Boxing: The Weekend That Was

Boxing: The Weekend That Was

There has much recent criticism about the quality of the boxing we are currently being served on our screens, some of it just, some of it a little on the harsh side. I tend to agree with Eddie Hearn, at least to some degree, that the sport is at a point of transition.

Much of the old guard have either gone or are on the verge of going, a little bit of patience might be the order of the day.

In the latest round of televised domestic action, Sky Sports and BT Sport went head to head again this past weekend, another case of the sport be unnecessarily diluted for ego purposes.

Frank Warren gave us a decent enough domestic card, the highlight being Sam Maxwell being let off the hook to claim a sensational win.

Maxwell the highly touted unbeaten Liverpool prospect was unexpectedly dropped in each of the opening two rounds, and despite looking extremely vulnerable all way through his fight with Sabri Sediri, he somehow found a way back.

Sediri despite being crude, looked capable of finishing the fight at any moment, but he posed and clowned, and Maxwell only needed one moment for his right hand to connect, that moment came with seconds remaining and Maxwell preserved his unbeaten record.

In truth that was the highlight from Warren’s card in Leicester, but to be fair that would be a highlight on most shows, the sort of drama you just can’t write.

Eddie Hearn showcased his rising talent in London, and it was largely a case of mission accomplished.

Charlie Edwards cruised to defend his world title, Angel Moreno a gift from heaven served his purpose. Edwards looked good, but should Moreno have been in there. I’ve seen much worse world title challengers, which says a lot.

Lawrence Okolie continues to show a mixture of much promise and frustration in equal measure. Okolie has said he is now done with the domestic scene, and while I understand his own personal need for global titles, a few more learning fights will serve him better in the long-term.

Joseph Buatsi dispatched Liam Conroy effortlessly and he looks a real star in the making.

While Hearn will continue to look to expand in America, it will inevitably come at a price in the UK. Matchroom wants to crack the States, but at what cost.

The UK PPV market looks increasingly fragile, the peak times already look over. Outside of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, Matchroom don’t have many more options for the big stadium PPV extravaganzas we have been accustomed to. BT Sport are in a similar position, at least until Tyson Fury fights Deontay Wilder, will people really pay extra to see Fury fight the Tom Schwarz’s of this world, I seriously doubt they will.

Promoters, the fans and more importantly the fighters might need to adjust their expectations.