Except for PPV, is boxing even on at all? They used to have fights on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and the weekends on ABC, ESPN, USA, HBO, SHO others throughout the 80s to mid-2000. I could tell you the top contenders and champs from Lightweight to Heavyweight in most of the Federations. Now nothing.
MMA is all over the place. "Real World" like training shows on Spike. But I couldn't tell you a lot of the top guys in the divisions (or more than one or two federations) because many of these top guys are lucky if their careers last 12 fights. Do any of the champions hold their belts more than 2 defenses? Then the toll of MMA causes them to disappear.
Gone are the days when you could watch a Sugar Ray or Roy Jones start from the Olympic qualifiers to a medal to their professional debut to the 3 - 5 years till a title shot and then defending/winning titles for 5 - 8 years. And mostly for free!
Originally Posted by gnadfly
[/START Grumpy Old Man Rant] You've probably touched on a lot that's wrong with boxing today. It does seem like EVERY fight that matters any more is now PPV. The USA amateur program is in shambles. You don't get to 'discover' a guy at the Golden Glove nationals...or the Olympic Trials...& then follow his development like you used to be able to do. [/END Rant]
As for MMA...I've tried...I've REALLY tried...but I just can't get into it. I don't mind a little blood in my art...but there's gotta be some art in there somewhere. This just looks like two drunks going at it in the alley behind damn near any bar on a weekend. That CAN be entertaining...I suppose...but it just doesn't speak to me...
Finally someone who shares the same thoughts. I have always said that Mayweather doesn't fight good fighters or fights boxers who are passed their prime. That's like putting Kobe and MJ in a game of basketball. Who do you think will win?
Canelo Alvarez is a rising star and he has challenged Mayweather.... Lets see when that fight happens.
Originally Posted by aavalos3078
I don't thinck we're alone...I just thinck we get shouted down by those who believe a ton of cash & an undefeated record are the ONLY things that matter. Hard to argue with that sometimes...
I've not seen a lot of Alverez...but I'm encouraged. We'll have to wait & see. I do thinck that if Mayweather answers the challenge quickly...look out as it means he believes he has nothing to fear...and he's probably correct. Those that handle him seem every bit as calculated as he is technically gifted.
I agree with most of what you say, but what I was referring to when I said he has heart is his dedication to winning. You must admit, the man works damn hard. I used to box and I know how hard it is to train for a fight. It is HARD HARD WORK, and this guy's been doing it and winning for how many years now? That's not a coincidence. That being said, I'm not a Mayweather fan. I think I've rooted against him in every fight, lol.
Originally Posted by Sweet Discretion
Same here, I want him to lose a fight, but secretly im cheering him on.
Originally Posted by aavalos3078
If he was as dedicated to being the best he could possibly as he was to WINNING, I'd have no problem with the cat!
I used to box as well. I agree with you completely as to how hard it is to prepare & to do your best. The guy has more talent in his little finger as most boxers have in their entire bodies. That's PRECISELY why he annoys me so much. He's got the body...he's got the mind...to be the best there ever was...maybe the best there will ever be. Be he's got NO HEART...so he won't. I find that to be a waste of his abilities.
But...that's just me... That's why I won't cheer him on. I'd like to see him lose a fight...as a wakeup call...but it's probably already too late for that.