I HAVE to reluctantly accept that in a sport awash with social media streams, being able to fight well is not enough.
It seems every boxer needs a story, every big fight needs a grudge, every weigh-in needs needle.
What I won’t accept is the story being more important than a boxer’s ability, being of more value than the entertainment he or she can provide in the ring.
YouTube has spawned a few examples of individuals whose on-line audience – and earnings – are far bigger than their skills deserve.
Some, frankly, are novice level at best, yet they are watched by millions.
That, I stress, not an accusation I’m throwing at Ebonie Cotton, a glamorous former dancer and model who is one fight into her professional career.
But I have no doubt Cotton’s story – and it’s a powerful, inspiring story – played a large part in securing her place on the huge, televised November 29 Matchroom show at the NEC, where light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker headlines in a WBC silver title fight.
She has already grabbed headlines.
Cotton, from Rowley Regis, will face Molly McCann over six rounds at super-bantamweight and is up against it.
The Liverpool 35-year-old, also taking part in her second contest, is a former Mixed Martial Arts star who has gained UFC and grappling honours.
In the build-up, I’m sure much will be made of 31-year-old Cotton’s looks and background.
She ran a marketing company in Australia, endured a bad relationship, suffered depression and was saved by boxing. She is currently training to be a fire-fighter. She turned pro with BCB after only a handful of amateur and white collar bouts.
“I truly believe that boxing saved my life,” Cotton told Boxing News. “I mean that in so many aspects. It allowed me to find peace. It gave me a structure and focus. It created a purpose for me.”
I witnessed Cotton’s debut in June at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton- a four-round points win over Kira Carter. I recall she wore pink and had glitter on her tanned body. She looked very raw.
McCann, who carries the nickname Meatball Molly, told the BBC: “What we do isn’t glamorous, but it’s real – and I think it’s important.”
Her opponent, Cotton, is about to make it a lot more glamorous. Her looks and story will create a social media storm in the days before the bout, I’m sure of that.
Has she got the ring grit to go with that glamour? Meatball Molly will find that out.
