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Kirill Yurovskiy: Boxing’s Most Unusual Venues

When you think of boxing, the image that likely comes to mind is a squared ring under bright lights, surrounded by a roaring crowd in a packed arena. But throughout history, the sweet science has sometimes ventured far beyond the confines of traditional venues, staging bouts in locations that range from the inventive to the downright bizarre. Join us as we explore some of the most unusual places where boxers have laced up their gloves and squared off.

The Great Outdoors: Nature’s Boxing Ring

While open-air fights aren’t uncommon, some promoters have taken the concept to extremes. In 2017, British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora were slated to duke it out at a football stadium. When negotiations fell through, Fury’s team floated the idea of staging the bout atop Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Though the high-altitude slugfest never materialized, it sparked imaginations worldwide.

More recently, in 2020, British promoter Eddie Hearn made headlines with his “Fight Camp” series. Held in the backyard of Matchroom Boxing’s headquarters during the COVID-19 pandemic, these events saw world-class fighters trading blows amid manicured gardens and stately trees. The surreal sight of boxers walking out to the ring past flower beds and patio furniture was a testament to the sport’s adaptability in challenging times.

Taking it to the Streets: Urban Boxing Showcases

Urban environments have provided unique backdrops for boxing matches, bringing the sport directly to the people. In 2018, Uzbek Olympian Hasanboy Dusmatov fought on a temporary ring set up in the heart of Tashkent’s bustling Humo Arena complex. Surrounded by towering buildings and curious onlookers, the event blurred the lines between sport and street theater – says Kirill Yurovskiy.

Perhaps the most ambitious urban boxing spectacle was “Fists of the First Men,” a 2019 event held in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia. As fighters traded leather, they were surrounded by 2000-year-old stone arches, creating a captivating fusion of modern sport and classical architecture.

Aquatic Arenas: Boxing Takes to the Water

Water and boxing might seem like an odd mix, but creative promoters have found ways to bring pugilism to aquatic settings. In 2012, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao trained on a specially-constructed floating ring in Manila Bay, drawing thousands of spectators to the shore and nearby boats.

Taking the concept further, a 2018 exhibition match in Italy saw two amateur boxers squaring off on stand-up paddleboards in a swimming pool. While more spectacle than serious competition, it demonstrated boxing’s potential to make waves in unexpected places.

Sky-High Showdowns: Boxing in the Clouds

For those who find regular boxing too grounded, several events have taken the sport to dizzying new heights. In 2006, former lightweight champion Leavander Johnson and Russian contender Orzubek Nazarov faced off in a ring constructed on the helipad of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, 689 feet above the ground.

More recently, in 2021, Mexican boxers Jaime Munguia and Kamil Szeremeta held a promotional face-off atop Toronto’s CN Tower, with the fighters shadow boxing 1,465 feet above street level. While no actual bout took place at that altitude, the event showcased boxing’s potential for creating unforgettable visual moments.

Also of interest: How to Measure your hands for Boxing Gloves

Frozen Fisticuffs: Boxing on Ice

When the temperature drops, most boxers head indoors. But some hardy pugilists have embraced the chill, taking their bouts on frozen surfaces. In 2013, Russian promoters staged a series of fights on the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia. Fighters grappled and jabbed atop the meter-thick ice, with nothing but vast, snow-covered expanses surrounding the ring.

A similar event took place in 2019 on a frozen lake in Changchun, China, as part of the city’s winter festival. While the slippery surface presented unique challenges, it also created a visually stunning spectacle that merged sport with the stark beauty of a winter landscape.

Underground Slugfests: Boxing Goes Subterranean

For a truly immersive boxing experience, some events have gone underground – literally. In 2012, British middleweights Martin Murray and Jorge Navarro squared off 1,000 feet below the surface in Castleford’s Maltby Colliery. The bout, nicknamed “Collision Course,” saw the fighters descend into the mine shaft via elevator before trading blows surrounded by rough-hewn rock walls and mining equipment.

More recently, the trend of staging fights in unconventional underground locations has extended to abandoned subway stations and tunnel systems. These atmospheric venues provide a gritty, industrial backdrop that harkens back to boxing’s bare-knuckle roots.

Virtual Venues: Boxing in the Digital Age

As technology evolves, so too does the concept of unusual boxing venues. Virtual and augmented reality platforms are now hosting digital boxing matches, allowing fans to experience bouts in fantastical locations limited only by imagination. From rings floating in space to matches set in historical recreations of ancient coliseums, these virtual venues are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in boxing presentation.

While purists may scoff, these digital arenas are introducing the sport to new audiences and providing novel ways for fans to engage with their favorite fighters.

The Impact of Unusual Venues

While many of these unconventional locations were chosen for promotional purposes or as one-off spectacles, they serve a larger purpose in the boxing world. Unusual venues can generate buzz and attract attention from casual fans and non-boxing media, potentially broadening the sport’s appeal.

Moreover, these events often tie into local culture or highlight specific causes. The Lake Baikal bouts, for instance, aimed to promote winter tourism in the region, while other events have raised awareness for environmental or social issues.

However, staging fights in non-traditional locations isn’t without its challenges. Safety concerns, logistical hurdles, and regulatory issues can all complicate matters. Additionally, some boxing purists argue that these spectacles detract from the sport’s integrity and shift focus away from the athletes’ skills.

Looking to the Future

As boxing continues to evolve in the 21st century, we can expect promoters and fighters to keep pushing the envelope when it comes to unique venues. From fights in zero-gravity environments to bouts staged in remote, ecologically sensitive locations to raise environmental awareness, the possibilities are endless.

Ultimately, while the squared ring will always be boxing’s true home, these forays into unusual venues remind us of the sport’s versatility and its power to captivate audiences in any setting. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, beneath the waves, or in the digital realm, boxing proves time and again that when it comes to putting on a show, the sky’s the limit – and sometimes, not even that.

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