Once-beaten heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman was preparing to take on Bowie Tupou as part of the ESPN2 boxing special emanating from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on November 8th. However, Kauffman received word that the network would not approve of the bout, which forced its cancellation.
“All I heard was ESPN wouldn’t accept the fight, which makes no sense,” Kauffman told 15rounds.com. “We are both top contenders with winning records and it would have made for a great heavyweight fight.” Kauffman (20-1, 16 KOs) of Reading, Pennsylvania knows something about making good TV fights, as the last time he fought on national television he lost a somewhat controversial thriller to Tony Grano on Showtime in 2008. “I offered lucky ass Tony Grano a rematch many of times, and to top it off I offered to give him my purse, which he also turned down,” says Kauffman. “Well that offer is out the door, but I’m still willing to rematch his sorry ass if he wants. It was the best heavyweight fight of ’09, so why not make another great fight for 2010?”
Outside of a rematch against Grano, Kauffman would love to get into the ring with one of the more recognizable faces of the heavyweight division. “I need a bigger name and I would love to fight Chris Arreola for his comeback fight, maybe in the main event on ESPN or Shobox,” said Kauffman, who has sparred Arreola in the past. “I know that it will be an awesome fight. We are both friends, but this is a business and I know I’m the better fighter.”
Recently, a 6’7” British heavyweight made his U.S. television debut, and Kauffman has added his name to the hit list. “I’d also love to fight that big ugly rudiment Tyson Fury, but the big boy has to come to the States, unless they want to double my pay in England,” said Kauffman. “Look I’m not one to talk shit, but I’m tired of beating C-level fighters. I want nothing but big names.”
Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.
