What is it with FNFs affection for fighters from Cuba?

Many are unproven. Guillermo Rigondeaux had to recently adjust his style in order to really showcase his talents and market himself. Gamboa faced a real live opponent against Solis, but was just too good in all areas; this was after a performance against Salido in which he could have done better. Lara just gave a disappointing performance and will likely come back to impress.

The fighters need time to develop into stars, and they're coming into their own about now or soon.

 

FNF doesn't kick in TV money. I've heard they offer to 'assist' finding sponsors. These are cards that fund themselves and they need to piggy back on the highest quality cards they can get. You get guys with a ton of amateur experience for relatively cheap because they are early in their pro careers.

 

PM jsimps. He is a local promoter that was asked to do a FNF card. He might chime in a bit with prodding. Tell you what he knows. He is my source.

 

The pro game is obviously very different, and they're having to make the transition now.

 

watch the world series of boxing on Vs.

 

This goes back to what I said earlier really. The promoter wants to see the Cubans win to sell tickets. The managers are still 'bringing them along' in terms of the pro experience.

I think the amateur experience brings a lot of negatives to the table. It is more about being fast and scoring points so they throw a different punch. In the am's it pays to be shorter so you can reload quicker.

You also have fight length. You see the NFL defensive back who is doing some four rounders? He was gassed after a couple of rounds. Not that the guy isn't fit, it was just a different game. So, again, you have promoters/managers bringing along some high quality talent for cheap. You have seen what happens if they aren't careful with a prospect and move him along to quickly. As a trainer you know it is an unforgiving game. With potentially millions in future earnings they are very careful in the early rounds. Hence the mis matches.

 

Well, I'm not sure exactly how much influence Atlas has over the FNF matchmakers (at least some, I'd wager) - but he is like Steward, in that he really cherishes strong amateur backgrounds...to the point of being almost entirely, insultingly dismissive of anyone who turns pro without approaching triple digits.

Cuban pros obviously tend to have ample AM experience by the time they defect...maybe more on average than debuting professionals from anywhere else.

 

that Povetkin is thinking about fighting in the Olympics.

 

Let me give another example of match making. John Duddy/Bill Lyle. When it started looking like Duddy would lose the promoter said he gave the Duddy team a list of choices and they went with what looked on paper to be the easiest match up. He was disappointed at the time but later loved it.

In this case the Cubans are the ones brining the gate so the managers get to choose the opponents. Would you rather see a b- fighter in with a c-/d fighter or two d fighters? I'd rather at least see some up and coming talent. Let's be fair here also. Drop "Cuban" out of the equation and it is still usually the same situation. FNF is a show case for prospects. Cuban and otherwise.