Is Boxing Dying? International Expert Slaps Critics With Reality Check

The world has finally crowned its undisputed heavyweight champion in Oleksandr Usyk, marking the first since Lennox Lewis back in 1999. With nearly a 25-year gap, it begs the question—why has it become so challenging for the best to face the best? Some attribute this to the era ushered in by Floyd Mayweather, where fighters meticulously select opponents to maximize profits while minimizing risks. Does this strategic approach to matchmaking contribute to the decline of boxing?

The sport may not be on life support yet, but it’s certainly ailing. This was particularly apparent after HBO bid farewell to boxing in 2019, ending a remarkable 45-year run of broadcasting elite-level matches. Showtime followed suit, throwing in the towel by the close of 2023. However, controversial boxing expert Rick Glaser sees things differently. Yesterday, he delivered a reality check to critics via social media, challenging the prevailing narrative.

Boxing: The greatest sport in the world

Late yesterday, Glaser hoped on X to write, “Saturday, there were 65 professional #Boxing events scheduled around the World. Stop listening to those that say Boxing is dying.” While Glaser isn’t incorrect in highlighting the sheer volume of boxing events, the reality remains that the sport’s vitality hinges on viewership. When a boxer draws a significant audience, their value escalates, leading them to demand higher payouts for their bouts.

Not to forget, consider the magnitude of the fights Glaser is referencing—take into account the viewership they attract. While some might argue that only dedicated boxing enthusiasts attend such events, it’s essential to recognize that the sport’s sustainability relies on broader appeal beyond just purists. Nevertheless, Glaser added, “Nothing could be further from the truth. Boxing is alive & flourishing. Yes, the sport definitely needs fighter’s fighting more often, better judging, more Unification fights, & more Undisputed World Champs.” 

Fighters indeed need to fight way more often. If elite level boxers of today are compared to elites of the past, there’s a stark difference between the frequency of their fights. Gone are the days when boxers like Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks and Joe Frazier would fight three or four times a year. Today, boxers like Terence Crawford or Tyson Fury barely fight twice in a year, and sometimes not even that.

Also, the pervasive corruption tainting the integrity of the sport’s judging system cannot be ignored. Instances of wildly inconsistent scores on scorecards have become distressingly common, fueling ongoing controversies and casting doubt on the fairness of competitions. Despite all this, Glaser believes, “Boxing is still the greatest sport in the World!” However, there’s one man who has garnered widespread acclaim for his role in rescuing the sport of boxing. 

A golden touch that has worked wonders for the sport

The biggest shift in the sport came last year, as His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh announced the fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. In hindsight, it looked like yet another pointless bout, a money grab of sorts, and it was! However, the outcome of the fight set things in motion that would eventually make Saudi Arabia the hotspot for the greatest fights. 

Since then, Saudi Arabia has orchestrated a series of high-profile matches, including the highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight fight. Also, on June 1st, two British promoters who previously couldn’t see eye to eye will join forces to present an exceptional evening of boxing. The magnitude of these events owes much to the substantial financial backing provided by His Excellency, Alalshikh. However, one wonders, would such remarkable spectacles have come to fruition without his involvement?

In a nutshell, there could be a debate about the actual status of boxing, but as things are—the sport seems to be heading in the right direction, but the question is—how sustainable is the support from Saudi Arabia? What else should be done to keep its legacy alive?