Eddie just said on IFL that Buatsi actually turned down the Bivol fight...unbelievable. To be fair to Fast Car, the expression on his face said it all - he is thoroughly pissed off with him.
Slight tangent, but I've long thought someone should only be declared champion by a body, if they (a) beat the incumbent or (b) won some kind of competitive series to earn it. The notion that promoters can effectively lobby for who gets rankings and thus positions for future vacancies, is a total nonsense. You'd think the bodies would want their sanctioning fees from meaningful competitive fights rather than a champion doing 1-2 defences a year max?
He’s a waste of time mate. Pulled out of fights with Vlasov, Browne, Bivol... doesn’t wanna fight anybody.
Also takes holidays all over the place apparently to rest. He’s very laid back and he’s j no rush. he’s got big talent if only he could push himself and promote himself
There's no reason why he shouldn't have at least been in an eliminator by now. I feel a bit for Hearn in this situation as he clearly wants to push Buatsi along but Buatsi just wants to stroll into an easy vacant title shot. For all the stick Yarde has received over the years and yes, he has taken his fair share of soft touches, at least he's willing to step in with the best even in a lopsided encounter like this.
It is high and I’m not going unless I’m in the better seats, so that’s at least £600+ for 2 tickets. If the old girl says no, I will just watch from home without arguing.