The Gradual Extinction of the great American Heavyweight

[Atypicalbrit]

I'm not convinced that the "natural fighter" bit is that big of a deal.

Let me introduce you to a guy by the name of Audley Harrison

[Willow The Wisp]

I'm not convinced that the "natural fighter" bit is that big of a deal. I've trained several people who were pretty clearly not natural fighters, who then went on to win valor medals in combat. Military is full of those sorts of people. And there are plenty of guys who are natural killers who would get absolutely wrecked in a boxing ring absent the time put in the gym to hone the craft. Remember, I'm talking about getting them young, when they first got interested in their sports. The guys who have the tenacity and determination to make it in the major pro sports would absolutely be competitive. I'll take the guys who have the ability to learn and put in the grind and be dedicated and succeed at the top tier of their chosen sports any day.

I agree. Semantics then. Nature & Nurture, if you will.
by natural fighter, I'm not envisioenvisioning a psychopath; Im thinking about a guy who does the grind, maintains the dedication; because he LOVES the rumble.

Amateur wrestling is one of the top feeds into Mixed Martial Arts; but many don't want anything to do with that level of contact; and that doesn't effect their wrestling. Different strokes.

Regarding getting them young:

You might be aware; but there is a burgeoning movement to ban Football from high schools in the U.S. it's a slow burn at this time, but the war is coming. Massive college revenue, a very popular sport vs. ******* parents groups who specialize in taking down giants.
In another decade, the HS, college, NFL contract will be under heavy fire.

[elfag]

like i said earlier looking at the list, the drop off is more recent, it wasnt as big a drop off in the 90s and 2000s as I thought, it really started in the 2010s that was a massive drop off, now the americans dont even rule the top 10. I think it corresponds with the closing of so many boxing gyms. Also if you were 20 in 2010, then you grew up in an era where there was no boxing on public TV only on HBO/showtime/ESPN. You figure the guys in the 90s they grew up seeing some boxing on free TV and with way more gyms around at the time to.

who knows maybe kids now watching jake paul box might want to take it up, they got less gyms to choose from too and more popular UFC to pull them in though.

[elfag]

I agree. Semantics then. Nature & Nurture, if you will.
by natural fighter, I'm not envisioenvisioning a psychopath; Im thinking about a guy who does the grind, maintains the dedication; because he LOVES the rumble.

Amateur wrestling is one of the top feeds into Mixed Martial Arts; but many don't want anything to do with that level of contact; and that doesn't effect their wrestling. Different strokes.

Regarding getting them young:

You might be aware; but there is a burgeoning movement to ban Football from high schools in the U.S. it's a slow burn at this time, but the war is coming. Massive college revenue, a very popular sport vs. ******* parents groups who specialize in taking down giants.
In another decade, the HS, college, NFL contract will be under heavy fire.

Theyre only barely beginning to acknowledge that football causes CTE. its weird they still turn a blind eye and will still send their 8 year olds out there to charge other kids head first, but those same parents wouldnt let their kids anywhere near a boxing ring.

[niceyboo3]

I always found this explanation to be unfounded as kids don't get into sports because they're lucrative, they get into them for fun and if they're good at it they stick with it and make money later.

Who is thinking about money at 9 years old?

Parents push the more lucrative sport. So it's not the 9 year old chosing. I'd rather my son hooping(basketball)

[Spray_resistant]

Parents push the more lucrative sport. So it's not the 9 year old chosing. I'd rather my son hooping(basketball)

No, they aren't. No parent is thinking, well little Jermain can get into football now and be a millionaire in 15 years. That is just laughable, no kid is going to stick with something they don't like or aren't good at.

[Willow The Wisp]

Theyre only barely beginning to acknowledge that football causes CTE. its weird they still turn a blind eye and will still send their 8 year olds out there to charge other kids head first, but those same parents wouldnt let their kids anywhere near a boxing ring.

Studies conducted on High School players are pretty damming. You get your bell rung, your grades drop.
The parents groups are pushing the child abuse angle.
But....No feed from high schools, no college teams. No college teams, no NFL draft. When George Lundberg advocated banning pro boxing back in the 80's, he ran into adults retaining the right to choose risky occupations and hobbies. But this child abuse claim is VERY different, and VERY, VERY winnable in court.

If the talent fishing net breaks, and the NFL can't get the sport into the minds of young Americans, their sustainability is at risk.

[Don_Jah]

I just watched the NFL Draft. To me those are the strongest and fastest athletes on the planet.

It's an easier route to the NFL/NBA and those guys are signing $150 - $200 Million Dollar deals now.

The NFL and NBA have taken the Heavyweight Champ athletes from America.

No other athletes can compete with America best imo.

Do you wish you were a black man? You pakis are so ****ing cringe and beg black athletes cause your own people are so inferior and weak and useless