It's loaded with entertainment value and intrigue: Is Carl Froch a flash in the pan, or the real deal? Is Jermain Taylor ruined? Can Abraham really deal with world class opposition? Can Ward and Dirrell swim with the sharks, and not get eaten alive? It's a good tournament, and the hype and hyperbole is justifiable.
I'm agreeing with you. It's an outstanding concept that can be improved on with time. I just think that Dirrell and Taylor are in there for a few reasons: 1) They've invested A LOT in Dirrell and are trying to milk it for all it's worth 2)Taylor has main evented a bunch of PPVs in the United States and has name value 3) Dirrell is very very skilled. I think people forget how skilled he is. 4) If you put in Bute and Andrade in there...you blow every big fight possible. Showtime can redo the tournament in a few years and replace the weak links with Bute and Andrade.
You could make cases for Andrade, Bute or Bika in place of the two young Americans. However, I'd warn that 'best' on paper, i.e. most proven is not neccessarily the best in reality. I'm more worried about Ward and Dirrell than Bika, Andrade and probably even Bute.
I like Bika as well. One of the things I wish Showtime could've done is had one of the more lesser deserving fighters take a "qualifying fight". Bika vs Dirrell would've been the PERFECT qualifying fight. Hell I'd still like to see Showtime put on a fight like say Bika vs Allan Green with the winner being head alternate for said tournament. That said with Bika in there, the tournament would be ruined. All those elbows, forearms and headbutts= a lot of fighters dropping out.
Ward and Dirrell are possibly the two most talented fighters in the super middleweight divison. Thats why.
Indeed...and anyone who thinks this is nothing special hasn't followed boxing the last couple of years. This tournament is special and I'm eagerly looking forward to it.
The thing is -- every one of the questions I asked is a legit question, and the tournament will give us our answers. No "stay busy" bull**** -- no meaningless mandatories -- no negotiations breaking down -- none of that. These guys agreed to do this, and it's a big freaking deal. I tip my hat to every one of them -- even Froch and Abraham:deal