They have been the 2 best at their weights for years and never even close to fighting each other. They are avoiding each other like the plague and it's pathetic for boxing. Beterbiev is gonna be 38 if he ever fights Bivol which he probably won't now.
Both equally bad, but Spence vs Bud might be considered worse since they’re more popular than the Russians
The two B's have been ducking each other for a longer period of time. That said, I'd like to see Craw-Spence more.
Crawford-Spence is worse because it is a bigger fight. That being said, I highly doubt the fighters are avoiding each other. Fighters at an elite level are usually highly confident and are willing to fight most any reasonable opponent. It is promoters and managers that are avoiding each other to protect their money.
its not about ducking, its about the $$$$ making sense... they might be good, but there isn't big money in this fight, unless it's made in Russia. the American public doesn't really care... Just remember Beterbiev vs. Gvozdyk... on paper it's huge. 2 undefeated champions in their prime in an undisputed fight for all the belts??!!? how often does that happen? this fight went under the radar... not many watched this fight... they aren't ducking each other. it just doesn't make sense financially.
Shawn Porter earned at least $1 million more (that was his guaranteed cut) against Crawford than Beterbiev and Gvozdyk earned combined for their unification match up with each other. Crawford's cut was much higher.
Bivol has valid reasons to avoid Beterbiev. Bivol is a tiny LHW who is dwarfed against opposition. Beterbiev is a huge LHW.. And he punches like horse. Bivol has barely any fights in the pro ranks too. Crawford and Spence are both weight bullies that are probably natural 154lbers. There has literally been no reason for them to not fight
None of the four fighters are ducking anyone. Bob Arum kept Crawford away from Spence for years, but I believe they will fight before the end of this year. There is nothing in the way now and they both want it. Bivol and Beterbiev want to fight each other too. But sadly, the selfish old snake in the grass Arum is a co-promoter of Beterbiev (Smith too), so the fight may not happen.
Someone who gets it! Arum is the problem. The only reason this fight is going to go ahead - later this year is because Bud left Arum. The selfish old snake told Stevenson that he has no intention of setting up unification fights at 130. That's the sort of idiot we are dealing with. He did not even want to put Stevenson vs Valdez but Valdez refused the offer to fight someone else.
What so Bivol isn't a small 175lber? Have you seen him against his opposition? His recorded fight night weights are always smaller than his opponents. Have you also seen how big Beterbiev is? He freaking fought at HW in the Ams It's a fair argument. Bivol is acutely aware that size means a lot in boxing. And beterbiev is not just big, hes a highly skilled boxer with extensive amateur experience. Beterbiev knows what he is doing.
75% promotional companies that need to fulfill their network obligations.. That’s why I find it very hypocritical when one promoter criticizes another for supposedly blocking a fight when it’s inconvenient for them but will do the same when it convenient for them..
