By Scoop Malinowski
The reality is fake wrestling generates far greater revenues than real wrestling competitions. Considering that truth, it would make sense that if pro boxing ever decided to follow the WWF fake boxing blueprint, fake boxing has the potential to generate greater revenues than real boxing…
Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou by split decision in their non-title bout in Saudi Arabia yesterday. Like a counterfeit currency note, the fight looked authentic on the surface, with a knockdown, some decent punches, an elbow, a bruise, and kisses at the end. But who knows for sure. The motive was there to script it – Ngannou needed the payday after two years of inactivity, Fury has a contract to face Oleksandr Usyk on December 23 for a reported $200,000,000. But who knows for sure about anything in our upside down, fake news world?
After the unimpressive win, Fury actually admitted the fight was scripted: “No, that definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury said during his post-fight interview in the ring about the third round knockdown from a Ngannou counter left. “Francis is a hell of a fighter, strong, big puncher, a lot better boxer than we all thought he would ever be. Listen, he’s a very awkward man and he’s a good puncher, and I respect him a lot – before the fight and afterwards.”
Usyk, who attended the fight and sat at ringside observed Fury was “playing” with Ngannou and it was “a show.” “I had an impression that he was playing. I’m not thinking about [whether he was playing possum and intentionally trying to look ordinary] but I will be training a hundred percent. But listen, it’s boxing. Maybe it was the element of surprise. Maybe…” Usyk explained to Fight Hub TV. “I think it was show. See you 23 December.”
Usyk also said he felt inclined to coach Fury during the fight, imploring him to jab more and punch faster. Usyk felt concerns that the December 23 payday could vanish if Fury lost to Ngannou.
It still may vanish, as Fury’s promoter Frank Warren canceled the Usyk fight today, saying it will be rescheduled for January, February or March. Fury also was hesitant to commit to the December 23 contract fight vs Usyk, claiming after the fight that he needs a long rest. The post fight press conference was canceled.
So Fury, Warren, Arum all refused to commit to the promised and contracted Decenber 23 fight vs Usyk. It appears Fury is trying to avoid Usyk again. However Usyk is insisting Fury must obey the contract, fight him and he will be in the ring on December 23.
Fury’s big mouth may end up forcing him into the December 23 Usyk fight. Remember, before the Ngannou fight Fury arrogantly declared that Usyk, “the middleweight sausage” will be “an easier fight than Ngannou.” So Fury has no plausible reason to duck December 23 and the $200,000,000 payday.
As the boxing world transforms into this World Wide Wrestling Federation circus sideshow, one feel compelled to reminisce with gratitude of the days when Foreman, Ali, Frazier, Holyfield, Tyson, Lewis and the Klitschkos roamed and ruled the sport with honor, integrity, courage, fearlessness and total frust in their fists and fighting spirits…
Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
