By Gav Duthie: When I caught a sneak peak at the headline Matchroom and Top Rank join forces I was excited. I thought maybe he has signed up Kell Brook for a three fight deal against Rios, Pacquaio and Bradley? Perhaps Chavez Jnr v Carl Froch is close to completion?
Unfortunately not, both wrong. Carl Moretti and Top Rank have joined forces with Matchroom to discuss opportunities for American Super Bantamweight Chris Avalos 24-2 (18) in the UK sector. Quite uninspiring news really but it did get me thinking. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said of the venture: (Courtesy of sky sports)
“There are lucrative opportunities for Chris Avalos within the division particularly on this side of the pond”.
“We’ll be working closely with Carl Moretti and Top Rank on Chris’ challenge for the IBF title”.
Frampton v Quigg
My question is why is Hearn getting involved and what do they need him for. Avalos is in a strong position as mandatory challenger with the IBF and Frampton is going to get 90 days to fight him so the management seems pretty straight forward, no?
My thoughts are that Hearn could be stepping in simply to get Avalos out of the way. Obviously after Matchroom delivered Froch v Groves at Wembley stadium Hearn is focused on producing another massive UK showdown like Brook-Khan or Frampton-Quigg. This is only my opinion but I think Hearn may be looking to steer Avalos in another direction paving the way for a big UK showdown in Belfast or Manchester between Quigg and Frampton. Avalos would have to be financially compensated of course and Hearn will probably guarantee a fight against the winner. I just think he is going to go all out to make this happen and Avalos is too dangerous to get in the way.
I don’t see it going the other way because I don’t see how Hearn can help get Avalos the title shot anyway. Eddie Hearn already promoted Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton but the relationship ended sourly because he didn’t want to share management responsibilities with Barry McGuigan. As a result Frampton is now managed by McGuigan but under the umbrella of Frank Warren and BoxNation. Basically too cut a long story short Eddie Hearn is as much use as a chocolate watch in getting Avalos a shot against Frampton.
I can understand them not wanting to miss out on the potential money spinner but its not exactly a wonder fight if Frampton can’t beat Avalos.
Frampton v Quigg prediction
If the fight does happen I would back ‘The Jackal’ all the way. I like Quigg, he is powerful and accurate but he has quite a slow tempo and can let a quality fighter dominate with the jab. This is what happened against Salinas and it should be noted that the Cuban was recently knocked out by a journeyman in only 5 rounds. Quigg was lucky to get a draw that night but he would be outworked by Frampton and the Irishman has a solid chin.
Frampton v Quigg might be the biggest money fight but if he can get past Avalos and Quigg I would like to see him fight Rigondeaux before its too late.
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