There's a general shortage of HW journeyman in N. America - so I don't think he was ever going to get black-balled. And the Minnesota Office of Combative Sports never banned or sanctioned him for his actions. The biggest issue for Harper arising from the aftermath of the fight was that the Sporting News went public with a story that Harper had sustained serious eye damage previously and that has led to his inability to be given a license in several states. He probably ought not to be boxing at all, but he's still in demand (he fought rising US prospect Brandon Moore in April, 2022...a 10 round fight which resulted in a wide UD loss for Harper).
Kiladze is certainly a game opponent. His fights tend to be brief & violent affairs. His fight with Vykhryst was terrific for as long as it lasted.
Frank Sanchez says Joe Joyce is 'too slow' and believes a fight with British heavyweight is inevitable https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-fight-with-british-heavyweight-is-inevitable This content is protected
Gassiev may be back in August. The iron man may be looking to fight in UAE or Serbia. Still only 28 years old.
Fabio Wardley vs Kingsley Ibeh on Chisora/Pulev undercard this Saturday. If Ibeh is fit it can turn out to be a really tough fight for Wardley.
Yeah he needs to look to push a bit more. Going back and forth with Rugby League also doesn't help with his progress.
I think he flat out needs to choose which sport he wants to dedicate his efforts towards. Boxing is not a hobby sport unless you are a glutton for punishment. I wish he would choose boxing and stick with it but I believe rugby is his first passion so he will continue this back and forth nonsense fighting low level opposition for years to come until he finally takes a cash out fight with the Meehan name to maximize his payout. Having not taken the art of boxing seriously and dedicated himself to it full time, he will lose this step up fight in embarrassing fashion and disappear from boxing from then on.
Massive step up for Whateley from what he's been facing previously, but a good step up at the same time against a solid fringe contender. A real crossroads fight which would set up Opetaia v Whateley nicely should he come through it.