Refusing a tune-up comes across as lazy, but it also reveals concern. A preliminary fight brings the possibility of losing before reaching the lucrative Eubank rematch. Jumping directly into the main event secures the money before anyone ruins the plan.
There is no interest in working toward championship contention or testing himself against younger fighters near the top of the division.
“My goal is not to come in and go, ‘Right, I’m back in the game. I want to be a world champion.’ I’m living in reality. The only person I would really come out for is clearly a Eubank fight. That is about it because I know I
