A warm greeting to all our readers! This past weekend was packed with boxing events. It had been a long time since the sport received such widespread attention from both the spoken and written press. Finally, boxing has returned to the forefront of journalistic coverage, as it rightly deserves.
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: A Disappointing Match
The reason for all the buzz was the return of a legend, a star, an international boxing hero: Mike Tyson. The undisputed heavyweight champion made headlines once again, partly thanks to the involvement of one of the most talked-about figures of the moment—Jake Paul. Known to millions for his massive social media presence, Paul is one of the world’s most famous YouTubers.
The mastermind behind organizing this event was a true marketing genius. The fight generated millions of dollars. However, despite its commercial success, I must admit I was disappointed. At 60 years old, Mike Tyson might have done better to decline the match, given how hard it would be for him to keep up with a younger opponent like Jake Paul, even in what was billed as an exhibition bout.
The outcome of the fight leaves a blemish on Tyson’s illustrious career, a negative memory for all those who regard him as a timeless legend—not only for his accomplishments in the ring but also for his uniquely extravagant and eventful life. The match was, in my opinion, dull and devoid of excitement. Realistically, we couldn’t expect much more, given that one participant was a social media star whose boxing skills barely rival those of a novice.
As for Tyson, allowing him to fight was reckless. The decision to grant him medical clearance to compete deserves criticism. On the other hand, credit must go to those who capitalized on the situation, offering an astronomical sum that undoubtedly persuaded Tyson to accept. The result? A match that, unfortunately, was far from enjoyable to watch.
TAF Night in Milan: Great Organization but Room for Improvement
Thankfully, the weekend also brought thrilling moments through two significant boxing events. The first took place in Italy, where credit is due to an organization like TAF, which has successfully revived national boxing in a short amount of time. However, in my opinion, the level of boxing on display didn’t meet international standards. The matchups were decent but lacked excitement. Some bouts were even a bit dull.
I believe Italy currently lacks a star boxer who can captivate audiences, someone who makes people say, “Did you see him last night? He’s destined to be a great champion!” What seems missing, technically, is creativity, tenacity, ambition, and above all, sound boxing skills. It’s not that young fighters lack commitment, but perhaps some trainers fall short in the experience needed to elevate their athletes to the top.
In Milan, the organization was excellent, but most of the fights were predictable and uninspiring. Among all the bouts, the most interesting was undoubtedly the clash between Dario Morello and Felice Moncelli. It kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end, thanks to Morello’s technical brilliance and smart risk management, along with Moncelli’s determination, though he lacked the physical edge to prevail. I’d rate this fight a 6.5 out of 10, while the rest of the matches barely reached passable levels.
Boxing in Riyadh: A High-Quality International Event
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, another international event took place, organized in collaboration with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotion. Thanks to the support of government official His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, fans enjoyed an undercard packed with high-profile bouts. The fights were well-matched, with just the right touch of excitement to keep spectators on edge. At any moment, a boxer could overwhelm their opponent with superior technique or a decisive blow.
The main event of the evening was a clash for the unified world titles. WBA champion Zurdo Ramirez faced WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith for the light heavyweight crown. The 12 rounds were a true test of skill and endurance. Zurdo Ramirez came out on top against Billam-Smith, who, despite his resilience, couldn’t break through Ramirez’s southpaw defense. Ramirez won by unanimous decision, showcasing flawless technique.