07-24-2016, 07:49 PM
The plan was for Izu to have a strong, get acquainted training camp with Parker after an 8 month layoff, half of them on Dancing with the Stars in Poland to get name recognition. The opponent was less important as long as Izu got ring time and the guys record was good. The first guy that was supposed to fight Izu was 11-0 but hadn't fought outside Africa, and with opponents with losing records. It ticked a number of boxes. It would be a re-introduction for Izu to boxing again, he'd be on the Parker undercard, and the opponents record would improve Izu's ranking in the WBO. Plus, he wouldn't be a dangerous opponent. Tick, tick, tick, and tick. AND, Stu had very little money to work with, as the main event took most of it.
Moving forward (as they say), Izu will begin to face increasingly serious, competitive opponents like Parker has, with the same pathway towards a mandatory. I think it's shrewd, clever matchmaking. We fans may not like it, because we pay $40 for a one-sided fight (in addition to the card), but Stu is certainly looking after his fighter.
Moving forward (as they say), Izu will begin to face increasingly serious, competitive opponents like Parker has, with the same pathway towards a mandatory. I think it's shrewd, clever matchmaking. We fans may not like it, because we pay $40 for a one-sided fight (in addition to the card), but Stu is certainly looking after his fighter.