Project 366 / 177 — Boxing, Tyson and Joshua

I was a big fight fan when I was young. I’d be one of those people staying up to the early hours to watch a Mike Tyson 10 second knockout or Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank or Prince Naseem Hamed spectacular. It felt in some ways like a golden era of boxing, where the boxers commanded an audience through a mix of sheer raw talent and over the top showmanship. Plus they had personalities, and that really helped.

After Tyson was released from jail and had the infamous Tyson v Holyfield match and rematch the heavyweight scene seemed to go into free-fall. Yes us British had Lennox Lewis but the pizzazz wasn’t there and subsequent contenders in the heavyweight division did little to set the world alight.

Those contenders and champions had no personality, instead relying on pathetic attempts to skirt controversy as their only way of publicity. In his prime Mike Tyson was labelled the “baddest man on the planet” because of his actions in the ring. He didn’t have to do or say anything, his raw talent, ferocious power and mean demeanour saying it all. Tyson Fury, on the other hand, has had to rely on homophobic, sexist and anti semitic rants to garner publicity. It’s pathetic and embarrassing.

This lull in boxing personalities has led the way to the emergence of MMA. It only takes 1 or 2 big personalities to set the world alight and the likes of both Rhonda Rousey and Conor McGregor have done just that. It’s been an electrifying spectacle. What’s interesting now is the prospect of a crossover match with McGregor taking on Floyd Mayweather but whether this happens or not remains to be seen.

But boxing is a sleeping giant. The emergence of Anthony Joshua is a refreshing change. Our British fighter has the looks, the talent and the potential to go all the way and what is nice is his humble approach to the sport. To remain grounded he still lives with his mum in a flat across the road from his boxing gym.

Just as Cus D’Amato kept Tyson grounded and invincible you just hope that Joshua’s mum can do the same thing.