Michael Carruth, the Irish Olympic gold medalist and one of the country's most celebrated boxers, opened up about the state of boxing today, particularly the rise of spectacle fights. 

He expressed his deep concerns about the direction the sport is taking, with celebrity-driven events and exhibition matches taking center stage, on The Anton Savage Show.

Carruth’s main frustration was the way boxing has become increasingly intertwined with entertainment.

He pointed to high-profile “fights” such as Jake Paul’s bout with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor’s crossover match with Floyd Mayweather.

"It's terrible that they allow it," Carruth said, referring to these matches.

"It’s bringing the sport down."

He stressed that boxing, at its core, should be about skill, discipline, and respect, not about creating sideshows for entertainment.

"What’s happening with Jake Paul fighting heavyweight champions, it’s just ridiculous," Carruth added.

Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, © PA Wire/PA Images

He noted that during Paul’s bout with Joshua, the mismatch was glaringly obvious:

"Joshua nearly took his head off, it’ll teach him a lesson that you're not the best in the world."

For Carruth, these kinds of fights undermine the sport’s credibility.

The former gold medalist is also critical of boxing associations that allow these types of events to take place.

"It’s the association’s fault for allowing these kinds of fights," he explained, lamenting the lack of oversight and regulation when it comes to the integrity of the sport.

The rise of 'celebrity boxers'

The rise of "celebrity boxers" like Paul, who are often backed by millions of social media followers rather than legitimate boxing pedigrees, has created a dangerous precedent for the future of the sport.

He also expressed worry over the increasing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA), a sport that is eating into boxing’s audience.

"A lot of kids are gravitating towards MMA," Carruth said, noting that the combination of striking, grappling, and wrestling appeals to younger generations.

"If you’re a good boxer, you could easily do MMA," he remarked.

However, he made it clear that boxing is where his heart lies, and he remains firmly critical of the more brutal elements of MMA, such as jumping on a knocked-out opponent and continuing to hit them while they are vulnerable.

The Startbox initiative

Despite his concerns, Carruth’s love for the sport remains, especially when it comes to nurturing the next generation of boxers.

Fans celebrate as they watch Kellie Harrington's boxing final at Diamond Park Basketball Court near her childhood home in Portland Row in Dublin, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Through his Startbox program, Carruth is working to get young people into boxing, especially those who may be at risk or face personal challenges.

"Boxing teaches you discipline," he told the show.

It brings structure to your life," Carruth explained, underscoring the importance of instilling positive values in young athletes.

His programme, which partners with schools and works with kids with disabilities, provides young boxers with opportunities to showcase their skills.

"Boxing, as a sport, should never be reduced to entertainment," he said.