Do US prospects get better development than those in the UK?

[johnswan1]

This is something that comes up loads, but the reasons for the differences never seem to be discussed in any great detail.

Often commentators will reference how much better seasoned and schooled the US fighters and their prospects are compared to those in the UK.

We keep hearing about how the gym work in the US is more competitive, how their prospects are moved along in a more appropriate manner and how they get quality rounds of develop as pros with genuinely tough and durable opponents. Meanwhile the UK fighters are being "wrapped up in cotton wool".

Firstly a fighter in the UK can travel anywhere in the UK easily, whereas the US is far more regional/localised given the distances involved. For example any fighter in the UK can train where ever he likes in the UK, and still regularly go back to his hometown at little cost. This also means that there should, in theory at least, be better access to quality sparring partners, training facilities, appropriately qualified personnel etc.

So why do we keep seeing the best prospects in the UK (at heavyweight especially) regularly pitted against opposition that appears to have been pulled off the street?

By no means is this intended to be a swipe at journeymen, but what exactly causes this supposed difference?

My initial areas to focus on would be:

- Is there any truth in the fact that US, or Mexican fighters are generally tougher than UK fighters and hence their prospects get more competitive rounds against more durable but limited opponents?

- Are UK fighters overly protected and is this down to tradition, or the fighters, their team, or their promoters?

- Is it something to do with the training methods or gym set ups in the US compared to the UK? We often hear about the legendary gym wars taking place at the Wild Card gym among others. Does this not go on in the UK?

I'm sure there are plenty of others best qualified to comment on the above but I think one of the major reasons for it may be down to the fact that boxing is more of a minority sport in the US to the point that people don't turn up to watch uncompetitive sports. Look at how the NFL operates as an example of the sporting culture - how the draft process ensures a more level playing field. It seems to be the American way, a culture of wanting to see competitive sport.

Compare that to the UK where we are used to mismatches - look at our football teams and how the success is always shared out between a far lesser minority than what you see in the US. Yet 80,000 or thereabouts still turn out week in week out to see Man U against an overmatched opponent whose primary focus is on defense and survival (similar to attempting to hear the final bell whilst taking minimum damage).

This same culture seems to be carried through in boxing, as though it's acceptable to always have the odds stacked in ones favour. Hence you see cards like next weeks show where the card is full of all mismatches apart from a main event.

Look at how quickly an event sells out in the UK. 15,000 seater venues are regularly sold out. Compare that to the US where it's normal for 5,000 or less to turn for even major 50/50 title fights.

Another reason for it may be down to the marketing strategy. Boxing is largely a PPV sport in the US. This means there are much fewer casual fans, so most boxing audiences are well informed and won't tune in to watch rubbish. Fights need to be competitive or they don't make TV. In the UK, although it's still a minority sport, the casual fan is the target audience, so the TV company's and promotors can take advantage of that by showcasing supposed superstars by putting them in to knock over the most limited of opponents. This process, although bringing in the $, doesn't do much for the fighters who are then found to be too inexperienced and too used to fighting inside their comfort zone.

Any other thoughts? Would be interested to hear what people think about how much of it is due to gym methods/tradition.

[Old bones Ian]

I don't think there is that much difference in quality in the first 10 or so fights, but the americans seem to like pitting their prospects tougher from then on, focusing on rounds and different type of boxers.
More of a sink or swim mentality.

[danconnollyeire]

It can be a bit of a myth, look at Wilder, is he 'well-schooled'?

[Ezzard]

One thing that I used to read 20 years ago was that our boxers were often over-trained and ended up having shorter careers or shorter peaks for this reason.

[pyenest77]

It can be a bit of a myth, look at Wilder, is he 'well-schooled'?

No but he will always be raw. He isnt gonna turn into Sugar Ray anytime soon.

[pyenest77]

I don't think there is that much difference in quality in the first 10 or so fights, but the americans seem to like pitting their prospects tougher from then on, focusing on rounds and different type of boxers.
More of a sink or swim mentality.

The bulk of the fights I have seen from the states has an opponent although who is possibly inferior actually wanting to fight back & not going through the motions week after week like ours do.

[Old bones Ian]

I don't think there is that much difference in quality in the first 10 or so fights, but the americans seem to like pitting their prospects tougher from then on, focusing on rounds and different type of boxers.
More of a sink or swim mentality.

The bulk of the fights I have seen from the states has an opponent although who is possibly inferior actually wanting to fight back & not going through the motions week after week like ours do.

There's also alot of guys from certain states with very padded records, they are used like some of the East Europeans here.

[Gazmac81]

i agree with this and was going to put something similar , when i see the big shows on america then generally the 3 or 4 undercard fights on TV with the prosepect in seem to fight a guy who actually attempts to connect with punches and is game ,

quote]

The bulk of the fights I have seen from the states has an opponent although who is possibly inferior actually wanting to fight back & not going through the motions week after week like ours do.[/quote]