Hennessy blows it for Howard Eastman!

[bennie]

Howard Eastman, ranked number one by the WBC and thus mandatory challenger to Bernard Hopkins, has been told he must meet second ranked contender, Cristian Sanavia of Italy, in a final eliminator to face Hopkins.
WBC President Jose Sulaiman said: "Sure it's a challenge, but that's boxing."
Sulaiman tried this same trick on Ricky Hatton, forcing him to fight Oktay Urkal in an eliminator. allegedly told Sulaiman to stuff it. Mick Hennessy should do the same, but he won't. He's not big enough. Eastman is number one for Christ's sake, and European champion! He shoudn't have to fight an Italian to get a crack!
Hennessy hasn't done his job here in my opinion.

[stujones]

Good point, although I do think (and I stated this on an earlier thread) that Eastman hasn't proved himself the #1 contendor. He hasn't faught a single ranked fighter since Joppy (perhaps Cherifi had a low WBC ranking).

Whilst his European achievements warrant a high ranking, if he continually does not fight ranked fighters then eventually any organisation will force him to defend his ranking position.

It happend to Freeman Barr, and a host of other names (Clinton Woods, Junior Witter). I had the feeling that Eastman would need to fight an elimation match to get his mandatory shot, I think Sulliman is correct.

It is Eastman's promotors fault for not getting the Battersea fighter the fights with the highly ranked fighters before now.

[bennie]

Good point, although I do think (and I stated this on an earlier thread) that Eastman hasn't proved himself the #1 contendor. He hasn't faught a single ranked fighter since Joppy (perhaps Cherifi had a low WBC ranking).

Whilst his European achievements warrant a high ranking, if he continually does not fight ranked fighters then eventually any organisation will force him to defend his ranking position.

It happend to Freeman Barr, and a host of other names (Clinton Woods, Junior Witter). I had the feeling that Eastman would need to fight an elimation match to get his mandatory shot, I think Sulliman is correct.

It is Eastman's promotors fault for not getting the Battersea fighter the fights with the highly ranked fighters before now.

You and I both know, Stu, that Sulaiman is just delaying things so the comebacking Felix Trinidad can secure a lucrative - for everyone - rematch with Hopkins.

[Twinkle Toes]

Exactly.

What's the point in having a ranking system if the number one is forced to fight a box off to get his shot.

I agree that Eastman has done nothing to warrant the number one position, but that's not the point in this instance.

A load of bollocks on the part of the WBC.

[TT]

Howard is happy enough to sit around and box for the European title but not make himself heard and put himself into the limelight, Hopkins-Eastman would be a tough fight for Bernard but he won't have to take that option if Howard is happy fighting washed up Cherifi's in Reading all his career!!!

[MightyWarrior]

Good point, although I do think (and I stated this on an earlier thread) that Eastman hasn't proved himself the #1 contendor. He hasn't faught a single ranked fighter since Joppy (perhaps Cherifi had a low WBC ranking).

Whilst his European achievements warrant a high ranking, if he continually does not fight ranked fighters then eventually any organisation will force him to defend his ranking position.

It happend to Freeman Barr, and a host of other names (Clinton Woods, Junior Witter). I had the feeling that Eastman would need to fight an elimation match to get his mandatory shot, I think Sulliman is correct.

It is Eastman's promotors fault for not getting the Battersea fighter the fights with the highly ranked fighters before now.

You and I both know, Stu, that Sulaiman is just delaying things so the comebacking Felix Trinidad can secure a lucrative - for everyone - rematch with Hopkins.

You think so bennie? I assumed Trinidad would be looking at a De La Hoya rematch, maybe even at middle. Oscar's where the really big money and he's been after Tito for years. Hop is too tough a fight for less money..

.

[bennie]

By all accounts, Tito is desperate to avenge his only career loss to Hopkins.

[stujones]

Exactly.

What's the point in having a ranking system if the number one is forced to fight a box off to get his shot.

Okay, its not happening in this instance, but say a middleweight gets installed at the #1 ranking position due directly to a close fight with the champion. He then decides to sit on his ranking and wait for his rematch.

Now, what happens if in the intervening period the #2 guy..... Say Robert Allen, fights and beats the likes of Taylor, Betare, Mitchell, Holmes, Davis. Then shouldn't they box off for the #1 position.

[Priff]

Hennessey gets a bit of a ribbing on Franks Site too:

"BBC promoter Mick Hennessy was on the ball this week when he submitted a purse bid for Junior Witter v Salvatore Battaglia for the vacant European title in pounds sterling.

The rules state that all bids should be submitted in Euros, so the EBU declared his bid null and void."


A bit un-professional to submit a bid in the wrong currency (the article doesn't state so, but I presume MH submitted in £)... but it would have been interesting if it had come off.

Frank is currently a big fish in a smallish pond, and is enjoying being so.

[Twinkle Toes]

But we ain't talking about hypothetical situations here Stu, So your point has no relevance.

Eastman will beat Sanavia comfortably, hell Sanavia has been fighting in 6 rounders in his last few fights.

It's a joke, and is nothing more than a ploy to give Hopkins more time to make lucrative voluntary's.

[bennie]

Hennessey gets a bit of a ribbing on Franks Site too:

"BBC promoter Mick Hennessy was on the ball this week when he submitted a purse bid for Junior Witter v Salvatore Battaglia for the vacant European title in pounds sterling.

The rules state that all bids should be submitted in Euros, so the EBU declared his bid null and void."


A bit un-professional to submit a bid in the wrong currency (the article doesn't state so, but I presume MH submitted in £)... but it would have been interesting if it had come off.

Frank is currently a big fish in a smallish pond, and is enjoying being so.

This is the funniest thing since It's a Mad mad mad mad mad mad mad mad mad mad World. Hennessy must be out slashing his wrists somewhere.

[stujones]

But we ain't talking about hypothetical situations here Stu, So your point has no relevance.

Eastman will beat Sanavia comfortably, hell Sanavia has been fighting in 6 rounders in his last few fights.

It's a joke, and is nothing more than a ploy to give Hopkins more time to make lucrative voluntary's.

All very true how is he ranked at #2 is beyond me. My main point is that you've got at sometimes show your worth as the #1 contendor. Without trying to downgrade your intelligence in anyway, but elimination matches do exist.

One method of avoiding elimination matches is by fighting other highly ranked fighters (by the organisation). This is something Junior Witter failed to do, Freeman Barr failed to do and a host of other names. They all had to fight eliminations for the #1 spot (well, Barr lost and Witter didn't fight). Look at Witter's WBO ranking since he missed that date (through an injury).

Eastman has done the same as Barr and Witter! Its been two long and I do think he needs to show his worth. What has he done to keep his already lofty ranking.

As it is, he should count his lucky stars that the #2 ranked opponent is piss poor. But, I'd definately not miss this fight, even if he's only got one arm.

[Twinkle Toes]

Where as you are sincere in your opinions Stu, I'm afraid the WBC are not, but I get where you are coming from.

:)