Where is the drama in boxing?! As a fan, I must admit that the sport has provided some entertaining storylines over the past several months; dating back to Miguel Cotto being “assaulted” by Antonio Margarito, who later was suspended for attempting to BRICK his fists before Shane Mosley exposed him. We saw the emergence of Manny Pacquiao; first beating a shell of Oscar De la Hoya then an undisciplined Ricky Hatton who got away from his game plan; calling an audible in the ring before getting sacked for his troubles. But what has been missing, in my opinion anyway, is the drama that fighters like the ’99 version of Roy Jones, journeyman Winky Wright (who stomached disrespect after years of being labeled as an overseas contender), and ‘Money’ Mayweather brought to the game.
The Welterweight fight schedule over the past 14 months looked more like a group dance. Cotto beat Shane, Margarito “beat” Cotto, and Shane dominate Margarito. There have been bright spots like Andre Berto, giving us a glimpse of what is great about the future of the division. Juan Manuel Marquez took the “Baby Bull” to school at 140lbs, just for Diaz to be awarded ‘extra credit’ at the expense of Pauli Malignaggi. All good stuff, but no drama! Nothing that makes you want to drop a few $20′s on PPV or dive into expedia.com to reserve a last minute flight into McCarren International Airport right off the strip… Until now!!
I know, I know…. not everyone is a fan of Floyd Mayweather Jr. But, not in years has there been a more polarizing figure in the sport. He’s undefeated, and he talks more trash than any fighter in this era of the sports… thus, a large population of fans bet ‘the-under’ in their sportsbook.com accounts, praying to see him fall. He’s a smart enough guy to recognize this, which is why (reportedly) he has by far the most intense pre-fight workout regiment of any fighter in the game today! I’ve heard that at time he will spar 6-minute rounds, interchanging sparring partners between rounds to increase his stamina. He’s stated that he’s up at 3am running 8-mile sprints while most of his opponents are asleep. Fact or legend, to be undefeated in 39 bouts makes the buildup to every one of his fights a sort-of soap opera… so much so that HBO made “24/7” just to document his preparation pre- De la Hoya (programming that has now become a network staple).
I definitely will be tuning in September 19th… have plans to visit the live set in Vegas and will be making an entire weekend of the proceedings. Fact is, the draw is as much about the drama as it is about the refereed violence. I, like most fans, are as attracted to the spectacle & arrogance as I am the in-ring skill. Money, perceived villains, favorites, violence, the unexpected, reality TV… DRAMA!
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
iblmediagroup.wordpress.com
