From Saudi Investment to Influencer Boxers, Johnny Nelson Pulls No Punches

SAUDI ARABIA IS NOW A KEY PLAYER IN THE BOXING WORLD

With Saudi Arabia’s involvement, we’re seeing more cross-promotional fights than ever before. A few years ago, the idea of Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, and Ben Shalom working under the same banner would have seemed pretty farfetched, but here we are. It’s giving fighters more power, and the fans are getting to see the best fights. That’s the way boxing should be.

In the past, boxing politics and rivalries stopped big fights from happening because of network deals and promotional disputes. With the Saudis putting the money on the table, those issues are being set aside in favour of making fights happen. This shift has big implications for the future of the sport. Fighters now realise they don’t need to be tied to outdated promotional agreements.

Whether you love it or hate it, boxing is in a new era. Saudi Arabia's influence is undeniable, and for fighters and fans, it could be the best thing to happen to the sport in decades.

SHEERAZ COULD STILL BE BRITAIN’S NEXT BIG STAR

Despite only drawing on Saturday, I believe that Sheeraz still has everything it takes to be Britain's next big star. He's long, rangy, and explosive, and he reminds me of a young Thomas Hearns. His track record speaks for itself, with 17 stoppages in 22 fights.

He keeps it humble, he's focused, and he's an incredible talent. You don't need to be loud to be a star; look at someone like Marvin Hagler. He wasn't in your face or loud. He just went about his business and won fights.

THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITING

The heavyweight division is undergoing a big transformation at the moment. It's becoming more dynamic and less predictable. The days of one or two dominant champions ruling the division are fading fast. We're seeing a new landscape where the best are fighting the best, and young contenders are getting a chance to make their presence felt.

Saudi Arabia's investment is driving these matchups, and promoters can't hide their fighters away any longer. Saudi money is pushing promoters to stop protecting their fighters, resulting in more top-tier fights clashing. This rise of younger talent shows showcases how the division is evolving. It's giving fighters new opportunities and offering fans more to look forward to. I think we're potentially entering a golden era for heavyweight boxing.

NO ONE BELIEVES TYSON FURY IS RETIRING

Tyson Fury is a big personality and was once the boxing world’s favourite child. It used to be that things were set up in his favour, but the boxing world has changed. Broadcasters have more power, which is great for the sport, but it means that people like Tyson don’t hold all the cards like they once did. Fighters must do much more media work now, and the sport is less about fighting. So, I think retirement for Fury is a bit of a protest at how boxing has evolved. Every fighter gets older and can’t compete like they once did. Tyson had a choice to make, and you can’t retire one day and then the next day say, give me half a billion, and I’ll fight. I suspect he’ll make an announcement soon, and it will be a fight with Joshua or an exhibition bout, but the whole retirement tantrum is getting boring.

British fans deserve to see Joshua vs Fury, and the two men owe it to the sport and their fans. It would be a fantastic event, but the sooner it happens, the better. The longer it goes on, the less valuable it will be. We saw Amir Khan and Kell Brook get in the ring together at the end of their careers, and it made for an exciting fight. But imagine the hype and excitement if it happened at a higher stage in their careers.

Boxers are warriors, and I bet Fury won’t want to end his career on a defeat. While he can still fight, he won’t be done with boxing.

INFLUENCER BOXERS NEED TO STAY IN THEIR LANE

So-called influencer boxers are walking a fine line at the moment. Some serious money is being thrown about, and the purse will only get higher. Jake Paul fighting 58-year-old Mike Tyson was a joke. Mike is older than Jake Paul’s dad.

If any influencer like Jake Paul steps into the ring with a professional boxer while they are at the top of their game, then it won’t be pretty. They’re going to get slaughtered, and I think they know it. If Jake Paul thinks he can get in a ring with Canelo Alvarez and walk out unscathed he’s in for a shock. If that fight happens, then Paul will find out the hard way that professionals don’t mess around.