THE FASHION OF FIGHTING - A NEW ARENA

Boxing is no stranger to fashion, but in recent years we’ve seen some of boxing’s biggest names don customised outfits from fashion’s most illustrious and recognisable brands. Both fashion and pugilism revel in showmanship and bold individuality. Some fighters are more fashion-forward and flamboyant than others, but all are different and all eyes are on these guys as they walk to the ring - it’s fashion before fighting. 

Boxers don’t wear much in the ring, but before they engage in combat there is a lot of fanfare, presentation and ceremony that introduces us to the unique story, identity and intention of the fighters - this spectacle is a designer’s dream. It is a chance to create something truly bold, showcasing character, evoking a feeling, intimidation, or creating a dramatic moment to hype the crowds and get them commenting on social platforms. These days, with thousands in attendance, millions tuning in live and so many streaming the highlights or consuming the imagery via social media, there has never been a better time to conjure something truly fashionable and truly memorable. The ring walk is the show before the show.

Boxers know that their showmanship and their skill are not mutually exclusive on the big stage. Before performing at large-scale arenas or capturing the attention of the world media, these competitors have had to build large and loyal fanbases, who will fill out these large venues. They cannot do this without something characterful, exciting or stylistically appealing. And fighters love a custom-made outfit, that emboldens them and shows their individuality. “When they put on the outfits, it’s like stepping into a bit of a character”, says Sophie Whittam, a designer of couture fightware and founder of @fightlabel. What you wear portrays who you are and how you wish to be perceived. 

Boxing is the new luxury. The most glamorous fashion houses and revered designers are jockeying for the exposure that a world title fighter can give their one-of-a-kind occasion pieces. As boxing becomes increasingly visible globally, with millions upon millions of young attaching their interest to the sport, the big fight nights are very big business. 

In recent years Floyd Mayweather is probably the best example of someone who made a name for himself with his own style of fighting and personal brand, wearing some of the most iconic looks the ring had ever seen.

We’ve seen Oleksandr Usyk walk out in a tailor-made Stone Island outfit, Devin Haney in customised Gucci and Joshua wearing silk-laced trunks curated by Christian Dior. On September 13 this year, Terence Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions, defeating Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in what Netflix dubbed "most-viewed men's championship boxing match this century”. On this historical night Crawford also walked out in an Off-White outfit crafted from black velvet and Duchesse satin, with 1,000 Swarovski crystals in various sizes hand-sown into this bespoke get up. Canelo, the reigning and defending champion walked out in a once-in-a-lifetime, rich velvet cloak, made by Los Angeles luxury fashion house AMIRI.