I don't understand. I know lately that Eastern Europe & Ireland is producing boxers but the rest of Europe seems pitiful in comparison. Why is this? Is there a socio-economic reason for this? The UK had producing fighters for a long time now, for decades. The UK is like a boxing factory. Lol When I think of other countries for boxers like Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, etc, I can't think of a fighter off the top of my head.
Because in most European mainland countries it has become a very small sport, with zero exposure and zero financial gains. It's so small here that before Pac vs Floyd happened maybe just 5% would even recognize them from a picture. Probably even less.
Most mediterrean countries are filled with soft boys. Portuguese ,Spanish,Italians(apart from some inner cities) French(apart from some immigrants )Greeks etc are practically woman who couldn't fight to save their lives. Boxing just isn't big in Scandinavia at all, pro boxing is banned in Norway, Iceland, Sweden,Finland and Denmark have some but very small boxing communities. Germany does okay, and then eastern Europe are very good at boxing
Many reasons historically boxing in the UK or formally pugilism goes back centuries.It is in the blood we have had era's where talent has been thin on the ground,lack of champions but we always have had a healthy pro circuit and amateur's coming through.Pro wise for example we have always had good fighters in the middleweight and SMW divisions not always world champions but good top 10 fighters.The ambitious,hungry youngsters have always had pro's to look up to and decent coaching mainland Europe small talent pool and lack of quality coaching. Modern times all inner cities in the UK have amateur boxing clubs there is also infrastructure and depth.To be good enough to challenge for ABA titles you have to have ability in other European countries barring Eastern Europe there is not the depth of talent.It makes a real difference when they turn over as pro's hard competition and grounding. The pro circuit in Europe is dead money wise barring Germany and big fights in Eastern Europe....France,Spain and even Italy now you are fighting for peanuts,hence many will give up if not elite.