A death in the ring

[Uncle Buck]

Now I know this is a controversial issue. But I was in the pub with some current and past boxers yesterday and the topic of conversation turned to deaths/cabbagings in boxing, and whether in fact another boxer being pummelled into a coma would in fact be positive for the sport, especially considering viewing figures in comparison to the UFC. Some boxing fans would deny it in a public setting, but who didn't love the savage nature of the Benn vs McClellan fight? And who didn't have to suppress an attack of the giggles at the follow up videos showing just how damaging Benn's British bombs had been for the animal abusing American? It's those kind of nights that draw in new fans, not the recent snore fests that have masqueraded as world title 'fights'.

I recently felt a bit lonely late at night, so I found Eubank vs Watson II on youtube, and took care of business whilst watching that staggering uppercut from Eubank that would send ultimately propel Watson body-popping over the London marathon finishing line several years later. It's those kind of moments that live long in the memory, and give boxing the mystique that keeps fans coming back for more. The tightening of the safety regulations and early stoppages by referees have only served to drive those same fans away. I personally would like to see the rules relaxed a little, so that boxers are allowed/forced to box on, provided they can stand up by their volition. That way you would be almost guaranteed a huge upsurge of spectacular KOs, and logic dictates that would ensure a huge leap in viewing figures. Although tragic for the cabbaged fighter and his family, they could at least take solace in the fact that their plight has furthered the sport.

Would other true boxing fans accept the sacrifice of another American fighter to boost the flagging profile of our beloved sport?

[BoxingGenius27]

now i now this is a controversial issue. But i was in the pub with some current and past boxers yesterday and the topic of conversation turned to deaths/cabbagings in boxing, and whether in fact another boxer being pummelled into a coma would in fact be positive for the sport, especially considering viewing figures in comparison to the ufc. Some boxing fans would deny it in a public setting, but who didn't love the savage nature of the benn vs mcclellan fight? And who didn't have to suppress an attack of the giggles at the follow up videos showing just how damaging benn's british bombs had been for the animal abusing american? it's those kind of nights that draw in new fans, not the recent snore fests that have masqueraded as world title 'fights'.

I read this and couldn't believe what i was reading..... Instaban!!!!!

[Whale]

A very controversial point of view. But a correct one. Nothing annoys me more than a ref stopping the fight early. Actually, fighters who quit on their stool about me the most.

However, at times I find myself typing in things like widowmaker punch into google. A few more fights with a G Man style ending would clearly be good for ratings. As long as it was a septic on the receiving end.

[screwhead1]

you have a pretty sick sense of humor because obviously this is a joke...i've never enjoyed watching someone get bloodied like that...i was yelling for them to stop the fight when cotto got beat down by pac...when margo beat him down as well...why in the **** would a ref look at a person like that and continue the fight, i have no earthly idea...so no...i don't think it's good at all for the sport and i seriously hope no one else does...

[Uncle Buck]

you have a pretty sick sense of humor because obviously this is a joke...i've never enjoyed watching someone get bloodied like that...i was yelling for them to stop the fight when cotto got beat down by pac...when margo beat him down as well...why in the **** would a ref look at a person like that and continue the fight, i have no earthly idea...so no...i don't think it's good at all for the sport and i seriously hope no one else does...

I find it strange that women watch boxing at all, but I don't really want to get into that entirely separate debate in this thread. But I do find it extraordinary when 'fans' (female or otherwise) who claim to love a sport where fighters are honed into fighting machines in 'camps' for 10 or 12 weeks, then unleashed on another human being with the express purpose of rendering them unconscious with their fists, then take issue with one of the combatants being 'bloodied', or taking 'too much' punishment. It's the whole point of the sport. Why was Corrales vs Castillo one of the fights of the decade? It's because they were beating seven bells out of each other every round. Have a look at all of the 'best fights/rounds of all time' lists and you will see that applies to each and every one of them. At least I, and nearly every other proper boxing fan I meet at fights all over the UK has the honesty and decency to admit that they love seeing boxers taking punishment, and a spectacular knock out will even lift them out of the seats in a frenzy of excitement. Boxers know the risks they face, and that's why we love them. If the next American who comes to Britain to fight, is deposited back on the plane in an adult nappy, then so be it. BOX ON.

[KingTito]

Well of course I don't like an early stoppage, but bringing up the McClellan-Benn fight is the best thing to do. Nobody wants to see a beating go on like that. I sure don't enjoy watching clips of Ali and Holmes. I'd rather have a fight stopped too early and too late. Sometimes, boxers need to be saved from themselves. There's no need for a fighter to get beaten senseless and/or killed.

[Uncle Buck]

Well of course I don't like an early stoppage, but bringing up the McClellan-Benn fight is the best thing to do. Nobody wants to see a beating go on like that. I sure don't enjoy watching clips of Ali and Holmes. I'd rather have a fight stopped too early and too late. Sometimes, boxers need to be saved from themselves. There's no need for a fighter to get beaten senseless and/or killed.

The Benn vs McClellan fight didn't go on too long, it only stopped as the G-Man quit, and that's a fact. The ref should have given him the 8 count and then forced him to box on. People had paid good money to watch the fight that night.

[Uncle Buck]

you have a pretty sick sense of humor because obviously this is a joke...i've never enjoyed watching someone get bloodied like that...i was yelling for them to stop the fight when cotto got beat down by pac...when margo beat him down as well...why in the **** would a ref look at a person like that and continue the fight, i have no earthly idea...so no...i don't think it's good at all for the sport and i seriously hope no one else does...

I can assure you that whilst I try to write in an entertaining, sardonic style, this is most definitely not a joke. The ref didn't stop the fights you mention as Cotto was still on feet, throwing the occasional shot i.e. boxing. If Cotto ends up a drooling mess later in life, as least he will know that he didn't quit. Like McClellan.

[Elotero]

Now I now this is a controversial issue. But I was in the pub with some current and past boxers yesterday and the topic of conversation turned to deaths/cabbagings in boxing, and whether in fact another boxer being pummelled into a coma would in fact be positive for the sport, especially considering viewing figures in comparison to the UFC. Some boxing fans would deny it in a public setting, but who didn't love the savage nature of the Benn vs McClellan fight? And who didn't have to suppress an attack of the giggles at the follow up videos showing just how damaging Benn's British bombs had been for the animal abusing American? It's those kind of nights that draw in new fans, not the recent snore fests that have masqueraded as world title 'fights'.

I recently felt a bit lonely late at night, so I found Eubank vs Watson II on youtube, and took care of business whilst watching that staggering uppercut from Eubank that would send ultimately propel Watson body-popping over the London marathon finishing line several years later. It's those kind of moments that live long in the memory, and give boxing the mystique that keeps fans coming back for more. The tightening of the safety regulations and early stoppages by referees have only served to drive those same fans away. I personally would like to see the rules relaxed a little, so that boxers are allowed/forced to box on, provided they can stand up by their volition. That way you would be almost guaranteed a huge upsurge of spectacular KOs, and logic dictates that would ensure a huge leap in viewing figures. Although tragic for the cabbaged fighter and his family, they could at least take solace in the fact that their plight has furthered the sport.

Would other true boxing fans accept the sacrifice of another American fighter to boost the flagging profile of our beloved sport?

There are enough good to great KO's happening, no one should have to die to boost the profile of boxing.

Jesse Vargas, Ola Afolabi, Sasso are the most recent spectacular KO's I have seen. We need better more consistent cards, not tragedies.

[BattlingNelson]

TS has been here before with other accounts. Dude is sick man.