FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Logan Paul’s spectacle bout proved there is a market for showcase boxing exhibitions.
The demand was so high, Showtime’s app crashed while Mayweather boasted that he could earn up to £70million once all is said and done.
Several argue – led by boxing purists – that these farcical and uncompetitive fights are damaging the sport’s integrity.
But others disagree and instead want to believe celebrities like Logan and Jake Paul can help bring new eyes to the sweet science.
With there being no sign of exhibitions going away, and no real evidence to say it damages professional boxing, here SunSport looks at five in-demand fights.
Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield
Heavyweight legend Tyson, 54, shocked all last year as he made a comeback 15 years after retiring to face Roy Jones Jr, 52, in an eight round exhibition.
It resulted in a draw, and despite failing to live up to whatever intrigue viewers were expecting the veterans to provide, Iron Mike is set for more.
And he is banking on the novelty of his return not yet wearing off as he called for a trilogy bout with Evander Holyfield, two decades on from their ‘Bite Fight’
Talks have since stalled, with Holyfield, 58, instead fighting Tyson’s last pro opponent Kevin McBride, 48, in August.
But there are still some wishful fans hoping two of their favourite heavyweight will renew their rivalry once more.
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Canelo Alvarez vs Jake Paul
Logan’s little brother caused a storm after calling out boxing’s pound-for-pound No1 as he tweeted ‘you can’t sell PPV’s I would eat you alive’.
His post could be referring to being a bigger box office success than Canelo, rather than fighting him, but still some demanded the Mexican shut the social media sensation up.
The chances of it happening are almost impossible however, as in December Canelo called exhibitions ‘a lack of respect’.
He did at least offer to spar Paul, 24, meaning should he somehow be persuaded, and commissioned, fans could get their wish.
But unlike Mayweather, 44, Canelo, 30, has never appeared interested in lowering his impeccable standards no matter how large the prize.
Oscar De La Hoya vs Georges St-Pierre
De La Hoya, 48, is the latest boxing legend to fancy cashing in on a comeback after signing to a return fight with Triller.
Initially, he was in line to fight MMA icon St-Pierre, until UFC president Dana White blocked the bout.
GSP, 40, is still technically under contract with the UFC despite retiring in 2019, meaning he needed their permission.
St-Pierre’s striking skills and youth factor made for an intriguing matchup against De La Hoya, who has not fought in 13 YEARS.
GSP was left devastated, as he told MMA Fighting: “For me, it would have been a dream come true, because he is my second favourite boxer of all time, behind ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard.”
Floyd Mayweather vs Jake Paul
Before Mayweather shared the ring with Logan, another money-spinning fight with Jake was already being lined up.
Jake stole the American great’s hat at the pre-fight press conference, adding fuel to the fire.
But after Mayweather failed to KO Logan, 26, he poured cold water on another exhibition.
He said: “As far as me coming back to the sport of boxing, absolutely not. As far as me doing an exhibition again, probably not.”
Despite the admission, should the cheque be correct, ‘Money’ Mayweather could well be tempted back and has a ready-made rivalry with Jake.
Roy Jones Jr vs Anderson Silva
Boxing icon Jones and the MMA great always wanted to box each other but Silva’s contract permitted the fight.
But after the Brazilian was released it sparked hope they could finally meet in the ring.
After drawing with Tyson, Jones revealed Silva was the man he wanted to face next as they held further talks.
But for now, Silva will crossover to the boxing ring, but to fight Julio Cesar Chavez on June 19.
Jones and the ex-UFC champion, 46, are well past their primes, but some fans are still desperate to see them fight once and for all.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
