Kessler to fight Mundine as mandatory challenger, avoided Miranda in the process...

[BigBone]

The official press release states that Mikkel Kessler became the official challenger to SMW WBA-champ Anthony Mundine, whom he's already defeated in 2005. The press release does not say that the rematch is on, but Kessler's statement is all about that fight and as his NEXT fight...

“I am more than ready to get back into the ring and to what I do best,” Kessler said. “I asked my management team to seek out a world title opportunity. Now it is up to me to take a world championship belt. I don’t plan on stopping at one but I will take each fight as it comes. I believe I am the world’s best at 168 pounds and I would be thrilled to fight Joe once again. But he has business with Bernard Hopkins and I must focus on my next step which is competing for the WBA belt.



So no Garay fight at 175... and since Green has just retired and Mundine-Green II is not a possibility anymore, Kessler-Mundine II looks to be the next logical thing anyway... so if Kessler can get the opportunity at Anthony's title... we can say he's avoided Miranda but probably for a better deal (money and stake). On the other hand, if the rematch will be held in Australia, there's no guarantee IMO that Showtime or HBO will be interested... HBO is interested in Miranda-Abraham II, so Kessler-Mundine II might not fit in the US TV picture which is a low blow for his career...

[Bodysnatcher]

Kessler might have actively sabotaged his career in the long term by turning away from Miranda, the American networks and, more importantly, American fight fans.

Kessler vs Mundine should be good though - perhaps if Kessler wins the belt, he will go back to the American networks and we might see a title fight with Taylor in the States?

[BigBone]

Well, fighting Miranda as a champ is still an opportunity for Kessler if he wins the rematch, since Bute has to fight Andrade and Joe's only concentrating on big names (Pavlik, Jones, maybe Taylor). But Miranda will probably lose to Abraham so he'll be out of the big fight picture for a while...

[DanePugilist]

So now it's official. I would have loved to see him fight Miranda, but this is a better fight overall. Mundine has improved vastly since last time, and it is only right, that he returns the favor that Kessler did to him.

Maybe Miranda will get his shot eventually...

I personally think the US interest died with the loss, but thats not to say it can't be rejuvenated later on. Those who know, will know this is a top fight at 168.

[DanePugilist]

Well, fighting Miranda as a champ is still an opportunity for Kessler if he wins the rematch, since Bute has to fight Andrade and Joe's only concentrating on big names (Pavlik, Jones, maybe Taylor). But Miranda will probably lose to Abraham so he'll be out of the big fight picture for a while...Does this mean that Miranda moves down again, or does the whole MW move to SMW?

[Bodysnatcher]

Well, fighting Miranda as a champ is still an opportunity for Kessler if he wins the rematch, since Bute has to fight Andrade and Joe's only concentrating on big names (Pavlik, Jones, maybe Taylor). But Miranda will probably lose to Abraham so he'll be out of the big fight picture for a while...

True.

I do keep talking about America but fighting Mundine and taking his belt would open up doors for him.

Bute, Taylor and Miranda would all be possible opponents.

I'd just like to see him prove the doubters wrong in the US and I thought Miranda presented a great chance to do that.

But still, as long as he's fighting the top guys, I'm not too upset.

[ocelot]

As an American, I think a win over Miranda would definitely have resulted in bigger fights in the US market- much more so than a rematch with Mundine, who isn't as well-known here. It's understandable though that he'd want a title shot. And a win over Mundine could lead to a bigger fight later this year. Mundine's a scrapper though, so Kessler's taking a big risk. If he loses the rematch (and if it is fought in Australia I'd be a little concerned about the judging), his career as a major player/contender is tanked.

[Bodysnatcher]

As an American, I think a win over Miranda would definitely have resulted in bigger fights in the US market- much more so than a rematch with Mundine, who isn't as well-known here. It's understandable though that he'd want a title shot. And a win over Mundine could lead to a bigger fight later this year. Mundine's a scrapper though, so Kessler's taking a big risk. If he loses the rematch (and if it is fought in Australia I'd be a little concerned about the judging), his career as a major player/contender is tanked.

I think Kessler's confidence after the Calzaghe defeat will be the deciding factor against Mundine.

[DanePugilist]

As an American, I think a win over Miranda would definitely have resulted in bigger fights in the US market- much more so than a rematch with Mundine, who isn't as well-known here. It's understandable though that he'd want a title shot. And a win over Mundine could lead to a bigger fight later this year. Mundine's a scrapper though, so Kessler's taking a big risk. If he loses the rematch (and if it is fought in Australia I'd be a little concerned about the judging), his career as a major player/contender is tanked.Then so be it - Kessler once stated that he wanted to be the best as can be, and that means going all-in, and thus far have done so, since he took his first belt from Siaca.

[Arriba]

Miranda is the sort of fighter who wins/losses don't matter. He can lose 10 times but people will still come to see him because he's a character and he's got a lot of one hit KO power.

So basically even if Miranda drops to Abraham, Kessler can still face off with Miranda and get the american fanbase back.

[ocelot]

Miranda is the sort of fighter who wins/losses don't matter. He can lose 10 times but people will still come to see him because he's a character and he's got a lot of one hit KO power.

So basically even if Miranda drops to Abraham, Kessler can still face off with Miranda and get the american fanbase back.
The problem is that Kessler doesn't have the American fanbase. Nobody other than serious boxing fans even know who he is. A win over Miranda would have changed that very quickly, and possibly opened up the door to a fight with Pavlik, for instance. This is all from a business perspective though, admittedly. No one can criticize him for wanting to fight for a title.

[onourway]

Kessler should have fought Miranda.

[BigBone]

Well... Kessler-Miranda is the fight that excites the fight fans more... because there's a great contrast between the style of the two and of course Kessler-Mundine is a rematch... So I might have liked Kessler-Miranda better...

But before all the crap starts:
-Mundine is ranked much highter by every respected boxing writer than Miranda, so fighting the Aussie is actually a step-up in competition wheter you like it or not... How can Kessler lose respect if he's fighting tougher fighter?
-Mundine is a world champion, Miranda is not
-Mundine can make the fight more competitive vs. Kessler IMO, Miranda loses badly (but still a good fight)
-Kessler will earn much more facing Mundine

As I've said: the problem here is the possibility of losing a good US TV deal... Team Palle just can't put enough hard cash on the table to make huge fights in Denmark, so Kessler, who speaks English very well, has to fight outside of the country... and there's no better market than the US market, so Kessler should get an HBO deal first then an opponent next...

[HolgerD]

..... No one can criticize him for wanting to fight for a title.

It depends on how much weight the title carries. Knocking in the doors to US boxing is not easy. Fighting Miranda was a great chance to do so. Team Palle and Kess blew it this time around. I know the official explanation is that Kess wants a title, that's at least what they say. Personally, I feel that this is more about Palle wanting more control. You just don't have that much with the US networks and Palle doesn't like that.

[Marnoff]

As an American, I think a win over Miranda would definitely have resulted in bigger fights in the US market- much more so than a rematch with Mundine, who isn't as well-known here. It's understandable though that he'd want a title shot. And a win over Mundine could lead to a bigger fight later this year. Mundine's a scrapper though, so Kessler's taking a big risk. If he loses the rematch (and if it is fought in Australia I'd be a little concerned about the judging), his career as a major player/contender is tanked.

He's finished if he loses a fight?

[David_TheMan]

Kessler is an idiot. He could have had access to the US market and a win over Miranda would have put him over in the States. He needs to leave his management.

[ocelot]

He's finished if he loses a fight?
Not finished out-and-out, but certainly no longer the heir-apparent to the SMW division. If he's going to achieve the stature that fight fans believe he is capable of, he must win his next fight. He'll sink into Lacy-land otherwise (the former heir-apparent to the SMW division).

[Djarnis]

Kessler is an idiot. He could have had access to the US market and a win over Miranda would have put him over in the States. He needs to leave his management.
I agree with the last part, I just don't think its possible. Young boxers sign contracts that actually ties there hands forever if they want to change promoter. Look at mads larsen, he had to stay out of boxing 4 years to leave team palle.
Kessler problably have a similar contract, as long as he is rated Palle is his promoter.

[PH|LLA]

maybe he is just not mikkel "money" kessler. what if he wants to fight the next best? just for a sec, lets suppose he is a fighter, not a businessman! and then, if he wants to fight the best mw-s, im sure he will find a way to do so.
thats a nice though but even if Kessler wants to fight the best challanges available in the long run then he should fight Miranda now.

name recognition leads to better fights. A fighter who generates alot of money will not get ducked as much

[Arriba]

The problem is that Kessler doesn't have the American fanbase. Nobody other than serious boxing fans even know who he is. A win over Miranda would have changed that very quickly, and possibly opened up the door to a fight with Pavlik, for instance. This is all from a business perspective though, admittedly. No one can criticize him for wanting to fight for a title.

My point is the fight with Miranda isn't dead for good...just on layaway right now.

I wouldn't be surprised if they went at it at 168 after Kessler disposes of Mundine.

[booradley]

I think HBO would have bought Kessler/Miranda. I doubt if any US network will buy Mundine/Kessler. In my opinion Kessler would give Miranda a protracted boxing lesson, and show the US market his capabilites. That would lead to big fights for big money. Munidine may not lead to anything more than an alphabet belt, if that.

Boo

[Maden]

thats a nice though but even if Kessler wants to fight the best challanges available in the long run then he should fight Miranda now.



Not true!

Taylor, Pavlik and Winky want no part of Kessler before he holds a title! Beating Miranda at this point won´t bring Kessler any nearer to these guys! Collecting the WBA strap from Mundine will.

So this is not bad management by Team Palle! HBO or Showtime would be onboard the minute Kessler signs a fight with one of these 3.

[Unstoppable]

Not finished out-and-out, but certainly no longer the heir-apparent to the SMW division. If he's going to achieve the stature that fight fans believe he is capable of, he must win his next fight. He'll sink into Lacy-land otherwise (the former heir-apparent to the SMW division).

Lacy was never the heir apparent to anything outside the States, mate.
Kessler was and is #2
Even the Ring had Kessler at #2 when Lacy fought JC.

[booradley]

Not true!

Taylor, Pavlik and Winky want no part of Kessler before he holds a title! Beating Miranda at this point won´t bring Kessler any nearer to these guys! Collecting the WBA strap from Mundine will.

So this is not bad management by Team Palle! HBO or Showtime would be onboard the minute Kessler signs a fight with one of these 3.

You may be right. It could work that away.

[Ring Master]

I thought you couldn't fight for a WBA strap coming off a loss?

[Vanihm]

As I've said: the problem here is the possibility of losing a good US TV deal... Team Palle just can't put enough hard cash on the table to make huge fights in Denmark, so Kessler, who speaks English very well, has to fight outside of the country... and there's no better market than the US market, so Kessler should get an HBO deal first then an opponent next...

All due respect to the warrior, but Kessler's English is awful by Danish standards - incredible when one considers that his mother is English!

[Bodysnatcher]

All due respect to the warrior, but Kessler's English is awful by Danish standards - incredible when one considers that his mother is English!

I noticed that, although his corner during the Calzaghe fight were speaking to him in English half the time.

I read that the Danes speak English as a second language better than any other country in the world.

However, Kessler sounds a bit like that huge bodybuilder bad guy in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior...the one with the mask...

[dd1986]

I think people who are saying that fighting Miranda will lead to the big money don't realise just how much money Mundine earns in Australia. The reason he fights bums and does't go to the US is because he making plenty of money. Kessler will make much more money fighting Mundine rather then Miranda and will have a belt if he wins.

As a Mundine fan hope this fight happens and the result is different this time but even if he loses at least he loses to one of the best.

[Boro chris]

Kessler might have actively sabotaged his career in the long term by turning away from Miranda, the American networks and, more importantly, American fight fans.

Kessler vs Mundine should be good though - perhaps if Kessler wins the belt, he will go back to the American networks and we might see a title fight with Taylor in the States?

Its ridiculous that it might actually hurt his career as Mundine is a far more dangerous opponent than Miranda. Not a criticism of your post but rather the politics of boxing and the TV networks.
Mundine-Kessler is a much more important fight than Miranda and the first fight was a ******* to boot!

[Boro chris]

and the first fight was a ******* to boot!

Why was my post censored? I said ******* which means a "barn burner" in this context.

[Amsterdam]

Miranda's not even in the mix at SMW, who gives a fuck about Miranda.

Winning a belt and even winning more definitively over Mundine, such like a KO 7 while winning all rounds, means more than Edison Miranda in the long run.

Kessler would blow out Miranda and nobody would care. He's not THAT big a name, if he was, he wouldn't be FNF's fighting David Banks.

[BigBone]

TEAM KESSLER TO BOYCOTT MUNDINE-SOLIMAN III?

Team Kessler sent out a very interesting official press release. They state that Mundine's title defense vs. Soliman is not yet approved by the WBA... I've checked it and Soliman's name wasn't on the WBA list after the Bika loss however - even if he hasn't stepped in the ring since the Johnsen fight - his name suddenly appeared on the rankings created on March 13. How did it happen, don't ask me. Anyways, here is the press release:

Mikkel Kessler promoter Mogens Palle said Wednesday that he has checked with the World Boxing Association and has been informed that a May 28 super middleweight title defense by Anthony Mundine against Sam Soliman has not been approved. Mundine has announced the third bout against Soliman is set for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Palle said the WBA had not even been asked to authorize Mundine-Soliman III. "Mundine won a vacant title in March 2007 and has now gone 13 months without making a required mandatory defense. We have asserted our rights and told the WBA we're ready to make Kessler-Mundine II a reality in the end of May or the start of June....I would hope Mundine would prefer to try Kessler again rather than having his world title stripped for not complying with WBA rules. He does refer to himself as 'The Man' so I would really hope so. It is a WBA world title and is not limited to a WBA Australian title." Former champion Kessler, now the WBA mandatory challenger, previously outpointed Mundine in June 2005.


That's a pretty harsh talk from Team Kessler, Miranda style... Okay, they've checked it, the WBA haven't approved it yet, but it's a pretty bad low blow from Palle to go to the public with the info right after they've recieved the mandatory position without a fight... What the hell? They are trying to boycott a fight through the WBA, instead of just begin negotiations with Team Mundine?

[Astola]

TEAM KESSLER TO BOYCOTT MUNDINE-SOLIMAN III?

Team Kessler sent out a very interesting official press release. They state that Mundine's title defense vs. Soliman is not yet approved by the WBA... I've checked it and Soliman's name wasn't on the WBA list after the Bika loss however - even if he hasn't stepped in the ring since the Johnsen fight - his name suddenly appeared on the rankings created on March 13. How did it happen, don't ask me. Anyways, here is the press release:

Mikkel Kessler promoter Mogens Palle said Wednesday that he has checked with the World Boxing Association and has been informed that a May 28 super middleweight title defense by Anthony Mundine against Sam Soliman has not been approved. Mundine has announced the third bout against Soliman is set for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Palle said the WBA had not even been asked to authorize Mundine-Soliman III. "Mundine won a vacant title in March 2007 and has now gone 13 months without making a required mandatory defense. We have asserted our rights and told the WBA we're ready to make Kessler-Mundine II a reality in the end of May or the start of June....I would hope Mundine would prefer to try Kessler again rather than having his world title stripped for not complying with WBA rules. He does refer to himself as 'The Man' so I would really hope so. It is a WBA world title and is not limited to a WBA Australian title." Former champion Kessler, now the WBA mandatory challenger, previously outpointed Mundine in June 2005.


That's a pretty harsh talk from Team Kessler, Miranda style... Okay, they've checked it, the WBA haven't approved it yet, but it's a pretty bad low blow from Palle to go to the public with the info right after they've recieved the mandatory position without a fight... What the hell? They are trying to boycott a fight through the WBA, instead of just begin negotiations with Team Mundine?


They sure want that belt! :yep

They actually could force the belt from Mundine and then take the fight against Miranda, Taylor, Winky on HBO/showtime. Now if things turn out like this I will have totally regained my respect for Kesslers management. That would be the smartest move by far.

[BigBone]

If Mundine fights Soliman (and it looks like he will), Kessler will be out of the ring at least until early fall since the Mundine-Sam fight will be in May... after turning down the Miranda fight, that's a pretty bad situation for Kessler, and this press release is just as bad as their previous move was.

[Astola]

If Mundine fights Soliman (and it looks like he will), Kessler will be out of the ring at least until early fall since the Mundine-Sam fight will be in May... after turning down the Miranda fight, that's a pretty bad situation for Kessler, and this press release is just as bad as their previous move was.


Please inform me - why will Kessler be forced to stay out of the ring untill early fall?

[Bodysnatcher]

TEAM KESSLER TO BOYCOTT MUNDINE-SOLIMAN III?

Team Kessler sent out a very interesting official press release. They state that Mundine's title defense vs. Soliman is not yet approved by the WBA... I've checked it and Soliman's name wasn't on the WBA list after the Bika loss however - even if he hasn't stepped in the ring since the Johnsen fight - his name suddenly appeared on the rankings created on March 13. How did it happen, don't ask me. Anyways, here is the press release:

Mikkel Kessler promoter Mogens Palle said Wednesday that he has checked with the World Boxing Association and has been informed that a May 28 super middleweight title defense by Anthony Mundine against Sam Soliman has not been approved. Mundine has announced the third bout against Soliman is set for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Palle said the WBA had not even been asked to authorize Mundine-Soliman III. "Mundine won a vacant title in March 2007 and has now gone 13 months without making a required mandatory defense. We have asserted our rights and told the WBA we're ready to make Kessler-Mundine II a reality in the end of May or the start of June....I would hope Mundine would prefer to try Kessler again rather than having his world title stripped for not complying with WBA rules. He does refer to himself as 'The Man' so I would really hope so. It is a WBA world title and is not limited to a WBA Australian title." Former champion Kessler, now the WBA mandatory challenger, previously outpointed Mundine in June 2005.


That's a pretty harsh talk from Team Kessler, Miranda style... Okay, they've checked it, the WBA haven't approved it yet, but it's a pretty bad low blow from Palle to go to the public with the info right after they've recieved the mandatory position without a fight... What the hell? They are trying to boycott a fight through the WBA, instead of just begin negotiations with Team Mundine?

Mundine vs Soliman 3 is a complete joke.

If it happens, Kessler should re-commit to the Miranda fight.

He can't wait until September to fight again, that's crazy. He's risking serious ring-rust.

Team Palle have transferred their eggs from an empty basket when the new basket is already full. They've made a total balls-up of the whole thing if the Soliman fight goes ahead.

[Bodysnatcher]

Please inform me - why will Kessler be forced to stay out of the ring untill early fall?

I think he means against Mundine.

Mundine can't fight in very late May and then be expected to fight again before mid-August at the very earliest - there's a good chance Soliman can take him 12 hard rounds, for a start.

[KO Boxing]

Please inform me - why will Kessler be forced to stay out of the ring untill early fall?
Cause he's not getting Mundine next - his next fight is at the end of May. Giving him time to recover, Mundine's not ready till early fall.

So he [Kessler] might be able to fight a stiff in the meantime, although I'm sure most would have preferred to see him in the ring with Miranda in the mean time.

[BigBone]

Please inform me - why will Kessler be forced to stay out of the ring untill early fall?Because he said he's focusing on the WBA belt... but WBA champ Mundine fights in May... and because world champions don't fight every weekend, it's at least 3 or 4 more months... 05. 2008 +4 months = 09. 2008

[Astola]

I think he means against Mundine.

Mundine can't fight in very late May and then be expected to fight again before mid-August at the very earliest - there's good chance Soliam can take him 12 hard rounds, for a start.


OK - but WBA will propably strip Mundine if he fights Soliman....?

In that case Mundine gives up his belt and Kessler can fight for it against an american household name like JT, Miranda or even Lacy. Or am I totally misreading this?

[Bodysnatcher]

I think if Soliman 3 happens, Kessler might schedule a tune up for June.

But at 29 and coming off a defeat and as a guy who apparently doesn't have many fights left in him due to chronic injury issues, I think a tune up is a luxury he can ill afford.

Like I say, if Soliman 3 happens, Pallle should go back to Miranda.

Thing is, in Oz, the Soliman fight is a money spinner, correct?

[Astola]

I guess that WBA wants some credibillity back since Mundine has been fighting nobodys. They would probably want him to fight Kessler and not Soliman is my best guess.

[boxeo#1]

So far I have only heared people say ''Kessler ducked Miranda''.

Well he fought Joe so please don't say stupid* things like ''he ducked him'' (*not referring to you bigbone).
He did not duck him, he chose to fight someone else for a reason.
A stupid reason that is, and sc*ew kessler for not fighting Miranda. But ducking :huh :patsch

He avoided him for a reason (long-term (money)plans).

[Maden]

Because he said he's focusing on the WBA belt... but WBA champ Mundine fights in May... and because world champions don't fight every weekend, it's at least 3 or 4 more months... 05. 2008 +4 months = 09. 2008

Ehm... The press release from Team Palle forces the mundine Camp to either cancel the fight with Sam, and fight mandatory Kessler or give up the WBA.

How is that a bad move by Team Palle?

[BigBone]

OK - but WBA will propably strip Mundine if he fights Soliman....?

In that case Mundine gives up his belt and Kessler can fight for it against an american household name like JT, Miranda or even Lacy. Or am I totally misreading this?
Look... Soliman's name appearing on the WBA list is a complete joke... but that's how promoters and organizations usually legitimize mismatches... Soliman is a top15 contender according to the WBA, and according to their own rules, the champ can choose between 1 to 15...

[KO Boxing]

I'm pretty sure the WBA already gave Mundine-Soliman 3 the green light. It's already been signed, and the promotion appears full go-ahead.

Kessler was named mandatory challenger AFTER all of the above happened.

[sean]

Why was my post censored? I said ******* which means a "barn burner" in this context.

american derogitory slang for a man needing a heavy suntan to not stand out in harlem.

[Astola]

I'm pretty sure the WBA already gave Mundine-Soliman 3 the green light. It's already been signed, and the promotion appears full go-ahead.

Kessler was named mandatory challenger AFTER all of the above happened.


The press release states that Mundine vs Soliman wasnt approved by WBA.

I think Palle and WBA have been talking about this.

[Bodysnatcher]

Look... Soliman's name appearing on the WBA list is a complete joke... but that's how promoters and organizations usually legitimize mismatches... Soliman is a top15 contender according to the WBA, and according to their own rules, the champ can choose between 1 to 15...

Right.

And there is domestic interest for Mundine vs Soliman, I'm sure of it.

That means a pay day for Mundine, which means he'll take the fight and then have ANOTHER pay day against Kessler (assuming he beats Soliman).

Meanwhile, Kessler is going rusty or facing the prospect of a tune up fight, which gets no-one excited and which he probably can't afford and doesn't want at this stage in his career.

For me, every aspect of this situation suggests to me that Palle should make the fight with Miranda.

The window is there, the pay day is there, the demand is there, American TV is there...just fucking do it.

[Bodysnatcher]

The press release states that Mundine vs Soliman wasnt approved by WBA.

I think Palle and WBA have been talking about this.

But if BigBone is correct about the WBA rules, won't they be obligated to approve it?

If those rules don't apply, I'll see it differently.

BigBone - the WBA champ can definitely choose between the 1-15 contender without facing problems?

[Astola]

As I read it they have the right to cancel any fight they want.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Look what they write in their Bylaws:

To recognize the WBA Championships fights in each of the weight categories or
divisions carried out according to its norms and regulations, and certify those
professional boxers who win that recognition. Nevertheless, the ASSOCIATION
reserves the right to suspend or cancel the recognition of a World Champion, due to
the breach or default of the ASSOCIATION´s rules, or for conduct, that damages
the good name, integrity and prestige of the ASSOCIATION.



:think

[KO Boxing]

Soliman was ranked at middleweight before the Mundine fight came up. After negotiations started, Soliman requested to be ranked at super middleweight, where they installed him at no. 14.

I'd be surprised if Mundine-Soliman 3 doesn't happen, but if it's to be replaced by Mundine-Kessler 2, then so be it!

[BigBone]

But if BigBone is correct about the WBA rules, won't they be obligated to approve it?

If those rules don't apply, I'll see it differently.

BigBone - the WBA champ can definitely choose between the 1-15 contender without facing problems?
Of course a champ has to fight a mandatory after a few months... and between mandatories, he can choose from 1 to 15.

BUT! If Mundine-Soliman was signed FIRST (probably a few weeks ago because Soliman's name appeared on the list for a reason and appeared on March 13 - and WBA put that name on the list) and WBA named Kessler as the mandatory AFTER THAT. So boycotting Mundine-Sam (which was signed before Kessler's recieved the mandatory position) is an incorrect move from Team Palle...

They probably did nothing to make a Mundine-Kessler rematch before they recieved the mandatory news. They didn't say a word when Mundine-Soliman III was signed and now they are talking AFTER they've recieved the mandatory position? How's that?

What if Collazo would recieve the news today that he's Cotto's mandatory. Would he have the right to boycott Cotto-Gomez after the fight was signed?

[Astola]

Of course a champ has to fight a mandatory after a few months... and between mandatories, he can choose from 1 to 15.

BUT! If Mundine-Soliman was signed FIRST (probably a few weeks ago because Soliman's name appeared on the list for a reason and appeared on March 13 - and WBA put that name on the list) and WBA named Kessler as the mandatory AFTER THAT. So boycotting Mundine-Sam (which was signed before Kessler's recieved the mandatory position) is an incorrect move from Team Palle...

They probably did nothing to make a Mundine-Kessler rematch before they recieved the mandatory news. They didn't say a word when Mundine-Soliman III was signed and now they are talking AFTER they've recieved the mandatory position? How's that?

What if Collazo would recieve the news today that he's Cotto's mandatory. Would he have the right to boycott Cotto-Gomez after the fight was signed?


Is Mundine-Soliman signed?

[BigBone]

Soliman was ranked at middleweight before the Mundine fight came up. After negotiations started, Soliman requested to be ranked at super middleweight, where they installed him at no. 14.

I'd be surprised if Mundine-Soliman 3 doesn't happen, but if it's to be replaced by Mundine-Kessler 2, then so be it!

You can check that Soliman wasn't ranked after the Bika loss... Not at MW and not at SMW

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

And it appeared only in March:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[BigBone]

Is Mundine-Soliman signed?
Somebody has to confirm that... but Team Palle press release states:

Mundine has announced the third bout against Soliman is set for the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
It's on boxrec and as I've said: Soliman wasn't ranked by the WBA before March and now he's 14th for a reason. So WBA knew what they were doing when they put an name does no belong in the top 15 to their top 15 list...

[KO Boxing]

Mundine-Soliman 3 is 100% signed, although I would have no link for proof as of this time. Any aussies?

You can check that Soliman wasn't ranked after the Bika loss... Not at MW and not at SMW

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

And it appeared only in March:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
That doesn't show every Month, and the WBA is required to put out rankings for every month... I'm almost positive that Soliman was ranked within the top 15 at Middleweight, in Feb.

[Astola]

Somebody has to confirm that... but Team Palle press release states:


It's on boxrec and as I've said: Soliman wasn't ranked by the WBA before March and now he's 14th for a reason. So WBA knew what they were doing when they put an name does no belong in the top 15 to their top 15 list...


They put him there for a reason - right untill they recieved the news on Kessler gunning for the WBA belt. Then they apparently changed their minds...?

My best guess is that Mundine vs Soliman isnt signed yet and therefore not approved by the WBA.

But they are propably deep into negotiations - just like Kessler was with Miranda.

[Bodysnatcher]

As I read it they have the right to cancel any fight they want.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Look what they write in their Bylaws:

To recognize the WBA Championships fights in each of the weight categories or
divisions carried out according to its norms and regulations, and certify those
professional boxers who win that recognition. Nevertheless, the ASSOCIATION
reserves the right to suspend or cancel the recognition of a World Champion, due to
the breach or default of the ASSOCIATION´s rules, or for conduct, that damages
the good name, integrity and prestige of the ASSOCIATION.



:think

Ah.

So basically, they can strip a champion whenever they please, even if he follows the rules and chooses to defend against a ranked fighter.

All they need to say is `yeah, the rules state he can choose to fight Soliman...but Kessler just arrived on the scene and we've decided the Soliman fight will damage the good name of the association...`

Yep, I can now see the WBA threatening to strip Mundine if he fights Soliman.

Poor Sammy.

[Caliboxing]

It's obvious that Kessler wants a less risky fight and Mundine fits that since he's already beated him easily. It's also ironic what Kessler said about Mundine in hope of landing the fight , "He's not the type to run away from a challenge."

[BigBone]

Mundine-Soliman 3 is 100% signed, although I would have no link for proof as of this time. Any aussies?


That doesn't show every Month, and the WBA is required to put out rankings for every month... I'm almost positive that Soliman was ranked within the top 15 at Middleweight, in Feb.

That's all, KO! Here's the link:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Bodysnatcher]

Somebody has to confirm that... but Team Palle press release states:


It's on boxrec and as I've said: Soliman wasn't ranked by the WBA before March and now he's 14th for a reason. So WBA knew what they were doing when they put an name does no belong in the top 15 to their top 15 list...

So before Kessler appeared on the scene, Mundine fighting Soliman was a valid move (since they DID rank him in their Top 15), but when Team Palle knock on the door, they'll suddenly (presumably) decide that Mundine fighting Soliman damages the WBA's reputation.

What a slippery bunch of eels they are :)

[Astola]

Ah.

So basically, they can strip a champion whenever they please, even if he follows the rules and chooses to defend against a ranked fighter.

All they need to say is `yeah, the rules state he can choose to fight Soliman...but Kessler just arrived on the scene and we've decided the Soliman fight will damage the good name of the association...`

Yep, I can now see the WBA threatening to strip Mundine if he fights Soliman.

Poor Sammy.


Their Bylaws are new too....!!!

[KO Boxing]

That's all, KO! Here's the link:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Either or (I still can't get a ratings list for JUST Feb, but I believe ya), Mundine is fighting Soliman at the end of May.

If I was Palle, I'd get my boy a tune up. 8 months outta the ring is no good, for anyone.

[pecks]

I don't feel sorry for Sammy. He had a shot before, and lost. He's not suited at 168 and should go back down to middle. Hasn't done anything since their last fight (in which he got absolutely destroyed) to deserve a rematch.

I hope the WBA force mundine to scrap the fight. Noone really wants to see it anyway, even in Oz. Mundine will make over half a mill, but he would probably make near that by fighting the nonames he's been fighting recently.

[Astola]

So before Kessler appeared on the scene, Mundine fighting Soliman was a valid move (since they DID rank him in their Top 15), but when Team Palle knock on the door, they'll suddenly (presumably) decide that Mundine fighting Soliman damages the WBA's reputation.

What a slippery bunch of eels they are :)


And this actually makes some kind of sense to the whole Miranda fuckup.

[BigBone]

They put him there for a reason - right untill they recieved the news on Kessler gunning for the WBA belt. Then they apparently changed their minds...?

My best guess is that Mundine vs Soliman isnt signed yet and therefore not approved by the WBA.

But they are propably deep into negotiations - just like Kessler was with Miranda.
Whether it's signed or not is THE question here... I thought it was on because the Kessler press release stated that Mundine has already announced it...


All the facts I now is that Soliman's name appeared on March 13th and WBA announced that Kessler is the mandatory on Tuesday, 2nd of April. I couldn't find an official press release on the Mundine-Sam III is signed. I hope it's not.

[Bodysnatcher]

And this actually makes some kind of sence to the whole Miranda fuckup.

Yeah, an unpleasant kind of sense.

I'm a Kessler fan but I don't like the way his team

A) Turned away from an potentially exciting fight against Miranda

B) Shoved Kessler into being a WBA mandatory when he's just had a title shot

C) Tried to deny a good professional (Soliman) a pay day

D) Went public with their criticisms of a fight that well in the works when their focus was still on Miranda

But hey, this is boxing...

[BigBone]

Yeah, an unpleasant kind of sense.

I'm a Kessler fan but I don't like the way his team

A) Turned away from an potentially exciting fight against Miranda

B) Shoved Kessler into being a WBA mandatory when he's just had a title shot

C) Tried to deny a good professional (Soliman) a pay day

D) Went public with their criticisms of a fight that well in the works when their focus was still on Miranda

But hey, this is boxing...
That's exactly how I feel and see it and that's why I've said it wasn't a fair move from Team Kessler...

[Astola]

Yeah, an unpleasant kind of sense.

I'm a Kessler fan but I don't like the way his team

A) Turned away from an potentially exciting fight against Miranda

B) Shoved Kessler into being a WBA mandatory when he's just had a title shot

C) Tried to deny a good professional (Soliman) a pay day

D) Went public with their criticisms of a fight that well in the works when their focus was still on Miranda

But hey, this is boxing...


Excactly. This is just the way it works.