Jose Canseco’s first-round knockout loss at the hands of Barstool Sports’ “Billy Football” last night (Fri., Feb. 5, 2021) at ‘“Rough N’ Rowdy” 13 may not have been what it seemed.
After seeing Canseco go down from a small barrage of punches in the corner of the boxing ring just 10 seconds into the first round, chatter began to surface around social media. Did the former MLB star take an early dive?
Those questioning the legitimacy of the boxing match were joined by Barstool Sports founder and promoter, David Portnoy, who took to social media after the fight to express his own frustration. Portnoy revealed the company paid Canseco half of his money up front with the guarantee of doubling it if he wins, but that didn’t seem to motivate the 56-year-old Canseco enough.
Jose 100% took a dive. We paid half up front and he got double if he won. We thought that would ensure he’d fight. We were wrong.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) February 6, 2021
“Jose 100% took a dive. We paid half up front and he got double if he won. We thought that would ensure he’d fight. We were wrong.”
In addition to Portnoy’s public outcry, Barstool Sportsbook revealed after the fight that they were voiding any bets placed on Canseco. Those bets placed on “Billy Football” were still honored.
We have already voided all bets on Jose Canceso at RnR 13. All wagers on Billy Football will be graded a win.
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) February 6, 2021
“We have already voided all bets on Jose Canceso at RnR 13. All wagers on Billy Football will be graded a win.”
Canseco isn’t the must trustworthy athlete to begin with — given his long history with performance-enhancing drug use — so fight fans shouldn’t be too surprised that something like this could happen. It’s mere speculation at this point in time, but if the promoter of the event is calling him out then there has to be some validity to it.
What do you think, fight fans? Did Canseco take a dive at “Rough N’ Rowdy” 13?
Let’s hear it!