If China's market collapses, does that mean Bob Arum has to do business back in the USA? He may not be able to anyway, as he is the last non-Haymon tv presence that appears to be allowed on networks. Even then, he is reduced in the English speaking market to HBO and Tru-TV. Maybe it's time for a European campaign for Top Rank, as the two biggest fights he can make right now involve Amir Khan and Kell Brook against Pacquiao and Bradley, respectively. If Khan and Brook each emerge victorious, it would be huge for Britain, but Bob would be frozen out. Still, being involved in those two Northern England megafights will buy him a lot of pounds to wait around until the yen is working again.
Speaking of the foreign market, we are not hearing much from the medalists that were supposedly signed by Arum. Sure, Lomachenko is becoming a star, but Ryota Murata seems to be staying put in Japan, even as hot a division as middleweight is right now. Maybe they saw something that made them hesitate as to whether he would make a good pro, but that realization certainly did not stop the marketing machine that was You Shiming. I say 'was', because, he has been exposed. Maybe he will eventually win a belt or two, but it appears that Zou Shiming is Chinese for Paul Gonzales.
Speaking of L.A. native 1984 Olympic gold medalists, who didn't win world titles as professionals (what a reach!), former cruiserweight/heavyweight Henry Tillman now has new life as a trainer, working in one of the heavyweight factories in Carson, CA. He has his own gym, and is working with such contenders as Prince Charles Martin. If you have not heard of Martin, you will, very soon. Big man, with a big punch, and a cool head. Don't look for Martin to get many shots unless fighters are forced to. He is for real.
Speaking of real, Mayweather-Berto is actually finally doing something that was not being done without Floyd choosing a dance partner... namely, forcing real fights at welterweight. We may actually get Pacquiao-Khan (a much more deserving fight for either man), and Brook-Bradley (an actual fight between titlists who are arguably in the top 3 of current welterweights. Forget the Haymon stable... Garcia and Thurman will not be matched until it is entirely unavoidable. Also, as they share a manager with the great Mayweather, meaning that even if a clear welterweight leader emerges in the next year, if it is not Khan, do not look for Floyd to face Bradley or Brook. Too risky, and not an in-house promotion. Therefore look for more over-the-hill former welterweight names to be dug up for the two of them to face until Floyd either fights one of them, or (for real, actually) retires.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
