As shocking as it was to witness Leigh Wood’s incredible comeback victory over Josh Warrington, the true shock came from DAZN’s announcement that “four icons of the game” would be featured on their channel the following weekend. However, these “icons” were not boxing legends like Ray Leonard or Roberto Duran, but rather something completely different and unsettling. Their game is not the boxing we know and love, but rather a confusing and disappointing version that lacks the authenticity and significance of real boxing.
Despite the clear distinction between these two versions of “boxing,” platforms like DAZN are blurring the lines and making it difficult to differentiate between the two. When they describe an event featuring YouTubers and reality TV stars as “four icons of the game,” it is either a form of brainwashing or false advertising. The promotion of influencer boxing alongside actual boxing matches undermines the integrity of the sport and suggests that they are one and the same.
Influencer boxing has gained legitimacy and widespread interest due to its large viewership numbers and the desperation of boxing promoters and TV executives to revive a sport that they believe can survive without the influence of influencers. However, this merging of real boxing and influencer boxing is concerning. It is insulting to viewers who can clearly see the difference between the two and undermines the credibility of the sport.
The fact that a promo for the influencer boxing event played before a fight between legitimate boxers only adds to the confusion and absurdity. It is insulting to be told that something that is not boxing is, in fact, boxing. The lies and false advertising presented by these platforms are a disservice to the sport and its fans.
Unfortunately, the audience that watches these influencer boxing matches may not even understand or care about the true meaning of the sport. To them, “icons of the game” may mean nothing. The authenticity and skill of legendary boxers are overshadowed by the accessibility and relatability of influencers pretending to be boxers. This new form of boxing does away with technical proficiency and talent and presents a faster and more accessible version of the sport.
Promoters like Eddie Hearn argue that influencer boxing will draw huge numbers, but this should not be the basis for promoting and legitimizing something that lacks the true essence of boxing. Just because something generates big numbers does not mean it should be given the same recognition and promotion as those who truly dedicate themselves to the sport.
By allowing boxing to be exploited and degraded for personal gain, we set a dangerous precedent. If drawing big numbers becomes the sole priority for promoters, we may see even more absurd and unethical events, such as promoters or presenters stepping into the ring or men fighting women. This path leads to a complete loss of integrity and respect for the sport.
In conclusion, the merging of real boxing and influencer boxing is concerning and undermines the authenticity and significance of the sport. The promotion of influencer boxing as “boxing” is misleading and insulting to true boxing fans. This trend sets a dangerous precedent for the sport’s future and threatens its integrity.
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