I highly doubt top rank had any say in this decision. This was an ESPN move. They've been doing mass layoffs across all sports fields. Laying off analysts who've been there 30 years. That's what makes it even more surprising considering ESPN has used ward for other sports programming outside of boxing. Tim never got that kind of respect at the network.
If anything, this actually makes me believe top rank's future at espn is coming to an end soon. ESPN will most likely do like HBO and get out the boxing game entirely. It's just not profitable for them and all the big names are with PBC now.
I believe Top Rank would have loved to keep both Ward and Bradley, but if they are put into a position where they have to choose, they're definitely choosing Bradley. Relationships definitely matter. We are talking about a guy that has damn near a 20 year relationship with the promotional company. You're seriously going to overlook this just because you think one guy is "better" then the other?
I am very aware that ESPN has had mass layoffs. I am probably a little more famaliar with Disney and the television industry in general. ESPN and Top Rank have a partnership. You are vey foolish if you believe Top Rank has absolutely no type of influence on who commentates their product. Once ESPN and Top Rank came to an agreement, they got Teddy out of there, and he had been with ESPN for over 20 years. Arum did not want him a part of his product.
I am not disputing that Ward has way more potential than Bradley. I truly believe he can be a valuable asset and should have had an expanded role. However, he was not going to be retained over Bradley.
Let's say if Ward were with PBC, and he was working with Keith Thurman. One of these guys must go, who do you think is going to be retained?
It's part of the value of being with that promotional company. They can show fighters that "hey, life after boxing we look after our guys."
I am definitely not going back and forth with you over this. However, I think you should reevaluate what you're saying. You truly don't think a world class promotional company like Top Rank had no say in keeping Bradley over Ward? It makes more wonder do you have any corporate experience whatsoever?
Haney took the short money and conceded to damn near everything Kambosas wanted. Since Haney got all the belts take that 25% and then u beat him and be the king. He literally bringing less to the table than Haney did when he was with Kambosas.
