Silvio Branco: Champ at 40

[Axe]

I was quite confused when it was reported that Tiozzo was still entertaining offers from Kohl and another promoter, and that he hadn't "really" retired.

But now that the WBA have updated their web site they have Silvio Branco listed as the full 175 lb champion.

Perhaps Tiozzo is still open for a mega fight, etc, but simply decided to give up the belt?

Anyway, congrats Silvio Branco, he's 40 years old and world champion again.

[Axe]

That's not to say that Branco is now a top ten guy for me, even though I do give hi, his props. He was soundly outpointed by Stipe Drews and then got caught late against Ulrich while ahead, so he doesn't crack my top ten.

1. Tarver
2. Woods
3. Erdei
4. Adamek
5. Johnson
6. Jones
7. Dawson
8. Drews
9. Briggs
10. Gonzalez
11. Garay
12. Ulrich
13. Branco
14. Diaconu
15. Green

[Max Molyneux]

Woods can change his status as champ.

[T.M.K]

Perhaps Tiozzo is still open for a mega fight, etc, but simply decided to give up the belt?

Hi Mr Axe,

I did wonder if Tiozzo was honest when he said he just couldn't get motivated.... but beneath the surface let's be honest. If he was having motivational trouble - then facing Branco again was gonna be a problem as the Italian is a tricky, awkward customer - and Tiozzo only just beat him first time around.

With Branco as Interim Champion - their rematch was on the horizon sooner or later, or Tiozzo would have been stripped (highly likely).

However, that's just my theory.

Best wishes,

"T.M.K"

[Axe]

Perhaps Tiozzo is still open for a mega fight, etc, but simply decided to give up the belt?

Hi Mr Axe,

I did wonder if Tiozzo was honest when he said he just couldn't get motivated.... but beneath the surface let's be honest. If he was having motivational trouble - then facing Branco again was gonna be a problem as the Italian is a tricky, awkward customer - and Tiozzo only just beat him first time around.

With Branco as Interim Champion - their rematch was on the horizon sooner or later, or Tiozzo would have been stripped (highly likely).

However, that's just my theory.

Best wishes,

"T.M.K"

TMK,

Tiozzo had promised Branco a rematch, and their first fight really could've gone either way, imo. I do think Tiozzo was unsatisfied with the risk/rewrd ratio of both the proposed Gary and Branco rematch fights.

However, I'm not sure the WBA would have done anything about it. Tiozzo had not defended the belt for a disgraceful 20 month period, and hadn't made a mandatory for his entire 31 months as WBA champ.

I believe he was backed into a corner moreso by the media and fans than by the WBA, who cater to his promoter's (Acaries) every demand.