Yep. Its a shame Ahio is AWOL would be a real chance for him. Might get Berridge vs some aussie HW if he still works with duo. Morgan vs Kris George rematch? Izu vs Haumono?
It'll be interesting where they try and position Izu from this point on. He was rising into the WBO rankings with the IBF being targeted by Parker. Now that has changed around, Izu should look elsewhere, possibly the WBA/WBC route. I can't wait for him to showcase his skills off against a tougher opponent.
Don't even mention BBB's name lest they get the idea into their heads to include him. I don't want to see Alex Leapai on the undercard either. Because I'd prefer, for his own sake, that he stays retired.
If duco were smart ,theyd get all the guys that have the potential to become something, not just fillers, and showcase them to the world. BBB is a circus act and shouldn't be considered. Even Bowyn Morgan looks pretty limited and ideally they would put Fa, Izu on and then some exciting guys. Ricky Murphy looks technically decent. Panuve Helu is an exciting fighter with grat power. Hell, even Berridge has blossomed into a decent journeyman (paradox?lol) and has improved tremendously. Berridge vs Damien Hooper for a regional title? Rapira vs Casey? I'd love Ahio to get a run but seems unlikely. Willis Meehan vs Nasio? These, for me, are the types of good scraps - a mix of good journeyman fights and showcase of potential. No ephemera like the Buttabean, SBW or some reality tv hack. Christ that would be embarassing
In the junior featherweight division, the biggest shock was the announcement that 126-pound WBO Africa champion Isaac Dogboe was moving down to 122-pounds and that he would be fighting the #9 ranked WBO Latino champion Julian Evaristo Aristule from Argentina. Even more surprising was the early rumblings that the Dogboe-Aristule fight would be on the undercard of the recently announced Joseph Parker-Andy Ruiz fight which is slated to take place in New Zealand in December. “He’s a good fighter,” WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel said of Dogboe, “He’s the African fighter of the year.”
Sounds like Bob Arum has confirmed Parker vs Ruiz will be held in Auckland. The date to remain as December 10th.
Yes, some political BS going on with funding getting pulled from the Auckland Event and Tourism purse.
New mayor for Auckland. Probably few words in the right ears...something else the money might be funneled into... dunno
There is all manner of speculation being thrown around now. Rumours the PPV price will be increased significantly to meet the cash shortfall being just one of them.
Only 2 weeks ago the head of Auckland Council's events and economic development Brett O'Riley indicated they would be willing to commit "hundreds of thousands of dollars" to help make the fight happen. Then boom, a couple of days ago O'Riley said they will not be providing financial support. The fly in the ointment appears to be the newly Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff. He isn't saying a word at the moment and indications are that will continue. Meanwhile, Dean Lonergan and Duco have apparently gone quiet too. Two possible outcomes I'd suggest : 1/ It has all turned to crap as far as government support goes. 2/ The government are looking for maximum mileage out of providing support and want it trumpeted in grandest fashion at the most opportune time. Only time will tell.
Adrian Taihia has announced his retirement. That Taihia felt he was robbed in his most recent bout against Robert Berridge must surely have played a part in his decision.
Duco Events will confirm the host city and venue at a press conference on Tuesday in Auckland. Jeff Horn vs Ali Funeka will be on the undercard. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/11/07/aust-boxer-horn-learn-world-title-venue?