Beyond the Big Boys: Are We Overlooking the Real Action in Boxing?

By Billie Sloane, IFL TV

Let’s get one thing straight—the heavyweight division is the shiny centerpiece of boxing. The marquee act. The division that puts bums on seats and draws eyes to screens. Ali, Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, Fury—just say the names and even non-fans perk up. Heavyweights are the blockbuster movies of boxing: big, bold, and bankable.

But here’s the question no one’s asking: is boxing leaning too heavily (pun intended) on its biggest boys? Are we so hypnotized by the sheer spectacle of heavyweights that we’re overlooking the fast-paced, technical brilliance of lighter divisions? And—dare I say it—are we hurting the sport by making it all about size?

The Heavyweight Hype Machine

Heavyweights are the kings of the castle, and they’ve earned it. When you’re watching two massive fighters step into the ring, it’s not just a fight—it’s an event. You can almost feel the tension through the screen. One punch can end it all, and that unpredictability is part of the magic.

It’s no wonder, then, that heavyweights are the division promoters shove into the spotlight. Anthony Joshua selling out Wembley. Tyson Fury bringing showmanship and bravado to every presser. Deontay Wilder’s thunderous knockouts lighting up highlight reels. The heavyweight division brings casual fans into the fold like no other.

As Eddie Hearn once said in an IFL TV interview: “Heavyweights are the engine that drives boxing. Without them, it’s hard to capture mainstream attention.” He’s not wrong. The pay-per-view buys back it up. Heavyweights are where the money is, and boxing is, at its core, a business.

But Is Bigger Really Better?

Here’s where it gets tricky. While the heavyweights bring the crowds, are they delivering the goods inside the ring? Let’s be honest: not every heavyweight fight is a classic. For every Fury vs. Wilder trilogy, we’ve endured countless slow, clumsy snooze-fests where two giants huff and puff for 12 rounds.

Meanwhile, the lighter weight classes are serving up pure fire. Think about the blistering speed of the featherweights or the pinpoint precision of the welterweights. Fighters like Vasiliy Lomachenko, Naoya Inoue, and Terence Crawford put on masterclasses that make you sit up and say, “This is boxing at its finest.”

But are they getting the same love? Not a chance. Casual fans couldn’t pick Inoue out of a lineup, and that’s a tragedy. These fighters are putting on fights that make heavyweight slogs look like a bad bar brawl, yet they’re fighting in relative obscurity.

The Pros of Heavyweight Dominance

Let’s not pretend the heavyweight focus is all bad. It’s easy to understand why the division gets so much attention:

1. Broad Appeal: Heavyweights attract viewers who might not otherwise watch boxing. They’re a gateway for casual fans, and the sport needs that.

2. Big Revenue: From ticket sales to sponsorship deals, heavyweights bring in serious money that trickles down to the rest of the sport.

3. Cultural Impact: Heavyweight champions are seen as the ultimate fighters. Muhammad Ali isn’t just a boxing legend—he’s a global icon.

When Tyson Fury fought Deontay Wilder, it wasn’t just a boxing event—it was the event. People who hadn’t watched a fight in years tuned in. That kind of crossover appeal is invaluable.

The Cons: What About Everyone Else?

But here’s the flip side. By putting all our eggs in the heavyweight basket, are we selling the rest of the sport short?

1. Lack of Spotlight: Smaller divisions, despite their talent, rarely get the attention they deserve. How many casual fans even know who Josh Taylor or Juan Francisco Estrada is?

2. Narrow Focus: If heavyweights falter—if the division lacks depth or compelling matchups—the sport risks stagnation. We’ve seen this happen before, during the post-Tyson, pre-Klitschko years.

3. Diluted Matchmaking: The hype around heavyweights often leads to mismatches or overhyped fights. Meanwhile, genuinely competitive matchups in other divisions get buried on undercards.

When Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia finally faced off, it was proof that lighter divisions can bring massive fan interest. The build-up was electric, and the fight delivered. Imagine if boxing invested more in making those matchups happen across all weight classes.

Is It Time for a Shift in Focus?

Here’s the real question: is it time to start spreading the love? Boxing has depth and talent in every division, from flyweight to cruiserweight. But it feels like the sport—and its fans—are stuck in a cycle of chasing heavyweight glory while ignoring the gems right under their noses.

Take Naoya Inoue, for example. The Japanese star is arguably one of the most skilled fighters on the planet, yet he’s not even close to being a household name outside hardcore boxing circles. Why? Because he doesn’t weigh 250 pounds?

Or consider Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time). She’s breaking barriers, dominating multiple divisions, and bringing attention to women’s boxing. But even she’s said it’s an uphill battle to get the same recognition male heavyweights enjoy.

Should Boxing Promotions Do More?

Should promoters bear some of the responsibility? Instead of relying on the heavyweights to do all the heavy lifting, could they do more to promote talent across all divisions? The answer seems obvious, but in a sport driven by money, it’s not that simple.

Boxing’s business model is built on marquee fights, and heavyweight showdowns are the easiest sell. But what happens when the heavyweight well dries up? Shouldn’t we be cultivating stars across the board, so the sport isn’t reliant on one division to stay afloat?

For the Fans: Are We Part of the Problem?

And what about us, the fans? Are we guilty of buying into the heavyweight hype and ignoring the rest of the sport? Do we show up for the spectacle but tune out when it’s time to appreciate the technical brilliance of the lighter classes?

When was the last time you got as excited for a bantamweight unification as you did for a heavyweight clash? Be honest. If we want change, it starts with us demanding more—not just from heavyweights, but from the entire sport.

Final Bell: The Future of Boxing

So, is boxing overly dependent on the heavyweight division? The answer is both yes and no. Heavyweights are the lifeblood of the sport, but they shouldn’t be its only heartbeat. Boxing is at its best when every division thrives, when every weight class gets its moment in the sun.

The lighter divisions are bursting with talent. The question is, are we willing to look beyond the big boys to appreciate the full scope of the sport? Or will we continue to let boxing live and die on the shoulders of its heavyweights?

As always, the choice is ours. Let’s just hope we make the right one before it’s too late.

So ask yourself:

• Should boxing promoters invest more in lighter divisions, or is heavyweight dominance just the way it is?

• Who’s your favorite fighter outside the heavyweight division, and why don’t they get the same spotlight?

• Do you think boxing would survive without a strong heavyweight division?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Billie Sloane takes a ‘no holes barred’ approach as he has his say on some of the major talking points in the crazy world that is boxing.