By Matt Christie
THOUGH bah humbugging is frequent on this part of Boxing News, it’s necessary to notice that 2023 has been a largely optimistic yr for the game if we’re to solely have a look at the contests that occurred. Big fights we needed occurred, some we had no concept we needed delivered thrills and spills and others – just like the important Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury showdown – are already promised for the approaching yr. Also, a look on the small corridor scene, whereas removed from excellent, confirmed plain indicators of enchancment.
Due to the chaotic nature through which the game is ruled, boxing at all times feels prefer it’s in a state of transition. And in 2023, that feeling was pronounced as main broadcasters like Showtime waved goodbye, new streaming providers like Amazon Prime signaled their intention to switch them, the inflow of considerable monetary backing from Saudi Arabia modified the panorama, and Britain’s main promoters Matchroom Boxing brazenly went into battle with the British Boxing Board of Control.
With all of that and extra in thoughts, listed here are 10 wishes, in no specific order, for boxing in 2024.
– No extra Eubank-Benn chitter chatter
Whatever the reality of Benn’s two failed exams in 2022, the actual fact stays that solely a choose few are aware of the main points of them. Until that adjustments and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy, any discuss of him competing in Britain ought to stop. Though promoters Matchroom have been combative of their perception of the opposite, that the nation’s governing physique repeatedly blocked such a state of affairs is definitely cause sufficient to attend. The last item boxing (and Benn) wants is for this wretched saga to change into one of many sport’s greatest tales for the third yr in a row.
– Have clear pointers for drug testing
As a matter of precedence, one hopes that the related commissions can all agree on a uniform code of conduct in relation to drug testing. (*10*) drug testing company is conducting the exams, the failure to cross must be a definitive crimson flag with the method of investigation to start forthwith.
– The BBBoC is allowed to do its job
Board General Secretary Robert Smith is to not everybody’s style. But I’d argue he’s one of many best boxing governors on the planet. That he’s stood as much as threats from Matchroom and Benn ought to spotlight his want to do proper by the game. The Board’s selections could not please everybody, and there have been errors, however one hopes that the BBBoC retain and strengthen their place in 2024. Think about this one, as a result of the choice is horrifying.
– Long dwell the British title
Though the British championship is now not seen with the significance of yesteryear, a few of the most heartening scenes of 2023 had been a consequence of it. It’s understood why promoters could want to take their expenses down the route of intercontinental belts to spice up ‘world’ rankings, however the romance of the Lonsdale Belt is difficult to beat. Better nonetheless, it’s a extra interesting proposition for the paying public – and the widespread media – than British fighter versus fully unknown import.
– Sky Sports to stay outstanding in boxing
With Showtime following HBO out of the exit door in America, one naturally wonders if we’ll see the same sample right here within the UK. And there have been whispers that Sky Sports’ relationship with boxing is underneath pressure. We ought to always remember what the community has executed for the game on this nation and, although streaming or the equal could be the long run, I’d argue that boxing just isn’t but practically common sufficient to prosper completely in that area. Yes, we will level to the likes of Amazon Prime and their subscription numbers, nevertheless it’s an enormous leap of religion to then recommend {that a} important proportion will magically be drawn to boxing. Alongside TNT Sports, who fortunately stay dedicated to the game, Sky Sports performs an important function in elevating boxing and its protagonists within the nation’s consciousness.
– Stop stirring the pot
One factor I grew sick of in 2023 was YouTube movies designed purely to present one promoter a platform to slag off a rival. The notion that these movies are doing the game a favour as a result of lots of people watch is nonsense. For those that don’t but perceive – boxing wants its promoters to get on if the fights able to taking us all ahead are to be made. Inviting ‘Edward’ to be essential of a rival promoter, then scurrying off to that rival promoter to inform them what Edward mentioned, solely slams a huge wedge between them. Stop it, you left college not less than 12 months in the past.
– Best carry on preventing the perfect
There was a welcome uplift within the elite battling the elite in 2023. That should solely proceed. Though sanctioning our bodies are most likely a vital evil to a level, fighters and their groups shouldn’t be afraid to be stripped of a belt if it means making a greater struggle. Nor ought to they make it their mission to struggle a largely unknown titlist if there’s a extra interesting contest to be made. More and extra we’re seeing the significance of alphabet straps diminish and lengthy gone are the times when such titles assured progress for their house owners. It shouldn’t want spelling out, nevertheless it’s the enchantment of the matchup, and never the letters on the silverware, that draws followers to our sport.
– Olympic boxing to go forth and conquer
Though the scenario isn’t fairly as dire because it was a number of months in the past, we nonetheless run the danger of boxing shedding its standing as an Olympic sport after the 2024 Games. The causes for that, which in a nutshell is poor governance on the prime with strategies of corruption, paints a woeful image. Should boxing stop to exist in Olympic type, the ramifications might be felt all through and for a few years.
– More folks hearken to Ringside Charitable Trust
This may nicely be an important of the lot. Though one main promoter has entertained the thought of serving to the charity, the silence from the remainder has but once more been deafening. That stays astonishing. The mission of the registered charity is to assist ex-boxers in want. It just isn’t the enemy. It just isn’t attempting to get the game banned. It just isn’t attempting to cease promoters from promoting tickets or advertising and marketing exhibits. Quite the opposite. It desires to show that this sport, which is able to inevitably produce casualties, can take care of its personal. To be capable to try this, Ringside Charitable Trust requires a collective effort, and the message – to everybody in boxing and to the skin world – should be loud and clear: We know that boxing is a harmful sport, however now we have measures in place to assist those that fall on troublesome instances.
Which brings me to my remaining want, that I ship with thanks to every of you who’ve taken the time to assist Boxing News this yr: Keep studying!
Have an important Christmas and we’ll be again within the first week of January.
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