Boxing is such an interesting sport, filled with characters: honorable, shady, hard working, devious, transparent, talkers – boxing really has it all.
I had to have a laugh the other day, when the WBF was attacked for ‘daring’ to sanction a WBF Intercontinental title for a mortal being by the name of Roy Jones Junior. Yes, we all know that Roy, a legend in his time, but now way past his best should not be fighting for a world title, but we believed that even at his advanced boxing age, he was still worthy at least of an Intercontinental title.
For various reasons, Roy unfortunately broke off his commitment to fight in the UK and headed for new citizenship in Russia. Suddenly and with great hypocrisy, the same people who criticized the WBF have now had an about-turn and decided in fact that not only is Roy good enough to fight for a title, but lo and behold for their very own world title. By the way, Roy is a good guy and I wish him all the best going forward.
While attending a boxing event in Polokwane, South Africa, last week, and special mention must be made of promoter Jossius Maphephe, some of the dinner discussions were about the abundance of titles, and sanctioning bodies. But here’s a different take and perhaps a naive one in the cut-throat business that is boxing. Most fans don’t even care which sanctioning body is being used, only wanting a great fight between two giving-their-all gladiators.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao, one of the biggest media fights of all time, but a huge disappointment from the fan’s perspective. Mayweather schooled Pacquiao in a rather one sided, boring affair. In Polokwane, two young and virtually unheralded fighters, boasting records of 6-0 and 11-0 with most of their collective wins being by knockout, went toe-to-toe for twelve rounds, with an unbelievable work rate, throwing bombs throughout.
Fans were on their feet throughout and gave both boxers a standing ovation long after the war had ended. I was an extremely proud WBF President, who just happened to be there to watch the fight, to see these two youngsters give their all to win a WBF title.
So, yes, belts may be somewhat important – but surely the quality of the fights, and the excitement and the enjoyment fans derive from them might just be more important. As time passes fans will forget what belts boxers fought for, but the memories of an unforgettable fight will last an eternity. It is incumbent on matchmakers in getting it right and making these epic fights.
Styles make fights – ask Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Finally it’s off to Germany next week with my great friend and WBF Ambassador for Africa, Francois ‘The White Buffalo’ Botha where he meets Uwe Hueck of Porsche in a charity event to raise funds for children, and yours truly has been roped in to be the guest referee. Should be a lot of fun, and I am delighted that the WBF is contributing to the event, for such a worthy charitable cause.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
