Like many on here, I've been observing the emergence of the UFC and its ability to attract new fans through savvy marketing and promotion.
Many would argue that boxing needs to come up with new ways to improve the sport and attract new crowds and while watching the bouts on Friday night I had a random thought and wanted to know your thoughts on it.... very simply, why isn't holding banned?
I assume the 'traditional' argument would be that it's always been an integral part of the sport, it's a skill in its own right and is good for health and safety in that it gives a boxer in trouble the opportunity to gain some respite.
However, judged purely from an asthetic/visual angle, would probhiting holding allow boxing to become a far more attractive sport, particularly for the non-hardcore fan who wouldn't appreciate the nuances involved?
After all, it tends to be those fights/mauls that are marred by lots of holding that are the least enjoyable to watch.
Any thoughts either way?