Saul Alaverez-Matthew Hatton: A very good read.

http://www.boxingscene.com/alphabet-abuse-latest-downside-alvarez-hbo-showcase--36526

Personally found this article very interesting/accurate and for me summed up everything that is wrong with this 'title' fight. Though I'd share it.

The only amazing thing is that the WBC pushed for it to be at the divisional limit

Which is a good thing Scott.

Although this fight really shouldn't be for a world title in the first place.

World titles are becoming cheaper by the day. The WBC are becoming more of a joke than the WBA. These two titles were once regarded as the most prestigious of the four (or nine). It's embarassing explaining to non boxing fans why there are 38 different world champions at each weight, and that some of them don't actually fight at correct weight limit for the championship.

Have to feel for Ryan Rhodes in all this, has rebuilt his career and actually earned a ranking at the weight only to be looked over for a guy whose only apparent qualification is having a famous brother.

Fair play.

Ryan rhodes derseves a title shot. Hopefully the winner will give him one.

The problem with light middleweight as with several divisions is that there is no clear champion. Cotto is by far the best known of the title holders, but it doesn't mean he is the best fighter.

Could do with a super six style tournament to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Tell me about it, Rowley. I remember after he beat Moore, we were discussing top ten Brits pound for pound, and when I slotted Rhodes in at the lower end people were basically laughing and I couldn't understand why. It's a shame that he's been frozen out of such opportunities thus far, but that's they way it goes and as you say, having a famous relative seems to work wonders.

Maybe Rhodes could claim some kind of relation to Gary?

He deserves a shot at one of the titles; is he promoted by Warren?

rowley wrote:Have to feel for Ryan Rhodes in all this, has rebuilt his career and actually earned a ranking at the weight only to be looked over for a guy whose only apparent qualification is having a famous brother.

Heard rumours Rhodes could be lining up a title shot for one of the other belts.

Not Warren, possibly Hatton?

Rhodes was unavailable for this shot anyway, as were most of the other contenders. The fight was set up as a non title fight but then Golden Boy asked the WBC to put the title on the line.

Was mentioned in Boxing News the WBA champion, Trout I think he has called was willing to come to the UK and give Rhodes a shot, even he acknowledged that Ryan had been given a right royal shafting by the WBC.

It makes you despair at the sport, a fighter does what you are meant to do to earn a shot, actually beat ranked fighters and earn a high ranking and what good does it do you, you can fully understand why fighters just sign with the mega promoters who have the cosy little relationships with the governing bodies

Is Hatton vs Alvarez on SKY at all this weekend, either live or delayed ?

I've checked the listings and cant it see it anywhere, I just dont get sky they show a fighter regularly then when he gets his big chance they dont bother, yet they'll pick up his fights after his returned to fighting in the leisure centres.

Boxing broadcasting in the UK is absolutely awful

Rodders

Isn't Rhodes ranked number 4 in the division by the Ring which to my mind is the highest ranking a british fighter has outside of Khan, Froch, Burns and Haye

Yes, but Rhodes wasn't available. He hasn't come out and said anything since as far as I'm aware, and since when has waiting quietely for your chance been a good tactic in boxing, or anything for that matter?

It was Golden Boy who said none of the top ten were available for this fight I believe. Their word is far from gospel!

Noone has questioned the statement? If you were Ryan Rhodes and felt you'd been passed over and they had said that none of the top contenders were available, would you say anything? It was only three weeks ago it was decided to be for a title, not enough notice I'd imagine.

This title fight is pony; regardless of the whats and where fors.

It is a prime example of all that is wrong with modern boxing.

Personally I think it's disgusting that Alvarez & Hatton should be forced to abide by this silly 154lb limit. What's wrong with fighting at 151lbs? If it was good enough for a man many consider the best, most high-profile fighter on the planet to fight for this same belt at 151, then why not stick to that highly respected, long-standing and absolutely necessary weight limit..?

In short though: it's a joke. The WBC have shown their true colours; namely that anyone with enough money and enough influence within the sport can buy one of their belts and parade around as a 'world' champion.

Rhodes should be fuming. That GBP have successfully pressured the WBC into making this a title fight at short notice does a great disservice not only to Hatton, who it seems is being set up as a fall-guy for Alvarez, but also to every ranked LMW contender who has worked for their shot, only to be walked over. On top of this, Alvarez (if he has a sense of honesty and integrity) will surely feel any victory will be a somewhat hollow one.

The problem, Golden Boy are setting up Alvarez to be their cash cow for the next decade or so.

They will move heaven and earth to get him any advantage they can.

It remains me of De La Hoya'a first 'world' title fight with Bredahl; although I don't think Alvarez has a modicum of the talent that De La Hoya had.

Ryan Rhodes v Alfredo Angulo in WBC final eliminator purse bids due April 1st.

They fighting at 149 Lbs?

Angulo is a very tough assignment for Rhodes. A very hard puncher and very durable.

The fact that Rhodes is due to fight an eliminator for the belt which is being gifted to the winner of Alvarez-Hatton further highlights how ridiculous the WBC is.

In total agreement.