Replies

[Gambit808]

When u compare the landscape of boxing, from this point in time of stars/potential stars, compared to 2003 roster from each division, would you say (talent-wise) boxing has progressed or declined?

[Marcus]

While it has declined i think its progression exceeds the declination. The main reason why boxing has declined is because we don't have an American Heavyweight star. The Heavyweight division is weak. Thats a fact. My personal belief though is that boxing isn't what it could be in terms of popularity because the top fighters in the US are not white. Imagine if Andre Ward was a white boxer. As a 2004 gold medalist, super six winner, and present undefeated unified champion (arguably undisputed because he beat all the current belt holders in his division) his stock, endorsements, and popularity would've been through the roof! Take De La Hoya for example. While he is a mexican descendant his physical attributes allowed him to appeal to a white audience and also be he face of America when he was on top of his game. Look at Canelo for example. He's 100% mexicano but they way he looks alone has gained him the attention that future HOFers have worked years to get. One could make the case that Kelly Pavlik is white but if he was promoted better, had more personality, and had the attention on him since day one (like Canelo and Broner) he would've been an American icon. Imagine how much more exposure Broner would have as the next American Icon if he was white? Imagine how much more popular and praised Floyd would be if he was white. If Tyson was white?! If BHOP was white?! RJJr.?!.. i dont think i even have to go there...
And not only in the US either. Generally speaking, the top boxers besides Froch are minorities. Floyd, Bradley, and Ward (black), Pacquiao & Donaire (asian), Marquez(Latino), Martinez (Latino). Donaire fought 4 times last year, imagine how much more attention he'd have if he was white. Boxing is a sport populated by minorities. If we had white boxing stars/icons i think the sport would get the respect and attention that it truly deserves which is a shame. It could be very likely that ONE of the reasons UFC blew up/is blowing up the way it is is because it has many white stars. It has a strong white fanbase and the beautiful thing about white folks is that they do support their own(WWE?).

But boxing for the most part has improved. The health of fighters becomes a greater concern with each passing fight and that to me is the biggest step forward. More stringent drug testing has become an issue since Mayweather-Mosley. Even though nothing really has been done to fix the issue of PEDs in boxing its good that everyone is fully aware, Also I've read that the WBC is trying to provide fighters with pensions. I think thats a big step forward. Even with TMT promotions with Floyd and 50, although it was an EPIC fail, the whole idea behind it was to provide fighters with stability after retirement. And now fighters are more aware of preserving their finances. I feel like pretty soon they'll have more resources to secure them selves financially, and physically than they do now. I also think its progressed with the help of DLH, Mayweather, Cotto, Pacquiao...etc. After they heavy weight era they all made it known that the Heavyweight division wasn't the only talented division in the sport and they actually accomplished great numbers. They broadened the landscape for the sport of boxing past the Heavy weights. With fighters becoming promoters now i also think thats a benefit. I think fighters will be better taken care of by people they can relate to. Like Cotto, Floyd, and DLH starting their own promotional ventures.. thats great for the sport. Promotional tyrants like Arum, King are coming towards the end of their reigns.

This post has been edited by Marcus: Jan 30 2013, 11:33 PM