How has boxing improved over the last 80 years or so?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008.


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  1. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I'm not talking about the science of fighting, but boxing as a sport.

    We often bemoan the state of affairs today, but surely some things have changed for the better?

    What about:

    *No mob involvement. Less fixed fights, less bogus ratings and less 'hired' fighters.

    *Worthy contenders are not ducked as much and champions are forced to fight mandatories or are stripped of the title.

    *Boxing has gone truly global. Noteable exceptions are China and India, but aside from those two potentially rich boxing countires, it's pretty much all over the globe.

    Anything else?
     
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    #1
  2. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    I dont know about that. i think the whole set-up is bogus, (ratings, sanctioning bodies, promotional politics etc.) and i suspect a lot of the big fights are "fixed" (at least in the decision, or both guys turning up seemingly not wanting to hurt each other, get paid and go home), not to mention the horrible mismatches (set-ups) featuring frightened tomato cans taking dives.

    Mandatories aren't always worthy contenders. Often champions are forced to fight mandatories at the EXPENSE of more worthy contenders.
    And with 3 or 4 champions in each weight division, they are all allowed to avoid each other if they so wish. Sanctioning bodies often obstruct their efforts to fight each other.

    Yes, that's a good development.
     
    Unforgiven, Jul 8, 2008
    Unforgiven, Jul 8, 2008
    #2
  3. punchy

    punchy Well-Known Member Full Member

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    What I like is you had to really be fighter to be champion and you were recognized as champion when you were. Now any one can be champion instead of an elite few, equal opportunity.
     
    punchy, Jul 8, 2008
    punchy, Jul 8, 2008
    #3
  4. DamonD

    DamonD Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Neutral corner rule is an extremely good improvement.
     
    DamonD, Jul 8, 2008
    DamonD, Jul 8, 2008
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  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    - More proper medical care for fighters

    - More proper management for fighters

    - More money for fighters

    - Better standards of refereeing

    - Don King is closer to death
     
    McGrain, Jul 8, 2008
    McGrain, Jul 8, 2008
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  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Fair enough, but we'll never see another Burley or Langford under this system, where aruably the best fighter in the world can't get a title shot.
     
    McGrain, Jul 8, 2008
    McGrain, Jul 8, 2008
    #6
  7. Ezzard

    Ezzard Well-Known Member Full Member

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    In most cases today's 'champions' are just contenders and who is the best is just a matter of putting a poll up.

    Losing the exclusiveness of the term champion has made boxing very difficult to follow.

    Fewer top fights get made today becuase of the alphabet situation and because of the way undefeated fighters are believed to be somehow more marketable.
     
    Ezzard, Jul 8, 2008
    Ezzard, Jul 8, 2008
    #7
  8. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Short but sweet - GREAT points. Even just going back to the 80's there were myriads less champs and more meaningful fights were made.
     
    JohnThomas1, Jul 8, 2008
    JohnThomas1, Jul 8, 2008
    #8
  9. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Okay, I see where this is headed...let's try keep this positive and see where boxing has improved. I think we all know by now where it's gotten worse.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    #9
  10. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Pretty much. I have taken Unforgiven's points on board, but surely the situation todays is far, far better than in Burley's time or Langford's time.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    #10
  11. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Nice points McGrain. Especially the last one. :D

    I'd also like to see a retirement fund for boxers, but that's for another thread.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    #11
  12. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I agree. Nice one.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    fists of fury, Jul 8, 2008
    #12
  13. DamonD

    DamonD Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Wow...and how do you think boxing has gotten worse over the years?
     
    DamonD, Jul 8, 2008
    DamonD, Jul 8, 2008
    #13
  14. prime

    prime BOX! Writing Champion Full Member

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    We are beginning to see high-profile role models such as Foreman, Holmes and most likely Lewis who leave the ring with their marbles and go on to live out a worthy, successful retirement, as opposed to the proverbial tragic "Louis as a greeter" end.
     
    prime, Jul 8, 2008
    prime, Jul 8, 2008
    #14
  15. Ezzard

    Ezzard Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I'd like to think that safety has improved. Fights stopped earlier being the main improvement.

    Also, as a kid growing up in the 1980s it was great to see the Eastern Europeans entering the paid ranks.

    Also great to see that race is not an obstacle to a fighter becoming a superstar anymore.
     
    Ezzard, Jul 8, 2008
    Ezzard, Jul 8, 2008
    #15
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