I've been on this site for years (2001 I think) in one form or another and when I was younger I picked up every copy of "The Ring" that came out. I bought K.O, and every other boxing mag I could find. Then I went away for 2 years and when I came back I just diddnt have the love for the sport anymore. I boxed from 13 till about 22 as an amature and I did good for myself, but I lost the love. Then I started picking up copies again and watching my HBO and showtime and I'm starting to get that love back, but to be back here on ESB I'm a little worried about the direction of boxing fans. The Ring magazine is a bright spot in boxing and I see so many people talking about how "belts mean nothing" This is wrong. I look at the ring mag and see about 6 of the weight classes have Ring mag champions and I shudder to think what happens in another 10 years. average fans dont want to hear "WBO champ so and so" They want to see "The middleweight champion of the world is fighting tonight" So How much credit is givin to the ring mag these days on here: just wondering so I know how to proceed here.
I can't speak for anyone else, but as a publication The Ring is still the best boxing periodical and I consider their rankings and their championship belts to be the most legitimate.
The Ring's pound for pound ratings system is more of a popularity contest these days, with a push possible if you happen to be from a particular country.
I don't disagree with this. I hate P4P rankings, I think the whole idea is stupid personaly. I ment about the weight class rankings though, any thoughts about that?
I think The Ring lost a lot of credibility when it was taken over by GBP. This deal places a lot of scrutiny on their rankings and the editorial choice of stories. Still the Ring is IMO a fine read with some of the best writers in the business.
I pick up every issue of the The Ring magazine i think it keeps people informed. And they have a new look to the magazine which is cool.
Yeah I don't really care for P4P rankings from anyone though but their weight class rankings are good. I like how they don't rush to crown a champion since they don't get sanctioning fees like the ABCs.
I think Golden Boy Promotions owns a major share in The Ring. Even if they are running thing on the up an up. No promational company should have any ownership in The Ring.
Yeah, The Ring is the best. Love it and they've updated their website good lately. Their rankings are accurate 80% of the time, but that 20% is a strange bunch. Rios over Soto? Upping Pacquiao after he fought a 150 lb'er for a jnr. middle title? Dzinziruk only 8 at 154, below Wolak, Vanes, Powell, Rhodes? Cloud warrants higher placement than Dawson? Narvaez is #5 in their 115 rankings and ought to be leap frogged to #2/3 at the least. Judging by their "what have you done lately" attitude displayed in the above examples, Zab Judah is robbed below Urango and Kotelnik.
Ive collected The Ring since rhe 90s and its still the bible of boxing, but recently its been praising heresy. For example, they Powell in the top 10 at 154 and made a mistake on Paul Williams record with only one loss and supposedley it was updated in march. Those are just acouple of things. They slippin.
In my opinion, their belts are the most prestigious in the sport although, admittedly, that isn't saying much. I don't pay any more attention to their P4P rankings than I do anyone elses.