Boxa: Stop loading cards just to show

By TM Madison: In an age when Turki Alralikh poured millions into the boxing, you could think that the struggle fans would finally get the parties they have requested. But instead of delivering dream struggles, promoters continue to feed us: Glorified Sparring sessions: Cards stacked with big names fighting opponents that no one requested.

Take the most recent card: Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo presented themselves, but not against each other. Fans have wished this struggle since planting Charlo’s hands years ago. The accumulation was there. The tension was real. But instead of capitalizing, we got two separate and forgotten fights. And now, with the loss of plant, we may never see this party, or at best, you will have to wait years so that it means anything again.

And this is not a single one, he continues to happen.

We had Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua on the same card, just for Wilder to lose against Joseph Parker before the game could even make fun. Then there was the card with Speedy Rashidi Ellis and Jaron “Boots” Ennis: The fans were seen with a future confrontation. But they fought against the opponents and Speedy lost, killing the buzz. Or consider the event with Theophimo Lopez, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia all the same night, but none of them fought with each other. It was commercialized as historical. It ended up forgotten.

This pattern is exhausting. The promoters continue to stack cards with recognizable names, hoping that Star Power only distracts the lack of real stakes, rivalries or risk. But the fans see it. This is bait marketing and switching and people are tired of playing.

If the boxing really wants a resurgence, then for the thousandth time: stop protecting the records and start making the fights that people want.

Give the action. Give the drama. Give the coincidences that matter.

Because no amount of money or flash can cover a card full of lost opportunities.