Thoughts on BJ Saunders turning down the biggest fight in boxing (Canelo) with a potential eight week camp? Justified or a duck?
He hasnt looked after himself So he wont be ready Guys crazy and is destined to never fulfil his potential He clearly isnt ducking him, its just a lack of professionalism again from BJS leads him to this stupid decision
But, dem pies n chips! Edit: Seriously, though, it seems like Canelo sprung a short camp on him and (probably more importantly) they're asking BJS to take a pay cut. Frankly I might do the same rather than pitch up in crap condition and get pummelled for small change.
Talk of ducks etc is nonsense, it's just business. Canelo needs opponents that will keep the DAZN cash flowing. BJS has a belt and a reputation, of sorts. He's mouthy and arrogant, flashy and stylish and so a certain number of people will pay to see him box, others to watch him get hit hard in the mush. He's one of a short list of boxers that Canelo can credibly say, I'm taking on the best available. Remember, BJS is very unlikely to KO Canelo and therefore can only win on points and as no man on earth can win on points against Canelo in Vegas he's essentially selling his belt and/or rep. The lockdown has put pressure on fighters to take less money, Canelo wants his opponent to share the pain or take the bulk of the hit, Saunders has said no, as is his right.
Canelo's purse is fixed by DAZN. It's the agreed amount in the DAZN deal divided by the number of fights in the contract. However, the type of opponent available will determine how much profit they make or if they make a net loss. BJS is one of those who would have added to the subscription buys that DAZN is desperate for at the moment due to his personality and theatrics. Also, its probably in DAZNs interests if Canelo loses; the contract they have with him will have clauses and if they are losing money with him its best to terminate it in whichever way possible. Long story short - Canelo needs to fight the BEST for both him and DAZN to remain solvent.
Great post. But I'd bet dollars to donuts that Canelo has been in training already, or is at the very least cut down to a slim weight. With a short camp I'm guessing that slob-version BJS may just lose legitimately to Canelo without Vegas judges being involved. It's the Kovalev fight all over again.
Might be some truth to Billy Joe having something in his system that needs more time to get out.... why else would someone turn down a life changing opportunity? If he loses he still gets a good payday and if he wins the sky is the limit as far as money and rematches etc