Rumor: HBO considering 140 tournament

Sigh GunRanger · 11-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight Hype

Sources close to the information have just informed us that HBO is currently working on putting together a 140-pound tournament that would feature jr. welterweights Victor Ortiz, Marcos Maidana, WBC champion Devon Alexander and WBA champion Amir Khan. Although contracts have yet to be put together or signed, reports are that representatives for all the fighters have been contacted and are willing and eager to participate. HBO's Jr. Welterweight tournament would be similar to legendary promoter Don King's Middleweight Championship Series held back in 2001, a four-man round-robin tournament that pitted champions Bernard Hopkins, William Joppy, Keith Holmes and Felix Trinidad against each other to produce the first undisputed middleweight champion since Marvin Hagler.

Unlike the Super Six Super Middleweight Tournament currently being staged by Showtime, HBO's tournament would take place in a much shorter timeframe, with a winner being crowned in a matter of months as opposed to a couple of years. The first round of fights would feature the two champions defending their titles. The tentative matchups include WBA champion Amir Khan versus Marcos Maidana and WBC champion Devon Alexander versus Victor Ortiz. The winners would move on to face each other in the final bout.

Obviously, the tournament champion would hold 2 out of the 4 major titles in the division, which could set up future bouts or even a second tournament with current IBF champion Juan Urango and/or the winner of the upcoming clash between WBO champion Timothy Bradley and challenger Lamont Peterson. The ultimate goal, however, is to build a future star and worthy challenger for the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, including Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

To make it legit it needs Urango and Bradley to create an undiputed champ. I don't really consider 4 guys in single elimination a tournament.

anubismcdeath · 11-02-2009, 05:07 PM

At least people are talking about unifying and clearing up things at 140. I think 147 would be better though. But to much money at 147 to get the best guys.

Seano · 11-02-2009, 05:23 PM

This will likely fall aprt, people are already whiny and crirical about the Super 6 tourney.

Lazy Man · 11-02-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seano

This will likely fall aprt, people are already whiny and crirical about the Super 6 tourney.

Who?

I've heard nothing but positive things from everyone regarding the fighters and the format.

Steakeater · 11-02-2009, 05:32 PM

I understand the reasoning for using prospects, but if you wanna do welter, you can do WAY better fighter than that..........

Seano · 11-02-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy Man

Who?

There has beena ton of criticism for the super 6 from the very start, ranging from the validity of the participants to how the rules favor certain fighters.

Seano · 11-02-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steakeater

I understand the reasoning for using prospects, but if you wanna do welter, you can do WAY better fighter than that..........

I think its a good idea, none of those guys are really headliners, but put the word tourney in with those names and it become more interesting, plus it will set the winner aheadof the rest. JWW is wide open, Manny will never defend his place at that weight, that class is waiting for a star.

Lazy Man · 11-02-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seano

There has beena ton of criticism for the super 6 from the very start, ranging from the validity of the participants to how the rules favor certain fighters.

where?

I bet for every negative thing I can show you 10 positive things.

Seano · 11-02-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy Man

where?

Seriously?

You haven't heard how Direll shouldn't be there or that Bute should? That this tourney locks up the SMW class for 2 years? Whats the winner of Bute/Andrade do? You haven't heard the comparisons to earlier tourneys all of which fell apart?

3 points for the KO? Does that include a cut stoppage?

What if a fighter drops out mid tourney?

You read Ring or Boxing Illustrated?

|TongPo| · 11-02-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy Man

Who?

I've heard nothing but positive things from everyone regarding the fighters and the format.

Agreed - Super 6 is one the best things to happen for the sport in a long ass time. Boxing needs to keep this type of thing going to help create more interest in the sport and reward the fans with great fights.