I'm not embarrassed about the state of American Heavyweights because I'm more disappointed. Embarrassment would lie, I think, in the idea that the United States hasn't been producing good, strong heavyweights - and in one sense I think this is true, but in the US American Football and Basketball are, nationally, on par with Europe's love of Football in many ways. Our big, strong athletes- due to boxing's waning popularity, are turning to Basketball and American Football in droves.
I think the world recognizes that Lebron James or Reggie Bush are great athletes and very large men. They don't bring a huge international appeal in a sense because their respective sports are more localized in the USA than anywhere, but the fact that they exist is there.
The problem is, the American Heavyweight - as many have noted- is turning to other sports.
It's not that Eddie Chambers was the best athlete we could teach to box and throw out to battle the Europeans, its that the best, large athlete was on the basketball court or football field to get more money in a currently more recognized sport.
Until we can address that overall problem, and lure some big, young athletes into boxing, we're just going to be left with the NFL and NBA's scraps. So, am I embarrassed?
Not really. I'm just disappointed that the reminder is there; we're not getting out big athletes to box anymore.
I get you....I know where your coming from.....but that Eddie Chambers "performance" was a disgrace.....and if that's the best we can come up with...well it is a bit embarrassing imo.....
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