By Sean Close
If the headline you just read isn’t completely accurate, it’s not too far from the truth. Currently, the most popular fighters in boxing are Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, KSI, Logan Paul, and Canelo Alvarez. Ngannou, the Paul Brothers, and KSI have a combined total of 17 professional fights, with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses. On the other hand, Canelo has an impressive record of 60 professional wins, two losses, and two draws. Surprisingly, none of the fighters ranked higher than Canelo on the popularity list have ever won a world title, while Canelo has won 16 world titles in four different weight classes. However, the public is more inclined to pay to watch Ngannou or the Paul brothers take on a respected and decorated boxer than Canelo.
This is the reality.
Former UFC legend Ngannou has shown a serious commitment to boxing, and he continues to embrace the sport after his recent fight against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Mixed martial arts fans often claim that boxing is like a sandbox, where MMA fighters can easily dominate. However, boxing fans have always dismissed such claims. Firstly, it is unlikely to hear a legitimate MMA artist make such a statement. Furthermore, when famous MMA fighters attempt boxing, they are usually unsuccessful. Being a master in one sport does not automatically translate to mastery in another. Would a professional boxer perform well in the octagon? The answer is most likely no.
Nevertheless, we cannot blame famous MMA fighters for trying their hand at boxing. Boxing offers significantly higher financial rewards compared to MMA, even for athletes in organizations as popular as the UFC. Additionally, MMA fighters who label boxing as “half a fight” before entering the boxing ring should not be taken lightly, just as boxers should not dismiss MMA fighters as mere amateurs. Professionals respect other professionals, and these individuals are simply looking for a challenge.
For Ngannou, it has always been a childhood dream to become a boxer. Although he is currently obligated to return to mixed martial arts temporarily, it will be fascinating to see him step back into the boxing ring. Will he succeed against top boxers in the future? Some enthusiastic fans believe so, but their optimistic perspective may not withstand close scrutiny (certainly not as convincing as Conor McGregor’s before his boxing match with retired Floyd Mayweather in 2017). It is highly unlikely that Ngannou will be underrated at this point, making it difficult for him to defeat any top boxer.
However, this does not deter Ngannou. Despite being in his 40s and legally bound to return to the Octagon for a period of time, he remains an impressive figure with genuine boxing talent. He takes boxing seriously, unlike many others who view it as an ATM. Ngannou’s performance against Fury exceeded expectations, and some boxing analysts even believe he deserved the win in their recent bout. The landscape of boxing is changing, yet it remains unpredictable.
Perhaps more MMA fighters will emerge in the future and prove themselves to be on par with or even better than Ngannou in the boxing ring. Alternatively, the situation may revert back to boxers dominating the sport as it was before last weekend. Both scenarios are plausible, as boxing is known for its unpredictability. Ultimately, the origin of good boxing does not matter; what truly matters is the performance inside the ring. The concern lies with those who treat boxing as a mere hobby, earning significant sums of money without proper dedication. In this regard, Jake Paul somewhat separates himself from the group as he takes the business of boxing seriously, similar to Ngannou. However, in a fair world, he would not overshadow the sport to the extent that he has. After all, he is not even the front-runner.
But as we know, life is not always fair, and boxing is no exception. This sport frequently deprives deserving winners of their well-deserved victories. To surpass its internal competition, boxing may need to present a boxer who enjoys overwhelming public support. This has happened before, and it could happen again. But for those of us who truly appreciate the skill and artistry of boxing, it is currently a concerning time.
