Former world champion Sergio Mora thinks it is embarrassing for boxing that Jermall Charlo continues to take easier fights than Demetrius Andrade.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has often spoken of his frustration when it comes to getting fellow champions to face Andrade, and more generally he is concerned that celebrity boxing matches will overtake the traditional fights if champions continue to duck other belt holders.
Mora agreed, and dismissed the sporting appeal of Charlo taking on a relative unknown in Juan Macias Montiel.
Speaking to Chris Mannix on JABS as part of the DAZN Boxing Show, Mora said: “Montiel, I had to look him up myself.
“Other than this fight with [James] Kirkland when he knocked out the feted Kirkland, I don’t know anything about him.
“How are you not going to pay attention to a former US Olympian, a two-division champion, undefeated? How are you going to compare Montiel to an undefeated champion?
“Between champions not fighting each other, and fighting guys like this, it’s a bad look for boxing. It’s a shame, and it’s embarrassing.”
Mora thought he knew the reason Charlo continued to take fights where he was the heavy favourite.
“If I wanted to make a case for Charlo I can, as a former champion and a fighter,” he began.
“If I’m an undefeated champion and I’m getting paid zeros on my cheques, to face a zero, of course I’m going to continue doing that.
“Listen, Demetrius Andrade is not making a case for himself either. I know how good he is, and nobody wants to face him, because nobody wants to fight a 6’1” southpaw with experience. But for Charlo fighting these guys, it just doesn’t make sense - you’re a beast, a lion.”