Throughout history, boxing has constantly found itself at odds with its own existence, serving as its toughest adversary. Rather than effectively promoting itself, the sport often falls victim to self-inflicted damage.
By now, you’re familiar with the routine – the top contenders skillfully dodging responsibility, engaging in a blame game reminiscent of the Spiderman pointing at Spiderman meme. The anticipated showdown between [insert name] was practically inevitable, if not for the interference of the other fighter, their promoter, the TV network, and various demands.
In our sport, it is unique that world champions frequently achieve the highest level and remain there by opting for the easiest path, carefully navigating a career of evading challenges.
Rival promoters have traditionally had a more strained relationship than recently divorced individuals. The greatest boxing matches were mere figments of imagination, lacking any connection to reality, discussed clandestinely in online forums by individuals who should possess better judgment.
However, the power of money, represented by numerous dollar bills, has the ability to unlock even the most securely locked doors. With Saudi Arabia’s interest and investment in boxing, the long-awaited and highly anticipated fights can now become a reality. Turki Alalshikh, acclaimed as ‘His Excellency’, has introduced a revolutionary idea where the top fighters can compete against each other without the tedious process of prolonged negotiations and finger-pointing. This breakthrough has significantly impacted the world of boxing.
Just two weeks after the highly anticipated match between heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on May 18, the sport will present perhaps the most impressive boxing event in recent memory at the same venue. This is not an exaggeration or wishful thinking; you won’t suddenly wake up at Oldham Leisure Centre and realize it was all a dream. Boxing is now delivering incredible events after facing many setbacks.
It can be argued that there is no boxing match more thrilling than when the knockout specialist Artur Beterbiev goes up against the skilled craftsman Dmitry Bivol. This highly anticipated showdown was recently confirmed at an extravagant event held at the HERE venue in central London’s Tottenham Court Road. As Monday afternoon blended into Monday evening, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. (Good luck trying to find the HERE venue and asking for directions next time you visit the capital city, it’s quite the challenge!)
Yet that undisputed clash of 175lbs titans, with a new garish belt in tow, came with boxing’s ‘unicorn’ attached – a bona fide ‘stacked’ undercard, not a few 75-25 match-ups dressed up as such. After years of meh undercards packaged as mega events, the Matchroom vs Queensberry 5 vs 5 event brings a fascinating team format to pro boxing with a quintet of genuine 50-50ish clashes laced with intrigue.
In Bulgaria, a stunning video promo was filmed with a touch of randomness, featuring the 5 vs 5 protagonists depicted as extraordinary playing cards with gangster aliases reminiscent of an early Guy Ritchie film. I found myself particularly captivated by the fierce showdown between ‘The Butcher’ Nick Ball and ‘The Jeweller’ Raymond Ford.
Hamzah Sheeraz, the middleweight fighter representing Queensberry, was selected by Frank Warren as the team captain. If Sheeraz could defeat Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams from Matchroom, he would earn double points for his team. Surprisingly, Deontay Wilder, who usually fights for Matchroom, was chosen by Eddie Hearn as the captain to face the formidable Chinese boxer Zhilei Zhang. It’s worth noting that if Zhang had fought Johnny Fisher from Matchroom, Fisher’s father, known for his love of fast food, might have been jokingly told, “You won’t be able to finish this big Chinese opponent.” This missed opportunity could have been a clever promotional tactic.
In another exciting matchup, the revitalized Daniel Dubois from Queensberry will face off against the undefeated Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic from Matchroom in a highly competitive heavyweight bout. Additionally, the newly crowned WBA 126lbs champion, Ford from Matchroom, will go head-to-head with the relentless and recently fought WBC title contender Ball from Queensberry. Adding to the mix, former WBA 175lbs title challenger Craig Richards from Matchroom will take on former World Amateur (Youth) champion Willy Hutchinson from Queensberry. It is hard to predict the outcome of these fights as the sport of boxing often presents unexpected results, despite the usual presence of clear favorites.
During an impromptu poll conducted among the fight figures present at the event, there was an interesting and balanced division of opinions. However, this observer tends to favor Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, particularly due to the potentially decisive choice of Sheeraz as captain in the final evaluation.
Boxing as we once knew it no longer exists. A whole new era has emerged, and it’s time to embrace and appreciate it for as long as it endures.
By Mark Butcher @KOWriting
