Should boxers fight tune-up bouts against lesser opponents?

Question

Is it cool for a small fish to get a shot at beating a world champion?
Is it safe?
Is it or isn't it entertaining?

Answer 1

As the lesser opponent, I would appreciate fighting the champ or somone ranked higher than me. Even if I don't win, I will learn something....even if it is not to get into the ring with the champ again.

Answer 2

Yes, I believe tune up bouts are important, more experience can be gained thru actual fights rather than just sparring. I don't believe there is ever a lesser fighter, but actually a more prepared fighter. Too many times, "the favorite" isn't ready and "the lesser" fighter gets the upset (ie. Lewis v. Rahman I). This is just another argument for why we need a unified boxing commission, to agree upon a unanimous #1 and #1 contender. I think it is entertaining when long shots get a chance, they have nothing to lose and everything to prove. This usually keeps the champ on their toes because they have an unpredictable opponent who may box or brawl. Either way it is still safe, referees seem to be stopping fights more readily and managers are more willing to throw in the towel to allow their fighters to live & fight another day.

Answer 3

Yes, they can have tune-up bouts against lesser opponents.
A small fish will probably get beat but if they deserve a chance then go for it.
Is Boxing Safe?
I might be a one-sided fight so not very entertaining.

Answer 4

Boxers should fight tune-up bouts just to get ring rustiness out of the system. Other boxers like to fight regularly. If small fish don't fight great champions, you never will get great shocks like Leon Spinks or James Buster Douglas. Safety and the pressure of it should be on the shoulders of trainers and referees. Boxing is getting safer. Depending on what the promoter and fighters want out of the fights it is entertaining.

Answer 5

Yes. And no. Yes because it's entertaining for the fight fans. Yes because it rakes in extra money. Yes, in the case of Manny Pacquiao because it brings a big time fight to a 3rd world country. No because of the caliber of the fighter. Again, in Pacquiao's position, Larios is no cupcake. Also, Morales had a tune up fight recently and got canned by Zahir (sp.). When the fighters lose the tune up, it may negatively affect the big card fight. These fights are also entertaining because of the announcers. If it's Merchant and the crew, YES! If it's Lennox and the other moron, spit on that idea. But in short, I can't wait for Pacquiao's tune up fight in July.

Answer 6

Doesn't seem right for the guy that is considered the "lesser" opponent. Because first of all, he would know he's only in this match to be like a punching bag for the other guy. And just think how much outrage it would cause if by some miracle this "lesser" guy actually defeats the champ and takes his title.

Answer 7

It worked for Rocky Balboa but that was pure Hollywood.

I don't think it is safe nor entertaining for a novice to enter the ring with a champ. But, once a boxer has made a name for himself, then it is ok to have him fight a "tune up bout" against a champ. Once someone has experience, he knows what he is doing inside the ring.

Answer 8

A manager should know his fighter well enough to call the shot. I would not put him in with a dirty fighter, such as Tyson- he could get hurt in other ways than being hit. You know: chomp, chomp. Also a bruiser should be avoided (one that can throw a punch at over 800 lbs.) Ali threw a punch at 780 lbs., George Foreman at 800. The average heavy weight takes his life in his opponent's hands, if that opponent is measuring a punch any where near 800 lbs.

Answer 9

I dont think its to safe but not all great fighters need a tune up. And for entertainment i like to see a good matchup rather than a miss match.

Answer 10

Certainly it's cool for a small fish to get a shot. Do you remember Rocky?
In boxing being safe is never a sure thing.
It is entertaining.