By Billie Sloane, IFL TV

The walkout. It’s the moment a fighter steps into the spotlight, leaving the comfort of the dressing room and entering the cauldron of noise, expectation, and pressure. More than just an entrance, it’s a spectacle, a psychological statement, and a chance to seize control before the first punch is thrown. In professional boxing—where sport meets entertainment—the walkout is as much a part of the show as the fight itself. But does it really matter? Can a walkout influence the outcome, or is it simply theatre for the fans?

Setting the Tone: Sport Meets Entertainment

In boxing, the walkout is where professionalism and performance art collide. Yes, this is the sweet science, but it’s also the entertainment business. Fans don’t just come for the punches; they come for the drama. A great walkout doesn’t just hype the crowd—it sets the tone for the event. Should we, then, consider the walkout as part of the show? After all, the energy of the arena, the music, and the fighter’s demeanour can create a moment as unforgettable as any knockout.

Billy Joe Saunders’ walkout against Canelo Álvarez in 2021 was a perfect example of how a fighter can use this moment to send a message. As Canelo made his grand entrance surrounded by a mariachi band and an army of supporters, Saunders chose a solitary walk to the haunting anthem “Spartan Soldier” by Tommy Lee Sparta. The song’s lyrics and tone were monumentally fitting for the challenge Saunders faced—stepping into the ring alone against one of the greatest fighters of the era. It wasn’t just an entrance; it was a statement of defiance and resolve.

The Walkout as a Psychological Weapon

For some fighters, the walkout is an essential tool for getting into their opponent’s head. Prince Naseem Hamed’s flamboyant entrances, from riding flying carpets to dancing to “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” weren’t just about entertaining the crowd—they were designed to rattle his opponents before the first bell even rang. And it often worked, with many admitting they were distracted by the theatrics.

In contrast, Mike Tyson’s minimalist, no-music walkouts were just as intimidating. The silence, the raw energy, the lack of ceremony—it was a statement that Tyson didn’t need theatrics. His presence alone was enough to unnerve opponents. Lennox Lewis later said: “When Tyson walked out, it wasn’t about showmanship. It was about sending a message: I’m here to destroy you.”

The psychological power of the walkout lies in its ability to set the narrative. Are you the confident showman, the stoic warrior, or the underdog ready to shock the world? Every choice, from the song to the demeanour, adds to the story being told.

Songs That Define Fighters

For some boxers, the walkout song becomes part of their identity. Michael Conlon, for example, always includes the iconic republican ballad “Grace” as part of his walkout. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply with his heritage and his fans, creating a connection that goes beyond the fight.

Similarly, Ricky Hatton’s “Blue Moon” became synonymous with his Manchester fanbase, turning every arena he fought in into a home crowd. And while Tyson Fury often switches up his walkout songs, they’re always reflective of his larger-than-life personality, from “Crazy” by Patsy Cline to “American Pie” by Don McLean.

These choices aren’t random; they’re calculated. The right song can calm a fighter, energise them, or evoke a sense of purpose. It’s not just music—it’s motivation.

The Impact of Empty Arenas

The walkout’s power was starkly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fights took place in empty arenas. Carl Frampton’s haunting walkout to “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Björk in an empty stadium epitomised the surreal atmosphere of the time. Stripped of fanfare and noise, Frampton’s entrance felt like a quiet farewell, setting the tone for what turned out to be the final fight of his career.

In a later interview, Frampton described the eerie experience: “Walking out without the crowd made it feel like a spar, not a fight. It was hard to get into the mindset.”

Without fans, the walkout’s psychological impact was diminished, leaving fighters to draw energy solely from within. It was a reminder of how much the walkout relies on the atmosphere created by the crowd.

The Walkout as a Performance: More Than Just a Song

In modern boxing, the walkout has evolved far beyond a simple stroll to the ring. It’s now a full-blown performance, with fighters using lights, choreography, and theatrics to create unforgettable moments. These grand displays are as much about building anticipation as they are about showcasing the fighter’s personality and status.

Take Claressa Shields’ walkout to “Who Run The World (Girls)” by Beyoncé. For her, it wasn’t just a walkout—it was a statement. Accompanied by dancers and a powerful routine, Shields made it clear she wasn’t just entering the ring; she was taking centre stage, representing not just herself but women everywhere. The spectacle added to the significance of her fight, making it feel like a historic event before the first punch was even thrown.

Tyson Fury has also mastered the art of the walkout performance. Whether he’s being carried into the arena on a raised throne like a king, donning a Spartan outfit, or singing along to his entrance music, Fury knows how to captivate an audience. These theatrical touches highlight his unique blend of humour, charisma, and showmanship, setting the stage for the fight in a way only he can.

Other fighters have followed suit. Anthony Joshua’s elaborate pyrotechnics and light displays create a sense of grandeur, while Chris Eubank Sr., in his prime, often walked out in dramatic slow motion, basking in the spotlight to the tune of “Simply the Best”. Naseem Hamed, never one to shy away from the limelight, famously entered arenas on flying carpets or rodeo bulls, turning every walkout into an unforgettable spectacle.

These performances aren’t just about entertainment—they’re psychological tools. They build hype, unsettle opponents, and remind fans that boxing is as much about theatre as it is about the sport itself.

The Balance Between Showmanship and Focus

But with such elaborate displays, one has to wonder: do these performances ever distract the fighters themselves? Is there a point where the walkout becomes more about the show than the fight? Deontay Wilder’s infamous 40-pound costume ahead of his rematch with Tyson Fury sparked debate, with Wilder later claiming the heavy outfit fatigued him before the opening bell.

The line between performance and preparation is razor-thin. While a well-executed walkout can enhance a fighter’s mindset, an over-the-top spectacle risks becoming a liability. Fighters must find the balance—using the walkout to pump themselves up without losing focus on the task ahead.

Does the Walkout Matter?

The debate over the significance of the walkout will likely never end. Some fighters, like Mike Tyson, view it as inconsequential—a mere formality before the real work begins. Others, like Prince Naseem, see it as an integral part of their identity and a weapon in their arsenal.

But does a walkout affect the outcome of a fight? Fighters like George Groves believe it does: “The walkout is where you centre yourself, where you decide you’re unbeatable. If you feel right in that moment, you carry it into the ring.” On the other hand, a chaotic or poorly executed entrance can throw off a fighter’s focus, proving that it’s not just about the crowd—it’s about the fighter’s mindset.

What About the Fans?

Ultimately, the walkout isn’t just for the fighters—it’s for the fans. It’s a shared experience, a moment of connection. When Ricky Hatton entered to “Blue Moon”, it wasn’t just about him—it was about the thousands of fans singing along, united in their support. When Canelo walked out with a mariachi band, it wasn’t just about spectacle—it was about showcasing his culture.

The walkout reminds us that boxing, for all its brutality, is still a sport of theatre. The fighters are the stars, and the fans are the audience. Together, they create moments that live on long after the final bell.

A Key Element of Modern Boxing

In an age where boxing competes with other sports and entertainment platforms for attention, the walkout has become an integral part of the spectacle. Fans expect more than just a fight; they want an experience. Walkout performances, whether simple or extravagant, are part of what makes a night at the boxing arena unforgettable.

Whether it’s Claressa Shields’ empowering choreography, Tyson Fury’s playful theatrics, or a quiet, focused walk with no music at all, the walkout is a moment for fighters to set the tone, send a message, and remind us why boxing remains one of the most captivating sports in the world.

What’s your take? Do walkout performances add to the event, or are they just unnecessary distractions? Share your thoughts below.

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.