HBO could have matched the deal, they passed. Showtime poached an HBO fighter. HBO has been doing it to Showtime for years, now the tables have turned and the crybabies cry.
Here's what I say to all of the "boxing is a business" folks. You can believe that all you want, but not make it blatantly obvious to the public. If people think boxing is 100 % a business transaction, fans will revolt and eventually there will be no business left. It's good for Haymon and his fighters now. But boxing fans consider themselves fans first, not customers. I fully support HBO's decisions as of late. It might bring some short-term pain, but eventually SuperBitch will retire and people will probably not remember him at all. Once they cut loose Mayweather, they were free to make fights that fans want. It's not their fault SuperBitch didn't want to participate. I'm sure he'd take the fight if they offered a ton of money, but is it worth $3 million or whatever delusion SuperBitch thinks he's worth.
When the preminent network for broadcasting boxing (HBO) refuses to broadcast fights of the Heavyweight champion of the world (Klit) or refuses to showcase one of the most talented tacticians in the sport (Rigo) because they are 'boring' or lack 'ratings', and would rather force on its suscribers middling talented fighters (Zou Shiming) from 'emerging markets' or 'legacy' kids (JCC Jr) who can't be bothered to show any commitment to the sport, then you are already being told that this, in fact, just 'business'. Can't hate on fans for recognizing that reality.
Not taking it too hard, Kovalev was gonna kick Stevenson's **** in anyway, I didn't think this fight was gonna be all that competitive.
Stevenson wouldn't have fought Kovalev regardless. If he hadn't had the Al Haymon escape route, he would have found a different way out. Stevenson is just afraid of Kovalev.
Well said. Who gives a **** about Zho Shiming? I'd rather watch Rigo seven days a week and twice on Sunday...