The first week of May was supposed to be a monumental moment for the Riyadh Season, with a highly anticipated lineup of boxing action featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. Fans were eagerly awaiting the showdowns between Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Canelo Alvarez, expecting an era-defining staple for the sport. However, both events have faced massive scrutiny, with fans labeling the action as subpar and lacking the excitement they were promised.
The disappointment began with the Times Square showdown between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. The two young fighters were expected to put on a thrilling display of skill and power, but instead, the fight ended in a controversial draw. Fans were left feeling cheated and unsatisfied, with many questioning the judges’ decision and the overall quality of the fight.
But the controversy did not end there. Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has now come forward with a controversial rule change proposal, following the disappointing performances of Haney and Garcia. Jones Jr. believes that the current scoring system in boxing is flawed and needs to be changed in order to prevent similar outcomes in the future.
According to Jones Jr., the current scoring system, which is based on the 10-point must system, is outdated and does not accurately reflect the true winner of a fight. He argues that the system puts too much emphasis on the number of punches thrown, rather than the quality and effectiveness of those punches. This, in turn, leads to fights being scored in favor of the busier fighter, rather than the one who landed the more significant blows.
Jones Jr. proposes a new scoring system that would give more weight to power punches and knockdowns, rather than just the number of punches thrown. This would encourage fighters to focus on quality over quantity, resulting in more exciting and decisive fights.
The proposal has received mixed reactions from the boxing community, with some supporting the idea and others dismissing it as unnecessary. However, one thing is for sure – the recent events in Riyadh have highlighted the need for a change in the scoring system.
But it’s not just the scoring system that has come under fire. The overall quality of the fights has also been a major point of criticism. Many fans have expressed their disappointment with the lackluster performances of the fighters, who seemed more concerned with protecting their undefeated records rather than putting on an entertaining show for the fans.
This is where Canelo Alvarez stands out. The Mexican superstar delivered a dominant performance against Billy Joe Saunders, showcasing his skill and power in a thrilling eighth-round stoppage. Unlike the other fights, Canelo’s bout was a true display of the sport, with both fighters giving it their all and leaving everything in the ring.
Canelo’s performance has once again solidified his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. But it has also highlighted the need for other fighters to step up and deliver the same level of excitement and entertainment.
In the end, it’s the fans who suffer the most from lackluster fights. They spend their hard-earned money and time to support their favorite fighters, only to be disappointed by the lack of action and controversy. It’s time for the fighters to remember that they are not just fighting for themselves, but for the fans who make the sport what it is.
The first week of May may not have been the era-defining staple that was promised, but it has certainly sparked a much-needed conversation about the state of boxing. The controversy surrounding the fights has shed light on the flaws in the sport and the need for change. And with fighters like Canelo Alvarez leading the way, there is hope that we will see more exciting and decisive fights in the future.
In the end, it’s up to the fighters to deliver on their promises and give the fans the thrilling and unforgettable moments they deserve. Let’s hope that the next time the Riyadh Season rolls around, it will truly be an era-defining staple for the sport of boxing.