IBR on The Cruelest Sport

“For years Erislandy Lara antagonized Saul Alvarez, slandered both Alvarez’ credentials and the business celebrating the superficial charms of a manufactured heartthrob. One pictures Lara watching the mania that follows Alvarez, flabbergasted at the idea that red hair, freckles, and a winning smile could be more endearing than the tribulations and sacrifices of a Cuban defector’s journey. Alvarez represented first and foremost a seven figure payday for Lara. But beyond that, beating Alvarez, sabotaging the bandwagon and hype-train, would strike a blow for men who gave up more than dessert to pursue their dreams. Last night, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lara got his much coveted crack at the new idol, and squandered it, losing a split decision in a fight that lined his pocket while doing nothing to alleviate his grudge.”

Read Superficial Charms: Saul Alvarez W12 Erislandy Lara on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

“A fight for the boxing hipsters, Russell-Lomachenko pitted a fighter who had seen his once burgeoning popularity wane enough that it was again cool to like him against an underground sensation with “the look” but not the mainstream popularity (and the inevitable backlash that accompanies it). Whoever came out on top would be “on trend” if for no other reason than having proved his merits, the hipsters could say they had recognized them all along. But this was not a symposium on fixed-gear bikes or pretentious mustaches: Russell-Lomachenko was a genuinely intriguing fight, regardless of how little attention it garnered.”

Read Grand Designs: Vasyl Lomachenko W12 Gary Russell, Jr. on The Cruelest Sport

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

“It would be interesting to hear Friedrich Nietzsche’s take on Ruslan Provodnikov. Nietzsche, whose philosophy apotheosized the will, would surely provide interesting commentary on a fighter who exemplifies the creative and destructive potential of an iron volition. Provodnikov is not unique in his fixation on will—boxing is a sport predicated on willpower directed both without and within—but there is an almost mystic quality to the language he uses in reducing a violent ritual to a test between intangible forces. It is both frightening and captivating to hear Provodnikov, Beryozovo, Russia, speak of how his willpower allows him to overcome opponents and himself alike. And he means what he says: in the ring, when the talking stops, Provodnikov covets only attrition.”

Read: Anything But The Knots: Chris Algieri W12 Ruslan Provodnikov on The Cruelest Sport.