Have Boxers Ruined Boxing?

[The Big Dunn]

Yes, I have noticed that fighters don't cut off the ring anymore. They usually just follow their opponent around. What's that going to accomplish?

Well, that's a shame and I see a modern problem. Knowing how to cut off the ring and fight on the inside is very vital. There's definitely a lack of it and I guess that's what annoys me, as well as boring fans.

Yes, we need veteran trainers badly!

You can see the same thing in the NBA. As the 3 pointer has become the thing to do, you see very few players who can do anything but shoot 3s and dunk. Very few post moves or mid range jumpers.

The sport survived forever when there was boxers and punchers. Boxers boxed, punchers cut off the ring and punched, and you had epic fights. Now suddenly we have guys who can box, but the punchers have no idea how to get inside to apply their power.

We all love a gatti/ward type fight but those guys were highly skilled, they just lacked athleticism and speed. But they knew how to fight and were pros.

[HughJass]

Weight classes have ruined boxing not boxers

[Tony Trick-Pony]

You can see the same thing in the NBA. As the 3 pointer has become the thing to do, you see very few players who can do anything but shoot 3s and dunk. Very few post moves or mid range jumpers.

The sport survived forever when there was boxers and punchers. Boxers boxed, punchers cut off the ring and punched, and you had epic fights. Now suddenly we have guys who can box, but the punchers have no idea how to get inside to apply their power.

We all love a gatti/ward type fight but those guys were highly skilled, they just lacked athleticism and speed. But they knew how to fight and were pros.

So is there just an overall more lazy approach to sports in general? Or maybe the focus has just changed more to boxers and the punchers are sort of left behind?

I can see what you are saying. That makes so much sense because for years, I have seen punchers with potential really become nothing. They can punch, but they know very little else. And yes, boxers vs. punchers makes for the best style fights ever. I agree. I think the fighters are just not being taught.