Some militant groups have recently criticized sanctions fees, arguing that organizations are taking too much of a cut from their wallets. Fundora sees it differently. In his view, the belt itself is what creates the payout.

“Titles bring money. That’s a fact,” Fundora told Lalosboxing. “You can be an ordinary fighter fighting a 10-round fight and get, I heard some people get paid $10,000 for a 10-round fight. It’s kind of unhappy because it’s a lot of work.”

Sebastian pointed out how quickly those numbers change when a championship belt becomes part of the equation.

“But if you put a belt on it, these guys are getting six-figures now,” he said. “Now they get million-dollar fights.”

Sanctioning bodies typically take a percentage of a fighter’s purse for title fights. The system has long been part of boxing’s business model, but has recently gained novel scrutiny as several high-profile fighters have questioned the validity of the fees charged.

Fundora admitted that the fighters are punished in the ring, but he believes that the financial compromise still favors the champions.

“Obviously everyone wants to hold the cookies because you’re taking punches and it’s a demanding sport,” Fundora said. “But it’s a business. They want their check. They want their share.”

The high master said that the interest itself was not excessive compared to the financial possibilities that the title could bring.

“Three percent is not bad,” Sebastian said. “This is boxing.”

Fundora will defend his WBC title against Keith Thurman on March 28. This fight puts the belt in the spotlight. An exact scenario that he says proves his point about the value that champion status brings to players’ careers.

The experienced trainer didn’t discount Opetai’s ability, but suggested the undefeated cruiserweight has some growth left before he faces some of the most established fighters in the division.

“Opetaia, I think he gets hurt in every fight he fights,” Benavidez Sr. said to Sean Zittel. “He gets injured fighting unknown fighters. I think he needs a little more experience.”

IBF champion Opetaia is viewed by fans as a top contender in the gaunt cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already over 30 years aged, remain the most significant victories in his history.

Still, Benavidez Sr. believes other champions pose more stern challenges at the moment.

“I think Beterbiev, Bivol and Ramirez are more risky than Opetaia,” Jose senior said. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter. He’ll be a great fighter. But right now he doesn’t have the experience that David has.”

Benavidez Sr. also pointed to Ramirez as his closest focus, given the Mexican player’s experience and position in the sport. Gilberto already held the super middleweight title before moving up in weight and becoming the cruiserweight champion again.

Benavidez is expected to challenge Zurdo in a cruiserweight fight, which his father sees as a prime opportunity to prove that his son can successfully compete at lithe heavyweight. Jose Sr. expects his son to look impressive in this fight.

“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. said when asked about the possibility of winning after the stoppage. “I think he’ll keep it ninth or tenth. David can’t just win the fight. He has to look spectacular to be in the bigger fights.”

While Opetaia remains a potential future opponent, depending on the development of the cruiserweight division, Benavidez Sr suggested the Australian champion needs even more time and experience before being considered the most risky challenge available to his son.

Keyshawn Davis is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing fighters in boxing, and it’s not just the fans who have impressed him.

The 27-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia has 14 fights in his professional career and remains undefeated. He briefly held the WBO lightweight title after defeating Denys Berinchyk, but lost the belt at weight before his first defense was canceled. With some issues outside the ring sorted out and his weight boost, it’s demanding to imagine anything or anyone stopping his growth any time soon.

While Keyshawn’s athleticism and boxing IQ are evident, he also gained fans for completing clinical events. One man who can prove his strength is rising heavyweight contender Richard Torrez Jr.

Both Torrez and Davis won silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – which were held in 2021 due to the COVID19 pandemic – and were snapped up by Top Rank shortly thereafter to begin their professional campaigns.

Interview with Fight Hub TVTorrez thought back to his Team USA days and remembered sparring with “The Businessman.”

“I sparred with Keyshawn Davis. I tell you what, I go demanding on Keyshawn, man, because Keyshawn is tough.

“People say, ‘Oh, Richard, why do you work so demanding in the lighter weight classes?’ Keyshawn punches like a heavyweight, man. I don’t take him lightly… When we sparred among the amateurs, we cracked up. I’ll get back to you. Just because I’m a heavyweight doesn’t mean anything, you’re at the level of a world champion, we’ll spar.”

Davis became the first man to stop the crafty and persistent Jamaine Ortiz in January. That was his debut at 140 pounds, but he has since confirmed that he will likely move straight up to 147 pounds for his next fight, focusing on fighters like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. According to Torrez, his power will work well.

As for the heavyweight contender, his IBF final elimination against Frank Sanchez was recently postponed due to the Cuban’s injury. Torrez will want to reschedule the fight as soon as possible, especially since the belt currently held by Oleksandr Usyk may become vacant soon.