Martin/Joshua: Mockery that insulted boxing fans made possible by Fury

Eddie Hearn manipulated the public which his job requires.

As did certain media. But the job of a journalist it to inform, not misguide.

Anthony Joshua v Charles Martin was staged theatre. The latter walked to his downfall sporting “a burger king crown”, as straight-talking boxing scribbler, Steve Bunce termed it.

The American played his part. He lay down, collected his cheque and flew from the UK a millionaire.

Joshua dazzled in front of his celebrity friends at ringside and to the paying public at home.

And then we heard the words, ‘and the new’. The whole production was like a superhero film. You enjoy the ride but you know what the inevitable outcome will be.

Fightstore Media predicted this in our preview article: ‘One sided beating disguised as PPV’.

This spectacle was made possible because of one man.

Tyson Fury.

His belts were earned and financial rewards deserved. He beat one of our sports most dominant champions, Wladmimir Klitschko, in Germany of all places.

Nobody expected to hear the words, ‘and the new’ that night.

Boxing rarely has special occasions anymore. But when they come it makes up for all its problems. That historic fight in Dusseldorf may not be witnessed again for a long time.

Tragically, the celebrations were cut disgracefully short.

Since November 2015 the IBF heavyweight championship has been tossed around nonchalantly.

Fury fought for it, Martin was handed it, and he then gave it to Joshua in exchange for life changing fortunes.

Some say this is just the way things are now.

We shouldn’t accept it. The sweet science is better than that. Boxing writers especially ought to see through the deception. Maybe they fear upsetting editors who deny them their right to critique in order to be guaranteed interviews with the golden boy.

Anthony Joshua may prove he is a champion by dethroning Tyson Fury one day.

I just wish we didn’t have to watch and pay for a circus show before we reach the serious business of fighting.

Image Source: www.thenational.ae