boxing as a sport hasnt evolved

I think this is only partially true. It can be argued that the talent pool is smaller (but I would be interested to see numbers here). In terms of technique I don't believe there has been a deflation.
But almost for sure there has been advances in training methods: nutrition, active recovery, overall advances in sport science are applied to boxing.

 

two quick ways that the sport could evolve.

1, paradoxically, it should revert back to older times. Everyone should know who the champ is at a given weight and there should be a clear path to being the contender. This i believe would give clearer goals for potential boxers to aim for. Good athletes are turning themselves towards other sports where there is more direction.

2, boxing gyms should be more open to the public. What i mean is that people should be able to turn up for 2 hours rigorous training once a week, albeit not necessarily training alongst the proper fighters. Loads of people would benefit from basic training and some would find they have a talent and really go for it. This wouldn't necessarily have to detract in anyway from competitive trainers and coaches, but would provide a decent subsidy for the clubs. The extra footfall of talent would surely find the otherwise hidden gems. I would love to know how Bolt got into running.




3, mayve they should start freaky tournaments that appeal to the masses, blindfolded bouts or 3 rounds, 4 feet apart, with your legs tied to springs fixed to the canvas. Maybe get celebrities involved?

 

The sport has more or less devolved since about the 80's. Obviously not in terms of science and nutrition, such as steroids, but apart from that it's declined as a major sport in comparison, and most of what would've been boxers in past years have gone on to different sports, so boxing is lacking the talent it used to have.

In terms of technique and training methods, the sport has basically been the same since about the 1940's.

 

But Boxing has evolved, Fights used to go on almost endlessly. Championship fights were brought to Fifteen rounds then Eventually to twelve rounds. A neutral corner rule was instituted as fighters were attacked almost as soon as they arose from the canvas. Physicals are more intensiive now, with neurological test being done now for fighters safety.
Mafia activity was dealt with, that was a plague on boxing for most of the sports existence. Medical presonel are standing by in case of a life saving situation arised. Certian Coagulants are banned, Which were very dangerous in the long run, when applied to the eye's of fighters.
There have been many improvements to Boxing over the years, The only issue not addressed is the Monopoly by certain Promoters, Which own fighters contracts and in some cases leave them broke when they retire.

 

None of that proves that boxing has evolved in terms of technique or the effectiveness of fighters. Obviously the sport's regulations have changed, but aside from that, not much has changed aside from the fact that the sport simply isn't nearly as big as it used to be and the talent pool is dwindling. So in a way you could say it's devolved.

 

All of which are past their primes and pretty much done as elite fighters, or retired in Lennox's case.

There are some good fighters, some top fighters, but the quantity and quality for the most part goes down as the years pass due to the dwindling popularity of the sport and whatnot.

 

It has been one of the slower sport to change or evolve but it has, two being training and technique ..

Thanks to Mr Holyfield boxer training methods have changed, when only 20 to 30 years ago fighter were drinking Raw eggs for protein and drinking meat juice as a way to maintain there weight.

I might get called a nut hugger for this but who cares .. I also think the mayweathers should get credited for bring in a new philosophy of training for both offense and defense, Im not sure if its the best way or not but after a few trainers and boxers pick through it enough, we should know if it or is not a solid system of training in the next 5 years or so.

 

OK, doesn't change the fact that each generation past a certain point has seen a dwindling amount of greats. There will always be great fighters, I was just pointing out that the quantity has gone down.

Hopkins has no claim as the best MW BTW.

 

Boxing, purely on a competitive level shouldn't try and evolve unnecesarily. The 100 metre sprint has evolved but presumably it can only naturally go so far. The beauty of boxing for me is the relativity to the past. Nobody could have predicted a freak like Phelps would come along and shake it all up. Someone with unbelievable talent will come along and shake boxing up, i just hope Warren doesn't get to manage him.

The sport would be more financially viable if it moved away from individual short term greed though. There should be one board governed by international trustees who have an interest purely in the sport.

I would love to see ancient Mongolians compete against the modern archers, no doubt they would struggle but i suspect it wouldn't be too far apart!

 

I was stating that Boxing as a whole, has evolved. But talent wise. Now Boxing is a Sport, just as any other, (Football,Baseball,Basketball, Ect.) back in the old days, Boxing was a way of survival. You had guys coming out of the meanest burroughs of New York,Chicago, Ect. They would fight to make a living & provide for thier Families. A toughness & dedication brought out by hard living and a bit of desperation.