What Happened in Boxing in 2023?
At this juncture, we contemplate the 12-month period that has transpired, retrospectively assessing noteworthy patterns, successes, and failures when it comes to Vegas boxing odds and results in the ring.
Boxing has experienced a remarkable year because of the notable contests that have occurred, and we’ve happily cashed multiple bets on boxing fights to make it that much better.
Alternatively, it might be said that the sport is progressively experiencing greater fragmentation. Regardless of one’s perspective, it is certain that this year has been captivating.
Considering this, below are a few notable advancements in the field of boxing in 2023.
Saudi Arabia Has Arrived
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ventured into the realm of boxing a few years ago, but in 2023, it firmly established its presence. In collaboration with their respective promoters, ESPN, TNT Sports, and DAZN have all participated in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve its public perception on a global scale.
An illustrative instance was Tyson Fury’s humiliating bout – where bets on boxing odds were nearly defied -= with Francis Ngannou, which unequivocally demonstrated that the individuals in positions of authority in Saudi Arabia had substantial financial resources but still had much to acquire in terms of knowledge.
The presentation was excessively inflated, with a scarcity of genuine boxing bouts. There is a possibility of witnessing an enhancement this weekend when a much superior event, based on expectations, occurs in the area.
Anticipating the future, it is certain that Saudi Arabia will increasingly engage in the sport of boxing. The region will emerge as the premier destination for major boxing matches, likening it to the status of Las Vegas in the sport, and the nation returns with another huge event this weekend when Anthony Josua and Otto Wallin do battle.
𝕯𝖆𝖞 𝖔𝖋 𝕽𝖊𝖈𝖐𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 🔥 @anthonyjoshua @bivol_d @jaiopetaia1
It’s fight week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a truly special card 🇸🇦
Live on @DAZNBoxing PPV worldwide 👊 #JoshuaWallin #RiyadhSeason #DayOfReckoning pic.twitter.com/gR4sT7Hfka
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 18, 2023
However, there has been a notable lack of investigation by the boxing media this year on Saudi Arabia’s human rights track record and whether the current regime deserves the significant support and gratitude it receives from those engaged in the sport. This matter is highly intricate and warrants comprehensive examination and discourse.
Power Dynamics
Another intricate aspect of boxing is the power hierarchy, which includes broadcasters, managers, promoters, agents, sanctioning organizations, trainers, and, of course, the boxers themselves. Ultimately, the combatants are the individuals who put their lives at stake for our amusement. They are the individuals who endure the greatest sacrifices, subjecting their brains and bodies to incomprehensible levels of rigor. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that they should possess the highest level of authority, correct?
It is well acknowledged that this is not the situation; nevertheless, we have witnessed this year a growing number of fighters openly campaigning for their rights and independence inside the sport. Canelo Alvarez has long been a prominent illustration of this phenomenon, but somewhat exceptional because of his immense popularity.
However, Terence Crawford, who recently ended a long-standing partnership with Top Rank, has publicly discussed the need for boxers to exert greater autonomy over their careers and distance themselves from promoters and handlers.
Terence Crawford when asked why he’s suing Top Rank after becoming a free agent pic.twitter.com/yh6GbUXs0C
— MVO Uncensored & Brunch Boxing Cohost (Matt) (@izdatyofaceee) January 12, 2022
Significant transformation may occur within the realm of sports if more athletes voice their opinions and take actions that align with their own welfare. There is no requirement to go to the extreme of completely abandoning promoters and managers. Rather, it is about adjusting the distribution of authority to their benefit.
The Streaming Service Era
In recent years, streaming services have gained significant influence in boxing and the broader realm of sports. Previously, the market was mostly controlled by conventional satellite channels such as HBO and Showtime in the US and Sky Sports and BT Sport (now TNT Sports) in the UK. The topography has undergone significant and striking alterations. HBO departed some years ago, and Showtime has done the same this year.
Streaming platforms like DAZN, ESPN+, and Amazon are steadily establishing their presence in the industry. With consistent collaborations alongside fellow powerhouses in the sports industry, such as sportsbooks, and an unmatched social media presence, we can only expect such presence to heighten.
For enthusiasts, this implies that boxing remains a highly costly sport to pursue. Subscribing to several streaming sites to watch normal fight cards incurs a significant expense, regardless of whether Pay-Per-View events are purchased or not.
In boxing, the presence of a competitive market, which ideally fosters innovation and the development of valuable products, sometimes fails to deliver the desired outcome.
This is mostly due to the inability of broadcasters to collaborate, resulting in a scarcity of high-quality matches. Moreover, it is enhancing the accessibility of a greater amount of material. Shoulder programs, past broadcasts, and documentaries are all available for on-demand viewing, eliminating the need to adhere to a certain schedule.
