Boxing’s Evolution: From Canelo-GGG to Mayweather-McGregor and Beyond

Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya reflects on the profound changes that have swept the sport in recent years. In a conversation with FOX Sports, he shares his observations and experiences as boxing has evolved into a new era.

De La Hoya vividly remembers the anticipation surrounding the highly anticipated showdown between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in the fall of 2017. The match was supposed to determine the pound-for-pound king, but as the weeks passed, it became clear that a novelty matchup overshadowed their fight. Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor engaged in a wild promotional tour filled with insults and outrageous stunts. Their clash, a spectacle between a retired boxing icon and a mixed martial arts fighter, garnered significant attention and pay-per-view sales.

Despite Alvarez and Golovkin being extraordinary boxers, they struggled to generate the same level of interest. Language barriers and a lack of compelling promotion made it clear that marketing played a significant role in shaping public opinion. De La Hoya remarks, “It makes you realize it is all in the marketing. It is a whole new world now.”

This phenomenon marked the beginning of a shift in boxing’s landscape, causing heated debates among fans and experts. The definition of a big fight transformed beyond the traditional notion of seeing highly skilled fighters vying for a belt. Mayweather-McGregor was followed by an unconventional bout between rapper KSI and YouTuber Logan Paul, which surpassed one million pay-per-view purchases. Logan Paul’s brother, Jake, further fueled the trend with his successful foray into professional boxing, winning all four of his matches, including a headline-making split decision victory over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.

The trend continued with Mike Tyson fighting at the age of 54, octagon legend Anderson Silva defeating an out-of-shape Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and even former NBA star Lamar Odom triumphing over pop star Aaron Carter. Now, it’s Oscar De La Hoya’s turn to step into this ever-evolving world of boxing. At 48 years old and more than a decade removed from his last fight against Manny Pacquiao, the Olympic gold medalist will face former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort at Staples Center. The event will be broadcasted by Triller Fight Club.

De La Hoya acknowledges the integration of social media influencers and personalities into the boxing realm, stating, “People are interested in YouTubers and personalities. Having followers matters. People are making fights based on what will sell.” This development represents a paradigm shift, one that De La Hoya is navigating himself. He further expresses admiration for Jake Paul’s influence, recognizing that his fights attract new fans to the sport. De La Hoya believes that once these fans witness a championship bout, they will appreciate and understand the sport’s true essence.

The unconventional nature of these matchups sparks passionate conversations about the future of boxing. Some argue that bouts driven by notoriety rather than pure ability may save the sport, while others fear it may lead to its demise. Nevertheless, Jake Paul’s victory over Tyron Woodley gained substantial traction, underscoring the undeniable impact of these unique matchups.

De La Hoya emphasizes that his fight against Belfort is a genuine contest and highlights his opponent’s previous experience, nearly making the Brazil Olympic boxing team as a young athlete. But regardless of the match’s true competitiveness, many will be drawn to witness De La Hoya’s performance, curious to see how much he has left in the tank after two decades past his prime.

In conclusion, boxing has undergone a remarkable transformation, with events like Mayweather-McGregor leading the way. The sport now stands at a crossroads, grappling with the tension between spectacle and traditional boxing values. As boxing continues to evolve, its ability to adapt to new trends and engage new audiences will ultimately determine its future success.