]

- He's got some name value after previous title shots
- He's prepared to travel
- Probably doesn't ask for silly money
- As said by another poster, durable enough to make a fight of it but not skilled enough to beat the top guys
- He's got a big promoter backing him

I know what you're saying, there are often better looking guys who don't get the shots when he does, but as an 'opponent' Paul Smith is a promoter or matchmakers dream if you aren't sure how good your guy is / your guy is coming off a hard fight / you're looking for a 'safe' defence of a belt.

[PRINCEKOOL]

...............delete.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Nowhere near World-level, and not a particularly marketable opponent. Doesn't have a big following even in the UK. Why is it that these types of boxers keep getting opportunities?

Edit - There's talk Paul Smith will be the opponent for the winner of the Tyron Zeuge vs. Isaac Ekpo, WBA "Regular" title fight. Smiths last three opponents:

Daniel Regi, 28-13 (15 KO)
Bartlomiej Grafka, 17-20-3 (8 KO)
Bronislav Kubin, 18-18-2 (11 KO)

I think it's about relevancy mixed with safety. They know he's already lost to Abraham, Ward, etc. and he's got those names on his ledger. Personally, if there were one world title instead of so many, I don't think you'd see him keep getting opportunities unless he legitimately earned them.

[285Kid]

This is one of the biggest problem in boxing too many jobbers getting title shots

[j0zef]

Punching bags make others look good.

[////]

From what I can see he's only had 2 and they were the controversial back-to-back fights with Abraham?

The Ward thing was pretty much an exhibition. He didn't even train and came in looking like a random unrecognizable fat dude. No title on the line.

[redmish]

They usually have good promoters with lots of influence and cash to throw about. The champions get good money for relatively low risk fights. This will always be the case.