Can boxing become a sport again? Insights from a thrilling Times Square card

In a unique night of boxing, the iconic Times Square is set to electrify fans as three prominent fighters — Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez — prepare to showcase their skills. However, amidst the spotlight on these well-known names, it's Arnold Barboza Jr. who deserves a closer examination. At 32-0, Barboza has been an under-the-radar contender, and his upcoming fight against Lopez might change that narrative. Unlike many fighters today who rely on social media to build their personas, Barboza focuses purely on boxing talent, a stark contrast in a sport increasingly dominated by marketing and personality over skill. As Barboza himself noted, the boxing landscape has shifted dramatically; the introduction of social media in 2020 has churned out a new class of fighters more concerned with public image than ring prowess. Barboza is not just any opponent; his recent victories over top-tier competitors, including the unanimous decision against former champion Jose Ramirez and a win over Jack Catterall, highlight his abilities. His skills well-noted yet underappreciated, he argues against the current culture within boxing that prioritizes charisma over raw talent. The question remains: can Barboza carve out a space for fighters who don’t play by the rules of publicity? On the other hand, Lopez has been an embodiment of the tumultuous nature of boxing, showcasing moments of brilliance mixed with periods of uncertainty. While he has the physical capabilities to dominate, his mental game often leads to uneven performances. Fans are left wondering which version of Lopez will appear, underscoring the sport's unpredictable nature. Simultaneously, Garcia, back from a drug suspension, aims to reclaim his momentum against Rolando Romero. As he steps up to the welterweight division, Garcia seeks to leave behind earlier controversies and deliver a powerful performance. The stakes are high for him and Haney, who has yet to regain his footing after the turmoil surrounding their previous match, which was halted due to Garcia's failed drug test. This weekend serves not just as a stepping stone for these fighters but highlights a larger discussion: Can boxing revert to being about the sport itself, rather than the spectacle? The involvement of power players like Dana White and Turki Alalshikh signals a shift that could favor the fighters' skills rather than their ability to perform on social media. The resilience of fighters like Barboza challenges the industry to rethink its dynamics and the importance of authenticity over superficial image. In a sport rife with politics, the performances this weekend will act as a litmus test for the future of boxing—whether it can return to its roots as a sport defined by combat and talent, rather than flash and self-promotion. Overall, the outcomes in Times Square could indicate whether a new era of purely talented boxers can emerge in these shifting times, providing a fresher perspective on what it means to be successful in boxing.