WHEN “The Gladiator” Guido Vianello called out Anthony Joshua on Saturday night he did so with one condition – that the fight takes place inside The Colosseum in Rome.
Whether it was tongue in cheek or not boxing has staged great nights in unusual settings in the past. And lately Turki Alalshikh has floated the idea of a fight night being staged in Alcatraz!
Boxing’s biggest and boldest nights celebrate more than just punches. Spectacle, atmosphere and backdrop can add to the occasion. Boxing has reached Saudi Arabia in recent years so why not something grander?
Here are eight landmarks that could stage some more unforgettable fight nights.
Edinburgh Castle – Nick Ball v Nathaniel Collins
Edinburgh may be Scotland’s capital but it plays second fiddle to Glasgow when it comes to boxing venues. But nothing across the M8 would match the centuries old castle as a setting. Edinburgh natives Alex Arthur and Josh Taylor would have loved nothing more than topping a show there. Nowadays, it could be the perfect stage for Glasgow’s Nathaniel Collins to challenge Liverpool’s Nick Ball for the WBA featherweight title.
Tokyo’s Shibua Crossing – Naoya Inoue v Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez
The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world becomes a shrine to speed and precision as it welcome’s two of the sport’s biggest talents in the lower weight classes. Weight classes exist for a reason but nowadays the point isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Inoue, Japan’s national hero, facing a young star from Texas under a canopy of lights and camera flashes. A global stage, a backdrop which would be a treat for the senses featuring the best little men of the sport.
Sydney Opera House – Tim Tszyu v Jaron Ennis
A fight on the waterfront at sunset. A rebuilt and revitalised Tszyu representing Australia’s fighting heritage, Ennis arriving as the future pound-for-pound king. A glorious comeback for Tszyu or a “Boots” kicking from Ennis. Either way it would framed by the famous sails of the Opera House.
Taj Mahal, India – Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury III
The greatest heavyweight of his era against the man who thinks he beat him twice. After two wins for Usyk a trilogy might be a hard sell but Fury would do what he does best as the fight’s salesman. A third meeting in front of one of humanity’s great wonders. Humility, ego, the sweet science as art in a setting built for love.
Red Square, Moscow – Dmitry Bivol v Artur Beterbiev III
A cold, granite stage for one of boxing’s quietest rivalries. Both are Russian, the series is tied at 1-1, and both carry the calm menace that would fit the Kremlin’s shadow. You don’t need hyperbole and trash talk to be convinced to watch these men fight again. And a third bout in Red Square would feel less like a fight and more like a titanic battle for national supremacy.
Eiffel Tower, Paris – Canelo Alvarez v Christian Mbilli
Talk of a Canelo world tour was brought back after his loss to Terence Crawford. Nearing the end of his career locations like London would love to welcome the Mexican but French dangerman Mbilli could be the man to bring the curtain down on Canelo’s career. Mexican and French flags mixed with Paris lights reflecting on the Seine, cameras flashing from every angle. A fight that would belong in both sporting and cinematic history.
Giza Pyramids, Egypt – Oleksandr Usyk v Moses Itauma
A passing of the torch or a reminder to walk before you can run? Itauma is seen as the long-term future of the heavyweight division but it will take something extra special to release Usyk’s grip on it. The ultimate fight beneath the oldest monuments on Earth. The Pyramids have already hosted music and film events so why not boxing? The contrast between ancient stone and modern power would make for the most cinematic ring walk imaginable.
The Colosseum, Rome
Joshua clearly has ideas of fighting overseas and a trip to Africa emulating Ali and Foreman is on the table. This isn’t the Joshua of old but he still commands respect and thousands still want to turn up and watch him. The Colosseum would provide the most dramatic setting in boxing history. Stone arches, torchlight, and the roar of a modern crowd echoing through a monument built for combat. A homecoming for “The Gladiator” Vianello.
