World Series of Boxing - anyone following it?

[slapbangwhallop]

Its basically professional boxing in all but name for I think it belongs here.

Tonight was the first time I really sat down and watched a match, LA Matadors v Miama Gallos, thank you Premier Sport.

Some really top quality boxing. Most people I have spoken to are against it but in effect we are watching the best prospects in the world fighting each other which you wouldnt ever get in traditional pro boxing.

I know about five or six Irish guys are now involved did any Brits get drafted or are they boycotting it?

[gobbles]

Its basically professional boxing in all but name for I think it belongs here.

Tonight was the first time I really sat down and watched a match, LA Matadors v Miama Gallos, thank you Premier Sport.

Some really top quality boxing. Most people I have spoken to are against it but in effect we are watching the best prospects in the world fighting each other which you wouldnt ever get in traditional pro boxing.

I know about five or six Irish guys are now involved did any Brits get drafted or are they boycotting it?

I think it's really good, although it's worth watching with the laptop so you know who you are watching. There was supposed to be a London franchise, but that got pulled and none of the GB squad were allowed to enter. I know a couple who would've loved to be in it.

[Deno1986]

What is it exactly?

[slapbangwhallop]

What is it exactly?

http://www.worldseriesboxing.com/about/about-wsb.aspx

That pretty much explains it but it is sort of a transition before ams to pros with squads of 20 on each team. Five from each team fight each other in each match.

Egan and JJ Joyce fight for Miama, O'Kane and McCarty are at Milan, Nevin and DJ Joyce are with Paris. I think thats it. Paddy Barnes was offered a slot but didnt fancy it because their minimum weight is bantam

[Kit]

I have been watching this on Premier.
It seems to be caught in the no mans land between amateur and professional boxing; as if the casual fan finds it dificult enough to follow the sport as it is.
Also with boxing being such an individual sport I dont think the team event really works.
But saying that I quite enjoyed the two shows from the America's zone and its a chance to see some of the top amateurs in competitive fights under pro rules.
But to be honest I really dont see this concept ever taking off.

[stujones]

Its a good standard of boxing and I prefer it to the Amateur boxing - this is how Amateur boxing should be. Back to the old scoring of rounds anyway.

I cannot see it being sustained though, the venues look half full, and the US version well it seems even designed for the pro's. Pro refs and judges and even the commentators stating they don't know the amateur scoring system!

Don't really agree with the prinicple of it, but I do hope the "proper" Amateurs can look of it as an example.

Reminds me of that A1 of motorsport concept - that really failed to get of the grounds.

[Final round]

I've enjoyed it, I missed the USA sat night no doubt it will be on again this week.

[ricardoo3]

I all,
I work for Premier and am pleased to read your comments. I think it will take time but they have put a lot of money into it and I would be confident it will only grow in stature. Some of the venues are to big for sure but for a first year concept we think it is decent.

[stujones]

Anyone think the "franchises" thing is why its not getting the crowd. Its not the boxing, its just it seems nearly all the boxers do not hail from the place they are fighting for.

I know, people can mention the example of football - and that there are not that many Mancunians playing for Utd and City, but its a team sport. Look at pro boxing, how many pro boxers sell tickets to locals and family members.... How many Irish will go abroad to watch Egan fight. Impossible really to address with the WSB, but surely a major reason why the venues are half full.