Is it better to pull out of a fight at the last minute or fight less than 100%?

Depends on circumstances but a fighter has to protect his own interests as nobody else will (whether that be promoters, TV networks or fans). If I had a son who was a boxer I would tell him not to go anywhere near a ring unless he was 100%. Take the point that there are circumstances which take over (like the example Rob used - once in a lifetime fight etc).

But 9 times out of 10, the fighter should pull out. No one will thank him for it, but he needs to protect his own interests.

Different though for different fighters. A reliable journeyman for example. Much better for him not to let promoters down so that he gets the phone call again in future.

Horses for courses, but rule of thumb I'd say turning down is better than fighting unfit.

 

you can box with little niggles but when uve had a fluish type thing or the shits your arse drops out and you feel so weak its unreal.

 

Spot on, In fairness very few fighters get in the ring 100% but if you have something bad or something you can make far worse then the decision has to be made, I had it last time and I've never pulled out of a fight in my life, it killed me to do it and cost a lot to do it, I have boxed 4 times with broken hands but the risk of putting myself out for years is just too much..

 

but your in a position where your a main event fighter with a promoter that can keep you in the title loop.

if you were with anyone but Frank you would have lost your mandatory position.

also I think you should have let McEnzie fight someone else for the vacant title.

 

its one of those things you do have to weigh it up and i think most people wil agree nobody gets into the ring 100 %. Personally i can see why foster went ahead with the fight the risk reward was decent lets face it everyone was calling him a nobody.

On the other hand though i would say you want to give any fight and the big fights especially your best shot but you have to weight these things up this game is all about weighing up the risks and the rewards i have to admit sometimes the way things are you just have to take your shot

If Ryan Rhodes was offered a shot at Alvarez for the title and he had a niggle would you advise him to pull out if he could box on aged 34?

 

I thik you pull out, you shouldnt fight and then say But this and that how many times have you heard before the fight the training went brilliant then after the fight you start hearing the camp wasnt so good(if you pull out the is insurance to cover these things i remember barry hearn talking about it)

 

Yep, I remember Barry Mc saying that he was very rarely 100% going into a fight.There was always a niggle but its just a judgement call as to how much the niggle will affect the fight.

 

Fighters are rarely 100% with no issue in a 2 to 3 month fight camp. If its an injury that stops you from performing below 90% or so then you should pull out or run the risk.

 

Ray Robinson was known as Runout Ray for a period because he pulled out of so many fights. He didn't (usually) take the chance when he was off form, but he argued that no-one ever asked for their money back when he did fight. I agree with this, boxers already risk enough. Why should they further endanger their health and their livelihood by fighting when they're unwell. They'll get no thanks for it.

 

NO MATTER WHAT,SHOULD NEVER FIGHT UNLESS 100%...WHATS THE POINT OF HAVING MONEY IF YOU GET BRAIN DAMAGE...ITS A NO BRAINER ALL THE WAY 4 ME.........END OF!!:deal

 

Guys like Froch can do it because there mentally so strong willed. Some can't it really depends on the make up of the man mentally.

Personally i have no problems either way because this is a dangerous sport and i rather a man do best by him then try prove something to someone.

Guys like Froch are loved by many now cos he's different to the rest. It's good that every fighters different. That's why i respect Froch more then others.

I do get pissed off with guys who get a niggle six weeks out and pull out that does **** me off though i must say.