PBC-TOP RANK, PLANT-CHARLO, SHAKUR || FIGHTHYPE.COM

In this corner of the Universo Pugilistico, it’s all about my sack– my bulging, bulbous, aching sack– and the gooey, salty truth contained within. So…sit back, close your eyes, pull back your hair, and get ready for this week’s money shot of wisdom. This week we have comments/questions regarding a PBC-Top Rank union, Caleb Plant-Jermall Charlo, Shakur Stevenson.

PBC + Top Rank?

Hey Magno.

How much do you believe that Top Rank and PBC will seriously do business together? I saw the interview that Bob Arum did where he talks about doing shows together with PBC, but I don’t know if I entirely believe it. On the one hand, I can see it since Turki has made his plans known and is coming to run everyone out of business. These US promoters need to work together or they’ll be picked off one by one. Top Rank is especially vulnerable as they will be without a TV deal soon. On the other hand, this is boxing and this is old man Arum. Cooperation is not very common in boxing. 

Do you think this PBC and Top Rank alliance is possible and if it is, what fights do you see coming from it?

– Clyde

Hey Clyde.

I’d like to believe that the pressure coming from Turki and the Saudis would force all boxing companies to be smart and begin to work together whenever possible. This Saudi movement is a legit threat to them and it needs to be seen as one. Although the “go to” first response will always be to try and see if they can make some money for themselves from any situation, boxing people need to see this for what it is– a full-on takeover. Some boxing business people got money early on from the Saudis, but the Saudi long-range goal is to run all of them out of business and set up their own power structure. It’s a little pathetic seeing how some of these people are still not quite in fight-back mode when Turki is already setting up the infrastructure for their replacement right before their eyes. But, oh well…

Like I said, I’d like to believe that Arum is serious about working with PBC and that PBC would be serious about working with Top Rank. It would certainly be good for the domestic boxing scene. Personally, I’m leaning towards believing it or, at the very least, believing that Arum is genuine in wanting to work with PBC. 

As for fights that could be made? 

I think Tank Davis-Lomachenko is fantasy world stuff. But Brian Norman vs. Mario Barrios, Fundora-Zayas, Janibek Alimkhanuly-Erislandy Lara, and several others are all possible. I can even see something like Keyshawn Davis being matched against Frank Martin with an eye on a potential Tank Davis fight. 

There’s a lot that could be done if the two companies worked together.

Boxing is wildly self-destructive, though, and I’ll believe this common sense strategy is for real when I see it start to play out. 

Plant and Charlo

Hi Paul.

Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo returning to the ring is a big positive. They are supposedly set to fight on the same date, with the winners facing each other later on in the year.  What do these guys have left and do you think they even make it to face one another? Does either have one more title run in them?

– S. Taylor

Hey S. 

Their presence can only be a positive, even if they don’t have much left. Both have recognizable names and enough marketability to sell an event at some level. With Canelo pretty much out of the picture, the biggest possible fight is either against one another or a free agent Edgar Berlanga. And all of that is alright. There’s also the possibility of Charlo being pulled up to light heavyweight as an opponent for David Benavidez, if Benavidez gets frozen out of the Bivol-Beterbiev 175 lb. title picture. 

For now, we just watch and see if Plant’s legs hold up and if Charlo can maintain his focus. 

Shakur?

Hi Magno.

I’m wondering when Shakur Stevenson signing with Hearn is going to pay off and make him a star. It sure hasn’t so far. Actually, I think he’s got even a lower profile now under his new promotional deal. 

– John

Hey John.

I’m sure Shakur’s making good money in this deal with Matchroom/Hearn, but you’re right, he’s definitely not becoming a star. If anything, he’s moving in the opposite direction and making it even easier for the other top fighters in his division to NOT fight him. I mean, seriously, what kind of brain power figures that moving oneself to the opposite side of the planet, working pay-per-view undercards in front of disinterested fans, would energize one’s career? Shakur’s an excellent boxer, but he’s going nowhere and has nothing real on his horizon. 

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