Boxing's Saviour?

Oscar De La Hoya’s eagerly anticipated showdown with Floyd Mayweather is being described as the saviour of Boxing, at a time when the sport is being criticised for too many ‘poor’ and boring displays, too many World title belts that mean there is no recognised champion in each weight division and a lack of colourful characters. And all this criticism when another sport, Ultimate Fighting, better known as UFC is threatening to lure away even the most avid and fanatic boxing fans.
On 5 May, two of the most recognised figures in the sport will step into a ring together in Las Vegas, at the MGM Grand, scene of some of the most enthralling boxing fights, hoping to deliver one of the most exciting bouts in boxing history. Without this kind of match up many in the boxing scene are worried about the sport's future.
Despite the pessimism surrounding the sport at the moment, even Mayweather arguing that 'boxing needs this fight', many in the boxing circuit insist the future of boxing is bright. Frank Maloney, one of the most successful promoters Britain has produced maintains that UFC is ‘just a fad’ and that with time any boxing fans that have switched their allegiance to the UFC scene will return.
And, in terms of numbers boxing has never been as big. More and more people are taking up boxing, either as a hobby, or as part of a desire to learn to fight. Four months ago I began boxing myself, and am now totally obsessed by the sport. Boxing teaches discipline, respect, and of course makes you very, very fit. I have played football for a number of teams over the years, but have never felt pain like that during a boxing session. Even Roy Keane, who had three amateur bouts a s a teenager admits ‘Boxing is sport in its truest form’. As a sporting entity, the Government has also seen the positive elements boxing instils in children, and has recently promoted a campaign in inner city London schools to encourage children to adopt the sport. The 'Boxing in Schools' programme has been extremely successful so far with numerous schools in the Capital endorsing the project, and it is hoped that over the next few years schools all over the country will embrace the project.
I’m not so sure Boxing really needs a saviour. There are still so many world class fighters out there providing entertainment to millions, with Britain’s Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton providing just two such examples. One thing is for sure however, De La Hoya and Mayweather will put on an exhilarating show, and any non-boxing fans watching will surely be converted into boxing fanatics that night.