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I started regularly watching boxing in 2001, the internet was in its infancy in terms of widespread use, and social media wasn't really a thing (there were message boards but that's about it).
As far as I remember, no one "supported" promoters. They all seemed to be universally despised and just tolerated as a necessary evil. Warren, King and Arum all got regularly panned as conmen and liars.
At some point, this began to change. With new players entering the market (Oscar, Eddie, Haymon), fans began to become emotionally invested. Arguments began springing up on forums and social media about who was "winning" and is more righteous. In the UK, a subset of fans is very invested in the Warren - Hearn rivalry (just read the comment sections under YouTube videos featuring either of them for examples).
These people are so locked into these cults they assume everyone else is, so if you challenge them you're simply accused of being part of the rival faction. I find the Warren fanboys particularly perplexing given how appallingly this man has behaved over the years.
When did this begin and why?
As far as I remember, no one "supported" promoters. They all seemed to be universally despised and just tolerated as a necessary evil. Warren, King and Arum all got regularly panned as conmen and liars.
At some point, this began to change. With new players entering the market (Oscar, Eddie, Haymon), fans began to become emotionally invested. Arguments began springing up on forums and social media about who was "winning" and is more righteous. In the UK, a subset of fans is very invested in the Warren - Hearn rivalry (just read the comment sections under YouTube videos featuring either of them for examples).
These people are so locked into these cults they assume everyone else is, so if you challenge them you're simply accused of being part of the rival faction. I find the Warren fanboys particularly perplexing given how appallingly this man has behaved over the years.
When did this begin and why?
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