Are things really so bad?

[earsjohn]

I come on here regularly and each time, I leave feeling a little less happy about life than before I came. The natural state of the British boxing fan appears to be permanent pessimism with a heavy side of cynicism. Now I can be as negative as the next man, but I do believe that we are letting our inherent grumpiness cloud us from enjoying what could be a glorious era in the sport in this country.

In my viewing lifetime, I consider there to have been 4 distinct eras - The Benn-Eubank era, the Lewis-Naz era, the Hatton-Calzaghe era and into the current Froch-Haye/Khan era. These aren't perfectly definable periods, with clear overlaps, gaps and ignorance of a whole host of other very worthy British fighters, but they allow me to compartmentalise 25 odd years of watching Boxing.

What excites me, and brings me back to my opening point, is the current transition period. Carl has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport in this country, and in particular for us hardcore keyboard warriors who were incredulous at the networks during his TV exposure difficulties. But he only has a couple of years left at the most, and the time appears ripe for a changing of the guard, so to speak.

We already have another 3 world champions (Cleverly, Burns, McDonnell) and 5 guys fighting for a version of a world title before the end of the year (Groves, Quigg, Barker, Bellew, Khan). We also have two of the top 5-7 world heavyweights (Haye, Fury) fighting each other in a clash that will be at least the 2nd biggest heavyweight fight of the year (I'd be interested to see which of Haye v Fury and Wlad v Povetkin would be more appealing to our American cousins).

We also have a couple of guys who have tasted defeat at the top table but could well be back for more (Martin Murray, Macklin, Chisora, Kevin Mitchell, David Price). Then there's those who are within a fight or two of World title contention (Brook, DeGale, Frampton, Butler). All of these are supplemented by a range of prospects and former amateur stars (Selby, Buglioni, Mitchell Smith, Kid Galahad, Hughie Fury, John Ryder, Eubank Jnr) and members of the wildly successful British Olympic teams of 2008 (Gavin, Joe Murray, Billy-Joe and Bradley Saunders, Kal Yafai) and 2012 (Joshua, Ogogo, Campbell, Stalker, Cardle).

Have we really ever had it quite so exciting?

They won't all succeed, they won't all live up to the hype inevitable in this ever-intrusive age of social engagement obligation, but there will be some huge successes in there (and a good few from names I've not mentioned) and some thrilling fights and unforgettable nights along the way. So maybe, it's time to look on the bright side. British sport in general is riding a wave of success that doesn't sit easily with our national love of plucky losers - a few key wins in the coming months and some feel-good stories (making a success of the Copperbox is going to be a huge fillip for the sport) and our beloved sport can once again start to punch its weight.

[loaded_gloves]

All of boxing is bad, the sport is terminally ill, some Brits hold some paper belts which might satisfy the myopic nationalist types, but boxing itself is in appalling condition.

[Parson Cross]

When did David Price taste defeat at the top table ?

[earsjohn]

[ILikeBeer]

I think that people are just a bit annoyed by the state of the sport in general. It's not that there is not talent in the game, it's just that there are too many titles and not enough regulation. For example, in the 1980s we wouldn't have had a situation where Floyd and Pac wouldn't have fought each other. (That's an out of date example because it's a few years past when they could and should have fought, but you get the point.)

There was a time in boxing when the best fought the best, or at they did more often than not. Now when it happens, it's the exception rather than the rule.

Boxing has become a business rather than a sport. Every fight is trying to attract casual fans. The sort of fans that might watch the occasional fight, but not regularly. Look at Haye vs Audley a few years ago. Anybody who knew anything about boxing knew that was a mismatch, and that the fight would be poor. But the matchmakers didn't care because it drew mainstream interest, and thus got pay-per-view buys. All the shock afterwards that it was a non-fight was a surprise to nobody who knew anything about boxing.

I like watching boxing over a few beers as much as the next person, and aint going anywhere. But at the same time if you look at what the sport is now, it's no surprise people aren't exactly enthusiastic about what it's become.

[Clint Magnum]

Boxing has been accused of being terminally ill since the 50's.
Its got problems for sure but compared to most combat sports (including MMA) its strong and healthy with a fair degree of casual crossover and still one of the major players of professional sporting attractions.

[Matchfixer]

I think this negative attitude is visible in all sports. For some people it seems to be easier to complain than say something positive.

[expe]

British boxing is booming and worldwide the sport isn't doing too badly either. Boxing is the most profitable sport in the world.

[Horse]

Has there been a lot of moaning recently?

This thread is very negative.

[whiskey]

People look for fault, like there is a reward for finding it.

[keithmoonhangover]

I think things are really good at the moment. We have several strong divisions. Plenty of superb fighters.

I grew up with a choice of BBC or ITV. All the big fights from America were shown the next day, or later.

Now we have our own Boxing Channel.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Boxing could disappear down a tiny orifice tomorrow and my life will still be great. The importance is not to attach that much importance to it. I was mad for boxing when I was a young man but now - if someone wins or loses - I couldn't care less.

[CharlesListon]

Most forum writers are moaners. Compare how many positive/good news posts there are to the negative, complaining ones. Even posts that start off as positive in nature often end up with a fair amount of negativity.
Boxing is fine. British boxing is fine. Maybe not as good as it could or should be, but what in life is perfect?
I think your post is spot on.

[Deserter]

Boxing is the most profitable sport in the world.

By what definition?

[Parson Cross]

Beat me to it Deserter !
That being the case why isn't there mass media coverage - like with Premiership Football, and how come the whole of British Boxing is controlled by so few ?
Equally of the so few 60 to 70% is controlled by one Promotor.

[taffytoon]

British boxing is booming and worldwide the sport isn't doing too badly either. Boxing is the most profitable sport in the world.

Nonsense, absolute Nonsense.

[ajwesty13]

i dont see a lot of negative opinions on boxrec .. there are people who know an awful a lot about boxing so they tend not to be more level headed rather than get caught up in a lot of nostalgia that comes with boxing.. I would fall on the side that there are people who dislike boxers or promoters that share their dislike now and again (more again than now :) )

[Jeff Thomas]

Go on ANY BOXING FORUM and go through the threads about 70 percent are negative 20 percent are neutral and about 10 percent are positive.

People like to moan its in their nature. I read somewhere that the brain chemical released when thinking a negative thought is mildly euphoric (ironic i know)and that this becomes addictive but has less and less of an effect over time and thus people have to be more and more negative to feel that way.

Negative thought are a habit and are never ever productive. It takes discipline to stay positive that's why I don't really post as much anymore.that said boxrec is still easily the best forum I go on at the minute.

[Alba]

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[stevieb_8006]

no1 moans like a boxing fan. Ive heard It for 28 years

[gerryd77]

Thanks for a well structured post with a bit of effort put in earsjohn.

[Jeff Thomas]

I always use boxing monthlys ratings to judge the state of British boxing and we have 14 fighters in the world top ten - that's the most since 1995/96

[earsjohn]

In response to some of the points made....

- This wasn't meant to be directed at Boxrec, but at internet boxing fans in general
- It was intended as a positive post - I guess I didn't help myself by starting off with the negativity
- Were things really always so great? So often the current situation is compared to some half-remembered, sepia tinted by-gone era that never actually existed but has come to represent the opposite of everything that is bad about Boxings present. Fighters were busier in days gone by, but in 99% of cases that's because they were earning peanuts and a larger percentage of those peanuts were being happily trousered by less scrupulous promoters and managers. Do you really think that if the internet and forums had been around in the mid-70's there wouldn't have been just as many morons on here grizzling about how Leonard ducked Pryor, Duran was a quitter and Ali was a worthless bum who should have stopped fighting when he lost to Frazier?
- TV has changed in the last 25 years; there are more than 4 channels and the real money comes, like it or not, from satellite TV. You ask a boxer which he'd prefer - 1m viewers and £50k purse or 200k viewers and a £100k purse. I'm sure all would take the viewers in a hypothetical question, but if that situation actually arose, I'd be surprised if fewer than 90% took the money. And why the hell not? We all would do the same in our own industries. Boxing will always attract viewers on terrestrial TV but if those viewers don't convert into substantial ad revenue, TV companies simply won't be interested. If it was in any way profitable, ITV would be hammering down promoters doors to secure big fights, regardless of the personalities involved. Commercial TV stations exist to make money - if boxing doesn't add to the bottom line, they are not interested. Look at the progress of Five's coverage - numbers were always really good, but the quality and commitment of their output has receded. Why would that be if the viewing figures secured delivered equivalent profits?

Am I really wrong, though, to be quite so optimistic about the state of the sport on these shores? I simply can't remember a time when there has been such depth of talent through the divisions and, so long as the fights happen, the number of high quality matches over the next 3 or so years (both domestic and international) is something to be excited about.

(Only a boxing forum could drive me to moan in a thread about optimism!)

[Deserter]

Thanks for a well structured post with a bit of effort put in earsjohn.

x2

[jessi]

When did David Price taste defeat at the top table ?

Well Thompson like it or not has been a top ten heavyweight for a decade, if price had knocked him out he would of been fighting for a world title with in 12 months