Fields, arenas, courts, rinks, stadia. Whatever it may be played on, or in, people are obsessed with sport. For millions, whatever other entertainment they may enjoy, it’s what goes on in the ring that matters. Since the dawn of time, mankind has been fighting one way or another, but when it comes to sport, it’s all about finesse, strength, and physical stamina. Is it any surprise that it is so popular when you consider this intoxicating mix?
Ever since the Marquess of Queensberry first wrote the now eponymous rules for the ancient sport of boxing, it was popular. As history, time, and the sport itself has progressed, there are many other fighting contests that have now emerged as globally watched, commercially viable, and in terms of existing and potential supporters, marketing dreams. Sumo, pro-wrestling, kickboxing, Judo, and the global phenomena that is MMA, all watched, loved and, in some cases, practiced by millions.
When I mentioned marketing dreams, I meant it. Take betting, for example. Previously, you would have struggled to find a bookmaker or online platform offering serious odds and spread bets on these more recent fighting contests, but they too have seen the potential of these. The betting opportunities for various sports like MMA, kick boxing, and even YouTube personality fighting bouts are now huge, mainstream, and more importantly, lucrative. So, what has created this market, and how is it growing? Let’s take a stab at answering that, at least in part.
