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I must admit, I was disappointed with the extremely lacklustre state of boxing last year, particularly in the premier division. But we're less than halfway through this new year and already it's eclipsing anything 2004 had to offer. It's showing signs of getting... exciting. Almost.
The strangest thing is, a lot of regrowth is on the backs of non-pros and virtual unknowns. KO Magazine recently speculated that although The Contender wasn't a huge ratings success it's still watched by more people than most boxing matches, and suggested that the mainstream public be introduced to fighters that have escaped under the radar by putting them on cards with Ishe & Co.
Even weirder is signs of resussitation in the UK, which is virtually down to a 17-year-old who hasn't even had his pro fight yet. Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan headlined a prime-time boxing programme, during which the producers cannily took the opportunity to introduce the general public to fighters like Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. It seems weird that although Hatton is the largest-selling attraction in the UK for the sport, the average person still doesn't know who he is and he doesn't attract column inches. Though this is also down to boxing largely being absent from terrestial TV in the UK for over a decade, something about to be reversed.
But never mind these faint indications that boxing is about to become popular again, and not just with fans like us. What about the quality of the fights? Castillo and Corrales just made Gatti-Ward and Barrera-Morales look like a slap-fight between a bunch of *******.
Even on the heavyweight scene things are looking promising. Not spectacular, but stirrings of interest. While Vitali looks to be unbeaten for some time, James Toney showed he can win (and lose!) a title, and Lamon Brewster has just made himself an exciting attraction overnight. Samuel Peter is now ranked in the top ten, and lesser names like Audley Harrison promise to put themselves into contendership during the next twelve months. (and even if Audley gets slapped silly at top level, it'd be a laugh, right?)
But there are actually fights I'm excited about. Logic seems to dictate that Costa Zoo will tame Ricky Hatton, but no one really knows for sure and therein lies the excitement. Remember that Tito looked sensational on his comeback from a long lay-off, and looked what happened to him. I'm just worried what will happen when all those Mancunians see their boy get beat. Zoo will need a police escort outta there.
Tyson is up for knocking out another bum, which is always inexplicably compelling, and Bernard Hopkins seems to be in a "get out while the going's good" situation. The big question being, will someone capitalise before it's too late.
Then there's Lacy facing a couple of worthy Limeys (well, a Limey and a Taff) in Robin Reid and Joe Calzaghe. Tarver gets a chance to avenge defeat against Glen Johnson, and we all know what happened last time he got a second chance.
I tell you what... boxing. It's in danger of becoming good again.
The strangest thing is, a lot of regrowth is on the backs of non-pros and virtual unknowns. KO Magazine recently speculated that although The Contender wasn't a huge ratings success it's still watched by more people than most boxing matches, and suggested that the mainstream public be introduced to fighters that have escaped under the radar by putting them on cards with Ishe & Co.
Even weirder is signs of resussitation in the UK, which is virtually down to a 17-year-old who hasn't even had his pro fight yet. Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan headlined a prime-time boxing programme, during which the producers cannily took the opportunity to introduce the general public to fighters like Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. It seems weird that although Hatton is the largest-selling attraction in the UK for the sport, the average person still doesn't know who he is and he doesn't attract column inches. Though this is also down to boxing largely being absent from terrestial TV in the UK for over a decade, something about to be reversed.
But never mind these faint indications that boxing is about to become popular again, and not just with fans like us. What about the quality of the fights? Castillo and Corrales just made Gatti-Ward and Barrera-Morales look like a slap-fight between a bunch of *******.
Even on the heavyweight scene things are looking promising. Not spectacular, but stirrings of interest. While Vitali looks to be unbeaten for some time, James Toney showed he can win (and lose!) a title, and Lamon Brewster has just made himself an exciting attraction overnight. Samuel Peter is now ranked in the top ten, and lesser names like Audley Harrison promise to put themselves into contendership during the next twelve months. (and even if Audley gets slapped silly at top level, it'd be a laugh, right?)
But there are actually fights I'm excited about. Logic seems to dictate that Costa Zoo will tame Ricky Hatton, but no one really knows for sure and therein lies the excitement. Remember that Tito looked sensational on his comeback from a long lay-off, and looked what happened to him. I'm just worried what will happen when all those Mancunians see their boy get beat. Zoo will need a police escort outta there.
Tyson is up for knocking out another bum, which is always inexplicably compelling, and Bernard Hopkins seems to be in a "get out while the going's good" situation. The big question being, will someone capitalise before it's too late.
Then there's Lacy facing a couple of worthy Limeys (well, a Limey and a Taff) in Robin Reid and Joe Calzaghe. Tarver gets a chance to avenge defeat against Glen Johnson, and we all know what happened last time he got a second chance.
I tell you what... boxing. It's in danger of becoming good again.
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