During quiet moments, I find myself struggling with self-doubt. Amid defending my site against hacking attempts and trying to restart www.theboxingtribune.com, I ponder if I am missing out on valuable opportunities by not covering certain stories that are making waves on major boxing sites.
One such story was about a potential match-up between Tank Davis and Lamont Roach being postponed, and the possibility of it being paired with the David Benavidez-David Morrell bout in a pay-per-view event in late January.
While I shared my thoughts on the former story, I refrained from commenting on the latter, as it was based on vague sources connected to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
Other sites ran with the story, hyping up the potential twin bill without concrete evidence. Fans got excited, engaging in speculative discussions online.
However, Davis himself debunked the story with a single word on social media: “Cap.”
Similar fake news stories circulated, including one about Vergil Ortiz-Jaron Ennis and another about Manny Pacquiao facing Mario Barrios. These stories lacked credibility and were quickly refuted by those involved.
This media frenzy may generate clicks and revenue, but it erodes trust and credibility. While some sites prioritize sensationalism over truth, those who refrain from promoting baseless rumors lose out on traffic and ad revenue.
Despite the pressure to produce content for clicks, it is important to maintain integrity and avoid becoming a mouthpiece for promoters. While the temptation to indulge in clickbait is real, it is essential to resist and uphold journalistic principles.
As the landscape of boxing media evolves, it is crucial to prioritize quality over quantity and distinguish between promotion and journalism. It is a challenging path to tread, but one that is necessary to retain credibility and respect as a writer.
For inquiries or submissions, contact Magno at: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com
