Two of the most anticipated boxing events recently were held in iconic locations—Times Square in New York and the glitzy city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These events were marketed heavily and expected to deliver thrilling bouts filled with high-energy exchanges. Unfortunately, both cards became infamous for delivering some of the lowest punch stats recorded since the launch of CompuBox in 1985. Fans tuned in with the hope of witnessing extraordinary displays of athleticism but were left with a tingling sense of disappointment.
The clash between Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia epitomized this lackluster outcome. It not only made the list of some of the lowest connected punches ever in a fight but also resonated as the fourth-lowest connect percentage recorded. What was regarded as a potential barnburner turned into an exercise in futility, with spectators desperately wondering if they had made a poor investment in pay-per-view. The co-main event, featuring Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez, merely cemented the evening’s fate as a “snoozer,” taking the sixth slot on the same miserable metrics list.
Endless Rounds of Underwhelming Action
The downward trajectory continued with the Teofimo Lopez versus Arnold Barboza match. Although Lopez emerged victorious after 12 agonizing rounds, the bout did little to capture the imagination of boxing aficionados. With fans often shouting for knockouts and explosive moments, the lack of action left many viewers scratching their heads. The subsequent fight between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull further added to the dreadful punch-count saga.
In this case, not only was the match prolonged for 12 grueling rounds, but it also managed to set a new record for the fewest punches thrown, marking it as a disappointing spectacle. This has led to some serious reflections on the current state of boxing, posing a daunting question: are fighters becoming too cautious, opting for safety over showmanship?
The Curse of Long-Distance Fights
With a pattern set as a trend, it seems that other bouts on the same cards were similarly plagued by a lack of excitement. Fights like Efe Ajagba versus Martin Bakole, Jaime Munguia versus Bruno Surace, and Badou Jack against Norair Mikaeljan all stretched into the distance without delivering any of the anticipated fireworks. Fans who shelled out significant sums for these events were not just looking for technical skill; they wanted to relish the thrill of a decisive knockout. What was billed as a weekend of boxing glory turned out to resemble a marathon of mediocrity.
Given these circumstances, one wonders whether there could be an inexplicable “KO drought” in the sport at the moment. While boxing has traditionally been about engendering glory through decisive finishes, the past weekend’s gamble on fights seems to have backfired monumentally.
The Pressure on Future Fighters
All the pressure now rests on the shoulders of Naoya Inoue, often referred to as “The Monster.” His bout with Ramon Cardenas carries the expectations of a jaded audience clamoring for excitement after enduring such uninspired displays. Both tactical battles and dramatic finishes have become rare commodities, creating an air of uncertainty about how this fight will play out. For Inoue, a reputation for being a knockout artist is paired with an undeniable burden; if he also fails to provide that electrifying thrill, the ripple effect could leave fans disenchanted and wondering what has gone wrong in the sport they love.
Yet, could there be an upside to these mundane encounters? Perhaps they offer a chance for reflection. Are we witnessing a shift in fight styles, where tactical prowess now overshadows a more visceral excitement? Or have we merely stumbled into a period of stagnant boxing, where fighters prioritize lengthy trades over the pursuit of glory?
Fans remain hopeful as they anticipate what might lie ahead, knowing that boxing can be cyclical. Eventually, fighters will emerge who will rekindle that flame of knockouts and edge-of-your-seat anticipation. Until then, spectators will have to grit their teeth and hold onto their dreams of action in the ring, even if they have just endured a profoundly dull weekend of combat sports.