As the boxing world gears up for the highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford on September 13th, the spotlight shifts to the undercard, where plans for supporting matches are crucial. Promoter Turki Alalshikh recently announced the potential inclusion of Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller facing off against Jared Anderson, a matchup that has sparked divisive opinions among boxing aficionados. While the star power is undeniable, the question remains whether this particular fight should grace such a prestigious event, given the fighters’ recent histories and public perceptions.
Alalshikh expresses a strong commitment to fan engagement in the decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of providing compelling matchups that resonate with audiences. However, the proposal to feature Miller, a fighter who has not stepped into a victorious ring in over two years and harbors a troubling history with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), raises eyebrows. Many boxing enthusiasts find it disheartening that Miller might have the opportunity to compete on such a significant stage, particularly when there are other contenders available who have not carried similar baggage.
Assessing the Fighters: Past vs. Present
Jared Anderson, at 25 years old and boasting a record of 18 wins (15 by KO), represents a newer generation in heavyweight boxing, one marked by potential and unblemished enthusiasm. In contrast, Miller’s record stands at 26-1-2, yet his recent performances against opponents like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Daniel Dubois suggest that he is not the fighter he once was. The question of whether Miller should be allowed to compete at this level, especially given the controversies surrounding his previous infractions, poses a significant dilemma. Would pairing him with Anderson serve to elevate Anderson’s career, or would it merely drag him into the murky waters of Miller’s questionable past?
Critics argue that there are more suitable opponents available for Anderson who would offer a healthier competitive environment and uphold the integrity of the sport. Notable names like Agit Kabayel, Richard Torrez Jr., and Bakhodir Jalalov come to mind—fighters who not only represent a fairer challenge for Anderson but also embody the spirit of the sport devoid of the complications that come with a fighter like Miller.
The Role of Netflix in Modern Boxing
One of the unique elements of this bout is its streaming on Netflix, which aims to draw a younger demographic that might not otherwise engage with traditional boxing platforms. There’s an inherent significance in bringing such a monumental event to a broader audience, along with the promise of prelim fights available for free, potentially featuring six to ten additional bouts showcasing up-and-coming talent. This initiative offers a glimmer of hope to fans who crave fresh and authentic match experiences rather than rehashes of previously marred careers.
The potential financial incentives for featuring fighters like Miller cannot be ignored. It’s plausible that Alalshikh sees Miller as a draw, banking on the hype that once surrounded him. Yet, fans are increasingly unwilling to accept fights that they feel compromise the sport’s ethics for mere economic gain. They crave authenticity and want to see fighters who genuinely deserve the opportunity to shine, particularly on a high-profile card like Canelo-Crawford.
Redefining What Fans Want
There is a pressing necessity for change in boxing’s matchmaking policies, particularly when it comes to card composition. Alalshikh’s remarks about pursuing fans’ desires are commendable, yet, in practice, the choices perceived by many as aimed at securing viewer interest might do more harm than good. The blurring of ethical boundaries—matching fighters with checkered pasts against promising talent, ignoring their histories—could lead to a reputation crisis for the sport.
Boxing’s survival depends on its ability to adapt and engage with its audience. This moment in the sport serves as a litmus test for boxing’s leaders: will they prioritize profitability over integrity, or will they embrace the opportunity to start anew? In the end, true passion for the sport lies in uplifting ambitious fighters, promoting their potential, and providing fans with the thrilling competition they expect and deserve. Time will tell if boxing can rise to the occasion, crafting engaging narratives that steer the sport into its next vibrant chapter.
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