Do you think these days when boxers get that first BIG pay check they lose that hunger?

Answer 1

Yes. There is just something about people that values comfort over all else. Perhaps this is a basic human instinct, perhaps it is a reflection of our insulated society but either way, it's very hard to stay hungry. This is especially true when it involves physical harm to the body.

Fighters from the turn of the century through the 50's and 60's were different because more often than not the alternatives to boxing still involved significant manual labor. So it was either box for very little money with a long shot to be a millionaire or work hard in a factory or the fields for little money and no shot at fame or fortune. Both take a significant toll on your body, so it was easier to stay focused a fighter.

Early 20th Century fighters also didn't have a sports industry with the infrastructure we have now. Modern boxers can afford to become comfortable (literally) for two reasons:

1. They make significantly more money and have more opportunity outside of the ring because of it.
2. Less of their income is tied to their actual performance. Not only from endorsements and sponsorships but from guaranteed pre-fight wages that are astronomical for the best fighters.

Basically, why get punched in the face and go through grueling training when you don't have to? Only the truly special fighters (and any athletes for that matter) can maintain their competitive edge.

Answer 2

What you have stated is partly true. Boxers do lose their thirst for victory and drive for success when they get big paydays. To be more accurate, I don't think they lose their motivation in the first check. The first one actually makes them hungrier, they want to receive more of those so they thrive to succeed. When they receive their checks more often, they will now lose the hunger for competition, motivation to train, and the will to make the right moves.
I would give Manny Pacquiao as an example. When he first entered the big picture, he made a blast and gave it his all. He provided the crowd with excitement that they came for. After he received some healthy financing from boxing, he started neglecting his training and focused more on social and political affairs. I think that this is one of the main reasons why boxing is what it is today: $$$.

Answer 3

Sure. But not just these days, off all time. Many people who driven arent the same after attaining their goals/money

Jess Willard, the heavyweight champ who lost to Dempsey in 1919 was heard saying
I have $100,000 and a farm in Kansas while losing the fight
http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey_vs._Jess_Willard
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=10602

Kirk Johnson got something like a 2 million dollar gaurantee just to fight Vitali Klitschko and he showed up fat/out of shape but 2 million dollars richer. Johnson was about 20 pounds heavier than he has ever been (before/after the fight). I remember hearing Teddy Atlas talking about this too (he used to train Johnson)
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=7777

The best example, Buster Douglas. After beating Tyson, Douglas was paid 24 million dollars to fight Holyfield, who received around 10 million. Douglas came in very heavy (Bert Sugar said he looked like the posterboy for save the whales) and got KOd
http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:4678
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=584
(i think fights would be a lot more competetive if the winner got 2/3 and the loser got 1/3, like how they did in the old days)

Not 100% sure, but I think it was Marvelous Marvin Hagler who once said something like, it is hard to get up early in the morning and do roadwork when you are waking up in satin sheets.

Answer 4

No, in truth most boxers never get that first BIG pay check, so they stay hungry.

Answer 5

Some do just like in any profession but the ones that go on to greatness only want to win. It,s not something you can teach you have to be born with it