He could go up in weight for a different weight class belt, BUT he has to forget about making a record # of title defensesat super-middle....which choice would you make??
Title defences are meaningless and so are winning titles in multiple weight classes. One or two massive fights against WELL KNOWN AND RESPECTED fighters is what counts.
tbh bute is a good fighter. :yep unfortunately he has a title that people regard lightly cos it was stripped from it's rightful owner by the greedy ****s at the ibf. bute can fight a bit though. :bbb
Joe is an awsome fighter and at this point in his career he should be looking for the best comp. available. With that the $$$ will come.