Why is boxing the only sport where the older greats are always better?

i think yes it's reverence or a generational bias. but in boxing, unlike track or many other sports, advances in training and sports nutrition don't relate to success or advance a boxer as much other atheletes. there are intangibles and differing factors which creates the "better" boxer. frequency of fights, willingness/pressure to fight the best, competitive and non political eras etc. make better boxers. for instance, the 1970s heavy weight scene is revered because EVERYONE fought EVERYONE. modern day issues prevent that. sugar ray robinson fought in an era where boxers would fight once a month and encounter more types of fighters and style, thus creating a more well rounded boxer

 

To be fair it's not just boxing. It's the same in football, baseball and basketball to name a few.

 

I just saw a poll where the majority voted that Pacquiao is greater than Arguello.

 

its kinda like my grandfather when you listen to him talk the older he gets the better he was!!!

 

100m was still 100m...10 years ago, 20 years ago, 50 years ago. Its basically just a bunch of guys running as fast as they could and there is only one world champion, one Olympic champion etc..totally different to boxing.

The bar has been set lower for boxing....Its easier to become champ with more titles and more divisions, the talent pool is smaller due to waning popularity, fighters are fighting less often over shorter fights, fighters take less risks because of the fickle nature of fans and T.V networks bankrolling the industry, interpretations of rules have changed somewhat what was common place 30 years ago is considered dirty and unacceptable now. Even with the advent of easier travel between countries and globalisation fighters seem less willing to travel and challenge themself these days.

Its not as simple as older fighters are better then newer fighters..often that just isnt the case. But IMO boxing overall has regressed rather then evolved , to often people are so quick to jump on the most minor of technical flaws older fighters may display whilst completing overlooking the glaring flaws in the modern game overall.

 

You didnt specialize...you just said sport. Obviously the dynamic is more complex.

My guess is that the adverse conditions fighters from the past had to deal with continually weigh in the minds of those judging. Not only that but it's difficult to judge the present but easier to judge in hindsight.

 

Hogan's drop kick vs Cena's FU

 

hmmm, interesting point. i honestly believe a big part is the fact that older fights fought more and loses weren't as signficant. except for pep and robinson most old time fighters lost fights early in their careers but LEARNED from it and became became for it. now ppl are so scared of losing that they hide from challenges where challenges are the greatest teaching tool a boxer has

 

macho man's elbow drop and it's not even close

 

:huh

Willie fought in the 40's, 50's and 60's...how is that 100 years?

Willie also beat world class lightweights...have you seen either of these guys come close to that?