By Chris Williams: You have to wonder whether the executives at HBO that call the shots as far as their boxing programming have a clue about the sport. The choice of HBO2 to televise flyweight Zou Shiming’s fight against Luis De La Rosa rather than Guillermo Rigondeaux’s fight against Sod Kokietgym was a curious one, because it suggests that HBO might have a tin ear when it comes to knowing who the hardcore boxing fans are interested in seeing on their network.

Rigondeaux’s fight ended up being televised by Unimas rather than HBO, while Shiming’s fight against De La Rosa gets televised. Shiming had a tough time against the 2nd tier opponent and won by scores – 99-91 – that didn’t match the actual fight. Rigondeaux destroyed his 1st tier opponent Kokietgym in one entertaining round.

Shiming, 33, has some fans in the U.S, but he’s someone that isn’t talked about in the same light as Rigondeaux and it’s very likely that he never will. Top Rank is trying their best just to get a world title for the soon to be 34-year-old Shiming, and there are major questions whether the two-time Olympic gold medalist is capable of winning a world title unless he’s matched against one of the more beatable flyweight champions.

Shiming’s chances of beating the best flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada are about zero, which is why Top Rank isn’t talking about wanting to steer him in that direction. In contrast, Rigondeaux is considered the best super bantamweight in the division, and he’s also most avoided fighter. There are no questions about whether he’s ever going to pan out, because he’s already made it and is recognized as the very best at 122.

10 pounds separates the 112 pound Shiming and 122 pound Rigondeaux from each other, which is much of a weight difference. If the two were to ever fight, the outcome would likely be similar to Rigondeaux’s 1st round knockout win over Kokietgym. Shiming would be out of his league in more ways than one. It’s not about weight though. It’s about talent. Rigondeaux is the far better fighter. This is why it’s funny how HBO televised Shimings’s fight but not Rigondeaux.