Quote Originally Posted by Ice Cold Boxing
Quote Originally Posted by Deanrw
I am not sure what Joppy has left, but I hope Joppy wins even though he has not fought anyone of note in years to earn another shot.

I just cannot get into Bute at all. I don't even think it is his fault, but he appears to be a very protected fighter.
Protected fighter ?? i don't know how you work that one out, he fought Kabary Salem who is only the 2nd fighter to have dropped Joe Calzaghe and give him all he could handle. Plus Bute is the only fighter to have ever stopped Salem, He also fought Sakio Bika who was fresh off giving Calzaghe all he could handle. and just recently he won the IBF title off Berrio, Bute has beaten some solid opposition and he has only had 21 pro fights. I think he has developed well and he is one of the best Super Middleweights out there IMO.
I see your point, he has fought some decent competition, but no championship caliber competition IMO. Bika is a tough fighter, but not Championship Caliber. Berrio was IBF champ, but he had big limitations also and basically a weak champ. Now he defends against Joppy, who I cannot find to be ranked by anyone anymore, including the IBF.

It just makes me feel like there is a trend starting with how he is being handled. I hope I am wrong but it just seems fishy to me.



Edit: I just found Joppy as being ranked 15th by the IBF at Lt. Heavyweight.