Welcome fight fans to this Halloween edition of Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack where boxing ignorance gets spooked and boxing bad guys are forced to be “goblin’” on a stale king-sized Tootsie Roll of truth. This week, we have comments and questions regarding Ryan Garcia vs. Teofimo Lopez, Canelo Alvarez vs. Chris Eubank Jr., and American boxing’s doldrums.
King Ryan vs. Takeover Teo
Hi Magno.
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I felt compelled to write to you about what I feel is a common sense fight to make that is hardly getting any attention at all. That would be Ryan Garcia vs. Teofimo Lopez. When it comes to a big and doable fight, this one is a no-brainer. Just imagine the kind of attention it would generate during its build up? Both of these guys can’t shut up and can’t help but say things that outrage and amaze. In the ring, I also think there’s a lot of excitement there as both have explosive, offense-minded styles. Ryan vs. Teofimo would be good fun and it would make a lot of money for both Golden Boy and Top Rank. What do you think about this fight?
– Bob from PA
Hey Bob.
Teo vs. Ryan would indeed be crazy. I like it. It’s the kind of fight we need on a sluggish and dullish American fight scene right now. Of course, it couldn’t even be contemplated until after Garcia’s suspension is over in April and, I would assume, Garcia would take a tune-up fight before taking a big one like this. But Garcia is not “all there,” so he may actually jump into a Teofimo fight if it were lined up for him. It does make a lot of sense, especially since Top Rank and Golden Boy don’t seem to have any plans for either of these guys. And, yeah, the lead-in would be insane– almost, literally, insane.
Boxing’s Slow Death?
Hey Paul.
Is it just me or has boxing gotten crazy dull lately? There have been some good fights, like Beterbiev-Bivol and Usyk-Fury and I’m entertained while they’re on, but the excitement doesn’t extend beyond that moment. Nothing at all is really energizing me as a fan and it’s never been like that before. I’ve been the most die-hard fan for at least 20 years and I felt excited to watch everything, from the big shows to the small ones, where I may see the stars of the future. This year, especially, I find myself caring less and less. I’ve spoken to other friends who are fans and they feel the same way. I used to have or go to multiple fight parties in a year. This year, I’ve been to none. I know it’s not just me feeling put off by boxing. Why do you think this is and do you see things changing?
– Cleveland
Hey Cleveland.
You’re definitely not alone. I feel it too and I hear it frequently from fans. I think what you’re feeling comes from the utter awful nothingness that is the American boxing scene at the moment. This year has been dead and it’s going to stay dead for awhile by the looks of things. I lay this at the feet of American boxing companies. Top Rank and Golden Boy are doing nothing but selling out to Saudi interests and PBC is MIA when it comes to showcasing their fighters in actual good fights. It’s frustrating and it even dulls my desire to follow the sport– and I make a living from following the sport.
As for what can be done to change it? Everyone in the boxing business needs to start being in the business of boxing again. Make some fights and make fights that matter!
Canelo-Eubank
Hey Paul.
I’ve been reading a lot about Canelo Alvarez vs. Chris Eubank Jr. Do you think it happens and if it does, how competitive could it be? I say not very much.
– PP
Hey PP.
Let’s not sugar coat it– Canelo-Eubank is a shitty fight. Unfortunately, it just may be the most bankable fight among the shitty fights Canelo will take these days. If you follow my work here, you know that I’ve been bringing up Eubank as a potential fight for Alvarez for awhile. It just makes sense from Canelo’s perspective. Eubank’s got some name recognition and fighting him offers Canelo the appealing opportunity to make his first appearance in the UK, soaking up the energy from a packed soccer stadium.
As for the fight, itself? Canelo dominates and likely wins via wide unanimous decision. Eubank is just not that good, not that skilled, and not that talented for a fighter at Canelo’s level. I will say, though, that he’s not quite as much of a hapless fall guy as Edgar Berlanga.
Got a question (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The best of the best gets included in the weekly mailbag segment right here at FightHype. Send your stuff here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
