Are fighters and their mates posting good for the forum??

[BobD'Mello]

STFU N00B

[JUSCOOLNOMAN]

We should ban boxers, their friends, people who like boxing and anyone else not involved in the field of IT consultancy. Keep things real.

[m1kee50]

I think its a good thing... I actually think the vast majority of posters on here are to some extent connected to the world of boxing be it through journalism or being a fighter/trainer/cutman/promoter or knowing a fighter/trainer etc... I think it's a lot more than people think...

In the SMW thread the most negativity seems to come from the people who think we should not have these debates and discussions... a bit like the Anthony Small threads where people are happy to give it the old 'we live in a country where you have free speech' line as long as you don't use that speech in a way they don't like...

... this is the very same BS - you can have your forum but don't have a discussion about who should fight who... the posters who dislike matchmaking threads should steer clear of BOTP where they are inventing a time machine so we can pitch LaMotta against Hopkins finally...

... on the forum as a whole I think boxers coming on here and talking about matchups is a good thing... certain people don't want to talk about preffered fights they say it is up to their promoters and thats up to them but you will never stop a group of fans from wishing for a particular matchup and I think its healthy for the sport that people do this

if people stopped talking about fights and the fights they wanted to see we would end up with every 'promoters pet' would have a belt in their own initials from knocking over the dodgiest imports money can buy

... imagine someone coming onto a footy forum and saying 'its pathetic wondering what team you will get in the Champions League groups or FA Cup 3rd round you should be happy with Man Utd vs Walsall forever and ever amen....'

[banjo]

Fighters? Yes.

Their mates? Depends, some of them are genuine and can offer us information at times when the fighter himself is unable to come on here, some of them are nothing but cheerleaders who offer nothing to the forum.

[chinny]

Good thread, but overall, its very positive, and appreciated, by me at least .

Especially good:
Larry
Smigga
Derry

(and, bending the rules to include non boxers, Maloney and Buncey)


Not so good (again non participants)

HS Press (just press release spam - either be on here or not)
Bc (used to have the occasional insight but presence now seems to me to be all negative to the point of bringing the forum down)

[Bomber 1]

Listen I'll be honest, I think it's a double edged sword if Im being honest.. It's great to hear some fighters views but it can all add up, I mean fighters are the most egotistical people on the planet, They are usually moody especially when making weight and generally are quite boring people, I mean personally my life is groundhog day!! I see some of the banter that goes on and while I don't agree with much of it I also must say this, If you don't like it don't read it!! I read things I don't agree with all the time BUT hey that's peoples opinion and that's what a FORUM is all about.. I hope more pro's join the forum and give there views BUT I won't hold my breath when they hear something they don't like, I was told that's why David Haye stopped posting?? Like I said at the start I feel it's a double edged sword, While it can be great it can also be a proper wind up..

The ultimate question is it good for the site & forum.. Damn hell yes it is. If you've got a face to put to a name on here then it's gonna get people on here writing and giving there opinions, Ie Smith,Larry,Dilks,Dodson etc etc. Either way the forum is the winner without doubt. I personally hope the debates carry on and before you guys say it I have personally had my own banter and been leathered on other various sites however I'd like to think I've grown up a little and now take it all with a pinch of salt, Well after I've slapped her about for a bit anyway.. ...

[lefthook82]

I don't like the 'Boxrec Bounce' that some of the fighters get on here but all in all I would say it was a good thing

[palooka]

It's all good to me! I was chuffed to see Billy Bessey posted here and since saw that Paul Smith, Tony Bellew and Carl Dilks post comments. It may be coz I'm an anorak but I am pleased that people who know what's what take the time to put their side over. The problem is with die hard fans trying to stir and dig. I can't see what can be done about though and from what I've seen they get plenty back in any case.

Big Larry,Liam Cameron,Swifty,Mooresy,Derry Matthews,Daniel Thorpe plus loads more of all levels,maybe more than we know...

A lot moe than we know, imo.

I've not been here that long and didn't realise that many active boxers posted; some of the non boxers seem to have a bit of history though; between themselves.

[ERIC GUY]

I remember witnessing a certain forum member running down a street faster than Usain Bolt to try and catch up with a car Danny Williams had just got in

Who was it!

[WelshDevil]

I think the same sort of rules apply on a forum that do here.

You don't get anywhere "Lording it over people".

Most on here are great but I wouldn't blame a boxer for going on the 'Wind Up'.

I think the most annoying thing is people who make a promoters Cup of tea but then act like they own the 'keys to the kingdom'. Them sorts need to brush themselves down, take a hard look in the mirror and get outta here.

[whicker]

I read things I don't agree with all the time BUT hey that's peoples opinion and that's what a FORUM is all about..

It's funny, though, because on a forum you get active and successful professionals mixing with people who are (as far as professional boxing is concerned) absolute nobodies. ;;-) I don't mean absolute nobodies in a nasty way (indeed, in this case, I AM one of them) - just people who probably like the sport , but really are just guys behind a keyboad at the end of the day. Without the web, these people would have any imput at all, other than perhaps the odd letter to Boxing News.

[black panther]

Course it's a good thing! We get the latest information from the horse's mouth! Most fighters don't mind if you pick against them, along as you do so in a constructive manner. Its when posters call fighters names, so and so is crap, so and so is a bum....that is bound to instigate a harsh response.

[dondada]

Haven't had time to read all this but read the initial post which was well thought out.

A couple of observations - I don't like the fact that some take of advantage of an internet forum 'not being the real world'. You should treat people with respect and not revel in anonymous insults. However, as the poster says at the top, perhaps this has the knock on effect of not being as bold as one usually might and if that's so, that's a shame.

As for their mates coming on, some are fine, others are plainly deluded. You have to try and take it with a pinch of salt. I just don't like it when people start getting personal and aggressive simply because someone disagrees with them.

My view is you should always call it as you see it 'without fear or favour'. If the boxers and their mates don't like it, well, so be it. There are ways of saying you don't think someone will win though. No need to say 'WTF you talkin about silly p*ick, he's sh1te' etc...

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I read things I don't agree with all the time BUT hey that's peoples opinion and that's what a FORUM is all about..

It's funny, though, because on a forum you get active and successful professionals mixing with people who are (as far as professional boxing is concerned) absolute nobodies. ;;-) I don't mean absolute nobodies in a nasty way (indeed, in this case, I AM one of them) - just people who probably like the sport , but really are just guys behind a keyboad at the end of the day. Without the web, these people would have any imput at all, other than perhaps the odd letter to Boxing News.

Without the fans - there would be no professional boxing, without us - these guys (the successful professionals) would never get their name mentioned outisde family gatherings. The fan IS the most important person in this sport - every boxer I have ever known was a fan first and foremost.

Remember - the sport is geared to taking OUR MONEY OUT OF OUR POCKET. Probably more than any other sport out there and thats why its in the mess its in. We - the nobodies - pay the wages for everyone in the sport directly or indirectly - and the smarter ones within the professional boxing world are only too well aware of it and thats why they are on here with us.

[Deserter]

I read things I don't agree with all the time BUT hey that's peoples opinion and that's what a FORUM is all about..

It's funny, though, because on a forum you get active and successful professionals mixing with people who are (as far as professional boxing is concerned) absolute nobodies. ;;-) I don't mean absolute nobodies in a nasty way (indeed, in this case, I AM one of them) - just people who probably like the sport , but really are just guys behind a keyboad at the end of the day. Without the web, these people would have any imput at all, other than perhaps the odd letter to Boxing News.

Whicker, it's not funny, it's reality - the digital revolution is breaking down those traditional barrierrs in every area, not just boxing, and it's an exciting time as a result.
After all, it's vital to remember that it's the 'absolute nobodies' who ultimately determine the fate of professional boxing through following boxers, attending shows etc. If they disappear, the sport dies.
Boxers like Tony who come on with such a good attitude win new fans as a result, and these fans end up marketing him 'virally' i.e. they'll not only be more inclined to go and support him in person, they'll encourage a group of friends to go with them on the basis that he's an exciting fighter and good guy.
Again, I hate to say it, but MMA is so much further ahead than boxing in terms of marketing, with fighters having their own sites, twitter profiles etc.
Carlos, you beat me to it

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I read things I don't agree with all the time BUT hey that's peoples opinion and that's what a FORUM is all about..

It's funny, though, because on a forum you get active and successful professionals mixing with people who are (as far as professional boxing is concerned) absolute nobodies. ;;-) I don't mean absolute nobodies in a nasty way (indeed, in this case, I AM one of them) - just people who probably like the sport , but really are just guys behind a keyboad at the end of the day. Without the web, these people would have any imput at all, other than perhaps the odd letter to Boxing News.

Whicker, it's not funny, it's reality - the digital revolution is breaking down those traditional barrierrs in every area, not just boxing, and it's an exciting time as a result.
After all, it's vital to remember that it's the 'absolute nobodies' who ultimately determine the fate of professional boxing through following boxers, attending shows etc. If they disappear, the sport dies.
Boxers like Tony who come on with such a good attitude win new fans as a result, and these fans end up marketing him 'virally' i.e. they'll not only be more inclined to go and support him in person, they'll encourage a group of friends to go with them on the basis that he's an exciting fighter and good guy.
Again, I hate to say it, but MMA is so much further ahead than boxing in terms of marketing, with fighters having their own sites, twitter profiles etc.
Carlos, you beat me to it

You said it better though!

[whicker]

After all, it's vital to remember that it's the 'absolute nobodies' who ultimately determine the fate of professional boxing through following boxers, attending shows etc. If they disappear, the sport dies.

I disagree, the number of "internet fans" are only a very small number of the total fans who watch boxing, and as such, their specific contribution is very limited. Of course, we like to think otherwise!

I'd guess a lot of internet fans watch boxing on streams, attend the occassional show in the "cheap" seats, and endlessly post opinions on boxing forums.

Their actual monetary "value" to the boxing business is significantly less than a bloke who knows little about the sport, but on a one off treats himself and his girlfriend to a pair of £250 seats at a big event.

True.

[BobD'Mello]

Whicker, good point about monetary value, and as someone else pointed out earlier in the thread (i think), money is what makes this sport, and this world, rotate on its axis (or was that gravity?).

Personally, I have never attended an event, but have wanted to for many years. I pay for many of the PPV events and watch online streams when I can. So my 'monetary value' to the sport is negligible, but my interest is certainly serious.

I guess it takes all sorts of fans to keep the sport alive.

[BobD'Mello]

but then again, I suppose this is a different topic for discussion altogether...

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

After all, it's vital to remember that it's the 'absolute nobodies' who ultimately determine the fate of professional boxing through following boxers, attending shows etc. If they disappear, the sport dies.

I disagree, the number of "internet fans" are only a very small number of the total fans who watch boxing, and as such, their specific contribution is very limited. Of course, we like to think otherwise!

I'd guess a lot of internet fans watch boxing on streams, attend the occassional show in the "cheap" seats, and endlessly post opinions on boxing forums.

Their actual monetary "value" to the boxing business is significantly less than a bloke who knows little about the sport, but on a one off treats himself and his girlfriend to a pair of £250 seats at a big event.

True.

You don't know that whatsoever - you have no statstics to back you up apart from the statistics you got from your bumhole and what is an 'internet boxing fan'? is that someone who participates on a forum? Well, whats the difference between a boxing fan who writes on a forum and one who doesn't?

Everyone knows the bar is packed during the undercard, boxing shows nowadays are full of the fighters mates and family because thats who the fighter sells tickets to and no-one is saying they are more knowledgeable than the average person on here. They might add to the coffers of boxing but know little about the sport. I would love to hear about their views on British boxing on here. Is that better or worse? I don't know but anyone who takes an interest in boxing is welcome in my opinion. We don't have the bodies to turn away do we?
And anyone who contributes - even if it is just buying the magazines or paying pay per view on sky - is contributing of the pockets of people in the game.

I bet David Bryant or Richard Corsie would have loved to have interacted with fans on a crown green bowling forum - and with all due respect to the fighters who come on here - we talk about them! Do you think any of them give a shite about what we think apart from our opinion on them? What is the old adage 'the only thing worse than being talked about is being not talked about'

[whicker]

what is an 'internet boxing fan'? is that someone who participates on a forum? Well, whats the difference between a boxing fan who writes on a forum and one who doesn't?

'

Someone who spends a lot of time sharing opinions on a forum, offering insights, theories, "knowledge" etc, but in fact has little or no real or pratical connection to the sport.

I'm not saying their views are worthless, of course. Just that forums are their "medium" for discussion, when offline they wouldn't have that role but online they can be dominant.

It's not just boxing, of course- lots of hobbies, pastimes etc you get people whoes main role in the hobby seems to be to go online and post on forums. (Football being a good example.)

[Spud]

Whicker,

I honestly believe you seriously underestimate the importance these boxing forums have - people have constantly mocked me and slated me for stating it - but its f*cking true - it is a fact that every promoter reads this place or has someone reporting back to them as to the contents - it is also a FACT that many members of the BBBofC regularly visit the place - Richie Davies, Howard Foster are the well known members and there are others who have "outed" themselves yet - thats apart from boxers who regularly lambast and take the p*ss out of me at shows for what I and others have written.

So in summary - dont underestimate boxrec and its importance within the sport and I stress there is no exageration in my view the importance of boxing websites has - if I am wrong - why do so many people discuss it??

Yes, yes many many of the people within the sport state things like "have you seen what them ****s have written on that website" or one prominent promoter used to love to call us all "anoraks" now he loves the place!!!

[whicker]

So in summary - dont underestimate boxrec and its importance within the sport and I stress there is no exageration in my view the importance of boxing websites has - if I am wrong - why do so many people discuss it??

I'm not knocking the forum, that was not my intention, I was just being frank about a certain kind of poster (which includes myself, of course.)

[Spud]

So in summary - dont underestimate boxrec and its importance within the sport and I stress there is no exageration in my view the importance of boxing websites has - if I am wrong - why do so many people discuss it??

I'm not knocking the forum, that was not my intention, I was just being frank about a certain kind of poster (which includes myself, of course.)

I know you are pal - I am just perhaps sensitive and always have been to those within the sport who slag these places off so much yet I am serious when I state virtually everyone within the sport reads these places or if not they discuss them - and worse still bone idle lazy b*stard steal or bastardise a lot of very good articles which turn up on these sites.

[Poncey]

I think the level of discussion has gone right down on the forum and I'm wondering if the posters agree? Just have a look at the Smith vs Simpson thread.

It's interesting you use that as an example, as I found it a really interesting thread and it's had exactly the right effect with me i.e. it's got me far more intrigued and interested in the fight than I would have been if I hadn't read it. I also thought the comments from both camps (Selkirk and Billy Nelson) were respectful in tone and it didn't degenerate in a way some other threads have.

I agree.