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LAS VEGAS – OCTOBER 29: Boxing promoter Bob Arum speaks at a get-out-the-vote rally in support of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) at Orr Middle School on the last day of early voting October 29, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recent polls show Reid, who is seeking his fifth term, four points behind Republican challenger Sharron Angle. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS – OCTOBER 29: Boxing promoter Bob Arum speaks at a get-out-the-vote rally in support of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) at Orr Middle School on the last day of early voting October 29, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recent polls show Reid, who is seeking his fifth term, four points behind Republican challenger Sharron Angle. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Unified light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev is all set to battle Callum Smith for a WBC-mandated title defense. Meanwhile, it was recently reported that his co-promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Boxing won the prize bid for the fight. Matchroom boss, Eddie Hearn, was the co-bidder at this purse bid at Guadalajara, Mexico. And, is said to have lost out on the offer by a very small margin.
As announced by the WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, Top Rank’s bid stood at $2,115,000. Which was, in fact, only $15,000 lower than Matchroom’s $2,100,000 offer.
In accordance with WBC’s rules, Beterbiev is entitled to 70 percent (of 90 percent) of the winning bid as the defending champion. While Callum is entitled to 30 percent. Notably, this leaves the fighters with purses of $1,332,450 and $571,050, respectively. The remaining 10 percent of the winning bid ($211,500) will go to the winner of the fight.
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Beterbiev was initially set to face Dmitry Bivol for an undisputed showdown. However, he was blacklisted due to the ongoing crisis in his country. Speaking about the same, Sulaiman cemented his decision to make Beterbiev fight his mandatory, Smith. And also added that he will not be sanctioning a title fight involving Bivol.
Fans react to Top Rank winning the bid for Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith
The news of Top Rank Boxing winning the bid undoubtedly surprised both the boxing fraternity and fans. In fact, boxer Sunny Edwards joined fans in addressing their doubts about the bid.
Seems a bit dodgy that difference. We’re TR given a tip off of what to bid?
— Peter Adam (@petera1872) May 2, 2023
That’s dodgy, bobs clearly given a backhander to find out what Hearn bid
— Jack Endean (@jackendean11) May 2, 2023
A few fans were quick to point out that the winning bid seemed a bit too ‘dodgy’.
Someone had a peak into the closed envelopes before they put their bid in 👀 https://t.co/h2Mvo7b8qv
— Not Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) May 2, 2023
Edwards was surprised by the small margin with which Top Rank won the bout. And even mentioned that someone might have peeked into the envelopes.
@BoxeoPats @EverythingBoxi2 matchroom taking nonstop Ls when it comes to purse bids for meaningful fights
— notkrasi (@HellJumper109) May 2, 2023
MatchRoom/Hearn don't win purse bids they always look the negotiate for there own pockets it's never about getting the fighter home advantage like Anthony yarde against Beterbiev I'll say one thing about Warren he always trys to get home advantage for his fighter.
— $cott (@srobbins174) May 2, 2023
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Meanwhile, a user stated that Matchroom was constantly losing the purse bids for major fights. On the other hand, user Scott Robbins added that Matchroom only negotiated for their personal gain. And, never considered giving fighters the home advantage.
Hearn about to come out teeling everyone $2.1m was the true value of the fight n Top Rank have massively overpaid with that extra 15k.
— Andrew Minett (@AndrewMinett1) May 2, 2023
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However, another user made it a point to take a slight dig at Hearn. Moreover, he mentioned that Hearn might potentially announce that Top Rank is overpaying. What are your thoughts on Top Rank winning the bid? Let us know in the comments below.
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