By Yannis Mihanos: There is a romantic part in life and in boxing too, where all things are exactly as they are supposed to be.
If all promoters were first fighters, a lot of excess stuff would be removed, and a lot of good stuff would be added.
I take the opportunity to write this article after hearing boxing promoter and legendary fighter Oscar De La Hoya talking about new hungry fighter Ryan Garcia and saying how he is willing to grant his wish to fight with the most difficult opponent now.
“Why not?” Oscar said, why not if my fighter is ready to fight.
Garcia reminded Oscar of the time that he was a fighter, a young, hungry lion ready to fight and challenge anybody in the world.
A hungry fighter is like a wild lion ready for action, prepared to attack.
Many promoters do not understand this; they stay in the office, away from real action, doing the usual stuff: searching for new offers, making calls, and negotiating deals. This is how boxing works for them.
But the beast needs to be unleashed when it needs to be unleashed, not when it is depleted or tired. The fight may sell well, but the fighter won’t fight as expected.
A similar thing happened with Antony Joshua for the first time against Ruiz, the fight was an excellent opportunity for him to showcase his talent on US soil and create a new audience, new fans, but instead, a different AJ appeared. He looked more like a fringe contender than a true champion.
A lot of precious energy was wasted, waiting for the fight that never happened.
The fight against Deontay Wilder was stuck forever in the paperwork, and so much time was lost. Time for the hungry fighter is more significant than any accumulating sum because energy is the only real fuel.
Promoters rarely say to themselves or others “Why not” as Oscar very well said in that interview because it might cost them dearly.
It doesn’t matter how much experience you have in the game. If you have never been a fighter in the ring, you will never fully understand it but at least be willing to accept it.
Me neither have I been a boxer and some things I may never fully understand, but it’s ok as long as others who know more can correct me.
Promoter Bob Arum is getting close to 90 years old and still doesn’t understand how to treat a fighter, he has his big talent Crawford waiting for a big fight for years.
Timing is everything in life and in boxing too.
The predator cannot wait forever; there is always the danger to become prey.
When Pacquiao finally faced Mayweather in a way had become a prey too, Mayweather beautifully folded him in his trap and beat him easily. Because Mayweather knew that the more time this fight takes, the more easy and profitable would get, Arum knew it only couldn’t understand that his fighter may lose, maybe he didn’t even care. The fight was a tremendous commercial success and made history, but it was a hot potato in terms of sport.
Isn’t it strange that Pacquiao is more badass and dangerous now than the Pacquiao of 5 or 6 years ago? Is it maybe because he runs the show more now?
“You don’t tame the beast,” you don’t let the wild spirit go dormant, you don’t domesticate the animal.
That’s why many fighters chose to become promoters of their fights, it’s not an easy task, but it offers peace of mind and many good fights.
Yes, someone still has to organize the fights, and not always fighters have the knowledge to do this by themselves. I get it. Yes, promoters are still needed in the game with their stupid bureaucracy in place, and yes, it could be much better if all promoters were first fighters.