Brad Goodman Q&A
The Boxing Source caught up with Brad Goodman, the Hall of Fame matchmaker for Top Rank. We had a series of questions for him about various topics in boxing that involve Top Rank fighters and other hot topics in the sport.
1. What were your thoughts about Cinco De Mayo weekend? First with the Times Square card, then the Riyadh card, and last the Inoue-Cardenas card.
I think the Inoue show saved the weekend. The two other shows definitely didn’t live up to our expectations.
2. What is your current candidate for fight of the year?
There’s been so many so far and we’re not even in the second half of the year yet. I’d say Eubank-Benn, Inoue-Cardenas, and Cruz-Fierro.
3. Thoughts on the Navarrete-Suarez fight?
I believe it was definitely a punch that caused the cut. Navarrete was lucky because Suarez had all the momentum going into those last couple rounds.
4. You stated that Rohan Polanco was one of the fighters that you were excited about. He had a good showing against Fabian Maidana on that May 4th card. Do you see him making moves in the welterweight division later this year?
Rohan will be fighting on our July 26 show which is the last one as our ESPN deal comes to an end. I’m trying to to get Nicholas Flaz or Blair Cobbs for him.
5. How excited are you about the Davis Brothers fighting in Norfolk on June 7th? Keyshawn has a big fight with De Los Santos, Kelvin will be fighting Nahir Albright, and Keon will have a fight lined up if not already.
I’m very excited because I think it’s a rarity for a guy like Keyshawn to pack out a whole arena when he doesn’t have that many fights. Kelvin was the one that asked for the Albright fight and he’s very confident he’ll get that W. Keon Davis will be fighting Michael Velez-Garcia.
6. Do you still see Abdullah Mason fighting two times after June?
Abdullah will definitely fight two more times after June 7th.
7. Anything on Xander Zayas and his world title opportunity?
Zayas will face Jorge Garcia Perez on July 26th.
8. Thoughts on Muratalla and the IBF lightweight title situation? It seems like Lomachenko will retire.
My feeling is the same about Loma. Muratalla is a very good fighter and has great skills. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because his personality is not outlandish. There’s nothing wrong with that. I like guys that do their talking in the ring.
9. What is a fight on the June 21st card other than the main event that you are looking forward to?
Without question it is the Jahi Tucker v Truck Simpson fight.
10. What are your thoughts about Canelo vs Crawford?
Very tough task, but if there’s anyone that can do it, it’s definitely Crawford. He’s a winner and he believes in himself. He’s special and I believe he wins the fight.
11. Anything planned for Bruce Carrington? There will be some news on the WBC champion soon, so I wonder if there could be something in the works for Carrington in the near future.
We’re trying to get Carrington an interim title because none of the champs or even the top contenders want anything to do with him.
12. Thoughts on Deric “Scooter” Davis? He is also on the June 7th card in Norfolk…
Deric has a very bright future and he’s in great hands with my dear friend Barry Hunter. I was so impressed with his last performance, i immediately called Barry and told him I’d love to have him on the VA card.
