From my perspective there seems to be far to much fascination in the boxing world placed on big hitters. Even on this page there is a thread bemoaning Amir Khan for not stepping up to the plate by fighting big hitters. Does being a big hitter necessarily mean your an elite in the sport? It seems looking at most people's P4P list there aren't to many big hitters near the top. Just wondering people's opinions on this. Cheers.
People like to see people get KTFO its something animalistic in people so anyone who starts banging and KOing people automatically gets a hype train look at Maidana or Matthysse as examples. But there are many arts to boxing many way to win but people do like to see KOs People beating Khan up for not facing big punchers are just trying to devalue his achivements. Hes been in with Zab who's a decent hitter (and still had something left in the tank), Maidana legit big hitter, he lost to Presscot who doesn't have much than a decent dig. So he has faced a few guys with pop....even Collazo is a decent hitter
It's far more interesting watching a fight when you know there could be a stoppage rather than watching someone like Bradley Skeete knowing its going to points.
Yeah, even if you're watching a crappy fight, knowing that one or both of the fighters have a big KO punch keeps you interested.
It's not just about brutality, it's also about the soul of the sport. Wich isn't just hitting without getting hit, but hitting your opponent harder as he hits you. You can be a pure boxer and land a 100 punches, it still doesn't matter as your opponent hits you just once and you hit the canvas for the 10 count (or 9 if you're British). The best thing about big hitters (the actual KO's happening) is that it's spectacular and there's no question of who was the winner of the fight. No controversial or hometown decisions, no British stoppages, but one guy asleep on the floor and the other with his hands raised. Simple and pure.
Big hitters equals excitement, especially for the man on the street, which means ratings for the networks. I think Ward and Rigodeneux (sic) are quality fighters, and as a boxing fan I appreciate them, but they don't get the blood pumping like a big knockout.
Let's face it without the fascination with big hitters the heavyweight division would never have or be so popular (current heavyweights excluded) The technical aspect of the majority of HW is poor but the thrill of a HW fight is that it could and often does end with one punch
Its exciting. The knockouts and power is what got most fans into boxing in the first place. The appreciation of the sweet science came after.