The year 2023 proved to be a thrilling time for boxing enthusiasts, with several prominent fighters putting their records on the line in pursuit of greatness. Fighters like Errol Spence, Demitrius Andrade, Ryan Garcia, and Jermell Charlo dared to face tough challenges, contributing to what could be considered the best year in boxing of the 2020s.
The Evolution of Boxing Culture:
Reflecting on the earlier years in boxing, from the 1980s to the early 2010s, fans were treated to a spectacle of matchups that showcased the true essence of the sport. However, this recent era has brought about a shift in the culture of the sport, with fighters being cautious about risking their records for the promise of higher rewards. Today’s boxing culture often sees fighters guided by management teams and promoters to minimize risks and maximize rewards. This cautious approach, while financially beneficial, has often resulted in fewer high-stakes matchups.
The Example:
The Best example of this is Ryan Garcia, an Instagram sensation, faced skepticism from true boxing enthusiasts due to his limited exposure to formidable opponents. Being that his only notable opponent is Luke Campbell. However his bout with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (now Abdul Wahid) showcased his willingness to take on challenges, setting the stage for more significant fights in the 140-pound division. But as mentioned Ryan Garcia is not alone in this.
The Rise of PPV Stars and Pound-for-Pound Kings:
The newfound ideology of risk-taking among fighters led to the emergence of a pay-per-view sensation in David Benevidez, Terrence Crawford’s ascendence to the status of pound-for-pound king and Naoya Inoue trailing only centimeters behind. Promising talents like Haney also offered a glimpse into the future of the sport, with each fighter contributing to the creation of some of the most compelling PPV cards in recent history.
Surprises and Milestones:
Francis Nganou’s entrance into boxing shocked the world, as he provided Tyson Fury with his toughest test since the Wilder trilogy. Additionally, the historic 12-round, 3-minute fight in women’s boxing featuring Amanda Serrano and Danila Ramos marked a significant milestone, showcasing the growing prominence of women in the sport.
A Shift in Broadcasting Platforms:
As Showtime Championship Boxing bids farewell to the boxing sphere after a storied run since 1986, fans are left curious about what the future holds. Amazon Prime steps onto the stage, set to stream Premier Boxing Championships (PBC) fights. With the expansive reach of Amazon’s platform, questions arise regarding the potential for more significant fights and the continued growth of the sport in 2024.
Conclusion:
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the developments of 2024, the exit of Showtime and the entrance of Amazon Prime mark a pivotal moment for the sport. The heated 140-pound division and the prospect of heavyweight unification provide hope that the trend of compelling matchups will persist. Only time will unveil the true impact of these changes, but one thing remains certain – the heart-pounding excitement and unpredictability of boxing will continue to captivate fans around the world.