I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on what country/ race/ immigrant community etc etc has contributed most to boxing? I haven't added a poll as I don't want to rule anyone in or out. BTW - this isn't an invitation to spout racism or engage in abuse
There was a lot of Irish contributions like Jack Dempsey. Italian Americans like Marciano. Afro Americans like ALi, Tyson, Foreman, Liston, Frazier etc and now recently we have a lot of Eastern Europeans like the Klits etc. I think it changes from time to time. Wherever there is poverty there is potential champions. Dont be surprised to see more indian, african or arab champs in the future
Poor ethnic minorities in America: Jack Dempsey (he was poor and elevated the sport) African American- Louis, SRR Italian American- Marciano Jewish immigrants- Barney Ross
In my opinion, us British have always kept it alive. I mean, we always find a way. There's always good Domestic stuff, European stuff etc with Britain's Fighters. Across the Sea you don't really see that.
Cheers for the contributions lads, would tend to agree with most of the comments about poor immigrant communities and the conditions that create good breeding grounds for boxing. Good point re Britian and inventing the rules, they also did a lot to make it a spectator sport that could create huge sums of money. Laz - just on your point re 'current' British fighters - I feel that there's so much ethnic diversity in British boxing that to use the generic term British for all British born fighters can negate the contribution of the various contributors to the British fight scene - Afro Caribean, Irish etc and more recently Asians.
