When was Boxing at its Peak? I propose that it is NOW.

I was rethinking about how, a few years ago, I pined for an era when Boxing was the premier sport. When it was covered in all the major papers, when norman mailer would write on fighters. I used to be the only boxing fan amongst my friends- then Oscar retired and I thought- here it goes-

- Now, it seems boxing has seen a revival- among the notable things about today are:
+we have two fighters who are arguably in the top 20 all time,
+we have fights that sell out stadiums,
+we have international stars from all corners of the globe, Asia and Africa- previously underrepresented demographics.
+boxing could be more global now- perhaps less dominance in America though and ll the old powers are doing well, USA, UK, PR, Mexico, etc.
+ Boxing now has more regular documentaries than before, e.g 24/7
+ boxings historically less glamourous divisions are now given attention, e.g. Super Middleweight- the super six tournament, fight camp 360. and also especially lighter divisions.
+ Fight sports are making a comeback in general- with UFC- and that has helped boxing.
+ we have more promotional parties with power- while this may hurt the sport in some ways- it also has theoretically allowed more fights , more represented fighters, more promotion, more competition, and better product. e,g Golden Boy.
+ The Internet. The internet has allowed more fans to get together- to build a community - such as this one- and allowed the sport to thrive- perhaps not on tv or free to air- but in a strong, dedicated niche following. this has strengthened the core following i think- and allowed casual fans to quickly catch on. This relates to globalisation in general.
+ The two top earners in Boxing are amongst the very highest earners in Sport altogether. Should Pac and Floyd fight this year- They could easily rank 1 and 2 as the highest earners in Sport from sporting salary , excluding endorsements.

With these factors, I present to you, that boxing has never been stronger. Its revival has been rapid and amazing. It has risen from the ashes quickly - and thanks to two little guys- been as strong as it ever has. Perhaps there isnt a heavyweight to capture the awe of the world as there has in Ali and Tyson days, and perhaps America no longer focuses on boxig as it once did, BUT there is a more even interest in ALL the divisions, all over the world.
Now casual fans KNOW about Pacquiao- maybe they dont box or know why he s great- but now I go to the pub- and the place is packed for a PPV. Good times .

Which era was the strongest in your view- and why?

 

of course my argument is flawed- and I m playing the side just to open discussion. i KNOW other eras were more 'glorious' for boxing. But i think a strong argument can be made for today- and those are my points. I d like to heard your opinions.

 

I think an Era can be defined by who is THE p4p or biggest name at that time- and how big they are

2010- PACQUIAO
2000- OSCAR
1990- TYSON
1980- SUGAR RAY LEONARD
1970- ALI
1960- PATTERSON
1950- MARCIANO
1940- SUGAR RAY ROBINSON
1930- JOE LOUIS
1920- DEMPSEY

I think that by Pacquiao- we have certainly the smallest global star in boxing we have had- and also - arguably the first international , non American - superstar in boxing we have had- and that by this- we have the sport at greater international exposure than ever before.

 

I think there are two seperate questions that are being raised here

when was boxing BIGGEST?

when was boxing BEST?

im not saying boxers of today are better than before- far from it. im debating that Boxing now is BIGGER than before.

another way to think of it- If sugar ray, hagler, hearns and Duran fought today- would they be bigger stars than when they were in their era. My argument is that yes , they would- because boxing is bigger internationally now than it was now, that media is greater, and that boxing is now more popular (globally) than it has been.