BOXING

[Journeymen]

Boxing is slower these past few years in the MidWest.

[RScarf1]

There are a lot of boxing events around the world, but there are less events in certain areas of the United States. South Florida has less events compared to 10 years ago, but there are a few events and world title fights are at stake for a couple of fights in South Florida this year. The Florida Boxing Commission regulates boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), so they still have a full schedule because they do both. I know Jorge Alonso who used to be a prominent boxing referee in Florida now is a referee for MMA.

[Kalan]

I see referees seemingly hesitant, or afraid to get in and break the boxers

I hate to see referees continuous break the boxers. Especially if they're yapping away non-stop "STOP PUNCHING gentlemen. Break!! Break clean gentlemen.. Step back.. Step back.. Step back.. Now keep it clean gentlemen.. BOX!!" That took 10 seconds. Then 20 seconds later the boxers clinch again and another extended break is called. That gives the boxers numerous chances to relax and step around and get their wind again and nothing is happening for the fans. There’s basically not much of a fight happening. If you’re going to break the boxers do it in 2 seconds “BREAK” shove them back a foot “BOX” don’t jabber away at them and take your sweet time.

But I love to see referees say "No holding!! Let go of his arms John.. Let go!! Fight out of there." ... And the next time they're wrestling.. "Let go of his arm John. Stop holding. Punch when you have an arm free guys, punch out of there.. No wrestling guys -- don't make me break you guys. It’s been a clean fight so far." A lot of times both boxers are complicit in the holding because it gives them numerous chances to lean on each other and rest, and they can relax while the referee breaks them. I like to see fighters who are well conditioned and don’t need to take breaks. Who can fight hard for 10 or 12 rounds without running their tank down, and hardly clinch at all.