All around the world, boxing fans are wondering whether the sport is no more. Reduced amount of boxing action being broadcast is heartbreaking to the fans. The current state of boxing needs a proper strategy from the stakeholders. In the past, broadcasting stations would air boxing matches across the world. Fans would also gather in stadiums and watching arenas to support their favorite boxers.
As the sports industry grapples with the effects of the current pandemic, boxing events have reduced significantly. However, before the virus struck, professional boxing was blooming around the world.
International boxing endorsements were behind the growth of the sport. Also, there were an increasing number of championship winners from outside the USA and the UK. For now, the challenge is for the stakeholders to come up with a strategy to navigate through this storm.
Is Boxing Its Own Worst Enemy?
If you are a boxing fan, you'll agree that the boxing fraternity should have done better. The boxing industry has relaxed for far too long and has not done enough to attract new fans.
For instance, most top-rated fights are held deep in the night behind a paywall leading to only die-hard fans following such events.
In the past few years, there has also been a scarcity of top American fighters and America offers the sport with a massive audience for top fights. The competition would benefit significantly from the revenue generated from streams. What makes it worse is the fact that the IBO seems not to be doing enough to address the underlying issues.
How the Pandemic Has Affected the Sport
The current epidemic has brought the boxing industry to a standstill. Many events have been postponed indefinitely, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
The suspension of boxing action has also stopped work for people working in the industry. Those that earn money from the competitions don't have an income right now.
The IBO maintains that it will give priority to public health. They are also lining up for some action in the second half of the year. However, fans will be forced to follow the action on Television as gatherings are still banned.
What the Future Holds For Boxing
There are some measures the boxing fraternity would have to take to improve on the current state of affairs. The best way to start is through closed-door fights.
Promoters and organizers could encourage fighters to participate in well organized and promoted events. The events would be held in empty arenas but broadcasted widely across the world. But, the fighters will have to agree to take a paycheck reflective of the new conditions.
Such an arrangement might not attract the top-rated fighters who are solvent enough to survive in these times. However, it would help those fighters that live from paycheck to paycheck. For this to happen, all those involved will have to undergo frequent testing.
Once the boxing industry maneuvers through the current challenges, the stakeholders must return to the drawing table. There is need for a sincere analysis of the current state of boxing. Then, they should decide on a way forward to bring the sport back to where it ought to be.
As the sports industry grapples with the effects of the current pandemic, boxing events have reduced significantly. However, before the virus struck, professional boxing was blooming around the world.
International boxing endorsements were behind the growth of the sport. Also, there were an increasing number of championship winners from outside the USA and the UK. For now, the challenge is for the stakeholders to come up with a strategy to navigate through this storm.
Is Boxing Its Own Worst Enemy?
If you are a boxing fan, you'll agree that the boxing fraternity should have done better. The boxing industry has relaxed for far too long and has not done enough to attract new fans.
For instance, most top-rated fights are held deep in the night behind a paywall leading to only die-hard fans following such events.
In the past few years, there has also been a scarcity of top American fighters and America offers the sport with a massive audience for top fights. The competition would benefit significantly from the revenue generated from streams. What makes it worse is the fact that the IBO seems not to be doing enough to address the underlying issues.
How the Pandemic Has Affected the Sport
The current epidemic has brought the boxing industry to a standstill. Many events have been postponed indefinitely, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
The suspension of boxing action has also stopped work for people working in the industry. Those that earn money from the competitions don't have an income right now.
The IBO maintains that it will give priority to public health. They are also lining up for some action in the second half of the year. However, fans will be forced to follow the action on Television as gatherings are still banned.
What the Future Holds For Boxing
There are some measures the boxing fraternity would have to take to improve on the current state of affairs. The best way to start is through closed-door fights.
Promoters and organizers could encourage fighters to participate in well organized and promoted events. The events would be held in empty arenas but broadcasted widely across the world. But, the fighters will have to agree to take a paycheck reflective of the new conditions.
Such an arrangement might not attract the top-rated fighters who are solvent enough to survive in these times. However, it would help those fighters that live from paycheck to paycheck. For this to happen, all those involved will have to undergo frequent testing.
Once the boxing industry maneuvers through the current challenges, the stakeholders must return to the drawing table. There is need for a sincere analysis of the current state of boxing. Then, they should decide on a way forward to bring the sport back to where it ought to be.
Last edited by a moderator: