Another interesting read: https://www.boxinginsider.com/columns/is-deontay-wilder-going-down-a-nowhere-road/ Mods: if I a doing this wrong, let me know
Let’s not forget the 24hr deadline, or that the offer came from Wilder himself! The offer was only later backed by his handlers, but never substantiated. I remember watching an interview with Wilder a while back, where he talks about it being difficult for him to fight, because everyone ducks him. He went through some names, and when he said Wlad, I knew then that this guy was full of ****. Whenever you’re in doubt about the truth, always remember that last part, and it will put you on the right path.
If their offer was real why would they accept any counter offer from Hearn, why would Joshua? Who would turn down 50 for 35 mil regardless of terms.
Exactly. Actions speak MUCH louder than words. Deontay's words make little sense, nor do his actions. I probably sound like a Wilder hater to some, but truth is, I like both him and AJ. But I can't lie that Wilder frustrates me with his career and choices made. There's no reason for him to have such a terrible resume at this point.
But in this case Povetkin is a solid name to further up Joshua's international stock and Wilder could do a little more exposure at home. At the same time they can attend each other's next event and talk a lot of smack, and allow overly emotional fans talk it up as well on these boards. It will easily be a bigger fight in 2019, but of course there's the chance someone JuanMa's it up. Hey, that's still boxing.
Yeah, big fights i the interim could raise their profiles. AJ might need a bout in the US. And Wilder would need to face a threat for him to up his ante, but between the two, I can see wilder getting Juanma'd (Love that reference BTW) out before a clash. But realistically, can Wilder broaden his base? If he could, w/ 7 title defenses, I wonder if he's about as big as he'll get (pre-AJ fight of course). I just don't know. This isn't the same sport as it was 15-20 years ago. Americans love big, heavy hitting HW's. And we have a titleholder. And yet....crickets on his career. If wilder insists on the 50-50, or in the US, I just don't see it happening.
Let's just make it fair. Stop all this guess work as to 'Who brings what' into the fight. Round up all the PPV money.... Pay Joshua what he got for fighting Klitschko Pay Wilder what he got for fighting Ortiz Donate the rest to a global charity. See if Wilder still thinks 15% is a bad idea.....
"This isn't the same sport as it was 15-20 years ago." I don't buy into this. The highest grossing fights in US Boxing history have all occurred within the past 5-10 years. The 'Money May' Money is still there...... But fighting 40 nobodies isn't seen as good value to boxing fans.
the heavyweight division is small . theres only one fight we wanna see anyways. i also left out ruiz jr is busy with a fight and chisora vs takam as well. ortiz rematch is there. or fight breazale.
As someone who's been watching since the 80's, yes, it's not the same. The PPV model is nothing like what it was, even in the 90's. Highest grossing doesn't mean anything to me.
From what you wrote I took it that you were trying to explain that Wilder's popularity etc, could be as large as it gets...And that your reasoning for this was that US boxing 'is not the same' as it once was. Floyd Mayweather is proof that there is huge money to be made in the US on PPV. Floyd didn't even fit into the usual "Americans love big, heavy hitting HW's." Wilder doesn't sell because of his lack of interesting fights. There's still a demand there.... Joshua v Klitschko holds the showtime record for the number of viewers for a fight broadcast at that time. There is a demand....Wilder just doesn't fill it.
I've never understood the 'Nobody dares to fight me' argument...When 'inferior' fighters are willing to fight you. It is far more dangerous for Molina/Stiverne/Breazeale to fight you than it is Klitschko/Joshua/Povetkin.
The fact that you have to look at a retired fighter to show a seller sort of makes my point. And remember, Floyd came a long in the 2000's, when there was still somewhat a semblance of mainstream interest in boxing, not relegated to a single performer (or two including Pac). There really isn't anyone like that. Closest is Canelo, and he even needs an attractive partner to sell big. The US essentially has no major boxing star. No one w/ crossover appeal. This is pretty much a first in decades. Think about that.