Boxing’s Integrity Being Sold to Gain Popular Support
There has always been a relationship between the sport of boxing and the broader mainstream sports and celebrity world. However, when that association leads The Sweet Science to kowtow and sacrifice its integrity, it becomes a serious problem.
We witnessed this during the build-up to the September 13 super-fight between undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and WBA junior welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford. Alvarez made headlines in boxing circles by questioning the fistic résumé of Crawford during a special interview hosted by Ring Magazine. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and future NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady conducted the interview.
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Herein lie the many issues with this organized media event. When Alvarez made those accusations about Crawford, where was the pushback from the interviewers? There was also a general lack of insightful questions, and the scheduled media even came off as lacking serious knowledge of the sport.
Above all lies the ultimate issue: what have they done to earn the right and privilege to interview Canelo and Bud? Absolutely nothing. They received that chance due to their mainstream celebrity status. Some in the boxing community will view this as no big deal. Others will argue that this is all a grand scheme to promote what is arguably the biggest boxing event of the year.
However, integrity and merit should still matter. You have numerous boxing writers and reporters who have spent years covering the sport. They are part of its lifeline and should be at the front of the line, deserving of the chance at such a coveted opportunity. When they get bypassed, it is a problem—and a sign that the sport is losing its way.
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