Boxing: Stop Loading Cards Just For Show

By T.M. Madison: In an era where Turki Alalshikh is pouring millions into boxing, you’d think fight fans would finally get the matchups they’ve been begging for. But instead of delivering dream fights, promoters keep feeding us glorified sparring sessions—cards stacked with big names fighting opponents nobody asked for.

Take the most recent card: Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo were both featured, but not against each other. Fans have been craving that fight ever since Plant slapped the hell out of Charlo years ago. The buildup was there. The tension was real. But instead of capitalizing, we got two separate, forgettable fights. And now, with Plant’s loss, we may never see that matchup—or at best, have to wait years for it to mean anything again.

And this isn’t a one-off—it keeps happening.

We had Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua on the same card, only for Wilder to lose to Joseph Parker before the matchup could even be teased. Then there was the card featuring Speedy Rashidi Ellis and Jaron “Boots” Ennis—fans were hyped for a future showdown. But they fought separate opponents, and Speedy lost, killing the buzz. Or consider the event with Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia all on the same night, yet none of them fought each other. It was marketed as historic. It ended up forgettable.

This pattern is exhausting. Promoters keep stacking cards with recognizable names, hoping star power alone will distract from the lack of real stakes, rivalries, or risk. But fans see through it. It’s bait-and-switch marketing, and people are tired of being played.

If boxing truly wants a resurgence, then for the billionth time: STOP PROTECTING RECORDS AND START MAKING THE FIGHTS PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT.

Give us the action. Give us the drama. Give us the matchups that matter.

Because no amount of money or flash can cover up a card full of missed opportunities.