2020 - The Year Boxing Died

In late 2020, boxing has become something of a laughing stock. Once what was one of the most prestigious and entertaining sports that promoters had to offer, has now turned into a media circus that is only motivated by paychecks in their pocket. Now with one of the biggest fights of the millennia coming in 2021, where Anthony Joshua will face Tyson Fury to unite the heavyweight division for the first time in history, it is hard to see the death of boxing happening anytime soon. Well, that's at least how most people see it. However, past this bout, the lack of potential contenders for the heavyweight crown quickly reduces itself to zero. Combine this with social media influencers and former sports stars fighting each other with no less skill than kids in a playground, and you can start to see why this once loved pastime is quickly becoming the laughing stock of modern sport. 

Boxing's origins can be traced all the way back to the Ancient Greeks when it was introduced into the Ancient Olympic Games in 7BC. Since then, boxing has become one of the most profitable and beloved sports both inside and outside of the Olympics; producing some of the greatest athletes of all time such as Mohammed Ali, Mike Tyson, and Vladamir Klitschko. However, today's boxing is not about athletes. It is about the money. With the exception of the heavyweight division, every major fight that has happened in the last 3 years has been motivated and controlled by money. Unfortunately, this theme is being exploited by arguably one of the best fighters of all time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. 

With a record of 54-0, not even I can argue against his talent, and his domination over the last 24 years has without a doubt earned him a seat at the table of the greats. However, since his last 'real' fight against Connor Mcgregor in 2017, he has simply been updating his bank account numbers to feed every athlete's worst addiction: money and ego. And that's not even the worst part. This sickness isn't just confined to former champions and elite athletes but has now spread to social media influencers who want in on the money pool. What started off as a gimmick on YouTube, has now produced one of the most bizarre boxing matchups in the history of any sport: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Logan Paul. 

For those of you who may not understand how downright laughable this matchup is, I'll put it into perspective for you. In football, it's ridiculous as Ronaldo taking a penalty against Barack Obama. In basketball, it's as nonsensical as LeBron James dunking on Kevin Hart. In Formula One, it's comparable to Boris Johnson turning up to race Lewis Hamilton on a Go-Kart. I think you get the picture. This fight is both pointless and provides no positive outcome for either the fighters or the people that have to hear about it. 

So, to end my rant, I'll leave you with one simple thought. Professional sport and its perks are reserved for those who deserve it. It is reserved for the elite talents that have truly distinguished themselves from the rest and may then be allowed to stake their claim to all glory and fame that being a professional sportsperson provides. In its current state, boxing is now opening up these reserves to glorified amateurs who not only lack the skill of a professional athlete but the poise and sportsmanship that future generations can be inspired by, both as athletes and as people.