Friday evening, One of the strangest events In boxing The story will be played in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York. Three of the largest stars of the sport of sport will participate in Times Squareeverything in test tests, as Ryan Garcia struggle Rolly Romero,, Devin Haney faces Jose RamirezAnd Teofimo Lopez present Arnold Barboza Jr.
It is an intriguing idea and an attractive event, however, although “heart” applies to the question of the location, this could be the extent of the implicated soul. The latest details suggest that this combat card will only be invited, so expect boxers, their teams and some media, but very few fans – if necessary.
In this sense, the atmosphere could imitate those of Saudi events in recent years: moderation. Rightly, too, since this card will be staged by Ring magazine, which has recently been bought by the head of Saudi boxing Turki Alashikh. The epic on Saturday between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn In London, was also organized by the ring, which apparently means that Alshikh put his own money; However, these events are part of the same Saudi boxing record, which has naturally attracted accusations of sports washing.
If the sports taking largely concerns the optics, the event on Friday makes sense. The visuals of a boxing ring in Times Square could take emblematic photos that resist the test of time, but the absence of an appropriate current audience will surely compensate for this element in the moment. At least Eubank Jr and Benn were able to fight in front of a noisy crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For what it's worth, Alashikh said he wanted to make Alcatraz Island thenThe maximum operational security prison between 1934 and 1963 (now museum), which counted the American gangster Al Capone among its most famous detainees. And as daring as this perspective appears, you would be courageous to bet against the Saudi adviser who arrives there.
In all cases, the defenders of this current Saudi boxing project would indicate the high -level exposed continuous matchmaking. If a ring is built on Alcatraz Island, expect the best talents to enter it.
Admittedly, that is part of the increase on Friday, of course. Garcia, Haney and Lopez Represent the present and the future of American boxingBut their opponents are also all credible and dangerous (yes, even Romero often ridiculous).
In Ramirez, Haney Invainu faces an former world champion accomplished. Meanwhile, Lopez Barboza JR's opponent recently remained unbeaten by upsetting the Jack Catterall underestimated on the lawn at the latter's house in Manchester.
There are also a lot of participations. A revenge match between Garcia and HaneyThe two 26 year olds, wait if everyone is victorious in their beginnings with Welters weights, which is not given. Meanwhile, Lopez, 27, defends his super light world title.
Really, the story around Garcia and Haney is the most convincing. Against the chances, Garcia dropped Haney three times on the way to a victory last April, only for his triumph to be compromised by the revelation after the fight of a drug screening test. This factor, after his failed weighing and his online behavior before the fight, saw his victory overthrown.
Now Garcia is fighting for the redemption and the chance to create a suite with Haney, who, regardless of the apparent improvement of Garcia in their fight, must be much better against Ramirez. “I want the world to see that I am always a force with which we have to count,” said Haney The independent in January. “I am always one of the best fighters in the world, and this fight has not taken off. It is important for me to prove to the world, to prove myself. ”
And for Lopez, who was a little too incoherent to save His often controversial trash speechBarboza Jr could be the worst type of opponent: without frills and never beaten before.
The chances favor Garcia, Haney and Lopez in their respective fights, but there is a feeling that each of them is capable of not failing, and that one of them could fair. All eyes will be at the heart of New York, and the six boxers will carry their hands full of intention. The key question revolves around the soul of the event, and perhaps the soul of sport.
