Boxing isn't mainstream and it's on purpose

[joesaiditstrue]

Was thinking about this while listening to some old rope a dope radio broadcasts on youtube, and they were talking about the Lara/Williams and Matthysse/Alexander fights and like I just had an epiphany

The people who run boxing and pull the biggest strings behind the scenes most likely want the sport to only be as popular as it is right now. Any more light shining on the sport would likely end up with either fewer robberies, or harsher criticism/punishment due to improper decisions

Now some will say "Robberies have always happened in boxing, even when it was really popular", which is true, but times are different now with social media where everyone has a louder voice, even the athletes themselves have a louder voice

I think Boxing is intentionally being held back by those who run the sport, because it allows them to really control it at a macro level beyond what could be allowed in the popular team sports

[-MAKAVELLI-]

i see what you're saying...boxing likes to stay in the shadows so the corruption wont be well seen


but i dont really agree...the reason boxing takes a backstage to the other major sports is because, quite frankly, it's not for everyone


not all people enjoy/appreciate two men punching each other in the head


if boxing was loved by everyone like the NFL, promoters would be pretty much powerless to hold back its popularity




its funny how, as many hourly arguments that go on in these forums, boxing fans as a whole are truly a unique breed...there's something common within all fight fans that other sports fans dont have

[aaron.king]

Interesting idea, but I'm not sure I buy it. Let's say that boxing could be more generally popular and, at least, closer to the mainstream. Even if the sport's elites lose some control and opportunities to manipulate outcomes as they desire, I would guess that they would still want the sport to have a larger general audience. The additional revenue would likely outweigh the benefits of maintaining the current model. If there is anybody out there with a background in formal modeling (game theory, etc.), your input would be appreciated.

[joesaiditstrue]

appreciate two real responses and not some trolling bull****

would the old folks who ultimately run the sport really want to try and turn the sport around, build it up, to perhaps reap the rewards that they're already getting by controlling who wins and loses, meanwhile already making money on their current crop of cash cow fighters

there's an arguement for both sides, I'll agree

[CubanGuyNYC]

i see what you're saying...boxing likes to stay in the shadows so the corruption wont be well seen


but i dont really agree...the reason boxing takes a backstage to the other major sports is because, quite frankly, it's not for everyone


not all people enjoy/appreciate two men punching each other in the head


if boxing was loved by everyone like the NFL, promoters would be pretty much powerless to hold back its popularity




its funny how, as many hourly arguments that go on in these forums, boxing fans as a whole are truly a unique breed...there's something common within all fight fans that other sports fans dont have

I agree with the bold, MAK; but I think the corruption and ineptness of judges also turns off a lot of would-be fans. Boxing is perceived on the level of professional wrestling by many people. Could you imagine basketball, baseball or football games being decided by judges who seem to always screw up a score? Those sports probably wouldn't be too popular either.

[Weebler I]

Agree with Maka, it's just not interesting to that many people.

Participation has a lot to do with it. For example, US sports fans love NFL and Basketball because they grew up playing it, they can identify with what they're watching and appreciate those skills. Hardly anyone grew up boxing.

[bojangles1987]

i see what you're saying...boxing likes to stay in the shadows so the corruption wont be well seen


but i dont really agree...the reason boxing takes a backstage to the other major sports is because, quite frankly, it's not for everyone


not all people enjoy/appreciate two men punching each other in the head


if boxing was loved by everyone like the NFL, promoters would be pretty much powerless to hold back its popularity




its funny how, as many hourly arguments that go on in these forums, boxing fans as a whole are truly a unique breed...there's something common within all fight fans that other sports fans dont have

I disagree, because I saw how my parents and so many of their friends lost interest when I was a kid getting into the sport. It happened because of the corruption and bad decisions. I helped someone move into a house a few weeks ago, and when I mentioned I was a boxing fan the husband was willing to talk my ear off about the old timers. When I asked if he still watches, he says, "No, I lost interest because of all the bull****."

Boxing's atmosphere of corruption really has alienated so many of the casuals who could bring the sport fame again. So has PPV, which they lump into the "bull****."

[-MAKAVELLI-]

I agree with the bold, MAK; but I think the corruption and ineptness of judges also turns off a lot of would-be fans. Boxing is perceived on the level of professional wrestling by many people. Could you imagine basketball, baseball or football games being decided by judges who seem to always screw up a score? Those sports probably wouldn't be too popular either.

this is true...most sports that require judging ie. boxing, gymnastics, swimming, where the winner is based off someone's opinion don't gain as much popularity with the public

Agree with Maka, it's just not interesting to that many people.

Participation has a lot to do with it. For example, US sports fans love NFL and Basketball because they grew up playing it, they can identify with what they're watching and appreciate those skills. Hardly anyone grew up boxing.

agreed but there are some exceptions...boxing is a polarizing sport and not many people have stepped in the ring but the appeal is still there...take myself and hockey for example..i've never put on skates and pads and got on the ice but something about the sport draws me to it

[-MAKAVELLI-]

I disagree, because I saw how my parents and so many of their friends lost interest when I was a kid getting into the sport. It happened because of the corruption and bad decisions. I helped someone move into a house a few weeks ago, and when I mentioned I was a boxing fan the husband was willing to talk my ear off about the old timers. When I asked if he still watches, he says, "No, I lost interest because of all the bull****."

Boxing's atmosphere of corruption really has alienated so many of the casuals who could bring the sport fame again. So has PPV, which they lump into the "bull****."

tell them to log onto NSB...the high intellect level of these discussions would surely draw them back

[CubanGuyNYC]

agreed but there are some exceptions...boxing is a polarizing sport and not many people have stepped in the ring but the appeal is still there...take myself and hockey for example..i've never put on skates and pads and got on the ice but something about the sport draws me to it

The fights, maybe? I'm starting to see a pattern here.