Pitters Euro chance: Bidding war erupts
Shakan Pitters…matched with Dos Santos for European crown
INTERESTING – even surreal – inside developments on the Shakan Pitters European title front.
And it appears something of a bidding war has erupted over the Birmingham light-heavyweight’s clash with Daniel Blenda Dos Santos for the vacant belt.
In layman’s terms, a British promoter – and I can now confirm that promoter is GBM – put in a purse bid to stage the contest. That has now been matched – right down to the shillings and pence – by a company in France where Dos Santos is based.
That’s a new one on me. I’ve never known the purse bid process result in two identical offers for a fight.
It’s a stalemate. As I understand it, the process will now be repeated with only the two initial interested parties – GBM and French promotional outfit – allowed to lodge bids. They have a deadline of October 29.
They are invited to increase their initial offer. The best bid will win. It’s frustrating for both boxers, but at least they earn more money.
The development is a surprise. Until the late offer from abroad, I believed the bout was destined for Britain.
All Jon Pegg, manager of former British champ Pitters, had to say on the drama was: “I know GBM are determined to get the fight.”
The French appear equally determined.
I just hope it takes place, either here or on the continent, because I believe 35-year-old Pitters can win. And a win brings very big paydays.
Dos Santos, a 33-year-old dubbed The Panther, may have lost only one of 22, but he was cruelly exposed by Joshua Buatsi in 2021.
At Manchester Arena, Dos Santos was floored in the second, then sparked out by a right hand in the fourth. Frankly, he looked out of his depth.
He’s bounced back with six wins, although the opposition has been undemanding.
Pitters gained the British title in his 14th contest, barely losing a round on the way, by widely outpointing Chad Sugden.
But Craig Richards stalled Shak’s rise, scoring a stoppage in the champ’s first defence of his British title. Since then, his Eastside team have found it hard to secure meaningful fights.
Pitter was outpointed by Dan Azeez in a 2022 bid to reclaim the Lonsdale Belt and last fought 11 months ago at The Excelsior Sporting Club, Cannock. He has lost only two of 21.
He has the textbook skills to tame Dos Santos. He has the pedigree.
Pegg said: “Dos Santos is a tall, well-schooled guy with decent power who comes out throwing big punches. If he wins, this puts Shak back in the mix for everything.”
Unfortunately, for Shak, the wait for everything has been lengthened.