By Matt Christie, Editor of Boxing News
Working at Boxing News has been the ultimate privilege, whether I’m sitting ringside at a world heavyweight title fight, immersing myself in the musty archives, interviewing a real-life superhero, or even engaging in disagreements with promoters.
I am filled with a deep sense of sorrow as I pen down these words for the last time as the editor. It is an incredibly challenging task to write this final column for my beloved BN, even with careful thought and reflection. It feels like being unexpectedly given a microphone in front of a room full of eager faces. The right words elude me, although they reside within me, desperately vying for attention.
Since its inception 115 years ago, I have held a deep admiration for everything that Boxing News represents. I firmly believe that its importance remains unaltered in today’s world, for essentially the same reasons it was deemed vital back then. It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell, acknowledging that it is now time for me to move on. I extend my best wishes to those who have assumed control and hope for a prosperous future.
Becoming an editor for BN, after writing for them, was the realization of childhood dreams. As a shy 10-year-old, I would spend countless hours crafting my own boxing magazines in A4 notebooks, and looking back, I am filled with awe at how far I have come. I take immense pride in my journey. However, it would be an exaggeration to claim that I loved every moment in this job, as that would be overly sentimental.
Throughout my time in the chair, I have strongly believed in the significant role of BN in the sport. It is our responsibility to celebrate boxing’s greatest triumphs and to serve as a moral compass, distinguishing between right and wrong. Admittedly, I may have sometimes taken this role too literally, but I have no regrets for my efforts to make a positive impact. However, tirelessly advocating for the sport while also exposing its flaws has occasionally taken a toll on me, especially when the thankless nature of the position became more apparent than ever before.
I firmly believe that boxing, which I consider to be the most honorable and thrilling sport, has the potential to be second only to football in terms of popularity. The key to achieving this lies in the cooperation of those in power, with the goal of furthering the sport. Looking ahead to 2024, there is a positive outlook for boxing in this regard, which hasn’t been seen in a long time. However, it’s important to remember that complete satisfaction is unattainable in any aspect of life, and boxing, like any other sport, will always have its share of misconduct. It is crucial for us to challenge the traditional norms of boxing for the greater good, while also highlighting the incredible aspects of this sport. This should always be an integral part of our approach at BN.
Although I have been accused of excessive negativity, a reflection upon our accomplishments during my tenure as editor reveals the significant progress we have made and the challenges we have faced. I am certain that those who possess wisdom will comprehend why a few pages dedicated to criticism were included in our 48-page magazines. It became clear to me early on that while our reach may not always extend to hundreds of thousands, almost every individual capable of making a positive impact reads Boxing News.
I have gained deep insights and understanding of this publication by dedicating my life to it. Through regular conversations with subscribers and studying online habits, I have discovered that the most valued articles are the ones written from the heart. In a challenging time for publishing, I have sought inspiration from esteemed journals that have thrived by staying true to their beliefs and telling unique stories through thoughtful prose. These journals also understand the importance of valuing their readers who invest in their content. Therefore, I am confident that the campaigns we have initiated and the stories we have shared will be the ones that have made a meaningful impact. Ultimately, the essence of good writing or content creation lies in provoking deep thought and contemplation. I want to assure you, the loyal consumer, that you have always been my top priority above anyone else.
Boxing triumphs when it hits the mark, a joy unmatched. The thrill of being present at those legendary bouts, where the unimaginable narrative unfolds before your eyes, brings an unparalleled sense of exhilaration. It is an extraordinary privilege to have witnessed such moments. Each time I sat ringside or encountered fighters, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the young boy I once was. The gratitude I feel towards all boxers, past and present, is immeasurable and should never be understated.
It was far more enjoyable to assemble the issues surrounding a significant fight than having to handle failed drug tests, fatalities, manipulated rankings, mismatched fights, widespread money laundering in boxing, or the neglect of ex-boxers. Unfortunately, there were numerous wrongdoings that occurred during my tenure as editor, but I believe we addressed them all as BN should. My sole desire has always been for the sport and its fighters to thrive, so we tirelessly worked to infuse each issue with genuine passion. I will miss that gratifying feeling that comes every Tuesday when we send out the pages, admire the cover, and realize that once again, we have succeeded.
I quickly learned that not all covers will be well-received by everyone. This realization came to me when Eddie Hearn appeared on the front page, shedding light on the increasing cost of pay-per-views in British boxing. I believed it was a significant matter that needed attention. However, I failed to consider that Frank Warren, who was promoting a local event that weekend, would be offended by featuring a competing promoter on the cover instead. I was naive. This experience taught me early on about the intricate challenges of my role.
To put it simply, if you aspire to be an editor whom John Murray, the founder of BN in 1909 with the goal of promoting “good clean sport,” would endorse, be prepared for continuous challenges. While everyone else is competing for recognition, misinterpreting intentions, scrutinizing honest viewpoints, and undermining innovative concepts, your greatest asset will be remaining unaffected by the noise and criticism.
I would like to express my gratitude to the team surrounding me, including Nick Bond, Elliot Worsell, John Dennen, Paul Wheeler, George Gigney, Oliver Fennell, and Shaun Brown. Each of you has believed in me, and it is thanks to our collective work ethic and journalistic excellence that we have received seven British Sports Journalism Awards in just six years. Additionally, for four consecutive years, BN has been recognized as the leading outlet at the Boxing Writers Association of America Awards.
I am also honored to have showcased the work of esteemed boxing writers such as Don McRae, Thomas Hauser, Steve Bunce, Nigel Collins, Springs Toledo, Carlos Acevedo, and the late Alan Hubbard and Ron Lewis. Working with Alex Steedman and Darren Rees has always been a joy, and I have no doubt that it will continue to be so. Furthermore, it has been a pleasure to provide a platform for up-and-coming talent, allowing them to publish their work on a regular basis for the first time.
We deeply appreciate the support and hard work of all our contributors, especially Andy Whittle, who consistently goes above and beyond every weekend. It was a wonderful experience to work alongside Declan Taylor for a few months after years of publishing his freelance work. Special mentions also go to Declan Warrington and Matt Bozeat, as well as Jack Hirsch in America, whose enlightening conversations were incredibly helpful. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Tris Dixon, the person who took a chance on me initially, for your unwavering support and guidance. There are many others in the industry, whether they are boxers, trainers, writers, broadcasters, commissioners, or promoters, who will always hold a special place in my heart. I trust that you know who you are.
In conclusion, dear reader, I express my heartfelt gratitude for this incredible journey. Serving you has been a privilege beyond measure. I can already envision myself in my twilight years, perhaps a bit eccentric, regaling anyone who will lend an ear with tales of my time as the esteemed editor of the most remarkable publication on this planet. My deepest wish is for BN, and particularly its intrepid journalism, to endure for many years to come.
