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For years, Ibai Llanos’s La Velada del Año has reigned as the undisputed king of influencer boxing, an event that has shattered viewership records and defined a new era of digital entertainment. But in the wake of the highly-acclaimed Supernova Strikers, a new debate has erupted. Critics and fans alike are questioning the very identity of La Velada, sparking a discussion on professionalism, cultural representation, and whether the once-unquestionable champion has lost its way.
The New Contender: A Professional Approach
The criticism of La Velada didn’t begin in a vacuum. It was fueled by the success of Supernova Strikers, an event held in Mexico that presented a fundamentally different approach. Backed by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Supernova focused on boxing as a sport. Its matchups felt more like professional bouts, the production centered on the ring, and the atmosphere was that of a legitimate sporting event. For many viewers, it was a breath of fresh air, proving that influencer boxing could be more than just a spectacle.
This difference in philosophy has become the central point of contention. While La Velada is a record-breaking variety show with boxing as its main act, Supernova is a boxing event with digital creators as its stars.
Is La Velada for Latinos? The Xenophobia Debate
Perhaps the most painful and significant criticism of La Velada is the allegation that it is not “for Latinos.” This complex accusation stems from two main points: the alleged tone of some of the event’s past content and the perceived underrepresentation of Latin American creators in the main event fights.
- The Accusations: Critics have pointed to comments and a perceived Eurocentric narrative that they claim has been present in past events. The argument is that while La Velada draws a massive audience from Latin America, its core identity and focus remain rooted in Spain. The perception is that the event treats its Latin American fanbase as an audience to be captured, not as a core part of its community.
- The Counter-Argument: Ibai Llanos and his team have repeatedly pushed back against these claims, stating that the event is open to all Spanish-speaking creators and that its primary goal is to bring the community together. They highlight the inclusion of Latin American fighters and musicians as proof of their commitment to a global audience.
This debate highlights a fundamental tension in the global digital content space: what happens when a product with a global reach is perceived as having a single, national identity?
A Champion’s Viewership and Cultural Impact
Despite the backlash, it’s impossible to deny the immense success and cultural impact of La Velada. The event’s last edition shattered all records, reaching a staggering 9 million concurrent viewers. This number is a testament to its spectacular production, its star-studded fight cards, and its ability to capture a shared cultural moment.
La Velada is more than just fights; it’s a social and cultural event. It’s about music performances, a massive live audience, and an undeniable sense of shared experience that its rivals have yet to replicate on the same scale.
The New Reality of Influencer Boxing
The rise of Supernova and the subsequent criticism of La Velada have forced a critical conversation about the future of influencer boxing. Is the genre best served as pure entertainment, where the spectacle is more important than the sport? Or should it evolve into a more professional, sports-focused model? The answer to this question will likely determine the future of a multibillion-dollar industry.
