Does being "street" in boxing matter anymore?

[JoeyBB]

I know it did back in the day. Like in the 80's when you had street tough kids like Hearns, Hagler, Mclellan etc.

But now we live in the microwave era where everything is handed to us. Fighters today...contrary to popular belief are coddled and protected and promoters milk them and maximize profits. And then dust them off and drop them like a sack of pertaters. (thats potato's).

So, really, does it matter anymore?

What say you?

[2501]

It depends what you mean by "street". Theres a certain "swagger" you get from alot of street experience that can carry into the ring. It helps with intimidation. People can respect your story and what you've overcome. One thing though, almost every fighter is from the hood in America so it might be getting old.

[JoeyBB]

....yeah but which guys fight anymore?

I can look at any good fighter from the 80's and they dont have a million stinker ass fights on their record. Fights where they go to a decision and no power punches are thrown just outside jabbing.

The guys today are......really really soft. IMO.

[demirturk]

what the hell .... is kessler street ?? is calzaghe street??? are the klitschko's street??? what about pavlik ??

no it doens't

[Feint]

I think being “street” is meaningless. Being tough has nothing to do with where you came from and everything to do with determination and character. That is what has, and always will make great fighters.

[JoeyBB]

I think being “street” is meaningless. Being tough has nothing to do with where you came from and everything to do with determination and character. That is what has, and always will make great fighters.

Meaningless. Tell that to Hagler and Duran who were caged animals.

It does matter, especially when you consider that boxing isn't exactly the sport of choice for most privileged kids.

[Fox McCloud]

Being "street" probably helps your chin.

Think about it... Miranda, Mayorga... it tooks about a trillion punches to take them out in their knockout losses.

[BROOKLYN CESAR]

Not so much anymore!!! Skill is the difference!!! Being from the streets can give you mental toughness and make you dig deep in the tough fights but if you cant box then being street dont mean ****!!! Miranda vs Pavlik is a perfect example!!!

[JoeyBB]

But street kids are more authentically tough then their rich counterparts. FACT. I dont care what anyone says. Talent is a different story...it's all about your genes and how natural you pick something up or your experience in it.

But toughness, I have to give it to these street kids.

[kayjay]

Being "street" probably helps your chin.

Think about it... Miranda, Mayorga... it tooks about a trillion punches to take them out in their knockout losses.

Chin is all physiology, wiener. You're born with chin or you're not. It's the shape and breadth of your jawline, the density of the jawbone, the shortness of the neck, etc.

Anyone who uses "street" to describe a fighter's advantages is an absolute moron who should never speak let alone post on a public forum.