Comments Thread For: The Heavyweights: A Little Less Conversation

[Redgloveman]

Why would Wilder sign a deal for a $15M flat fee, when he has investors telling him he could make as much as $50M fighting the same guy? And willing to put their money behind it.

Whatever reason made him agree to the terms of the contract the first time around.

Frankly, I can't be bothered to get into this because I've done it too many times already.

I'm not an AJ fan, but you can't say that AJ is 100% unwilling to fight Wilder because Wilder has a contract waiting on his desk for a not unreasonable sum of money. If Wilder wants to become the king of the division the easiest way is through Joshua, even if he takes diminished pay for his coronation.

[hitking]

Whatever reason made him agree to the terms of the contract the first time around.

Frankly, I can't be bothered to get into this because I've done it too many times already.

I'm not an AJ fan, but you can't say that AJ is 100% unwilling to fight Wilder because Wilder has a contract waiting on his desk for a not unreasonable sum of money. If Wilder wants to become the king of the division the easiest way is through Joshua, even if he takes diminished pay for his coronation.

Offering BS contracts has been a way of avoiding fights for as long as I’ve been a boxing fan, and longer. Everything you said about Wilder, you could say the exact same thing about AJ.

[Accolade]

Whatever reason made him agree to the terms of the contract the first time around.

Wilder accepted the short money so long as the fight would be next. Why should he sign now when they're promoting Povetkin as a dangerous fight and continue to insult Wilder's credibility?

[KnickTillDeaTh]

I can't speak for the world, but in the U.S., if you're 6'0" or taller, 230lbs. or larger, and you're a top level athlete, you play football or basketball! In the Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Norton, etc., the HW Champ made a lot more than the top NFL or NBA athlete! Now the top NFL and NBA players make substantially more than HW fighters (AJ might be the exception)! Football and Basketball dominate on the youth level! Wilder didn't even start boxing until 19, because he was pursuing a football career! Until that fighter money increases, things will stay the same!

Wilder was actually 21 when he first started boxing. In less than 3 years he won the National golden gloves, U.S. championships, and an Olympic bronze medal. 30-5 amateur record. Turn pro in 2008 following those olympics. The guy was pretty much an amateur fighting professionals, and gets criticized for his record. Started boxing at 21, went pro at 23. I would love some one to name another boxer who has done that.

[Redgloveman]

Offering BS contracts has been a way of avoiding fights for as long as I’ve been a boxing fan, and longer. Everything you said about Wilder, you could say the exact same thing about AJ.

I agree. But Wilder accepted the deal the first time round, so it's not as if the figure is contemptible.

AJ's, or rather his team's, behaviour has been woeful during the whole negotiation. The $50m gaff was ridiculous.

But I'm not buying the argument that AJ won't fight Wilder under any conditions because Wilder could just take the deal and fight him for $15m (which isn't an insignificant amount of money). Granted, it probably represents a small (maybe a very small) percentage of the overall pot, but Wilder's upside would be enormous if he beat Joshua, which I think he does at this point in time. His chances in the fight only decrease with time because Joshua is entering his prime and Wilder is gradually leaving his.

[hitking]

I agree. But Wilder accepted the deal the first time round, so it's not as if the figure is contemptible.

AJ's, or rather his team's, behaviour has been woeful during the whole negotiation. The $50m gaff was ridiculous.

But I'm not buying the argument that AJ won't fight Wilder under any conditions because Wilder could just take the deal and fight him for $15m (which isn't an insignificant amount of money). Granted, it probably represents a small (maybe a very small) percentage of the overall pot, but Wilder's upside would be enormous if he beat Joshua, which I think he does at this point in time. His chances in the fight only decrease with time because Joshua is entering his prime and Wilder is gradually leaving his.

I don’t really see how you can blame Wilder for backing outta the original deal when he found investors that were willing to put a lot more money on the table. I mean, he has people telling him he can make $50M+ and willing to put their money where their mouths are. Hell I’d take that over a $12M flat fee too.

[Boxingfanatic75]

They just can’t handle playing second fiddle to Hearn. I’ve said this all along.

They’d rather fight a bum and make far less money but be the ones calling the shots, than they would fight a genuine top 5 HW for a career high payday but on Hearn’s terms.

Lol newsflash all the HWs ranked top 5 are bums. These ranking orgs are a joke. I can’t blame them however the HW division is probably the worst its been in over 80 years.

I’d out as much stock in the alphabet soup orgs as does a homeless person becoming rich

[TexasCowBoy]

They just can’t handle playing second fiddle to Hearn. I’ve said this all along.

They’d rather fight a bum and make far less money but be the ones calling the shots, than they would fight a genuine top 5 HW for a career high payday but on Hearn’s terms.

Beautifully Said with a touch a business acumen

[OldTerry]

At the very the log jam called Eddie Hearn has now been dislodged and perhaps some progress can be had.

[OldTerry]

Alternatively, Wilder could sign the contract for April 2019 and they could fight then.

Alternatively, Hearn could make a proper offer of 40% to Wilder and then maybe Wilder would sign the contract.