The world of boxing, often celebrated for its unpredictability, has once again faced the consequences of attempting to control outcomes. Two highly anticipated matchups—Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2 and Caleb Plant vs. Jermall Charlo—were set to captivate audiences, but instead, the sport witnessed a series of events that derailed these plans. In May, four matches across two cards left fans disinterested, with promised blockbuster fights now potentially lost forever. Shocking upsets by Rolando Romero over Garcia and Armando Resendiz against Plant shattered carefully laid plans, leaving promoters scrambling for new narratives.

Boxing's attempt to script success through co-main events is not new, yet it consistently falters. A prime example occurred in December 2023 when Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder finally agreed to face each other after years of negotiation. However, Joseph Parker’s unexpected dominance over Wilder eliminated interest in their much-hyped clash. Now, as Wilder prepares for an underwhelming bout against Tyrrell Herndon, any potential showdown with Joshua seems diminished, relying solely on nostalgia rather than genuine excitement.

This pattern of missed opportunities extends beyond heavyweight divisions. The rivalry between Plant and Charlo began at a Crawford vs. Spence weigh-in in July 2023, where tensions escalated into physical altercations. Promoters opted for preparatory fights instead of jumping straight into this bad-blooded encounter. Unfortunately, Plant's defeat in his tune-up fight further complicated matters, raising doubts about whether he remains competitive enough for such high-stakes contests.

In another instance, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney's initial meeting for the WBC super lightweight title showcased drama both inside and outside the ring. Garcia’s controversial behavior leading up to the fight, including public displays of substance use, raised serious questions about his readiness. Despite these concerns, Garcia delivered a surprising performance, only for subsequent revelations about failed drug tests to overshadow the victory. Rather than capitalizing on the heightened tension, greed delayed the rematch, allowing passions to cool and diminishing its allure.

Ultimately, the sport of boxing finds itself repeatedly hindered by decisions driven by short-term gains. By prioritizing immediate financial rewards over timely action, boxing risks losing not only lucrative rivalries but also the trust and enthusiasm of its audience. As promoters continue to chase perfection, they may inadvertently sacrifice the very moments that make boxing so thrilling.