Boxing is a sport that has been popular with people for a long time. When you think about what boxing offers to those who follow it, you can see why. For many, it is simply the hard-hitting action that unfolds in the ring that appeals. Boxing also attracts plenty of unique characters and leads to lots of trash-talking, out-of-ring drama, and press conference mayhem. When you combine these factors together, it is a heady mix.
As a sport, boxing is also popular to bet on, which helps draw more people into following it. There can be real money to be made from wagering on the outcome of fights, for example, and placing a bet on who might win makes any fight more exciting to watch. As with any kind of sports betting though, you need to gamble responsibly and also do your research before risking any money. Checking out the latest boxing news, tips and odds is advisable and can help out when betting on this sport. Even if you do not bet on boxing, finding sites that offer the latest stories and gossip is a great way to stay in touch with what is happening.
One of the biggest stories around boxing in recent years has been the rise of the so-called ‘YouTube generation. But what is this and has it changed the sport we know and love for good?
What is the ‘YouTube generation’ in boxing?
In short, this term refers to the influx of social media stars who have started to box at one-off exhibition events. As the name suggests, the first people to do it for widespread attention came from the YouTube video sharing platform. The biggest names in the world of YouTube boxing currently are brothers Logan and Jake Paul. The 2018 bout between KSI and Logan Paul was the start of this phenomenon for many.
Since then, other big-name bouts involving social media stars and other celebs who do not box professionally have made headlines. Jake Paul knocking out ex-NBA player Nate Robinson on the undercard of the Tyson/Jones Jr fight in 2020 is a good example. But where did this all spring from?
It all started off as a way for YouTube stars to settle any differences they had online, in the ring. Early fights demonstrated there was an audience for it, and a pretty big one too. When you think of the millions of followers that social media stars have now, this is no surprise.
Has the ‘YouTube generation’ changed boxing?
There is no doubt about two things — many hardcore boxing fans shun YouTube boxing and ‘YouTube generation’ fights are something which are hard to ignore. But how might this impact boxing in the future?
For many fans, people who are not professional boxers but dip their toe into the sport for money or headlines could change boxing for the worse. It could lead to the level of respect for pro boxers diminishing and also reducing the attention they receive. If promoters and networks start to give more airtime to social media exhibition bouts, pro cards could suffer. Many people also fear the skill levels in boxing could change for the worse.
Although YouTube boxers will train for fights when needed, they have not spent years honing their technique. Further emphasis on YouTube boxing could therefore lead to skill levels being watered down and fighters putting more work into their social media profiles, rather than their craft. While boxing has always contained a showbiz element, some fans fear that the rise of ‘YouTube generation’ boxers pushes the sport too far in that direction.
Boxing could benefit from social media bouts
Not all of the potential changes are bad when considering the effect that YouTube boxing could have on the sport. A positive reaction we are already seeing is an influx of new fans. While this might be to watch social media stars slug it out, for now, it could mean millions of new people stick with the sport and follow the pro game too. Exhibition bouts involving YouTubers also help put boxing back into the news and make it cool again.
‘YouTube boxing’ has made a huge impact
Of course, this kind of boxing has also changed how people watch the sport as well. Many fans will shun catching the action on traditional TV networks and watch it on YouTube instead. This could lead to a huge change in how boxing is consumed, should people start to watch pro bouts on platforms like this. Boxing is always a sport that is evolving though and, as long as it is in a positive way, changes due to YouTube boxing should not be feared.