A boxing re-match between arch rivals Danny Green and Anthony Mundine is back on the cards, but whether the long-anticipated fight will actually go ahead remains up in the air.
Green has been desperate to avenge his 2006 loss to Mundine, even coming out of retirement in 2009 to take up the offer of a re-match.
Negotiations swiftly broke down and the difference in weight between the men has proved to be a continual stumbling block.
In 2006, Green struggled to make the super-middleweight limit of 76.2kg in his points loss.
The pair have gone in drastically different directions since then, Mundine dropping to the light-middleweight limit (69.9kg) and Green moving up to cruiserweight (90.7kg).
Despite the difference in body mass, the pair have re-ignited talk of a re-match in recent days, with Mundine even declaring he would contemplate conceding 10kg to ensure the fight goes ahead.
“Choc has come out and said that he’s been chasing the big fights, and he’s finally come to his senses and realised the biggest fight anywhere in the world is right here in his backyard in Australia against myself,” Green said on Friday.
“He’s also said he’s prepared to give away 10 kilograms to make this fight happen to prove he’s the best.
“I’m just saying, if you want to put on the biggest fight this country has ever seen, if you want to back your mouth up, then I’m here and I’m ready to go.”
Green has tasted euphoric highs and devastating lows since coming out of retirement three years ago.
In 2009, Green was on top of the world after retaining his IBO cruiserweight world title with a first-round knockout of legendary American Roy Jones Jr in Sydney.
But consecutive losses to Antonio Tarver and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk has left some critics questioning whether Green should retire.
Mundine, who recently opted against taking on WBA champion Austin Trout, has struggled in his bid to crack the lucrative American market.
Stanley Bridge
Guest
Stanley Bridge
Guest
It's got nothing to do with boxing for Green. He just misses the media and public attention. Poor old pug has turned into a media tart. Look out for him on Celebrity Apprentice next.
Mals
Guest
In 5 years time Geale's record will be better than both Mundine's & Green's.
Mals
Guest
This!
Tuapou
Guest
Green would win this one ... and probably by KO. And that would be the end of mundine because i doubt he would risk another re-match where he would again lose. Then the history books would say that green was the better ozzy fighter of his generation- geale doesn't count due to his age and lack of much titles or fights.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
I reckon 3 years ago, I would have been genuinely excited... maybe even 2 years ago too. But now, it just looks like a money grab. Sorry gents, you had your chance to be relevant in a sport struggling to be just that.
jazz
Guest
Both of these guys had the opportunity to genuinely step up in their careers. When they did they were both found wanting (eg. Mundine vs Kessler, Green vs Tarver). Then they reverted back to fighting ordinary fighters in Australia just to pad their records and their bank accounts (Green vs Briggs?!! Mundine vs Lester Ellis??!!). Now they want to have another fight with each other??!!!! Cynical exercise that would mean nothing. They already fought each other at their peak, and Mundine won fair and square. Simple. The weight excuse has been around for Green ever since (and gets louder each year), but anyone who follows boxing knows that every fighter has an excuse for his losses (Eg. think Jones Jr and the' hand wraps' excuse when Green TKO'd him). The fact is that both guys were good fighters (but certainly not great), who should finish up and let the spotlight go to some of the other fighters in Aus (following Danny Geale would be a start). I say dont encourage them by watching this crap (if it happens). Otherwise, we'll end up with another Fenech/Nelson III farce with Green and Mundine coming out of the retirement village dribbling over their zimmer frames just to push each other around for the umpteenth time for another cynical pay day.
Pete
Guest
If there is anything more boring than Green, then it is Mundine, a real nonentity. Is there anyone left stupid enough to pay good money to see Mundine between the ropes?
steve b
Guest
Giving away ten kilos is grazy, it will prove nothing if mundine losses the Mundine backers will say he lost because of the weight the fight has to be at the same weight or it will prove nothing . .Mundine and Green need to really think about this it could mean the total end of any cred they once had with the boxing public , if they turn it into a circus . Same weight or no fight and in neutral territory if promoted right this could , with some descent fighters on the undercard be the promotion of the year .