2019 was not a good year, seemed like it was full of corruption, greed, disloyalty, dishonesty. It really dampened my enthusiasm for the sport 1. "The drugs do work" - Lawyer up and you can get away with any drug charge in the book. Case in point Dullian Shyte 2. "Dishonor among thieves" - The number of outright robberies was disgusting but the worst ones that come to mind were Katie Taylor and Callum Smith. Both clearly lost their fights against opponents who put their heart and soul into their training and commitment to the sport only for their reward to be taken away. 3. "The American Dream" - British fighters more and more are moving stateside to avail of higher purses and a bigger platform. Tyson Fury, Frampton, and now Josh Taylor are some examples. I can't blame them but at the same time it lessens my interest in the sport because I'm not waking at 4am to watch their fights. I will add when I think of more examples
I hear you on that but we're currently watching Canelo, who used to fight comfortably at 147 not long ago, pre Clen bust, going up the divisions like and now seemingly bouncing around 168 and 175 getting the easier fights to become World Champion at those weights, post Clen bust. The guy got a short suspension when it looks pretty clear now that for years he was cheating, using Clen to cut the required weight whilst remaining as strong and muscular and then going up against guys doing it naturally and putting their bodies through it, adhering to rehydration clauses. Whilst Canelo is impressive to watch it's hard to watch him being so successful knowing that he clearly cheated for years, and we haven't even talked about the judges yet.
The future of British boxing doesn’t look as good as it did 10 years ago either. Yes we have some who could go on to do something but the next big star has yet to hit the scene, or at least yet to hit the scene running instead of walking precariously around corners to make sure their 0s don’t go..... Just my opinion anyways
The Riakphore recent fight really annoyed me Perfect example of a promotion with a vested interest in a fighter ensuring he dont lose And with it being a fairly minor match they know nobody bar hardcores give a crap
You’re right in regards to the next big stars but it’s the olympics this year. Once the McCormacks, McGrail, McDonough and a few of the others turn over they’ll be the new breed. Dubois, Buatsi, etc on the brink too. I share your grievances with fighters protecting their 0’s though.
Agree on 1st part america is rotten to the core,but our domestic boxing scene is at the minute average at best.
Not just British boxing but pretty much boxing in general I've lost the passion for. There's only so much of the politics you can take before you think **** it, I'll be very much a casual viewer. Boxing is the worst best sport in the world and constantly just shoots itself in the foot. There are enough top fighters for us as fans to see a top class fight every week of the year but we are lucky if we see 5 or 6.
I thought it was great year full of entertaining fights such AJ vs Ruiz 1 & 2, Taylor vs Prograis, Davies vs Ritson, Smith vs Ryder, Whyte vs Rivas etc Top prospects continuning to develop in Buatsi, Okolie, Cordina, Bakole, Dubois. Whilst likely big fights such AJ vs Pulev, Usyk vs Chisora and Whyte vs Povetkin (maybe) to look forward to. Only two disappointments I thought: 1.WBC & UKAD incompetence & poor treatment of Whyte, an eventual proven innocent man. Damaging Whytes reputation and delaying his career. 2. Top fighters ducking other top fighters to fight lesser opposition: Fury turning down AJ and Whyte to fight the likes Schwarz and Wallin. Wilder turning a $100m 3 fight deal to fight AJ. Ortiz & kownacki turning down an offers to fight AJ. Khan continuing to duck Brook.
Dont listen to Nasal.... Whyte was always innocent he is one of the good guys proven innocent by every agency on the globe except Nasals armchair association
The problem I’ve got with boxing in general is the amount of governing bodies, the politics, the promoters etc. How has Whyte been number 1 for 3 years and not have a title shot. How was Schwartz number 2 with the WBO etc. I’d like governing bodies to issue more “eliminators”. Rank 7v8 4v5 etc. And you move up that way. If you drop out because of promoter bollocks then you drop out the top 15 and sacrifice a potential title fight. Simple as that.
