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MAGNO'S BULGING MAIL SACK: BETERBIEV-BIVOL, BENAVIDEZ-MORRELL, TURKI TALK

By Paul Magno | October 10, 2024
MAGNO'S BULGING MAIL SACK: BETERBIEV-BIVOL, BENAVIDEZ-MORRELL, TURKI TALK

In this corner of the Universo Pugilistico, it's all about my sack-- my bulging, bulbous, aching sack-- and the gooey, salty truth contained within. So...sit back, close your eyes, pull back your hair, and get ready for this week's money shot of wisdom. This week we have comments/questions regarding Beterbiev-Bivol, Benavidez-Morrell, and Turki talk.

Cold Turki

Hi Paul.

Let´s see how sharp you are. Who is this guy? Hints:

- Has a very deep pocket

- Likes to feel the rules don't apply to him

- Normalizes violence against women (or men who they don´t like)

- Loves to buy friendships, no matter the cost

- Tries desperately to have social recognition

- Gets violent when someone doesn't agree with him 

Who might it be? 

The answer is: a Mexican cartel drug lord. Who did you think I was talking about? 

I know, I know. I could be better at being sarcastic. I just can't stop thinking about this analogy. It came to my mind after I read a piece from a guy in The Ring. By the way, I am a fan of a lot of boxing columnists -including you, my friend-  but this time I have a hard time reading that type of written opinions. He wrote: "The achievements of H.E. Turki Al Alshikh in the realm of boxing have been quite well documented in recent months". 

Really? Achievements? H.E.????? What's next? I won't be surprised if someone starts calling him "His Holiness". Good Lord. This is something to laugh and to cry about. Paul, I'm at a loss of words.

– Carlos, from Hermosillo, Mexico

Hey Carlos.

I actually thought you were talking about Donald Trump for a second. 

I always told people that the boxing world– and especially the boxing media– was full of sycophants, whores, and weak-kneed individuals. The rise of Turki Alalshikh and the Saudis spotlights everything I’ve been saying for all these years and compresses it into a diorama of general shittiness. It’s been nauseating to see the way some have jumped through hoops and are practically begging to lick Turki’s boots for a few bucks that may come their way. It’s been widely rumored that Ring Magazine is either being sold to the Saudis or being strongly peddled to them, so it’s no surprise to see a “We welcome our overlord” feature from them. The Ring, in general, has been pimped out and ethically hobbled so frequently in recent years that anyone savvy to their story already knows to expect nothing earnest from them. The rest of the media has been just as bad. Again, it’s nauseating. Have some self-respect, guys. 

I’d love to tell you that there will be a turning point where media– and boxing in general– finds a handful of scruples somewhere at the bottom of their pants pockets, but I’d be lying to you. There will be plenty of boxing people turning tricks for Turki and his people as long as money is still being thrown around. 

Beterbiev-Bivol Prediction

Hi Paul.

I can’t be the only one hitting you up for this, but who’s your pick for Beterbiev-Bivol? I got Beterbiev in eleven, but I’ve been back and forth a few times on this one. I can’t wait. So, who do you got and how will it go down?

– Dennis C.

Hey Dennis.

This is a good fight and an exciting fight. It’s also hard to pick a winner. I see multiple ways this one can turn out. Right now, though, I’m leaning towards Bivol to take a decision. While I appreciate Beterbeiv’s power, his persistence, and his own form of craftiness, I see that he’s also an older fighter with significant wear and tear on his body (especially, with a troubling meniscus injury in his recent past). He’ll have his moments, but I see Bivol being smart by boxing from the outside, using his legs, and avoiding any major mistakes that could allow for Beterbiev to get back into the fight. Bivol has zero ego when it comes to picking his way to a safe, controlled points win and I don’t think Beterbiev will have the legs to force his will on a calculated, focused Bivol.

Benavidez vs. Morrell: Early Thoughts

Magno.

I just read that David Benavidez for David Morrell will actually be happening after all. What a great fight and how often do undefeated 20-something contenders actually choose to fight one another? You got to give both sides credit for taking a risky fight like this. What do you think about this fight and how do you see it going down?

– Clyde

Hey Clyde. 

It’s a brilliant fight and one I’ve been hoping for (and doubting would happen) for years already. This is precisely the kind of fight both need to be taking at this point and the winner should step up nicely to the winner of the upcoming Beterbiev-Bivol light heavyweight unification. 

As for how it’ll go down? Right now, I lean towards Benavidez via points. He’s got the edge in high-end pro experience and should come into this kind of bout more poised. Morrell has never faced anyone even remotely as good or as focused as Benavidez and I think the pressure Benavidez applies will stifle a lot of what makes Morrell so good against everyone else. 

Got a question (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The best of the best gets included in the weekly mailbag segment right here at FightHype. Send your stuff here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.

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