Ariel Helwani has described the current style of boxing press conferences as “terrible” and called for radical reform.
Helwani has hosted many high-profile combat sports events, from boxing to MMA to WWE, and also runs the popular YouTube channel “The MMA Hour,” which features a wide range of guests from the martial arts world and has 1.73 million subscribers.
The latest edition of the show comes following the announcement of a massive card at Wembley Stadium which will see Anthony Joshua challenge IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
The card is packed with exciting bouts that will draw huge crowds, including the super featherweight world title bout between champion Anthony Cacace and Josh Warrington, the WBO interim light heavyweight world title bout between Joshua Buatsi and Willie Hutchinson, the European middleweight title defence between Tyler Dennehy and Hamza Sheeraz, Josh Kelly vs Liam Smith and Mark Chamberlain vs Josh Padley.
The historic event was confirmed at announcing press conference in London yesterday, following which promoter Eddie Hearn appeared on The MMA Hour alongside Helwani.
During the show, Helwani opened up to Hearn about boxing press conferences, saying they're awful and he needs an update.
“Can I say this? I think it's safe to say this to you: Press conferences are awful. They're really awful. Boxing needs to revamp its press conferences. Just because this is the way it's done or the way it's been done, it can't be that way.”
Hearn asked what Helwani would change and said Anthony Joshua should speak first as he is the A-side and the media should be allowed to ask questions.
“Yeah, they're so bad. The long winded opening, the story line, the fact that AJ speaks last. He's the star of the show. He's the A-side. He should speak first. I don't want to hear from anyone else before moving on to Spencer, the coaching staff and the main players. Boom, boom, boom, boom. Let the media ask questions. That's how you make it good. Bring the energy, bring the fans in. We need updates. I'm saying this out of love. I love this stuff.”
Hahn agreed with Helwani and said he believes a revamp is needed.
“I agree. In fact, I was just talking about an hour ago about the need for renewal in a number of areas.”
Boxing press conferences have produced many iconic moments, some even over the top, but they often follow a similar structure and can feel monotonous to many.
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