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Boxing all about filling your pockets
There have been some huge fights announced across the heavyweight division in the last two weeks. But Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou is very much the odd one out. It’s a fight that makes Fury look a little weak but no one should be shocked by this, I definitely wasn’t.
He has earned the right to be called heavyweight champion and one of the best fighters in the world. But the point boxing is at now, whether you are a fighter or a promoter, it isn’t about what is right or wrong anymore. It is about what puts money in people’s pockets.
It’s always been that way, yes. But this is the case now more so than ever. People would sell their soul for views and a lot of what we are seeing would make a lot of boxing greats turn in their graves if they could see what is going on. It is the world we are in, we have to acknowledge and accept that if it makes money, it’s going to happen.
You can turn your nose up to it, refuse to watch it and try talk the fights down, but it is what it is. It is not going to change. In Fury’s case, he is such a big fighter and big personality, he has got the governing bodies wrapped up around his little finger. He does what he wants and that is the reality of it.
He is going to earn a lot of money and have a lot of eyes on him from all walks of life. But boxing fans see straight through it.
Losing to Ngannou would be catastrophic
Having said that, I wish him all the best and for God’s sake, don’t let Ngannou land a shot on your chin and put you to sleep because that would be catastrophic.
We all know he can punch and if you are fit and you can punch in heavyweight boxing, you have as good a chance as anyone because if you land that shot, it can be good night. There has been lots of talk about levels in the sport and what level he it at having never done it professionally. But he probably has more of a shot than a non-puncher at British level.
But at the same time, experience counts for so much this game, the way you move, the way you control rounds, he will find it very difficult against someone who is probably the best in the world at managing rounds and controlling fights.
I imagine Fury will make Ngannou dance to his tune. But in this game, if you can punch, you have got a chance. As good as Fury is in defence, you have to give guys like Ngannou all the respect or the worst can happen.