Over the past few years, boxing has been in a transitional stage. The pandemic affected all sports, but promoters and fighters have changed their approach in the aftermath. All in hopes to appeal to a wider audience.
The constant celebrity participation, extensive marketing, and emphasis on storylines has brought boxing to a place not too far away from the model employed by professional wrestling. This sensationalism of the sport has taken center stage, but behind the scenes, Saudi investment into the two sports, brings up concerns.
Despite the realities of the sport, historically, boxing has had a flavor of respectability. The sport displayed technique and athleticism. The best fought the best and aspired to greatness. In most ways it follows a similar path today, but it’s beginning to be overshadowed by the drama outside the ring.
When it was announced that Jake Paul was going to fight Mike Tyson, it came across as a gimmick fight for the opponents to sell whatever product they’re backing. But as time passed, it became more apparent that this was going to be the premier crossover boxing event of the year. Simply based on the absurdity of the matchup.
In another case, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney were at the center of outrageous controversy in lieu of their fight earlier this year. Garcia’s concerning behavior online, in the lead up to their bout, concerned many fans with his mental and emotional health.
The press conferences were full of malicious banter and Garcia came in overweight denying eligibility to attain Haney’s belt. Despite Garcia upsetting Haney in a majority decision, the aftermath brought even more controversy. Reports following the fight came out stating that Garcia had failed drug tests the week of the event.
Since then, Garcia has received a yearlong ban for failing tests, but the story is still going. Last week, Haney filed a lawsuit against Garcia for battery, fraud, and breach of contract. Reading that back feels like it could be the bones for a great WWE storyline between rivals.
Ultimately that’s the direction that most boxing is heading towards. Promoters seem to be prioritizing the story and buzz they create rather than the boxing itself. But the shadow looming over the sport is the increased investment of Saudi Arabia.
Sportswashing, or the backing sports to improve a country or organization’s reputation, has been a growing concern. Given the recent track record of major sporting events being hosted in Saudi Arabia, such as boxing, tennis, F1, and wrestling. Fans and media must question what their support and viewership of these events means.
There are serious civil rights issues pertaining to labor and gender equality in Saudi Arabia that fans should be made aware of as more high-profile events are hosted there. It’s not my place to tell any fan what is right or wrong, but it is important to consider these things as the future of sports continues to change.
In the end, these changes seem inevitable. Although it may push existing fans away, the hyperactive nature of this new age has brought many new fans in. But this is not a black and white situation like the outcomes in the ring. There are very real winners and losers affected by this operation and the future it’s taking.