How big is Boxing in Argentina?

It's big. Not as big as in Mexico or parts of the Caribbean, but as far as South American countries go it's pretty big. They have 2-3 TV networks that regularly show boxing, and enough of a domestic scene that prospects don't need to feast on imports or travel to gain experience (like those in neighboring countries)

 

Oh and

It's Argentine, or Argentinian.

 

Martinez beat Lionel Messi to the Argentine Sportsman of the Year award last year.
Considering Messi is arguably the footballing GOAT and had his best year so far last year, I'd say boxing is a pretty big deal over there.

 

For real? Messi is shaping up to become the best football player of all time; how can Sergio possibly eclipse him?

 

Fabio Moli is also a household name in Argentina despite never being anything more than a D level heavyweight journeyman.

 

Messi only came third behind Sergio and a guy who won taekwondo gold in the Olympics.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20121219/lionel-messi-argentina.ap/

 

He beat a household name. :conf

(or the son of one, who has the same name :!

 

They have a rich history I mean Monzon and Firpo the guy who put Dempsey thru the ropes

 

Even today, they've got a lot of people involved professionally in the sport.

From super bantam through heavy, they've got 50-100 active boxers per division which proportionate to their population (about 2/3 that of the UK, who've got roughly the same number of pugilists) is a fair amount...and a handful in each are on the bubble of world level and/or top 20 in their division.

 

I think there's another reason why they voted Sergio over Messi.
Sergio has beaten up a couple of Brits lately, and the next one is on the menu. Argentinians (sp) and Britains aren't the best of friends with that whole Falklands thing and their history.

So that probably made him a bigger hero in their eyes.

 

:yep

 

Even recent memory is Baldomir, sure he may be a minor footnote to US fans but he was seen as a joke of a contender with no chance and he goes and beats the undisputed 147 lb champ

the same guy who goes to basically score a knockdown on Floyd give him fits and creates the southpaws give Floyd trouble monicker

Baldomir beat him b4 Floyd and did it toe to toe