The Implications of YouTube Boxing

By Boxing News - 01/30/2020 - Comments

By Mason Stankovic: While many may argue that the social media age and the increasing popularity of YouTube boxing bouts offers an opportunity to bring a new lease of life to the sweet science in terms of viewer interest, I for one am not so sold on this consensus.

While I do not question that YouTube boxing matches have recently brought fresh eyes to boxing which previously were not there, I am not sold that these eyes are of any value in relation to creating desirable, long term, sustainable growth to boxing as a sport.

In contrast, I am concerned that YouTube boxing bouts, as well as their participants, are simply making a mockery of the sport they are seemingly trying to overtake.

Furthermore, I am worried that the new viewers such bouts are attracting represent no value beyond a cash grab for willing streaming services such as DAZN and Matchroom, and do not actually contribute to the development of the profile of real boxers who are sharing these farcical cards with the likes of the Paul brothers or KSI.

Please note, I write this only as a true boxing fan as well as an Australian amateur fighter with a blossoming 0-1 record. I by no means claim to know the implications such fights are having in relation to their contributions to the purses or profiles of true fighters, or any of the rest. Perhaps if I did know these figures and facts, it would change my view on everything I’m saying.

Notwithstanding, from my current seat of ignorance in Sydney Australia, I think that the boxing world and the relevant powers that be should approach the endorsement of YouTube boxing matches in the future with a level of caution and consideration for the holistic benefit they have for the sport. While I am under no illusion that entertaining such bouts must obviously present a financial opportunity very difficulty to turn down for many promotional companies, I find it hard to believe it does anything to bolster the respect the public have for the sweet science or the real warriors who dedicate their life to it.

The alternative is, maybe I’m wrong about all of this… Maybe as the old saying goes, any media is good media and I simply lack the foresight to see what these events are doing for the sport I love. Another alternative might be that I just hate YouTubers, and I just don’t want to believe that any of this could present a positive.