HBO have done as much as they can by not mentioning the alphabets by name but they can't actually stop fighters contesting them. The belts serve a purpose, nothing more. It's up to us to recognise the real champs. I'm personally less worried about the alphabets than I've ever been.
Perhaps if HBO refused to show a fight (and therefore offered the big $$$) if a trinket was on the line....?
It would be seen as cutting off their nose to spite their face. If it's a good fight why would they be bothered about an alphabet belt, that they won't mention anyway, being on the line? They refuse to pay for fights all the time that they think aren't worth their while. It's more important good fights are made. the alphabet mess could only be sorted with a Japan like system whereby most of them are not sanctioned by the national bodies.
"Cutting off your nose to spite your face" springs to mind. HBO/ Showtime are businesses and will always show big fights, I think the most we can ask is that that don't mention the bull**** belts.
To listen to Frank you would believe that he has lost money on every Calzaghe promotion that he has ever been involved in...its a wonder he can keep himself in Armani
Did you lose a "I will leave esb until calzaghe retires, if he beats hopkins and jones outside wales" bet? good to see you back.
Yes, I think the WBU copied by giving their belt to George Foreman when they started. Didn't quite work out thankfully..
how did calzaghe v kessler turn out to be a disaster money wise for FW then ? there were 50000 punters plus setanta were involved and hbo covered it in the states didnt they ?