By Cliff Rold - The division that made for the most attended event of 2014 is just sort of there right now.
The Super Middleweight Champion, Andre Ward, hasn’t fought in over a year. According to multiple reports, his return isn’t imminent.
One can assume he is back before 2015 is out.
There’s nothing on the schedule.
The biggest draw, the man who drew over 60,000 for his rematch with George Groves last year, is inching towards a year off too. IBF/WBA titlist Carl Froch, one of the most reliable warriors of his generation, has hinted at retirement. Froch will be 38 this year. That’s a good retirement age in boxing. He’s made clear if he fights again he wants it to be a big money event.
Preferably, that event would come against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez has signed to fight Light Heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara. Light Heavyweight, given Chavez’s training issues, might be his home from here on. Chavez says he’s fighting for Al Haymon now. Bob Arum says not so fast.
Chavez-Fonfara is anything but guaranteed to occur. A possible Froch-Chavez fight after that falls into the same category.
Arthur Abraham has a belt (WBO) in the division. He’s fighting a rematch with Paul Smith later this month. Abraham, at 34, is past his peak and likely a domestic draw in Germany until his fistic meter is spent. WBC titlist Anthony Dirrell hasn’t fought since winning his belt in August and nothing is scheduled.
In a division that still has name value, quality battlers, and depth remaining (even if declined from a peak a few years ago), this is not a good state.
There’s lots of talk to be had about Super Middleweights. [Click Here To Read More]
The Super Middleweight Champion, Andre Ward, hasn’t fought in over a year. According to multiple reports, his return isn’t imminent.
One can assume he is back before 2015 is out.
There’s nothing on the schedule.
The biggest draw, the man who drew over 60,000 for his rematch with George Groves last year, is inching towards a year off too. IBF/WBA titlist Carl Froch, one of the most reliable warriors of his generation, has hinted at retirement. Froch will be 38 this year. That’s a good retirement age in boxing. He’s made clear if he fights again he wants it to be a big money event.
Preferably, that event would come against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez has signed to fight Light Heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara. Light Heavyweight, given Chavez’s training issues, might be his home from here on. Chavez says he’s fighting for Al Haymon now. Bob Arum says not so fast.
Chavez-Fonfara is anything but guaranteed to occur. A possible Froch-Chavez fight after that falls into the same category.
Arthur Abraham has a belt (WBO) in the division. He’s fighting a rematch with Paul Smith later this month. Abraham, at 34, is past his peak and likely a domestic draw in Germany until his fistic meter is spent. WBC titlist Anthony Dirrell hasn’t fought since winning his belt in August and nothing is scheduled.
In a division that still has name value, quality battlers, and depth remaining (even if declined from a peak a few years ago), this is not a good state.
There’s lots of talk to be had about Super Middleweights. [Click Here To Read More]
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