In this article, we take a look at the 10 countries that produce the world's best boxers. If you would like to skip the discussion on trends within the boxing industry, please visit the following link: 5 countries that produce the world's best boxers.
One of the world's oldest sports, boxing can be traced back to the Sumerian period around 3,000 BC. Today, it has evolved into an industry that generates significant revenue, attracts passionate fans, and provides a path for athletes to achieve fame and fortune. Professional boxing is a multi-billion dollar industry, with significant revenue streams coming from a variety of sources. Major championship fights in particular play a key role in fueling this industry, often generating staggering amounts of money through pay-per-view (PPV) sales. In fact, the 2021 Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant fight had an estimated 800,000 PPV purchases, representing millions of dollars in revenue. Broadcast television has become another growth driver for the industry, with television networks paying top dollar for the rights to broadcast major boxing tournaments. For example, the 2022 deal between Top Rank Boxing and ESPN reportedly secured $100 million in broadcast rights fees, demonstrating the value of live fights.
Apart from PPV sales and television broadcasts, boxers, promoters, and sanctioning bodies earn significant amounts of money through high-priced sponsorships from major brands. His 2023 study by Nielsen Sports puts sponsorship spending in boxing at $3.2 billion worldwide, highlighting its huge marketing potential. Top stocks that offer exposure to the boxing and sports industry include DraftKings (NYSE:DKNG), Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE:EDR), and Frasers Group (LON:FRAS).
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International appeal of boxing talent
Athletes are at the heart of sports, captivating audiences with their skill and performance. According to the WBC (World Boxing Council), there are several hundred active professional boxers around the world, competing in 17 weight classes. However, boxing talent is concentrated in certain countries, and certain countries frequently produce boxing champions. These countries are often Top 20 boxing countries. These top boxing countries represent diverse continents and boast a wide range of talent from around the world. North America has shown its prowess in this field, with three of his countries ranking among the top 10 countries for boxers. Europe is another continent. The country that produces the best boxers in the world is located. In fact, modern boxing came to England in his 18th century, and by the 19th century standardized rules and classes had appeared. Besides the United Kingdom, the Netherlands is one of the countries of origin for most reputable boxers. Boxers around the world are also among the highest-paid athletes of all time.
Furthermore, Asia also has a rich history of boxing, with several countries producing popular champions. Traditional forms such as Muay Thai in Thailand and Lethwei in Myanmar are older than Western boxing and emphasize striking rather than punching. Modern boxing arrived in the late 19th century, with Japan and the Philippines emerging as early powerhouses. South Korea had a golden age in his 70s and his 80s, but more recently Thailand, Japan and the Philippines have continued to produce world champions.
So let's take a look at the list of top 10 countries that produce the best boxers in the world.
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
our methodology
We've compiled a short list of the 10 countries that produce the world's best boxers, based on the number of world boxing champions they've produced across all professional boxing associations and weight classes. These countries provide essential facilities to encourage boxing talent across the country. We ranked the countries in order of the number of world boxing champions they will produce as of 2024.
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10 countries that produce the world's best boxers
10. Colombia
Number of boxing world champions: 36
Colombia has a long history in boxing, and in 1972 boxers participated in the Olympic Games. The country has produced notable boxers such as Antonio Cervantes, Oscar Negrete, Antonio Pitarua, Edison Miranda, and Ricardo Torres. They have won multiple bronze medals and proven their talent on the world stage. Despite financial challenges, Colombian boxing, especially the women's division, is promising.
At the 2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships, Colombia highlighted its potential by winning two bronze medals. Additionally, initiatives like the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing are creating opportunities for young fighters. These events provide a platform for both professional and amateur boxers to compete and gain experience. Colombia also has historic boxing gyms, such as the Quadrilatero Gym in Barranquilla. This recently reopened venue represents the country's continued efforts to encourage boxing talent.
9. Philippines
Number of boxing world champions: 40
Boxing holds a special status in the Philippines and has a long tradition. The Philippines has had many great boxers throughout its history, including icons like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire. In the Philippines, boxing is more than just a sport; it is also a cultural symbol. It is an important means of income for low-income people.
Manny Pacquiao's life outside of boxing is a perfect example of a man's struggle against poverty on his way to becoming the greatest boxer his country has ever produced. The Philippines has a unique cultural sport called “Suntucan” or “dirty boxing played using only the hands.” This unique style influences the strength and technique of Filipino boxers. Ceferino Garcia, Pancho Villa, Flash Erode, and Little Dado are some of the most famous fighters associated with Philippine boxing.
8. Argentina
Number of boxing world champions: 43
Boxing is firmly rooted in Argentine tradition and has seen several superstars rise through the ranks over the past century. The 1960s and his 1970s were a golden era for Argentine boxing, with famous boxers such as Carlos Monzon, Pascual Pérez, Horacio Acaballo, and Victor Galíndez making their mark on the international stage. It has also produced notable female boxers, including Marcela La Tigreza, the country's first woman to obtain a boxing license.
The Argentine Boxing Federation has been working to grow the sport since 1920. The continuing legacy of Argentine boxing demonstrates the lasting impact of the sport and the efforts that previous boxers have put into elevating boxing to the top level. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Argentine holds an impressive record in boxing with his 24 Olympic medals. This country is one of the top 10 countries producing the best boxers in the world.
7. Korea
Number of boxing world champions: 46
Korean or Korean fighters dominated the boxing world during the 1970s, 1980s, and even the early 1990s. During this period, the country's boxers were a must-see in boxing matches on television. Shin Jun-seop, Ahn Young-soo, Jung Gu Chan, and Sung Kil-Moon are among the most successful international boxers.
Jung Goo-chan's 16th successful defense of the WBA light flyweight title and Shin Jun-seop's gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics helped the country make a name for itself in boxing. However, Korean or Korean boxing is no longer as popular as it once was, as most martial arts talents have moved on to MMA.
6. Thailand
Number of boxing world champions: 46
Thailand is known as the birthplace of Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing. Muay Thai was born in the 16th century. However, professional boxing became popular in his mid-20th century. It was during this era that Thai boxing superstars like Porn Kingpet dominated the flyweight division of boxing. Chartchai Chionoi, Khaosai Gurakshi, and Sensak Muangsurin are examples of popular Thai boxers who have adapted their traditional training to incorporate it into world-class boxing tactics.
The country also won four Olympic gold medals and 14 medals overall in boxing. Western interest in the art of Muay Thai greatly contributed to the growing interest in professional boxing. In addition, companies such as DraftKings, Inc. (NYSE:DKNG), Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE:EDR), and Frasers Group (LON:FRAS) have also contributed to the expansion of the sports industry and expanded boxing's influence. I did.
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