MAGNO'S BULGING MAIL SACK: TANK DAVIS, BIVOL-BETERBIEV, CANELO AND THE SAUDIS

Each Thursday right here at FightHype, I pull out my gigantic, bulbous, bulging sack and provides truth-minded boxing followers a gander. This week, I shoot my ropes of reality throughout feedback/questions relating to Bivol-Beterbiev, Canelo and the Saudis, and Tank Davis.

Bivol-Beterbiev

Hey Paul,

Only a remark immediately. IMO I do not suppose something that has transpired in 24 rounds means that Bivol or Beterbiev is healthier than the opposite. It would simply be two elite degree fighters whose strengths and weaknesses offset one another.  I consider Beterbiev is the extra highly effective and bodily of the 2. Then again, I consider that Bivol is the higher boxer.

If neither fighter makes any main changes in camp, the one final result I can see in a trilogy is a draw. Which might be becoming. Let’s be trustworthy, each guys have been profitable at this for a very long time. I feel that they need to simply admit that their ability degree is on par with one another and transfer on. 

Regards.

— Reggie Cannon

Hey Reggie. 

Bivol and Beterbiev are positively evenly-matched. I’ve a barely totally different tackle issues, nonetheless. 

I noticed Bivol successful the primary battle and in addition successful this second one. Plus, of the 2, I noticed Bivol as the one one who was capable of make changes. Beterbiev is powerful and protracted, however he by no means actually tailored to his opponent’s model. His solely adaptation was to do extra of what he often does. Bivol, in the meantime, has proven the next ring IQ and a capability to tweak his recreation plan, particularly of their second battle. That’s why I price Bivol above Beterbiev, however not by a complete lot.

An element 3 is completely justified, although. This time round, I feel Bivol wins a little bit extra comfortably. 

Canelo and Riyadh Season

Paul, say it ain’t so! Harsh phrases for Canelo. Who did he promote out? Was it his followers, the Mexican individuals, the PBC? You’d suppose he’d throw the Benavidez battle into the deal to be able to fulfill his fan base. Conversely, you’d suppose Turki would mandate the Benavidez battle inside that 4 battle deal.  I am all for Canelo cleansing out the honey jar, however as time goes by, the Benavidez duck appears to be like worse by the minute. 

Did you see the quantity of no exhibits at this previous weekend’s card? Daniel Dubois was sick, “cough cough!” He did not even present as much as defend his belt. Shakur Stevenson fought an Uber Driver. Floyd Schofield did not even hassle taking the title shot.  Very hardly ever does somebody again out of a title battle the week of. Would not it appear unusual that two fighters backed out of a championship bout on the identical card? Is the cash getting humorous?  I recall again to when many have been asking DAZN and PBC to point out their receipts and revenue loss statements. I’d like to see Turkis! 

— Na’-il Rahman

Hey Na’-il.

Canelo offered out boxing and he offered out his Mexican followers. With this deal, which is able to take him out of attain of his Mexican followers for 3 of the subsequent 4 fights, he principally advised everybody who helped construct him right into a star to go fuck themselves. I do know there was some huge cash dumped at his ft by the Saudis, however he was already making a shit-ton of cash selecting and selecting his fights. It’s a foolish query to ask of somebody who’s clearly engorged in greed, however how a lot cash does this man want?

As for Benavidez? I don’t suppose he’s in Canelo’s plans in any respect and I additionally suppose Turki is ok with that, so long as he continues to be a Riyadh Season property. A lot for Turki solely eager to “make the most effective fights.”

Two high-profile fighters backing out of a card the week of the occasion is unusual. I don’t suppose it’s a cash challenge, although. However you by no means know and no one will ever actually know because the Saudis personal the media overlaying their occasions and provide zero transparency in relation to their operation. I can assure you, nonetheless, that they’re completely hemorrhaging cash. They must be. How lengthy they’re keen to function within the pink is the query. Even the free-spending Saudis will ultimately get uninterested in dropping cash. 

Tank Davis-Lamont Roach

Hey Magno.

Are you continue to down on Tank Davis vs. Lamont Roach this Saturday? I do know you mentioned some fairly vital issues about this battle when it was first introduced. Have you ever softened to it but? I’m low-key anticipating that it’ll be extra aggressive than many suppose. What’s your prediction?

— Damon

Hey Damon. 

I simply suppose it’s a wasted battle date for Tank who, at 30 years of age, needs to be piling up legacy-defining fights proper now. It’s not that Roach is a foul fighter, it’s simply that Tank needs to be having larger fights in opposition to prime 2 or 3 guys in his personal division. I do know the argument might be that Lomachenko bailed on a proposed battle and Shakur grabbed at Matchroom/Saudi cash relatively tackle Tank– and that could be true– however what in regards to the years earlier than that? I’m somebody who drastically respects Tank’s talents and ranks him as some of the dynamic skills within the sport immediately. That’s why I wish to see him matched in opposition to fellow greats and legit challenges. What he’s carried out all through this prime of his profession is beat good-to-very good fighters who, bodily and stylistically, are actually no match for him. I’m vital as a result of I need extra and I need him to hammer house the legacy he deserves. I nonetheless have little or no curiosity on this Roach battle as something apart from yet one more showcase. I feel this battle follows the sample of different Davis showcases. It’ll be shut for a number of rounds as Tank finds his area and his tempo. Then, he’ll decrease the growth and finish issues someplace between rounds 8 and 10.

Obtained a query (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The very best of the most effective will get included within the weekly mailbag section proper right here at FightHype. Ship your stuff right here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.