Saunders v Andrade - Boston 20/10/18 - Sky/DAZN - CANCELLED

Saunders is in the shape of his life for this which really makes you wonder when you consider recent news.

Anyway this should be a great fight nonetheless.

Billy Joe Saunders looks a picture of health and commitment ahead of his latest title defense on October 20.

The WBO middleweight champion finds out this week whether a doping ban will be forthcoming.

Saunders has been training in the United States ahead on his mandatory fight with Demetrius Andrade. Saunders posted a picture of his physique as fight week approaches.

The 29 year-old put his undefeated 26-0 record on the line against Andrade, who himself holds a perfect 25-0 C.V.

With no news yet on the UK broadcast, Saunders v Andrade takes place at the TD Garden in Boston.

In a recent move, former Contender star Walter Wright has been added to the bill following his shock win over Mark DeLuca.

The pair will contest a rematch after 37 year-old Wright stunned DeLuca in June.

Wright took DeLuca’s ‘0’ following a successful comeback from a five-year absence. ‘2 Guns’ is rewarded with a slot on a huge show.

UNDERCARD
Others on the bill for October 20th include Irish favorite Katie Taylor. The biggest star in women’s boxing and the WBA and IBF World Lightweight Champ competes in a showdown with Brooklyn-based Cindy Serrano.

‘Checkmate’ is the Brooklyn-based WBO Featherweight Champ. Serrano is also one of the most exciting combat sports stars to come out of Puerto Rico.

Serrano hasn’t lost a fight since 2012 and is gunning for two-weight World glory.

Also on the bill is a showdown between American boxer and IBF Super-Featherweight title holder Tevin Farmer and Irish boxer James Tennyson.

Farmer landed the title with a landslide points win in Billy Dib’s Australian backyard in August. He gained redemption in the process after missing out on the crown in a controversial split decision loss against Kenichi Ogawa in Las Vegas in December. Tennyson is the reigning European and Commonwealth champion.

https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2018...2-guns-wright/

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

I don’t care who wins, but this is a very good fight. Both guys are really tricky, Andrade is a very under looked/rated fighter imo. Maybe he’s hot and cold, but he does certain things extremely well.

Saunders has been denied his licence and will be stripped of his title

cant say I'm disappointed. After the way he's conducted himself in recent months getting caught for drugs wasn't surprising, I bet David Lemieux is loving it.

Waste of talent.

Billy Joe Saunders: Demetrius Andrade fight CANCELLED as champ 'launches VULGAR tirade'

Massachusetts State Athletic Commission has refused to grant the Englishman a licence to fight, who reportedly shouted at board members to "suck my *****" through the speakerphone after hearing the decision.

This is as a result of Saunders failing a voluntary drugs test.

Good job.

Disappointed that the fight is not happening, but no one to blame but himself.

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Originally Posted by smashup

Billy Joe Saunders: Demetrius Andrade fight CANCELLED as champ 'launches VULGAR tirade'

Massachusetts State Athletic Commission has refused to grant the Englishman a licence to fight, who reportedly shouted at board members to "suck my *****" through the speakerphone after hearing the decision.

This is as a result of Saunders failing a voluntary drugs test.

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Wow. Surprised they didn't immediately reconvene for a re-vote. :rolleyes:

In the meantime, Andrade and the WBO’s next available contender, Walter Kautondokwa of Namibia, already completed a signed bout agreement in anticipation of Saunders being denied a license, sources told The Ring. Andrade will still earn $800,000, per sources, the purse he was scheduled to make against Saunders.

Andrade-Kautondokwa will headline Eddie Hearn’s event streamed on DAZN on October 20, and the winner could be crowned the new WBO middleweight titleholder.



The adverse finding was revealed on September 27, with Saunders and promoter Frank Warren arguing that the stimulant was found in a nasal spray the fighter was using. They also argued that oxilofrine is allowed to be used out of competition under the auspices of United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD). It didn’t matter.

Both Saunders (26-0, 12 knockouts) and Andrade (25-0, 16 KOs) agreed to supplementary testing conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) at Victor Conte’s behest. The former head of the infamous lab BALCO, who designed performance-enhancing substances for athletes like Barry Bonds and Sugar Shane Mosley, is overseeing Andrade’s strength and conditioning regimen at his SNAC headquarters in the Bay Area. Conte, now an advocate for clean sport, paid $16,000 out of pocket to cover the cost of comprehensive testing for both fighters.

“I don’t really think (the commission) had any other choice,” Conte, who also works with middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs and lightweight contender Devin Haney, told The Ring.

“I know this is boxing and anything can happen in boxing and there’s a lot of money (involved), but there was a signed agreement, and it’s very clear in that agreement that they’re agreeing to a list of prohibited substances; it says at all times. You’re either pregnant or you’re not. They either found it or they didn’t. I think it’s a real simple case.”

VADA doesn’t differentiate between in competition and out of competition, and the Massachusetts commission respected the signed drug-testing protocol agreement. “You’re telling me there’s not going to be a fight and I’m denied a license?” Saunders said during the conference call, according to Conte. “I won’t be fighting on October 20?”

When the commission affirmed that yes, there would indeed be no fight, Saunders replied “You can all suck my prick!” The mercurial southpaw will miss out on a career-high purse of $2.3 million, per sources, and Tuesday’s decision only adds to the mounting trouble Saunders has faced.

The 29-year-old twice withdrew from scheduled middleweight title bouts with Martin Murray, citing injuries. It was revealed after the second cancellation that he had agreed to a fight with Gennady Golokvin in the event a deal with Canelo Alvarez couldn’t be struck for the rematch, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his injury claim.

Saunders also was fined $100,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control last month in the aftermath of a video that surfaced where the fighter entices a woman to attack a passerby in exchange for crack.

“I think this whole nasal spray excuse is highly questionable,” said Conte, who has sponsored more than 10 fighters for VADA testing in the past. “I have not been able to find any nasal spray that contains oxilofrine. It’s likely it came from an underground source. I was highly suspicious before this because he lost so much weight so quickly for his two previous opponents.

“I knew there was verbiage in the contract with Willie Monroe Jr. where they said they would be testing by VADA or the equivalent entity and there was no testing.”

Alvarez, who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in February, scraping that May 5 rematch with GGG, claimed it was all a result of contaminated meat consumed in Mexico. Saunders, of course, blamed it on a nasal spray. Conte said that Alvarez’s alibi is plausible — “one out of three times in Mexico you’re getting contaminated meat” — while Saunders isn’t.

Conte noted that the potential adverse effects for oxilofrine usage, like a stroke or heart attack, are more clear than with clenbuterol. The receptors for oxilofrine are in the heart; with clenbuterol, they’re in the lungs.

“This substance is about increasing heart rate and the cardiac stimulation is much stronger … it’s very powerful,” Conte said. “The only medical use (for oxilofrine) is low-blood pressure. I don’t believe he has low blood pressure. I believe he likely took this to help him lose weight. It accelerates the rate at which you burn calories. With each and every heartbeat it’s pushing more blood.”

So if Saunders indeed knowingly used the banned substance, why would he do when he already signed up for random, comprehensive anti-doping. Conte has a theory.

“He was held to WADA standard, which UKAD follows, and he had been using this stuff in the past — this is a guess on my part — and just didn’t use it on fight night and it doesn’t show up (in test results post fight),” Conte reasoned. “You can use methamphetamine, a stronger chemical cousin (out of competition in the U.K.), and it would be OK. I hope others don’t realize what a huge loophole this is and start using these dangerous substances.

“WADA has huge loopholes in it. VADA, it looks like, is the new gold standard in the sport of boxing. This is a great day for the anti-doping movement in boxing.”

It’s not, however, a great day for Saunders, Andrade or Hearn. The 30-year-old native of Providence, Rhode Island was preparing for the most high-profile fight of his career. Instead, Andrade is now relegated to fighting Kautondokwa (17-0, 16 KOs), an unknown commodity who has never competed outside Africa.

And Hearn, who is short on notable events for his deal with DAZN, loses the most highly anticipated fight on his fall slate.

https://www.ringtv.com/545475-billy-...kwa-on-oct-20/

Saunders has become a master at burning bridges by the sound of it. Bring in the mystery man with 4 or 5 syllables in his last name, and bring your punch. Has to be a rough shot to Hearn and his efforts.

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Originally Posted by Master

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

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I don't know where you get the idea that Saunders has no support here. People like him even though sometimes he can be as daft as a brush" He is a fight anybody "fighter and has proved that he can up and alter his game. Andrade is largely unknown here but those in the know accept that he is a good fighter. We know Billy Joe is a good fighter too. Some of us feel that he has the ability to be great. Lets hope he shows that and that that the best man wins.

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Originally Posted by east end bob

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Originally Posted by Master

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

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I don't know where you get the idea that Saunders has no support here. People like him even though sometimes he can be as daft as a brush" He is a fight anybody "fighter and has proved that he can up and alter his game. Andrade is largely unknown here but those in the know accept that he is a good fighter. We know Billy Joe is a good fighter too. Some of us feel that he has the ability to be great. Lets hope he shows that and that that the best man wins.

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I am not disputing Saunders has talent and one of the most skilled boxers on the planet at his weight class which just makes this situation even worse for him.

Oh well. Next.

I'm kind of glad. Their shtick about it being no problem and that the BBBoC had no problem with it, neither did UKAD stunk to high heaven of arrogance. Massachusetts involvement in proceedings was downplayed to the point of being redundant. If I was a shot caller in the Commission I'd have been thinking right you cunts. I wanted them to come a cropper if I'm honest.

Saunders has systematically undone any good work he's done recently and only has himself to blame. He wont of course, it's because he's a traveller.

He'll be off to Eddie in a flash to buy him into a decent fight in six months.

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Originally Posted by east end bob

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Originally Posted by Master

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

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I don't know where you get the idea that Saunders has no support here. People like him even though sometimes he can be as daft as a brush" He is a fight anybody "fighter and has proved that he can up and alter his game. Andrade is largely unknown here but those in the know accept that he is a good fighter. We know Billy Joe is a good fighter too. Some of us feel that he has the ability to be great. Lets hope he shows that and that that the best man wins.

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Strange thing in boxing where every fighter described as a fight anybody fighter has both turned down fights and a crap CV.

Billy Joe Saunders could face action over hearing outburst as boxer is denied licence for Demetrius Andrade bout

Billy Joe Saunders could face fresh punishment after allegedly abusing American boxing officials after being refused a licence to fight next week.

Saunders was due to defend his WBO middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade in Boston on Saturday week, but was denied the right after a failed doping test.

The 29-year-old returned an adverse finding for the stimulant oxilofrine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test in August. His promoter, Frank Warren, is likely to launch a legal battle against the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission, though, insisting the authorities must follow World Anti-Doping Agency rules and regard the test as being “out of competition”.

An alternative opponent, Namibia’s Walter Kautondokwa, has already been brought in to take on Andrade while the WBO sanctioning body goes through the legal process of officially stripping the Welwyn Garden City fighter of his belt.

Saunders is said to have been connected to the licence hearing on a telephone conference call and to have greeted the commission’s ruling by telling them over the line: “You can all s*** my p****”. That may lead to action by the British Boxing Board of Control, which recently hit Saunders with a £100,000 fine for bringing the sport into disrepute after he was seen in a social media video taunting a female drug user and offering her cash to perform a sex act. He was also given a severe reprimand about his future conduct.

The Board may now take further action over this episode, which has demeaned the standing of the sport, and could even withdraw Saunders’s licence to box in Britain.

The undefeated fighter has now lost a major opportunity to make an impact in the United States and a £1.8million pay day.

Saunders and Warren said the failed test was the result of the boxer unwittingly inhaling from a nasal decongestant spray and believed he would be given permission to compete.

Warren insists that the authorities in Boston have allowed UFC fighters to compete in similar circumstances and that could form the basis of a legal action against the ruling.

Although the WBO have already begun the process of removing Saunders’s title, he has 10 days in which to appeal.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/bil...100000348.html

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Originally Posted by Master

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

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He's going to no doubt....dude has needed to step it up for some time he had better bring the goods!

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Originally Posted by El Kabong

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Originally Posted by Master

I think everyone wants Andrade to win, even the Brits.

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He's going to no doubt....dude has needed to step it up for some time he had better bring the goods!

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Yes he should win against the replacement but would be glad for him to make some defences and become a legitimate champion.

I expected good things from Andrade many years ago but jumped ship when he turned down the Charlo fight.

Granted we’ve learned that was a complicated decision that seemed in his best interest financially at the time rather than a move out of desire to avoid hard fights. But it leaves him with much ground to make up to regain me as a fan. A belt does nothing for me in that regard. Pick it up and attempt to unify, that is a start.

Each and every one of these top middleweights needs fights(plural) against the other top middleweights for my approval(granted they don’t care about that). Whoever goes Jarrett Hurd on the division is my guy win or lose.

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

I expected good things from Andrade many years ago but jumped ship when he turned down the Charlo fight.

Granted we’ve learned that was a complicated decision that seemed in his best interest financially at the time rather than a move out of desire to avoid hard fights. But it leaves him with much ground to make up to regain me as a fan. A belt does nothing for me in that regard. Pick it up and attempt to unify, that is a start.

Each and every one of these top middleweights needs fights(plural) against the other top middleweights for my approval(granted they don’t care about that). Whoever goes Jarrett Hurd on the division is my guy win or lose.

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Agree with all of this, and by taking the Saunders fight it seemed Andrade's career was starting to head in the right direction. Now with a lesser opponent, he'll need to be impressive and then look to the other top guys to start gaining momentum.

Saunders will probably fight asap in the UK if he keeps his license.

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

In case anyone is having trouble sleeping I give you Marata’s loss to NDam

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DqnWNhnJSRg

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

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Already responded to you in another thread on why Charlo isn't relevant.

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

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Already responded to you in another thread on why Charlo isn't relevant.

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I know. Fighters don’t need tough fights, don’t want them. Bring on Murata, set the world on fire. The fight everyone is calling for.

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

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Already responded to you in another thread on why Charlo isn't relevant.

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I know. Fighters don’t need tough fights, don’t want them. Bring on Murata, set the world on fire. The fight everyone is calling for.

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You mean tough fights like Heiland or Centeno? Murata and Charlo are on par at 160, plus GGG probably makes double if not more for Murata. My preference would be Jacobs if he beats Derevy.

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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That would be hilarious.

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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Only if uses round one to work out how to step on andrade toe and incapacitate him with toe pain... A simple one two will do the job after the toe step for sure.

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Originally Posted by palmerq

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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Only if uses round one to work out how to step on andrade toe and incapacitate him with toe pain... A simple one two will do the job after the toe step for sure.

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He will do "Namibia Pivot" in Rd 3

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

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Originally Posted by palmerq

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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Only if uses round one to work out how to step on andrade toe and incapacitate him with toe pain... A simple one two will do the job after the toe step for sure.

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He will do "Namibia Pivot" in Rd 3

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The dreaded 3rd round namibian toe pivot will be the stuff of legend, second only to Frankie fredricks Olympic silver medal in the history of all Namibia.... I am worried about andrades health now.

I will break it down step by step.

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

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Already responded to you in another thread on why Charlo isn't relevant.

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I know. Fighters don’t need tough fights, don’t want them. Bring on Murata, set the world on fire. The fight everyone is calling for.

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You mean tough fights like Heiland or Centeno? Murata and Charlo are on par at 160, plus GGG probably makes double if not more for Murata. My preference would be Jacobs if he beats Derevy.

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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That would be hilarious.

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Again you blame Charlo for GGG not fighting him by calling out his opponents. It’s cute. Like saying GGG isn’t avoiding when he signs a “petition to avoid”. Fun words, let’s have more fun with words. Let’s get your opinion, write it down for us. Do you think Murata is as good as Charlo?

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

In case anyone is having trouble sleeping I give you Marata’s loss to NDam

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DqnWNhnJSRg

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That won't make people sleep, it's the worst robbery ever, hence the WBA made a public apology and ordered an immediate rematch.

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

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Originally Posted by Alpha

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

Wonder if GGG is keeping it simple by looking to fight the winner of Andrade vs Kautondokwa now or if his plans changed? ;)

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He makes more vs Murata in Japan, plus there's the winner of Jacobs/ Derevy. An Andrade fight is almost as irrelevant as a Charlo fight, but at least it would have a world title involved, not some interim rubbish.

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So changing circumstances means nothing because the company line has been the same for over a year “Anyone but Charlo, f’n anyone”. At least they’re consistent.

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Already responded to you in another thread on why Charlo isn't relevant.

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I know. Fighters don’t need tough fights, don’t want them. Bring on Murata, set the world on fire. The fight everyone is calling for.

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You mean tough fights like Heiland or Centeno? Murata and Charlo are on par at 160, plus GGG probably makes double if not more for Murata. My preference would be Jacobs if he beats Derevy.

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

Kautondokwa will win KO 2

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That would be hilarious.

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Again you blame Charlo for GGG not fighting him by calling out his opponents. It’s cute. Like saying GGG isn’t avoiding when he signs a “petition to avoid”. Fun words, let’s have more fun with words. Let’s get your opinion, write it down for us. Do you think Murata is as good as Charlo?

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What do you mean as good as? Murata has a belt (about the same worth as Charlo's). He should really be undefeated, the win over N'Jikam is better than Heiland and Cermeno. At 160 there's not a lot of difference in records.

Who do I think wins if they fought now? Charlo.

I've never said Murata was a tougher fight. I said he's more relevant to GGG than Charlo. He can make more, and pick up a title against a guy who, to date has done more than Charlo has at 160.

Why fight Charlo in an eliminator, when you can go straight to a title fight, earning double.

Winning a title is just as much of a guarantee at Canelo, as is winning an eliminator.

And I have already said I would prefer the Jacobs/Derevy winner. I think both those guys are tougher than Charlo.

The point is GGG is a 36 year old man with a crap CV, he needs to fight tough fighters to be remembered. Murata is as basic as basic can be.

But you keep up supporting GGG fighting lesser competition. I understand that because if one wants to support GGG they learned to support fighting lesser competition years and years ago.

And Murata is not a champion same as Charlo is not a champion. The WBA regular title is meaningless, I know GGG fans have a long history of pretending it matters like when they lie about his number of “major” title defenses. Everyone with a clue knows the WBA regular belt is not a major belt.

Why can’t people just be honest and admit after all the evidence piled on for years and years that GGG gives f all about fights and chases money. That is the only way to excuse this old man with a basic CV chasing ANOTHER basic fighter, any basic fighter while he begs for Canelo to choose him again?

Probably because it’s pathetic

I agree with Ron Swanson.

Triple G had 24 rounds to try to put some real hurt and make a real statement against a smaller man in Canelo Alvarez

He failed miserably

I just heard Andrade is now fighting a Nigerian guy for Saunders "Vacant" WBO belt.


WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq reacted on Billy Joe Saunders’ public comments regarding his world title status.

“B.J. Saunders has voluntarily vacated the WBO Middleweight Title. He has publicly apologized for his violation of the Massachusetts Athletic Commission’s anti-doping regulations”.

“Therefore, the clash between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondonkwa scheduled for October 20th will now be for the vacant World Crown”.

“Also, I will recommend to the WBO Executive Committee that Saunders receives a six-month suspension for his transgression.”

The news on Saunders comes after Massachusetts officials made the decision not to license the fighter following a positive drug test for oxilofrine.

Saunders had been hoping he would be able to box as the substance is allowed by WADA and UKAD until the day of the fight.

The 29 year-old was tested by VADA last month, meaning Saunders’ case for leniency went unheard.

At the time, Valcarcel said: “It is unfortunate that a boxer as talented as Saunders is facing this controversy. He will not be able to defend the title.

“The WBO will examine the situation with due diligence. We will proceed according to its ‘Rules & Regulations’ decide which is the proper course of action.”

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Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

The point is GGG is a 36 year old man with a crap CV, he needs to fight tough fighters to be remembered. Murata is as basic as basic can be.

But you keep up supporting GGG fighting lesser competition. I understand that because if one wants to support GGG they learned to support fighting lesser competition years and years ago.

And Murata is not a champion same as Charlo is not a champion. The WBA regular title is meaningless, I know GGG fans have a long history of pretending it matters like when they lie about his number of “major” title defenses. Everyone with a clue knows the WBA regular belt is not a major belt.

Why can’t people just be honest and admit after all the evidence piled on for years and years that GGG gives f all about fights and chases money. That is the only way to excuse this old man with a basic CV chasing ANOTHER basic fighter, any basic fighter while he begs for Canelo to choose him again?

Probably because it’s pathetic

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Exactly GGG is 36, he needs to take the fights that make him the biggest revenue, it is prize fighting after all and as much as we hate it, boxing these days is more business than sport.

I'm sure you'll agree, it's not the easiest way to make a living. So when I guy finally gets to that bracket, he has earned the right to earn the most he possibly can.

No ones claiming Murata's title is better than Charlo's, in fact I said it's worth about the same, the thing is it gets GGG into the same position as a win over Charlo would, for a hell of a lot more money. You try to claim fighting Charlo guarantees GGG a shot at Canelo, it doesn't, winning Murata's title puts him in the same position with the WBA. Canelo will also be fighting for the WBA's super-middle title which could be helpful for future Canelo negotiations.

I agree with you that GGG is all about the money at this stage of his career, aren't we all? I'm not about supporting GGG fighting lesser competition, I'm about what he thinks is best for his family and future. Legacies don't put kids through college or put food on the table.

As a fan, I have already said, I'd prefer GGG to fight the Jacobs/ Derevy winner. Especially over Charlo. But I'm not the one who has to get in the ring.

If GGG chooses to make big money against Murata (who we agree is probably an easier fight than Charlo, but has arguably fought the better opposition at 160), who am I to judge? The guy takes punches for a living. He can fight who he wants. And lets remember that Canelo is the one doing all the avoiding here (with help from the WBC) and also taking on lesser competition in Fielding. Or should we not point out the obvious?