Lucian Bute next opponent will be Jesse Brinkley...

[Rantcatrat]

Strategically, taking care of the mandatory makes the most sense for Bute right now.

As is stands, Bute has limited options, but that may change by the fall. I understand it's a long shot, but if Green knocks out Kessler, he probably moves into the next round, but if he beats Kessler by decision, he doesn't. Let's say Green beats Kessler by decision (again I understand long shot), Green wins the belt and is out of the tourney, and would be available for a unification fight with Bute. Kessler would be a good opponent too if he was knocked out and sent home because he has a big name. If Froch is knocked out by Abraham, he may not make it to the next round and would be another good, available opponent for Bute. Hopkins at 170 would still be a great fight in six months if he wanted it then and he would have aged another six months making him a safer opponent with the same name value.

In sum, if Green knocks out Kessler, fight Kessler, then Hopkins; if Green wins by decision, fight Green, then Hopkins; if Kessler wins, fight an older Hopkins. That is why I understand the Brinkley fight now.

Plus, I really doubt Pavlik would step in the ring with Bute after losing his last high profile fight. Let's be realistic: Stieglitz won't fight Bute or anyone worth talking about. And currently everyone else Bute's either faced or is tied up in the Super Six.

Lastly, no doubt Brinkley earned this shot and I respect him. Good guy and hard worker. Bute will outclass him, but Brinkley will get a big pay day on HBO. And he earned it.