Boxing is back in fashion – why now?

Series and films can trigger trends. After “Finding Nemo” everyone wanted a clownfish, after “Euphoria” everyone wanted glitter makeup, and “Barbie” ensured that pink was re-established as an adult color. Now it’s the other way around for once: Boxing is so popular that the streaming service Netflix, known for its series, is now showing a boxing match live. Of course not just anyone: The multiple world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is taking on Jake Paul, at 27 years old, just half the age of the 58-year-old Tyson. Paul is a successful YouTuber and has only been boxing as a professional since 2020.

The fight is eagerly awaited, not least because Netflix is ​​broadcasting the preparations in advance as a multi-part documentary and the opponents themselves are also eagerly promoting them. Jake Paul’s outfit is something to be excited about: it is said to have cost a million, making it the most expensive boxing outfit of all time. Since these mainly consist of shorts and are therefore rather limited in material, it is even more exciting to see what justifies this price.

Fashionable investment

But ordinary mortals can also invest in this look: last popular in the 2010s with a model from Miu Miu, the boxer boot is now back in women’s fashion. The knee-high laced boots with thin sneaker soles are promoted by Dior, Ganni and the cooperation between Puma and Ottolinger. If you can’t or don’t want to invest in luxury fashion, you’ll find what you’re looking for at sports brands like Adidas.

But boxing has not only become a fashionable sport. Training opportunities are increasing, especially for women. Communities like the Boxing Sisters, which are represented in over ten cities, including Zurich, offer workouts based on boxing. They highlight the benefits of sport: fitness, strength, but also increased self-confidence.

Way out of evil

Where does the new interest in this sport, which is considered one of the oldest in the world, come from? The tense world situation certainly has something to do with it. Showing strength seems more important than ever. And boxing is one of the sports that is seen as a way out; it promises social advancement, but also emotional growth. There are real examples of this: The actor Danny Trejo (known from “Machete” from 2010), for example, managed to leave his criminal past behind him thanks to his boxing training.

This narrative is also supported by the film industry, from the “Rocky” series (1976–1985) to “Million Dollar Baby” with Hilary Swank (2005) to the new Chinese comedy film “Yolo”.

The renewed interest in boxing should therefore not be seen as a sign of increased aggressiveness, but rather as an opportunity to empower oneself and do something to counter world events. And who knows, maybe there will soon be a time for exuberant, peaceful dance sports again.