Kathy Duva declares ‘next big thing’ in Kovalev, sees ‘true world champion’

[El Raincoat]

Here's Kathy Duva's thoughts on Kovalev and the future...

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/3840 ... d-champion

[benion]

While main event are gloating over the fact that PBC used audience fillers they're ignoring the have that Kovalev can't sell out an event so he has to go to the challengers hometown and they still couldn't sell the place out

[caldo2025]

I think the point of this story was showing a Superstar in his infancy and I can't disagree with her. GGG and Kovalev are the most promising fighters in the world right now and closest to becoming elite in the sport. In the next 5 years, these guys will become PPV boxers IMO. But at some point, each needs to slow down and stop fighting 4 times a year. Right now, they are not giving their stardom time to simmer and garner more attention and bigger fights. Negotiating a money maker fight can't be done in 2 mos. If they cut down to 2 fights a year and went with quality opposition instead of quantity, the money would be right and demand would rise. Give fans time to miss you in the ring.

[Ian1973]

I think the point of this story was showing a Superstar in his infancy and I can't disagree with her. GGG and Kovalev are the most promising fighters in the world right now and closest to becoming elite in the sport. In the next 5 years, these guys will become PPV boxers IMO. But at some point, each needs to slow down and stop fighting 4 times a year. Right now, they are not giving their stardom time to simmer and garner more attention and bigger fights. Negotiating a money maker fight can't be done in 2 mos. If they cut down to 2 fights a year and went with quality opposition instead of quantity, the money would be right and demand would rise. Give fans time to miss you in the ring.

I think what you say is absolutely right.

Isn't it sad though when it's better to discourage fighters from fighting? It's the way the boxing world is, but it is unfortunate.

[Shirow]

The negotiations for a fight don't begin the day after the next fight. As you'd expect and was written in the article they are making moves to fight Stevenson towards the end of the year long before the next mandatory fight has taken place.

I thought that Andre Ward's view was bizarre - that the longer he has gone without fighting the bigger attraction he is. I tend to think that the more boxers box the bigger their fanbase will be if people like what they see. Maybe it's not as a minority opinion as i thought...

Have Marquez, Martinez & Mikey Garcia's fanbase increased recently in the US as a result of inactivity?

[Ian1973]

The negotiations for a fight don't begin the day after the next fight. As you'd expect and was written in the article they are making moves to fight Stevenson towards the end of the year long before the next mandatory fight has taken place.

I thought that Andre Ward's view was bizarre - that the longer he has gone without fighting the bigger attraction he is. I tend to think that the more boxers box the bigger their fanbase will be if people like what they see. Maybe it's not as a minority opinion as i thought...

Have Marquez, Martinez & Mikey Garcia's fanbase increased recently in the US as a result of inactivity?

No but they are not up and coming possible / likely P4P elite fighters.

I think sometimes less is more in that the anticipation / expectation can really drum up interest. Look at Froch vs Groves.

It's a sad state of affairs but marketing and the power of media in the modern world is absolutely huge.

I may be wrong on this but it's the way I see it.

[El Raincoat]

I could see what you mean if Kovalev and GGG weren't fighting the best available opposition. Yes, there are other fights we'd like to see them in but as is well documented none of Cotto, Quillin etc don't want any more of GGG at the moment. Credit to Main Events, they managed to get Hopkins, they didn't sit and face a gimme they fought Pascal who ws a legit top #5 light heavyweight.

I think activity is good for the boxer, both are happy to fight on the road and spread the word.

If a fighter sits they can become a little stale, there's a reason why old timers fought so often.