Boxing is not, and has never been, a perfect sport. Even in the throes of an enthralling duel like Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley’s last Saturday night, you might find yourself shrinking into your sofa under the violence or bursting forth in rage at a controversial stoppage. It depends on your threshold for such things, but the violence itself is just one of many contentious layers to a complicated but beloved sport; politics, pain and crime have all historically contributed to the “sweet science”, which at times betrays both the adjective and noun in that sibilant title.
Yet there has always been enough to keep us going. Again, Parker versus Wardley – whatever you think about the referee’s call in the 11th round – was a beguiling exhibit of pugilism, one to replenish wavering fandom in some corners and ignite burgeoning interest in others. But it feels like boxing tends to give with one gloved hand and take with the other.
