Boxing: This Can't be True...

June 28, 2023

Good Morning, and welcome back to The Sports Road. Let’s be honest, whether you like it or not, our favourite sports are changing forever. Want to know more? Well, that’s exactly why we’re here… Enjoy!

Here's what we got for ya today:

  • Boxing: What Now?

  • UEFA: Not a Good Look

  • Golf is Heating up!

  • Hollywood x Sport?!

Most Valuable Sports Teams:

Let's get into it!

Clash in The Metaverse: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble…

Ah, here we go again…

What does Boxing have in store for us today, you ask? Well, another fight that LITERALLY MAKES NO SENSE!

Alright, sorry. To be fair though, we aren’t sure that many people are lining up to get their tickets to see a 54 year old Roy Jones Jr. fight against a bodybuilding Youtuber.

At this point, you really do have to wonder where the line is for these celebrity bouts. Don’t believe us? Just look at some of the reactions on Twitter…

While we may have been a bit harsh on the event, at least it’s trying something different.

For the first time ever, a Boxing fight will be held in the Metaverse. This is how it’s going to work:

  • The fight will be shown in the Galaxy Arena, an AI-powered Metaverse hub

  • Split into three distinct sections: The Galaxy entertainment venue, gym, and tower, fans will be given opportunities to interact with fighters through a series of mini games and investment options.

  • Using volumetric capture technology, the two athletes will have their movements replicated as they fight for the Metaverse Championship. Yep, the Metaverse Championship…

“Our mission is to create an immersive VR experience that will usher in the web3 era… We're proud to offer a unique platform where users can play, move, learn, dance, sing, and participate to earn all under one roof.”

Jimmy Hurricane, Founder of Galaxy Arena

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Not a Good Look For UEFA…

Luckily for us fans, Football is an ever evolving game.

Usually for the better, there’s been one major point of discussion bothering fans the world over:

What should we do about VAR?

While some Football fans may not like the addition of technology, no one can deny that – if implemented correctly – it could be a catalyst for good in the game.

Working to ensure fairness and accuracy across the board, despite occasionally being contentious, the introduction of goal-line technology and VAR have put a stop to some pretty absurd decisions over the last couple of years.

I mean just imagine if the correct technology hadn’t been in place for John Stones’ off-the-line clearance a couple years ago. Liverpool would have won the league and history could have changed forever…

Thankfully, it didn’t 😉

So with all that, you may be asking why we’re talking about it today. Well, if you didn’t know, the Under-21 Euros started last week.

Not having implemented VAR or goal-line technology, it won’t be a surprise to hear that there’s ALREADY been controversy…

In a tight game that ended 2-1, Italy lost to France. But should that have really been the case? Effectively scoring an equaliser in the last minutes of the game, Italy thought they had secured a point. Unfortunately for them, neither the referee or assistant could confirm. Opting not to count the goal, UEFA have already announced that they will implement VAR for the knockout stages of the tournament…

That wasn’t all though…

NOT a good look…

Golf Fans, Get Ready…

At this point, it’s no secret that Golf is changing…

With a series of huge announcement’s over the last couple of weeks, the sport seems to be going in the right direction.

Using technology as a means to further engage fans, while bringing performance to the next level, the sport's recent development can be characterised by TGL Golf.

Harnessing technology to build the game's future, the tech-inspired Golf league is the brainchild of greats Tiger Woods and Rory Mcllroy.

With investors including Lewis Hamilton, Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neil, and more, the league has just announced the formation of its second team; and you won’t believe who it’ll be owned by…

Promising to create a Boston-based franchise, the Fenway Group – owners of Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox – are getting in on the action!

“This is an idea that is really very timely. It fuses live action and technology… This is a time where as many people are playing simulated golf as green grass golf.”

Tom Werner, Chair of FSG

Taking a 3% share in stake in TGL as well, the current format is thought to only be positive for team owners.

Involving six teams, players will compete on a simulator inside an arena. Taking inspiration from the F1 and Cricket, it’s eventually hoped that the league will turn an average sports fan into an avid Golf follower.

So, who knows – you may be next…

We Need to Talk About: Ryan Reynolds…

Why do we love sports?

Because sometimes we get stories so outlandish, it feels as though they belong in Hollywood…

I mean, who could have ever imagined two A-list celebrities buying Wrexham – a non-league Football team – and leading a revolution which would see them being promoted and becoming one of the most globally recognised teams on earth!?

Well, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney; and it doesn’t look like they’re stopping there…

Before we get into it though, here’s some context 😅

It’s no secret that the F1 has become one of the biggest sporting organisations in recent years. Leveraging high-level technology to push them into Motorsports elite, the company has used social media as a key tool in garnering support.

To put things into perspective, ONE IN EVERY TWO F1 FANS HAVE ONLY STARTED FOLLOWING THE SPORT IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS!

So with all that, it makes sense that some of the industries most influential would follow. From star-studded Grand Prix’s, to Netflix documentaries, this week’s announcement may be the next step in F1’s evolution…

Yep, that’s right. This week, the Wrexham co-owners announced their involvement in an investment group that has taken a 24% equity stake in Alpine, Renault’s F1 team.

Seeing $218 million invested into the team, it’s hoped that Alpine – who are now valued at $900 million – will be able to take the next step forward.

“[The investment will] accelerate Alpine’s growth plans and sporting ambitions in F1,” according to the statement… This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels.”

Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine

Quick Bites

Meme of the day

The closest anyone seems to signing Declan Rice…

Quote of the day

“Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”

Matt Biondi

Photo of the day

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Chat to ya on Friday! ☮️