1. The Best are Actually Fighting the Best
In a sport where top performers are increasingly becoming over-protected cash-cows, and where an ‘0’ is becoming, at least to the casual fan, a more critical signifier of greatness than belts and quality of opposition… it’s so refreshing to have a set-up where the top fighters in a weight division are locked into a collision course. And the result has been some beautiful nights of top quality boxing and some serious Fight of the Year candidates.
2. The EPIC Production Values
Imagine if a Champion’s League advert and Game of Thrones had a baby… a baby that was then forced to engage in gladiatorial combat during a half-hour laser show… THAT is what the WBSS looks like. Also, mad respect for the Two Steps from Hell soundtrack. As if an international boxing tournament wasn’t epic enough.
3. This heartwarming moment from the Gassiev vs Dorticos post-fight presser
What's that? No, I’m not crying… uh, my eyes are sweating.
4. David Diamante
OK, so as far as ring announcers go he may not have the old-world charm of Michael Buffer or ‘The Classy’ Jimmy Lennon Junior – but what he lacks in terms of Jimmy’s impeccably-rehearsed delivery and non-threatening haircut, he more than makes up for with the sheer audacity value of his ‘sex offender at a court hearing’ suit, dread ponytail and goatee combo. This man gives zero fucks for your dress code, Kalle Sauerland.
5. The Final will be in…wait, Saudi Arabia?
We’ve had the Thriller in Manilla, the Rumble in the Jungle… and now it’s time for the … Brouhaha in Arabia? The Double-header in Jeddah? …I’ll work on it. Still, it’s a pretty left-field choice – let’s see how it plays out!