Teofimo Lopez options: Norman, 'Pitbull'?; Janibek update after fainting spell; Nate Diaz sues promoter for $9 million; Caroline Dubois new deal; Victor Ortiz returns; Quick hits; Show and tell
I think Monster Inoue is setting the table for Junto Nakatani in 2025 and Bam Rodriguez in 2026. Giving both a fair warning and time to plan their moves up in weight. I like it.
Hopefully Top Rank spends the next year consolidating its 126lb champions so that there is a consensus top guy when Inoue moves up, and we get a big fight. Looks like the Monster will be treading water feasting on solid, but sub- top-tier opponents for the next year, so there’s time for TR to unify some belts!
Speaking of belts, looks like “interim” champs are 2024’s answer to the “regular” belt holders of a few years back. Every fight has an interim belt attached to it. The sanctioning organizations used to use this for inevitable vacancies to be filled proactively, but now in many cases it’s just a “#1 contender” spot with a fancier (and undoubtedly more expensive) distinction, and once again confuses and waters down real achievement. We knew the alphabet bandits would come up with something new to muddy the waters and line their pockets. Assholes and thieves.
I think Monster Inoue is setting the table for Junto Nakatani in 2025 and Bam Rodriguez in 2026. Giving both a fair warning and time to plan their moves up in weight. I like it.
Hopefully Top Rank spends the next year consolidating its 126lb champions so that there is a consensus top guy when Inoue moves up, and we get a big fight. Looks like the Monster will be treading water feasting on solid, but sub- top-tier opponents for the next year, so there’s time for TR to unify some belts!
Speaking of belts, looks like “interim” champs are 2024’s answer to the “regular” belt holders of a few years back. Every fight has an interim belt attached to it. The sanctioning organizations used to use this for inevitable vacancies to be filled proactively, but now in many cases it’s just a “#1 contender” spot with a fancier (and undoubtedly more expensive) distinction, and once again confuses and waters down real achievement. We knew the alphabet bandits would come up with something new to muddy the waters and line their pockets. Assholes and thieves.