The Impact of Technology on Big-Time Boxing

Boxing is an art form that crosses boundaries and dissolves obstacles, not just a sport. Legendary boxers like Mohammed Ali, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray Leonard have wowed crowds with their spectacular performances throughout history. However, especially in more recent years, technology has significantly contributed to the sport's transformation from a somewhat barbaric to becoming the sweet science.

Despite its attractiveness, boxing has been mired in the past for a long time prior to the arrival of the tech revolution. Everything has advanced significantly since new gadgets came to the fore, and here are the main changes available for all to see.

Betting

In the past, bets were placed with bookmakers directly, but modern betting software has combined casino, sportsbook, and retail outlets into one place so that players may place wagers from mobile devices without becoming an inconvenience. Fans may now wager on everything, even the outcome of a fight and the number of rounds it will last, thanks to these newly developed choices. Technology has also made it simpler for bookies to provide sophisticated betting alternatives, like live in-play betting, which enables spectators to wager on a game's outcome as it is taking place.

Broadcasting

Over the last decade, cable networks and streaming platforms have provided die-hard boxing fans with an unparalleled viewing experience, delivering access to live matches, replays, and behind-the-scenes content. For a long time, HBO and Showtime pay-per-view was the only way to view superstars such as Floyd 'Money' Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio. However, those days are long gone, with the former deciding to scrap their coverage of the sport back in 2018 after 45 years.

In its place have come streaming services such as DAZN and ESPN+ and they have taken the sport to the next level. They have made boxing accessible for fans anywhere, anytime, and provided a platform for emerging fighters to showcase their talent and gain a global audience.

Additionally, there are now many different ways that fans can get closer to the action than ever before, such as virtual reality broadcasts, interactive tools, unusual camera angles, live social media interactions, and much more.

Affects on the Fighters Themselves

Big-name boxers are now able to promote themselves easier than ever before courtesy of social media platforms like X - formerly known as Twitter - Instagram, and Facebook, which allow boxers to market themselves on a global platform. they can interact with their fans and exhibit a personal side of themselves beyond the competitiveness of the sport. Boxers such as Mexican box office sensation Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez have millions of followers, and their social media presence has enabled them to command enormous purses for their fights.

Recent advancements have also helped in training camps. Back in the day, a coach's methods and game plans were drawn up based on their intuition and what they could see with their naked eye. However, nowadays boxers and their trainers have access to a range of performance analysis tools such as Kinovea, which can accurately monitor a fighter's reflex time, helping them find the keys to victory. Other devices like performance-tracking tools have helped fighters capture data on their speed, strength, endurance, and other physical attributes, giving them an edge in training.