Hey there, friends, readers, and even those of you lurking with a skeptical eye. This week, we’re going to take a whirlwind tour around the boxing world since nothing really big demands a deep dive today. Let’s dive right into it!
— First up, WBC lightweight champ Shakur Stevenson made some waves by airing grievances on Saturday, targeting Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh. This came after Oscar De La Hoya resurfaced on social media, claiming that Stevenson backed out of a much-anticipated fight with his guy, William Zepeda. It’s worth noting that De La Hoya and Zepeda have sidestepped a potential bout with Stevenson multiple times already.
Stevenson countered in style:
“[Four Teary-Laughing Emojis] So, is that the story they fed you?? Turki promised me a certain figure, and now he’s backing off. Instead of facing me directly, he’s sending his crew with messages. I don’t bow to anyone, Mr. De La Hoya. Let’s talk terms!”
He stressed that he’s still eager for the Zepeda fight, suggesting they negotiate independently of Turki’s influence.
If Shakur’s complaints about being low-balled are valid (he tweeted how he’s being offered less than what he got fighting Josh Padley), then Turki’s handling of negotiations stinks of bad business. It’s a head-scratcher how organizers who have hurt a fighter’s image now seem to be penalizing him for that crippled marketability.
But keep in mind, Stevenson chose to sign with Matchroom Boxing, lured by the idea of working with the Saudis. They were supposed to be throwing cash around like they’ve got bottomless pockets, not worried about losses.
Seriously, though, in what reality did he expect to sustain high-paying gigs after eroding his own draw by being on undercards that didn’t sell, with uninterested audiences halfway across the globe? Come on.
No one loves losing money, not even those who appear flush with cash—often, especially not them. Eventually, Turki was bound to cut back on ventures that bleed money or that he can’t turn into profitable endeavors.
Or this could all be a hyped-up drama—exactly the kind of spectacle Turki’s known for—given how quickly Ring Magazine shared the “feud” online. It’s clear by now that he’s intolerant of anything casting him in a bad light—just ask the guy jailed for a tweet offending him.
In the end, Shakur wraps the discussion by doubling down on his desire for the Zepeda bout, noting that as a WBC mandatory fight, a purse bid could be the path forward.
And let’s not forget his emphatic statement, probably aimed at Turki’s camp:
“REAL MEN STAND UP NEVER BOW DOWN TO NOBODY BUT THE CREATOR.”
— In other news, ESPN’s Mike Coppinger announced, on April Fool’s Day fittingly, his departure from the sports giant to join Turki Alalshikh’s Ring Magazine. The move wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret, with industry insiders buzzing about it for weeks.
Apparently, Turki admired “Copp’s” way of reporting on his narratives, especially during the Canelo Alvarez signing saga. This makes Coppinger a perfect fit for Ring Magazine, now home to what some might call an ensemble of yes-men. The decent writers there may be pruned out soon.
— A funny little insight into the workings of Turki’s world staged an appearance on Twitter, courtesy of @dantheboxingman. It showcased Teofimo Lopez’s rollercoaster social media stance regarding the Saudi leader and the May event he’s co-headlining for Ring Magazine.
Initially, Lopez criticized the event promotion, but that comment was swapped out for one filled with sugary praise for the same project—a “super stardom night of boxing.” The stiff phrasing implies a possible behind-the-scenes rewrite or maybe just some odd writing by Lopez himself.
— Over the weekend, Tim Tszyu marked his return to victory by dominating Joey Spencer in a junior middleweight bout. Tszyu was coming off a losing streak and needed this win to stay relevant in the sport. If Spencer had won, it might’ve been time for Tszyu to consider other professions.
Despite doubts lingering from previous defeats, Tszyu showcased his skills impressively, keeping him in the spotlight. A potential duel with Keith Thurman or a rematch with Sebastian Fundora would draw significant interest. However, Tszyu still has to address questions about his resilience after suffering severe injuries in previous matches.
— As for heavyweight Richard Torrez, fans see potential but maybe not enough for the division’s elite level. His unanimous decision over Guido Vianello last Saturday, though commendable, didn’t wow onlookers expecting him to punch above his weight. Torrez’s grit is apparent, but can it fuel the dreams of contention? Only time will tell, but there’s hope he might break through for the U.S. boxing scene.
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