WBC Grand Prix & Mujibillo Tursunov, what do we reckon?

[whiskeyrecord]

Have been watching the WBC Grand Prix, for what it's worth I think it's a banging proposition and event, hopefully it will become an annual thing. There's been a few Uzbeks taking part, including Lazizbek Mullojanov before getting booted for roids.

Tursunov has stood, as has his super lightweight final opponent Carlos Utria. Kevin Ramirez, a modest cruiserweight has been great value in the heavyweight division, outboxing much bigger men en route to the final.

Any thoughts on Tursunov or the tournament in general?

[MPW]

For the most part, I like the ladder-style tournament format and the use of five judges. I also like that it gives young, unrecognized fighters without big promoters behind them a chance to establish some credibility and a name for themselves. And there have been a few surprise winners along the way.

I don't like how a winner from a bout that ends in a draw is determined. The enhanced scoring system really becomes little more than "I think this fighter should move on." Yeah, I realize there is more criteria than that but that's how it feels to me. I also think the semifinal bouts should have been eight rounds and the championship fights ten rounds.

It was an ambitious undertaking with 32 fighters from across the globe in each of four different weight classes, which had to be a logistical nightmare. In all honesty, I would like to see the tournament continue with four new weight classes.

[whiskeyrecord]

Agreed on the draw resolution system. It's very arbitrary but I guess deciding who wins a draw has to either go down the arbitrary or prosaic route eg punch counting. Longer rounds for the semis is a good. It sounds like the finals will also be 6 rounders which is disappointing. Tursunov in particular would benefit from a longer fight I think.

[Cent0089]

I like this tournament.
- good fighters would get experience because they will fight good oposition, unlike many other promoters who just feed undefeated guys with cab drivers
- fake prospects are exposed
- unknown guys can get some recognition
- fights every 2 months
- some of the fights were surprisingly good end entertaining

Negatives:
- semis and finals should be at least 8 rounders, not 6
- lot of heavyweight guys in first 2 rounds were low level

Looking forward to finals and next edition. Hopefully it would get more recognition for our favorite sport guys

[londonwar]

cant comment on the rest but the heavyweights have been awful quality with half decent fighters getting Piotr Lacz getting removed.

few fights are on youtube (which tells you all you need to know) but the ones ive seen have been pretty awful.

nothing new about the format but definately should be 8 rounds later on.