By Ivan Ivanov: Prize fighting has never been just a sport, the accent should be on the “prize” part and boxing just creates an environment for attracting the “prize” in various forms and methods. Boxing is a show-business with a sporting element and the sporting element very often gets sandbagged by mercurial agendas.
One of the key instruments for applying the “politics” of boxing is point scoring. The human factor – the judges scoring the points – has been a matter of debate since day one. I expect the judges to have a major role in electing “The One”.
The main event on September 14 is propelled by interests intertwined into a Gordian Knot of entrepreneurial bravado and financial expectations. The event is expected to attract record-breaking revenues but show-business always plans for a sequel. Saul Alvarez is an up-and-comer who can afford to lose a close fight. He gets some credit but the magic of the rivalry is gone. Mayweather could have a financial reason to look back and give him a rematch but fans won’t be overly excited about it. They want to be thrilled. A split or a UD for Mayweather does not really gain a favorable perspective for anyone except for him. He gets to keep his unblemished record and retains his bargaining position which allows him to twist the arms of the financiers.
If Mayweather drops a close decision loss and it looks even remotely like a robbery, the cry for a rematch will reach a crescendo on the same night. Fans will be thrilled and irate. The second “revenge” fight will probably outdo the first one and the rivalry will turn into a reality show lasting several months to a year. It may seem Floyd’s handlers are powerful enough to shelter him from any adversity and protect their charge’s precious “0”. It also seems at this time his backers could be interested in hurting Floyd’s ego a little by “allowing” him to lose. They have a lot to gain by such a twist. First, a loss will topple FMJ from his pedestal and his negotiating powers will suffer. He may lose a lot of perks, royalties and other benefits that amount to millions, money that will stay with the tycoons. He is on his bow out campaign and it may be time for his management to start squeezing every penny out of him.
Most importantly, a close UD loss for him will set up a rematch of historic proportions. It will create a social movement demanding justice in a society addicted to happy endings. The hype will be scintillating and Mayweather Sr. interviews will overshadow all concurrent comedies and talk shows.
The only thing the management doesn’t want is a KO loss for Floyd or him melting down and showing his age. This may prompt an end to the grand design and to Floyd’s career. Even “El Canelo’s” management may not like this sort of outcome. It may seem to suit “El Canelo” but he will see his next historic pay day vanish if he hurts Floyd badly and dismantles him. Fighting Mayweather is like winning the lottery in financial terms. Destroying him and torpedoing the rematch is like flushing down a winning ticket. If Floyd gets dismantled, he may not consider a rematch but look for a “severance package” somewhere else with a couple of easy farewells.
I am not suggesting this will be a staged friendly sparring session, I expect an exciting and dramatic fight. I am only expressing concern that political innuendos and financial sustenance could interfere with the boxing spirit. I hope no one receives “rules of engagement” and we get to see a real honest showdown. That’s the only way for boxing.
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