By sishaq: There are only a handful of boxers who have been able to elevate the intrigue and excitement of a fight simply by the anticipation and execution of their ring entrance.
There are merely four athletes that are head and shoulders above the rest in the history of the sport, all with an innate ability to attract loyal fans as well as loathing critics. The first two, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, didn’t require any props or celebrities to augment their entrance because both had a intimidating presence, natural gravitas and an overwhelming aura.
Every word, emotional feature, facial expression and body language was carefully analyzed by fans from the curtain to the catwalk. Based on the fighter appearing angry, uncharacteristically relaxed, stone-faced focused or sadistically jovial it could suggest the level of ruthless punishment forthcoming the opponent. Their entrances weren’t stoic or mundane. Instead, they engaged with serious trash talk and debate with the audience (and themselves), and glanced deathly stares where you (and possibly them) weren’t sure if they were about to jump into the stands and knock someone out silly for crossing the line. Sadly, the days of long shadows are long gone.
In the modern era Floyd Mayweather provides a bizarre concoction of entertainment value. Take for example his last fight against Marcos Maidana his entrance was preluded by circus acrobats and clowns, after which he was escorted by a rapping lil Wayne and a tough walking Justin Beiber. I get the business aspect of reaching out to fans from a diverse background but TMT is known for one thing- money, and also power I suppose. Maybe it’s just me but my mind doesn’t picture Beiber when I think of money, perhaps Bill Gates would be more fitting! If I had Mr. TMT’s ear I’d suggest he make it rain $100 bills and gold watches on his way to the ring in his next fight, after all that’s what’s glorified on his social media: Floyd’s at the dining table mesmerized by his expensive wallets, Floyd’s asking Robin Leach about his watch collection, Floyd’s groupies are counting the dough in the background as he ponders life, Floyd’s buying 20 pairs of the same handbag in different colors. Bottom line, TMT has a nice brand outside of the ring but his ring entrances are a hugely disappointing. It’s more a spectacle than entertainment.
This brings us to the king of the ring entrance. The master of mind games (Phil Jackson would be proud) who had a persona of in your face charismatic confidence which many mistook for arrogance, supreme ability to trash talk without offending unlike Adrien Broner, being humble yet at the same time brash, using comedic sarcasm before, during and after a fight, truly believing he was the most handsome fighter of all time and fearlessly at ease dancing in front of millions the way one would be in their home alone. Add to this his legendary ring entrances which were always relevant to the audience, elaborate, creative, engaging, and over the top and you have the most entertaining pre-fight package. I’m talking about none other than UK’s Prince Naseem Hamed! Love him or hate him a true fan cannot deny the Prince brought showmanship, suspense, exhilaration and utter ridiculousness like no other.
One of his most renowned entrances was a complete re-enactment of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video (on Halloween, no less), where he knocked out ghouls and goblins in a smoke filled cemetery on the way to the ring. In his first ever fight in the US he danced liked a reggae rock-star behind a curtain for 10 straight minutes. This routine completely frustrated the opponent (Kevin Kelly) who ended up losing his composure, displeased the TV announcers (except George Foreman) as it was uncommon to launch a full on dance exhibition prior to a championship fight and distressed the crowd who became gassed from having to boo for 10 never-ending minutes. Yet, the Prince was unfazed as he continued the rave all the way to the ring. Another memorable entrance was the Prince on stage with the Temptations singing one of their hits in Motown (Detroit). This fight had it all, a concert, dancing, boxing, WWF inspired moves (Prince literally body-slammed his opponent Ceasar Soto Hulk Hogan style) and a hilarious post-fight interview. Another epic moment came when he descended from the rafters on a flying carpet. After touchdown he did what he does best, kiss his biceps then groove his way down the red carpet and onto a patented somersault flip off the top rope.
Now, anytime one mentions the Prince the critics can’t help blathering on about his only loss, which came against Marcos Antonio Barrera. That’s a different topic for another day but the two facts the detractors always fail to account is that Barrera (and Eric Morales) avoided Prince like the plague for almost two years of his prime and the Prince wasn’t in any condition to fight (let along for a championship belt) the night of the bout because he hadn’t yet recovered from a recent injury. Unfortunately, severe damage to his hands kept him from avenging that loss and fighting again. No one questions Barrera’s hall of fame-worthy credentials given Amir Khan pulverized and sent him into retirement, similarly no one can take away Prince Naseem’s hall of fame-worthy credentials from a single loss in his career. But I digress. It’s very rare for an elite athlete to resonate across the sport. In the sweet science the Prince stands head and shoulders above all others having delivered the best entertainment value for the fans. It’s unfortunate we don’t have a charismatic figure in boxing today that not only is a reigning champion but also a true entertainer.
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