Exclusive: Hot Prospect Pat Brown Says Boxing Needs to Return to Its Roots, Not WWE-Style Antics

Pat Brown is on a mission to protect boxing’s reputation after admitting he takes a dim view of the theatrics surrounding big fights which are becoming increasingly commonplace.

A former GB Olympian and podium squad member, Brown reminded that courteous behaviour is no obstacle to building a following by selling around 1,500 tickets for his professional debut at Altrincham’s Planet Ice venue last month.

The 25-year-old, who stopped the durable Federico Grandone in the fourth of six scheduled rounds, acted graciously towards his Argentine opponent both before and after their headline clash on promoter Eddie Hearn’s latest NXTGEN show. 

Brown’s humility and low key approach is in stark contrast to the behaviour displayed by other high-profile figures within the sport as they attempt to fuel public interest and drive sales - particularly among its more casual fans.

“Boxing is working class and that working class outlook, that down to earth outlook, is what’s been missing from it a little bit of late,” Brown exclusively told SportsBoom.

“I want to bring it back to what it should be. Boxing demands respect. It teaches you not to be a bully and to treat other people correctly. It teaches you the fundamentals of life. It’s not just about fighting."

“Boxing, for me, has lost its way a bit of late. The messages coming out of it aren’t the right messages." 

“People are doing silly things and saying silly things. I want to put the respect back into it. It can’t - and it shouldn’t - forget its roots and what it’s all about.”

Brown’s mission will resonate with many of those who have grown tired of the WWE style antics now used to hype upcoming bouts. 

Hearn, the chief executive officer of Matchroom, has spoken about the power of boxing to heal fractured communities and combat the scourge of knife crime. 

But the politicians whose ears he requires to secure greater funding for amateur gyms and coaches are unlikely to be impressed by the sight of grown men scuffling at media conferences or trading sometimes vulgar barbs in front of the television cameras.

PROUD MANCUNIAN

From Sale, Brown is fiercely proud of his Greater Manchester roots and was described as “The future face of British boxing” and a true “People’s champion” by Hearn after systematically breaking down Grandone. 

He now hopes to return to the ring next month after describing Grandone as “a game bugger” following their contest.

Echoing Hearn’s sentiments and explaining the importance of good conduct, Brown, who one days hopes to compete at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, said: “Boxing and football, they’re games for real people."

"Look at the rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool. But when Liam Smith, as proud a Scouser as you’ll get, came here to fight tons of Mancs were supporting him. That’s because he’s a real and down to earth guy.”

“People see that and they respect it,” he added. “Boxing brings people together and it breaks down divides."

"Real boxing fans, they appreciate what we do. That’s why it’s important for boxing not to lose sight of where it comes from.”