Racial and Nationalistic Tension in Boxing?

its bad in most sports if not all that have international competing, especially on the biggest stage

 

Racism is everywhere, why wouldn't it carry over into sports as well?

 

racism has always been in boxing whether it was english vs irish, jewish vs irish irish vs black, black vs italian, black vs mexican, mexican vs puerto rican. Its international sport, between proud races its no mystery

 

Racism is everywhere but you have a loud segment on this forum who constantly discuss Eastern European and how the are the "end of humanities physical evolution". I constantly ask myself if they want to talk about Eastern European fighters why don't the go to the European forum? Maybe, just Maybe they are race baiting and not really interested in talking about boxing and would much rather stir up hatred?

 

There is a difference between backing a fighter that is where you are from or even one that looks like you and spewing hate.

 

People have a pack mentality, and supporting people who come from similar places as you do can inspire a team feeling in what is otherwise a purely individual contest. It helps to inspire a connection between a person and the fighter that otherwise might not be there, and that's one way they become fans.

There's always been a big ethnic and regional component to the sport where many fans back the fighters who look like them, have the same culture/values as they do, or come from the same area. While it can turn malicious, overall I don't think it's a bad thing. It helps solidify the "us vs them" appeal and forms rivalries that help drive boxing (and other sports) to have more exciting events.

Being a mutt myself I don't have any vested interest in it from the ethnic viewpoint, but if my hometown were producing pro fighters I'm sure I'd root for them over the other guy (all other things being equal), for example.

 

but is it hate or is it just racist jokes? Something similar to heckling the other fans but about their race? do you consider racist jokes hate? because I consider it comedy

 

it's obvious why it's so prevalent, boxing is a base sport, compelling but base, and it tugs at some of the most simple and intense urges of human nature, and this specifically racial tension has reared it's ugly head especially in the case of klitschko fans, in their quest to prove klitschko all time greatness at the absolute highest level.

 

Because it is a fight. Our guy vs your guy. Hopefully you aren't so much of a pig as to take it seriously.

Boxing brings together some of the oddest couples. Especially on the lower ends of the class scale who would probably never meet. Where else can a reformed Black gangster, a son of a Mexican migrant worker, and a Jewish lawyer all end up bosom buddies other than in our sport?

 

ALL IMHO:

Boxing/Fighting is the first true original sport. Strip away all the other rules, modes and techniques of other sports and what do you have? My guy will beat your guy. And that's what boxing is. Sports in its purest form.

Tribalism is one of humanity's oldest traits. I suppose it enabled the survival of most peoples of the world.

These two things are among the most primitive of our make-up.

I think racism is stupid (we're all descendants of some tribe in Africa anyway) but when poked and prodded enough, I assume I would buy into the counter-hate, regrettably enough.

 

These things predate even David and Goliath. Boxing's like a war to some I'm sure even Hitler had that issue.

 

Because that's how people are.

 

Yes! And it's only one way. There's no members who dont like the Klitschkos for racial reasons. Even tho the biggest Klitschko haters have locations of, Harlem, Dominican Republic, Atlanta, Memphis ect,ect....

 

Race Card!!!