Boxing is dying. Agree?

Question

With Mixed Martial Arts and other fighting styles, boxing is dying quickly in popularity. I don't find boxing entertaining at all after watching other kinds of fighting.

Answer 1

I wouldn't say boxing is dying, it certainly has declined, but I don't think it's going to get any worse. The best fighters are being produced overseas where there aren't so many other oppurtunuties to lure athletes away from the sweet science, plus America is up it's butt about health concerns, and there aren't enough U.S. bred athletes willing to get their brains beat out long enough to make it as a pro boxer.
With that said, there are plenty of good fighters and fight fans still around, and I've thought that boxing has made a bit of a resugance in recent years, with more video games and televised fights than five years ago.
The growth of MMA isn't a threat to boxing, but an oppurtunity to ride a wave of renewed public interest in pugilism, just the way that MotoGrandPrix, Indy Car, F1, and other forms of auto-racing have become more spectated in the United States thanks to the insane growth of NASCAR.
I don't think boxing will ever outgrow it's current role of niche sport unless there is a new crop of talent in the heavyweight ranks. Boxing has always been most popular in America when there have been skilled, American big men knocking eachother around. There hasn't been an interesting American heavyweight bout since Tyson-Holyfield, and even then, that was five years late.

Answer 2

No, I don't agree at all. I do think there are lots of options for people that they didn’t have before. But no, on the whole I think boxing itself is alive and kicking! Each of these bouting styles is a distinctive technique. A science. It’s just that these other sciences, kick boxing ect. have more accessibility/promotion/classes then they had before. The heart of a true fighter of any sort isn’t a trend. It’s in the heart. And the heart of a true fan of boxing may be interested in the other competitions but still will remain a true die-hard fan of the sweet science of boxing. Just my opinion. But every opinion is a freedom. P.S If you would like to see some real excitement check out the up and comings in you’re area and support the kids! USA sanctioned amateur boxing bouts! Now that’s exciting! These kids are the next generation. And their bouts are unbelievable! This is how a great part of our boxing best got started!

Answer 3

It may not be dying, but it's been in decline for some time. The heavyweight division makes boxing, and without Mike Tyson, or another compelling heavyweight there is minimal interest in boxing. The 80's with Hagler/Hearns/Leonard was the last great era for boxing. There may be resurgence in boxing, but I don't think so. Many fight fans are shifting to Mixed Martial Arts like the UFC.

Answer 4

There aren't as many great fighters as there were even 20 years ago, but in addition to all the overhyped, brain damaged, street ghetto wannabe fighters with egos to match the huge knots on their heads after fights, the main reason boxing is declining in popularity is because of all the rumblings about it being corrupt. Boxing is supposed to have an air of integrity and honesty, it's supposed to be the sweet sicence, and now every time I watch a fight, I hear, "Oh, wonder how much they got paid to get knocked down" or "The only reason there was a draw was to have another fight that makes even more money". I'm sure it exists, as it does in most sports, but not all the time. Even still, it's hard to convince them otherwise and that may be keeping people away.

I also think they need a great fighter-a REALLY great fighter. There are a lot of good ones now, but no one strikes me as great, as larger than life. Ali, Robinson, Marciano, Dempsey, Hearns, Tyson, Duran, Hagler, Leonard, Jack Johnson, Joe Frazier...they were all larger than life stars that attracted crowds anywhere they went. To me, there isn't anyone in the sport now with the ability to do that.

Answer 5

Well professional boxing is dying because of a lack of a marquee talent in the heavyweight division. Also there are two many boxing organizations giving out title belts. Finally, the United States has not done well winning gold medals in the Olympics, and this is having an effect on amateur boxing also.

Good Question and Good Luck

Answer 6

Yes he is murdering the sport and you do have good points but it has nothing to do with gangters. I hate his attitude but there has to be a villian on everything or else it will be more boring. Floyd ain't no cash cow I don't think his next fight will break records just look at de la hoya when he fought even Filipinos watch his fights.

Answer 7

no i don't agree.boxing will always be around.once an mma fighter gets hit on the chin they usually do a drunk dance or get dropped.which fight was better hagler-hearns fighting their asses off for 3 rounds or severn-shamrock dancing around each other for 20minutes trying not to get hit?which was more entertaining, corrales-castillo 1 or any of the garbage fights from King of the Cage?

Answer 8

Yes, there are either not enough quality fighters or people don't seem to care about the fighters themselves. It's going through a downturn, which could be irreversible.

Answer 9

I don't care for UFC, or similar.
I still prefer boxing, although the sport is really hurting itself by having EVERY friggen title match on PPV.

Answer 10

not quite yet. have you seen the superfeatherweight division? it's very exciting to watch the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Morales, and others.