Would you be a boxing fan if you were new to the sport now?

ABA Boxing · Post by **ABA Boxing** » 16 May 2007, 05:42

Would you be a boxing fan if you were new to the sport now?

If I was 20 years younger, I would think boxing is quite shit and not be bothered with it.

If it wasn’t for Tyson, Naz, Lewis, Eubank, Benn, Bruno ECT I don’t think I would have any interest in this sport like I do now.

Those were great days for me, exciting fights, the media circus involved around those big names.

It seems to have lost its appeal, and if it wasn’t for those memories I would have discarded boxing years ago.

This related to the post http://www.boxrec.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... sc&start=0

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 16 May 2007, 06:08

I think Joe Public still likes to watch a fight the same as ever, but he doesn't get behind/follow boxers the way he used to. Everything came to a standstill when Tyson, Bruno, Lewis, Eubank, Leonard, Benn etc fought in the 80s and 90s. Now, somebody will still watch a Haye, Mayweather, Calzaghe if they come across them while channel surfing, or with a boxing fan mate, but not actually schedule themselves to see it, or to chart the progress of the boxer afterwards. It's like, watch the fight, enjoy the spectacle on the night, then forget about it.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 May 2007, 06:26

Probably not, not unless someone in my family was already a fan and had Sky TV.

Watching Saturday Grandstand (I think it was) and seeing Hagler, Hearns, Duran and Leonard when they showed the fights was what got me into the sport first. That and watching Ali losing to Spinks as a kid.

Those fights would probably only be on PPV now, or you would have to have a sky subscription, and you maybe wouldn't even be able to see some of them because Sky didn't pick them all up, which is the situation we have now.

Chambers2 · Post by **Chambers2** » 16 May 2007, 06:34

The constant refusal of the top (British) fighters to fight each other certainly makes it very difficult to fall in love with the sport, in the same way that I did in the 90's, when Eubank, Benn and Watso were all squaring off against one another.

If all the fighters and promoters were willing to take risks in order to entertain the public then I have no doubt that the glory days would return and being a boxing fan would be far more appealling, but when we see clashes like the ones below going by the wayside due to fighters and promoters unwillingness to go that extra mile to put the fight on to see them replaced with farces such as the Manfredo and Gunn bill, it is infuriating and not an attractive sport.

All British fights to enhance the sport
Haye-Enzo
Witter-Hatton
Calzage-Froch-Woods
Khan-Thaxton/Murray
Johanneson-Arthur
(I could go on)

World fights involving a Brit that would enhance the sport

Haye-Mormeck (fingers crossed)
Enzo-Bell/Tokarev/Wlodarczyk
Woods-Dawson/Erdei/Briggs
Calzaghe-Kessler/Hopkins
Froch-Lacy/Mundine/Bute
Hatton-Cotto/PBF
(bored of that now, but you get the impression)

I don't want to tarnish all the British fighters/promoters with the same brush, because thats not the case. I think Haye and Froch are shining lights in the dark days, I'm impressed with Maloney promotions so far and Hennessey promotions are our best at the moment IMO

I also think World boxing suffers when there are no major HW names about, because nothing draws a crowd and the interest that the BIG uns do. In fairness the HW's don't mind fighting each other its just that there are no real standout HW's at the mo and no top level Brits.

Chambers2 · Post by **Chambers2** » 16 May 2007, 06:41

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Probably not, not unless someone in my family was already a fan and had Sky TV.

Watching Saturday Grandstand (I think it was) and seeing Hagler, Hearns, Duran and Leonard when they showed the fights was what got me into the sport first. That and watching Ali losing to Spinks as a kid.

Those fights would probably only be on PPV now, or you would have to have a sky subscription, and you maybe wouldn't even be able to see some of them because Sky didn't pick them all up, which is the situation we have now.

Good points, its alot harder to watch boxing these days than it was back then

Ezzard · Post by **Ezzard** » 16 May 2007, 07:17

I agree that the sports fan needs the to know the characters of the boxers to really connect with the sport. This means that they have to have their first fights on BBC, ITV, etc... Remember McGuigan's following? Didn't his fight with Pedroza get a record for viewing figures? You only have to hear how people speak about Khan to know that the appetite is still out there for boxers the public have some kind of relationship with. And they don't have to like them, they just have to know who they are and see them on TV.

Also, as a kid watching Holmes, Hagler, Leonard, etc... the whole American style of promotion was just so compelling. Over here the British title fights and EBU, etc... were also really big events. ITV would do a show on saturday afternoon and then do highlights of a big US showdown (usually the same weight as the guys fighting for the British title).

A lot of the younger lads I know who like combat sports just don't go for boxing. They argue that the big fighters don't fight one another enough and that nobody knows who the title holder is. After Floyd-Oscar they were totally deflated. There was a chorus of: that's it...that's your once in a decade superfight!!!

These other combat sports (which i don't really follow) seem to have the long term in mind. There are too many people in boxing who just take what they can for today.

I hope allegedly stays on ITV but with a non-exclusive contract. Frank should know (he's obviously a very good business man) that competition is good for his business. The more shows on TV, the more the appetite for the sport grows, the more fans and potential punters he's got.

jeej · Post by **jeej** » 16 May 2007, 07:25

Personally it is hard to say really. I used to watch it with my dad and my grandad when I was little. One of the earliest fights I remember was Bruno VS Tyson in 89. I reckon if I was fresh to the sport now, maybe I'd have a more casual relationship with the sport, not take so much interest etc...

ArtOfWar · Post by **ArtOfWar** » 16 May 2007, 08:44

I doubt it. I think everyone growing up in the 90's who got interested in boxing did so because of Benn, Eubank, Bruno, Lewis, Naz etc. That's what got me interested. We don't have those characters now and Britain's biggest draw (Hatton) isn't even really accessible to fans, so I wouldn't even know much about him if I were growing up now.

You've also got to look at the Audley Harrison debacle. I can't see how that failed to turn a fair few casual fans off the sport. Khan has definitely brought a few back, so let's hope he delivers the goods.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 16 May 2007, 08:46

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Probably not, not unless someone in my family was already a fan and had Sky TV.

Watching Saturday Grandstand (I think it was) and seeing Hagler, Hearns, Duran and Leonard when they showed the fights was what got me into the sport first. That and watching Ali losing to Spinks as a kid.

Those fights would probably only be on PPV now, or you would have to have a sky subscription, and you maybe wouldn't even be able to see some of them because Sky didn't pick them all up, which is the situation we have now.

Yeah that's pretty much what I said on the other thread when the point was originally raised by ABA.

It's far harder for a kid to 'accidentally' fall in love with boxing now.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 16 May 2007, 09:20

I would be, if I had Sky. It pretty sporadic now on the non digital channels.

However, I still am glued to even the dullest fight... might moan about it later - but I still won't turn it over.

hitman_hatton1 · Post by **hitman_hatton1** » 16 May 2007, 09:57

that's a good question.

tyson was in his prime when i was a kid.

plus his fights were always on itv on a sunday morning back then.

that sparked my interest.

my dad always watching the fights helped as well.

if i didn't have sky over these last 10 yrs, i doubt whether i'd have got into it in a big way like i have.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 May 2007, 10:32

there's just such a lack of clarity about the sport and great matchups are badly diluted. i don't know if i'd say i WOULDN'T like it if i was from a later generation. it's just so much harder to warm to and as has been said, the promoters do not have the sport's long term staying power in mind. it's all about making a big cash in or else hoarding your own talent in wait for a vacant title belt. it's become very cynical because it's run by cynics, opportunists and small minded ppl in this country.

also, the TV companies are woefully to blame. they have the ability to ensure quality fights are delivered. after ITV and Sky appear to dislike the quality of what they are buying, you have other idiots who seem willing to give certain individuals a free reign. i mean how does HATTON get a 6 fight deal in lieu of all this "get out before he gets sparked out" talk? Who will allow Franky to take the piss out of them next?

beggars belief.

states · Post by **states** » 16 May 2007, 10:35

In fairness, FF, I believe the 6 fight deal with Setanta was for Fight Academy in general, not Hatton specifically. At his current rate, a six fight deal would last 3 years.

Which is not to say that the 6 shows will actually be any good of course.

Coco · Post by **Coco** » 16 May 2007, 11:09

I think so, boxing is in the blood

s9s · Post by **s9s** » 16 May 2007, 12:02

To James,

It was World of Sport tha showed all the American fights. and Granstand used to show mainly Brit & European fights.

Those were the days, saturday afternoons, a fight, final scores, then Doctor Who.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 May 2007, 12:33

Terry D wrote:I would, I love it. I'd watch sparring down the local gym if there was none on TV or go to a show.

Ahh Terrence, still in that flush of youth, and as yet unbloodied and unbowed in your devotion to the sport.

Sad to say, I have become old, gnarled, wizened and stooped by following boxing. The enthusiasm isn't there as it was 4-5 years ago.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 May 2007, 13:49

Terry D wrote:
jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Terry D wrote:I would, I love it. I'd watch sparring down the local gym if there was none on TV or go to a show.
Ahh Terrence, still in that flush of youth, and as yet unbloodied and unbowed in your devotion to the sport.

Sad to say, I have become old, gnarled, wizened and stooped by following boxing. The enthusiasm isn't there as it was 4-5 years ago.
I'm twenty-years in (in boxing more or less, 28 in years, getting old myself) but get your point. I loved boxing without question, until I tried to write about it a little bit.

These days it should not be called boxing, it should be called speculating.

Writing about boxing is like cleaning a toilet, the more thorough you are, the more shittiness you find.

black panther · Post by **black panther** » 16 May 2007, 14:18

In a word NO. Why? Because theres f-all boxing on tv nowadays and theres too many champions, theres too many belts , theres too many weight divisions, the best never fight the best, too many mismatches........................etc etc. Rant over.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 May 2007, 14:45

Its actually a really good year to be a boxing fan, the best in a long time. What about this for a line up:

Pacman-Guzman
Hatton-Castillo
Witter-Harris
Haye-Mormeck
Hopkins-Winky
Wlad-Brewster 2
Peter-Maskeev
Kessler-Mundine
Taylor-Calazage
Vargas-Mayorga
Cotto-Judah
Williams-Margarito
Casamoya-Diaz
Katsidis-Diaz
Morales-Diaz
Marquez-Vazquez 2
Mosley-Someone
Vitali comeback

And we've had:

Mayweather-Delahoya
Dawson-Adamek
Diaz-Freitas
Barrera-Marquez
Marquez-Vazquez

Its a good year to be a boxing fan its just your average British youngster won't be able to see most of those fights or know anything about the fighters.

Things weren't always great in the 80s-90s - Eubanks borefests against overmatched WBO opponents, Hamed never getting a huge fight until Barrera, Bruno fighting overmatched opponents and losing when stepping up, Lennox was kept away from the limelight in Britain and couldnt get Holyfield/Bow/Tyson until 1999

E · Post by E » 16 May 2007, 17:51

I've got to say I think I would be into MMA / UFC / Extreme Fighting...

The best fight the best and it is excitingly marketed.

I prefer boxing because of the history, and that when you get good fights it beats all other sports for excitement...but where are the big fights we used to see??????

As already pointed out the big fights are just not happening.

WildWaylon · Post by **WildWaylon** » 16 May 2007, 18:20

As I have said in previous posts, I used to listen to fights on the radio when I was boy with my Father, who was a big fan - Thats what got me started and I have loved the sport ever since - I have a vague memory from junior school of all the boys talking about Joe Cockle v Rocky Marciano - Somehow after Eubank, Benn, Collins, Naz etc boxing seems to have lost its way and is no where near as popular as it was - Thats why given this great opportunity by ITV FW needs to do a lot better matchmaking because its mainly with ITV new fans are made - If he doesnt ITV will lose interest and the contract wont be renewed, which would be a great pity - To be fair he has had a bit of bad luck with certain big fights not happening for one reason or another, but his last bill was just shocking therefore the fights the fans want and ITV want have to be made or boxing will enter another ice age.

Taki... · Post by **Taki...** » 16 May 2007, 18:25

I don't think I'd be into boxing simply because these days it's really a niche sport. I suppose I was lucky enough to get into boxing before the advent of SKY and at a time when there were some really charismatic fighters around. I don't think boxing now compares very well with boxing 10 or 20 years ago at all (dmestically or globally).

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 17 May 2007, 06:23

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Its actually a really good year to be a boxing fan, the best in a long time. What about this for a line up:

Pacman-Guzman
Hatton-Castillo
Witter-Harris
Haye-Mormeck
Hopkins-Winky
Wlad-Brewster 2
Peter-Maskeev
Kessler-Mundine
Taylor-Calazage
Vargas-Mayorga
Cotto-Judah
Williams-Margarito
Casamoya-Diaz
Katsidis-Diaz
Morales-Diaz
Marquez-Vazquez 2
Mosley-Someone
Vitali comeback

And we've had:

Mayweather-Delahoya
Dawson-Adamek
Diaz-Freitas
Barrera-Marquez
Marquez-Vazquez

Its a good year to be a boxing fan its just your average British youngster won't be able to see most of those fights or know anything about the fighters.

Things weren't always great in the 80s-90s - Eubanks borefests against overmatched WBO opponents, Hamed never getting a huge fight until Barrera, Bruno fighting overmatched opponents and losing when stepping up, Lennox was kept away from the limelight in Britain and couldnt get Holyfield/Bow/Tyson until 1999

it's true. there is lots of good stuff happening in America. Competitive, world class stuff. Lots of Ring magazine titles have been given out in the last 3 years, which suggest meaningful fights are being made. I always like these type of fights.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 17 May 2007, 06:31

As long as theres good skilled boxers, I'll always like the sport.

Ally-M1 · Post by **Ally-M1** » 17 May 2007, 06:40

If I was getting into the sport today - I doubt i'd be as 'into' it as I am now... Lennox Lewis caught my attention as a child and it stemmed from him - without a 'British' star that fights on the 'world' stage so to speak, I doubt i'd be enticed as much... Maybe be more like my brothers and solely a 'Big Fight - Fan'...

Everone has differing reasons I guess, I love Boxing but the fact that when I was young, a Briton was on the up on the world stage made it appealing at a young age before I learnt more (and became an Amtauer Boxer) about the sport and realised it was for me!