Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack: More kissing of the ring, Pacquiao-Barrios, Ring III, and (this time for sure?) the death of PBC

Hello boxing fans and dedicated haters. Here’s another week’s worth of my bulbous sack, bulging with gooey, salty truth, in your face. Enjoy. This week, we have comments/questions regarding Turki/Beterbiev/Bivol, the Ring III card, Pacquiao-Barrios, and the (for sure?) end of PBC.

…If Turki says so?

Sometime last week, I read that Bivol and Beterbiev asked Turki permission to fight in their own hometown of Russia. Turki gave his blessing to it…lol. I found this to be utterly ridiculous and a straight act of subservience on Bivol/Beterbiev’s part. If they wanted to fight in Russia I believe the money would manifest without Turki being involved. It reminds of the time when Hearn said that AJ/Dubios wasn’t possible without Turki’s money. Lol. But I guess this what it comes to. Thoughts?

– Big Rob

Hey Big Rob.

But then Beterbiev released a statement saying that he has no idea what’s happening with that third fight, sounding very much like he’s working under the impression that Bivol is not wanting the fight. So, who knows what the hell is happening.

But this subservience to Turki is a very real thing. It’s made me lose even more respect for some of these boxing people. I get it, though. Especially when it comes to the promoters.

When Hearn says something like “this fight wouldn’t have happened without Turki Alalshikh,” what he’s really saying is this: “Turki’s money going directly into my pocket means that I don’t have to worry about this event turning a profit because I’m already getting my bag.”

This is, of course, a terrible business habit to cultivate if you plan on still being in business after Turki and the Saudis eventually abandon boxing.

Ring III

Hi Paul.

Any thoughts on this weekend’s Turki/Ring Magazine card? I got Shakur taking a decision over Zepeda and Berlanga stopping Hamzah in the two main events. How about you?

– Boxing Ray

Hey Ray.

My primary thought is that people should invest in a Firestick and/or a good VPN for protection when visiting certain streaming sites. Remember, as we’ve been told repeatedly, the Saudis don’t care about losing money and Turki’s just in boxing to help the sport as a fan. So, do what you gotta do to see the PPV free– the first of three Turki/Saudi/DAZN PPVs in a five-week span– without guilt.

My secondary thought is how bullshit it is for a supposed journalistic entity to be sponsoring events that it will then turn around and cover as if they were a news outlet.

As for the fights?

I think Shakur will make Zepeda look very bad in a one-way unanimous decision, adding to a long history of skilled boxers making over-regarded offensive beasts look painfully pedestrian.

My greatest wish for Berlanga-Sheeraz is that it somehow ends in a double knockout. But, if I had to choose a winner, I just can’t see Turki pet project and designated Muslim face of Saudi boxing, Sheeraz, being denied another big win. In Sheeraz’s fight with Carlos Adames, Turki worked hard to turn a decisive loss to a win, but ultimately had to settle for a draw. That ain’t happening again. Berlanga will have to knock this guy out twice to get a draw.

Pacquiao-Barrios

Hey Magno.

I know I probably shouldn’t care about a Manny Pacquiao comeback, but I find it hard not to. He’s a legend and this is a legendary thing he’s trying to do, even if it’s “just” Mario Barrios. Are you getting that “big deal” vibe, too? Maybe it’s just me. Also, do you see this as a one-off thing or could there be another comeback fight for Manny if he wins this one?

– George T.

Hey George.

The only thing I’m feeling is gratitude that we get to have a night of boxing NOT sponsored by a murderous monarchy.

This Pacquiao-Barrios fight is what it is– a cash grab. And that’s okay. Let’s just not pretend that it’s anything other than a retired legend– four years after a one-sided loss and at least 15 years removed from being even remotely near his prime– matching himself up against the perceived weakest champion in his weight class. There’s novelty value there and a good helping of nostalgia, but that’s it. Win or lose, Pacquiao’s not going to keep fighting, unless he can find another payday against another reasonably safe opponent.

I will say, though, that the undercard is solid. Maybe a year ago and/or in better PBC times, Fundora-Tszyu 2 would’ve been the main event of a pay-per-view show and not the co-feature.

Final nail in PBC coffin?

Hey Magno.

Looks like this is finally the end for PBC, no? Benavidez going over to Turki has to be the death blow. Tank Davis going MIA is a second death blow. After this Pacquiao card, they have nothing on the schedule and no prospects for a next big fight. RIP.

– Luis

Hey Luis.

Things certainly don’t look good for them. Their last real lifeline to big-time events is Tank Davis and he seems to be wildly disinterested in fighting [Editor’s Note: He also has another domestic violence charge brewing]. Their Pacquiao-Barrios show is starting to look like a temporary stay of execution– and I have my serious doubts as to how well that show will sell. Like I said, it doesn’t look good. David Benavidez moving to Turki and falling into the light heavyweight loop waiting on Bivol-Beterbiev 3 is a significant loss and a disappointing one for PBC since they put in a lot of time and effort in building him into a PPV name. Oh well. After ten years of predicting their demise, the serial PBC critics and culture war weirdos might finally get to piss on PBC’s grave. You just can’t compete with a rival company that has a seemingly endless budget, a willingness to hemorrhage money, and no shame or fear of legal pushback when it comes to pilfering talent.

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.