Boxing May Be Dying

I have been trying to deny it for years, but tonight's card has made me realize just how far the sport has fallen. Apart from the apocalyptic broadcast package, biased commentary crew, and awful Zuffa trunks, I was struck by just how embarrassing it is for Ryan Garcia to be the one to inherit May 5/Sept 16 dates. When Chavez had the throne, he was the sporting icon of his nation. Fighting at least five times a year, going 89-0-1 for his first 90 matches, and taking on the best of the best. Then, De La Hoya took the throne. An American, but one of Mexican heritage, who spoke Spanish, and put on great fights. Had the perfect image to market, and was greatly catapulted by the Olympics, as well as professional activity. Then, Mayweather broke the mold and sat on the throne. But he earned it. Beat so many fan-favorite come-forward Mexican fighters, the cream of the crop. It passed onto Canelo, who despite losing to Mayweather, likewise earned it with opponent selection, marketability, and gave a great account of himself for over a decade. And who has it now? A no sabo Kick streamer from Victorville whose greatest achievement was beating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision. Best Mexican he beat was Oscar Duarte. For crying out loud, the guy didn't even start claiming his heritage until the Barrios fight. It's an insult to the Mexican people that this is who they promote instead of Benavidez, Pitbull, Navarrete, Zepeda, or even Fundora. This man gets laughed off in any other era. And certainly someone with the resume of Conor Benn would not qualify as the coming out party. People complain about Jake Paul, but by gassing up someone like Ryan Garcia into this prestigious slot, the sport just invites the loudest mouth to become the biggest attraction. Skills and heart do not pay the bills anymore. The largest PR machine can manufacture whatever star they wish, making the sport ripe for Zuffa's picking. And if they turn the sport into UFC lite, it will never return to its former status. Boxing is, in fact, cooked.