Raw Entertainment: A Review of the Ultimate Boxxer.

Raw Entertainment: A Review of the Ultimate Boxxer.

By Cai Bradley, @AstarBoxing

Seldom do relatively unknown boxers encounter an invaluable opportunity to appear on a large-scale production aired live on television. The first Ultimate Boxxer tournament back in April provided this rare chance for eight unestablished boxers, producing a fascinating night of entertainment that had the British boxing community talking. In this unforgiving sport, professional boxers at the grass-roots are often ignored until they make enough noise, either via their mouths or their fists. This tournament offered an opportunity to fight on the biggest show of the participants’ careers so far, without the gimmicks and the trash talk that we have come to expect from boxers. The fighting was left to the boxers, straight-up tough men who provided highlight-reel performances, whereas special guests (Big Narstie and Charlie Sloth) rightfully delivered the unique show-biz entertainment.

As expected, the tournament’s rawness and unpredictability only added to the entertainment value; with fan-favourite Kugan Cassius in front of the camera, Paulie Malignaggi on commentary, Big Narstie dropping C-bombs, three-round thrillers and brutal knockouts left right and centre… this tournament was the stuff of dreams.

There is no doubt that the Ultimate Boxxer is a world away from the high-roller nights at the MGM, but that is not its intention. As a night of boxing and entertainment that us British fans couldn’t take our eyes off, this production succeeded in exceeding expectations. By integrating the ever-entertaining nature of knockout tournament boxing with live music performances, the Ultimate Boxxer appealed to audiences that are often disregarded by some of the larger promotions, as its impact on social media reflected. Whether it was the boxing or live music, people were talking about the Ultimate Boxxer.

The joy generated by the music artists was visible in the Manchester crowd, but music must take a back-seat in order to fully appreciate the guts and determination shown by all fighters. As the tournament’s name suggests, although music is a great addition to the show, without the boxers delivering solid performances, the night would not succeed. The boxers did not disappoint, with all fighters exhibiting their boxing prowess, from the slick skills of Drew Brown, to the calculated aggression of Tom Young.

The Boxing

These eight welterweight boxers, who had previously been fighting on small-hall shows and at leisure centres, competed against one another during one spectacular night of boxing at the Manchester arena. The night consisted of four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and ultimately the final. Standout performers included former white-collar boxer and new-found KO artist Tom Young, the talented Isaac MacLeod, and of course the winner and first ever Ultimate Boxxer, Drew Brown.

It was two underdogs in Drew Brown and Tom Young who emerged as finalists, following a long night of gruelling 3-rounders. The slick and determined Drew Brown overcame adversity to eventually win the tournament, having taken some seriously damaging shots during the earlier stages, as well as in the final itself. At just 21-years-old, the understated Drew Brown impressed by using his superior skillset, as well as his heart and chin, to be crowned the tournament’s champion. All fighters were a credit to the sport and, as a result of this tournament, have earnt an invaluable boost to their careers with the exposure and platform that it provided.

Despite being 3-round fights, make no mistake, these were quality boxers. Brown, as well as others including Young, demonstrated a real talent and potential to be big crowd-pleasers as they progress through the rankings. There is no doubt that this tournament has catapulted the name of Drew Brown, who gave it everything to become the first fighter to receive the golden robe from none other than Ricky Hatton.

As a former opponent of Ricky’s, a mention must be given to the knowledgeable former world champion Paulie Malignaggi on commentary, who was as engrossing as always. Malignaggi’s commentary was great, providing a meaningful narrative to the hectic boxing taking place.

The Ultimate Boxxer provided the stage, and the boxers delivered. Without doubt, this tournament will continue to thrive as it travels around the country, giving young and unexposed prospects a chance to propel their careers. Drew Brown emerged through the cracks to become the first ever Ultimate Boxxer, so where next?

Wherever the Ultimate Boxxing goes now, be it a heavier or lighter division, entertainment is guaranteed. The heavyweights would guarantee knockouts, and the little guys would go at it like pit-bulls, so the value for money is there in which ever direction its organisers choose to go.

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