Realistically if we got any fights we wanted, boxing would still behind NFL, NBA, etc

[El-blanco]

The exciting celebrity will not always be the best in boxing. That creates a problem. If the best boxer is not marketable, the sport can't sustain itself.

In other sports, they can sustain.

I don't think the exciting celebrity needs to be the best in boxing. There just needs to be more of them. Also, maybe the idea of who the "best" boxer is, needs to change. Refs and judges have to stop enabling unnecessary clinching and movement. Once fighters realize they will be penalized for these actions, the sooner they will begin to engage in exciting fights.

[El-blanco]

so you are saying boxers should forget defense and just let people punch them? i am sorry i been in a lot of fights and can count how many times i got hit....peoples definition of fighting must differ from mines

I'm not saying that at all Larry.

[Larry the boss]

I'm not saying that at all Larry.

ok........

[-PBP-]

I don't think the exciting celebrity needs to be the best in boxing. There just needs to be more of them. Also, maybe the idea of who the "best" boxer is, needs to change. Refs and judges have to stop enabling unnecessary clinching and movement. Once fighters realize they will be penalized for these actions, the sooner they will begin to engage in exciting fights.

Wishful thinking. Clinching was a part of boxing even in the Ali era when it's popularity was at it's peak. In the gym you train to win, not excite. Rios, Gatti and all those guys fight that way because it gives them the best chance to win.

[MrRolltide91]

Boxing won't ever be on that level.

Think about it. College football has mismatches like Alabama vs Louisiana Monroe. They still pack the stadium and the fans enjoy it.

The Washington Redskins, LA Lakers, Knicks, Cubs, etc could lose a trillion games and still pack the house.

Other sports just have better fans.

yep.........

[El-blanco]

ok........

You can still be defensively responsible and exciting. Toney, Floyd, pernell, etc. they've all done it, hell even Lara was once upon a time. The lack of taking risks in match making, and in the ring, is what makes boxing a fringe sport. Once fighters reach a certain level they have no incentive to take risks because their pay is unaffected. Once they start clamping down on the bull**** , the sport will improve. I don't think it will ever reach the level of major sports, but it can improve its audience. You've watched as long as me, there's nothing like a great fight. We need more of them.

[MrRolltide91]

in other sports you get to see your favorite teams more.


the nfl got 16 games and playoffs.


the nba got 82 games and playoffs.


in boxing your favorite fighters are fighting at least 3 times a year

[El-blanco]

Wishful thinking. Clinching was a part of boxing even in the Ali era when it's popularity was at it's peak. In the gym you train to win, not excite. Rios, Gatti and all those guys fight that way because it gives them the best chance to win.

I understand all that, but if boxing wants to be popular in today's market, then it needs to evolve. The numbers speak for themselves.

[MrRolltide91]

another thing is boxing being on hbo, showtime, and ppv

[-PBP-]

in other sports you get to see your favorite teams more.


the nfl got 16 games and playoffs.


the nba got 82 games and playoffs.


in boxing your favorite fighters are fighting at least 3 times a year

And you got to travel. You can't roll out of bed, eat breakfast then drive to the stadium for a 1pm afternoon game where you can bring your wife and kids.

To see your favorite fighter you need to schedule a vacation, pay for flights and hotels.