Greetings from my pretty trip digs for this particular version of boxing’s most NSFW boxing column, the one which makes little media piglings cry “Fighthype, why are you giving him a platform?” into social media.
And, talking of those little piglings, I simply wish to give a fast shoutout to a really particular one (and I imply “particular,” not within the good sense) from “New Period” Ring Journal, who has began rooting round in these pages with the identical unhappy desperation I assume he roots round in Turki Alalshikh’s clenched butt cheeks for unfastened change.
Anyway, right here are some things which have popped into my line of sight throughout this final week or so:
– I’m torn on Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford.
In case you’re sincere with your self– and never a paid shill who might be pumping out propaganda for the occasion organizer — you must admit that this battle is totally pointless. It’s a cynical pairing of two elite-level fighters who must be having higher, extra significant bouts with fighters of their respective divisions. It’s only a waste of time and house that could possibly be devoted to higher issues. Actually and truthfully, it’s solely even occurring as a result of Crawford is a pet undertaking/bromance fixation of Saudi figurehead Turki Alalshikh and since Canelo is getting a shitload of cash to battle somebody he’s already stated is just too small for him.
However…
When Crawford beats Canelo, there’s going to be some actually pungent karma blowing again into everybody’s face, like a media buffet fart from press row. The tip results of this ill-conceived manufactured mega-fight might be Canelo taking probably the most embarrassing “L” of his profession and the Saudis shedding much more on their Canelo funding, left with a victorious Crawford who nonetheless gained’t be capable to generate a lot client enchantment exterior of his native Omaha.
Regardless of having been a self-admitted Crawford mark over time and respectful of Canelo’s total profession, I feel each deserve a very good public spanking at this level. This can be a kind of fights the place I’ll be pulling for a comeuppance reasonably than a consequence. Perhaps, then, in the previous couple of years of their careers, they are going to be humbled sufficient to get again to what they need to be doing as high-end fighters.
– It doesn’t matter what occurs with Canelo-Crawford, although, I maintain out little hope that both may have a “come to boxing god” second and get again to creating the fights that have to be made, the place they have to be made. Prima donnas are gonna prima donna, simply as hacks are gonna hack.
The Saudis signing Canelo at this second of his profession is particularly satisfying as somebody completely NOT in favor of boxing working as a laundering service to a murderous monarchy. Getting 2025 Alvarez is a bit of just like the Wizards getting Michael Jordan in 2001. His field workplace enchantment has plateaued, his relevance has diminished, and his starvation has been satiated. I do know the Saudis have loads of cash to waste on silly purchases, however this Canelo deal is like tossing bloody duffel luggage full of money right into a wooden chipper.
– So, do I’ve an agenda in saying these items that I do? Effectively, after all I fucking do.
I’m an unashamed, unapologetic supporter of American boxing, in America, run by American firms, for the advantage of American customers. Sorry. My different agendas focus on a hatred of bullies, con males, and handy idiots serving the wants of bullies and con males.
That’s actually it.
Regardless of having written some nuts-and-bolts battle previews for the PBC web site, I actually couldn’t care much less if Al Haymon jumped on high of a rocket ship filled with PBC residence workplace furnishings and shot himself into deep house. I did assist PBC as a result of I appreciated their concept of decentralizing the facility construction in boxing, shifting away from the promoter-controls-everything mannequin and giving extra energy to the fighters. I’m supporting their standing because the final actual impediment to a Saudi boxing takeover within the US. I’ve additionally ripped them– whereas working freelance gigs for them– which serves as a testomony to their class as a company, not like the weirdo dynamic at Ring Journal proper now, the place everyone seems to be obliged to kiss the ring and go alongside lies, intentional misinformation, and pure propaganda with a giant, goofy smile.
What I care least about, although, is making mates with trade “insiders” or different media individuals, glad-handing my strategy to “profession alternatives.” Some may even say that NOT being a phony stooge beholden to trade individuals seeking to manipulate you in a quid professional quo association is the correct strategy to go about issues. However that is boxing, after all, and the piggies know no different strategy to feed, apart from on the trough.
As for me, I’m on the level the place I simply gained’t hassle to write down about shit that bores me or that doesn’t have any benefit, only for the sake of churning out content material. Not in relation to boxing, anyway. Kudos to those that have the dullard-resolve to crank out “So-and-so is raring to battle for a world title” pap with out blowing their fucking brains out, however that ain’t me.
However, again to boxing.
– Jake Paul could also be as abrasively annoying as chubby media schlubs complaining about dry brownies at a media buffet, however you must acknowledge his hustle. His latest signing of feminine fighters and his locking of Amanda Serrano right into a well-deserved lifetime contract together with his Most Priceless Promotions (MVP) are plus-plus strikes for the game. It’s the primary legit try at constructing one thing actual and lasting for feminine boxing, concerning an space of development that has remained stubbornly untapped since, effectively, perpetually.
See? Generally boxing outsiders do make for precious contributions– simply not the sort of outsiders who jail social media critics and have interaction in backdoor slave buying and selling (or rent dopes who brag about being REAL journalists, however can’t pull off a easy post-fight recap with out twisting their mind stem right into a knot.
– Talking of mind injury…Deontay Wilder, please rethink your “Legacy Reloaded” comeback. Mind impairment is not any joke. Simply learn among the befuddlingly dangerous, puzzlingly dyslexic experiences filed at Ring Journal lately.
– And, yeah, I do know there was some boxing this weekend. That stuff’s recorded and ready for me after I get residence. For now, I relax and revel in a life the place I don’t need to gargle sheik balls for a dwelling.
Obtained one thing for Magno? Ship it right here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
