We hear a lot about boxing being overtaken by other combat sports. Crowds are slowly abandoning boxing for arenas where they promise more exciting and fast-paced action. The debate continues. Some may try to find the reasons behind boxing's so-called problems. But few believe that the solution is probably more within boxing than outside it.
Boxing commentators say bringing back spectators requires two steps: a crowd will increase the pace of the sport, ensure boxers give their all every round and give fans their money's worth. From scorecards to pre-fight situations, hear what one of the most closely followed commentators has to say.
Punches galore: making boxing more exciting
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Follow In early July, she shared a post that featured a single pose for all her fans and followers.These two changes will make boxing the No. 1 sport again. #floydmayweather #boxing #showbizz. Do you agree with these changes and what else do you think would be good for the sport?“
In the next clip, the boxing commentator begins with a question: Why is it said that boxing was better back then than it is now? He says it was probably because of his son. Floyd Mayweather Jr.When asked, the former champion's father answered frankly and without sugar-coating.
He said that in his time, boxers were very busy. They had hectic schedules of matches and training, and they fought frequently. @Showbizz_the_adult elaborated that boxers in the good old days were more active because they could get more points by throwing punches. Rounds were scored based on the number of punches landed, so the matches were less boring. This system encouraged boxers to fight more aggressively and throw more punches to win.
To prove his point, he points to one of the greatest games of the 1980s: the first match between two great players. Alexis Arguello and Aaron PryorAvid fans still remember the bout as a drawn-out battle, with both champions slugging each other and landing punches that would have scared the average fighter.
“If you throw a punch at me, I'll try to throw a punch at you.” said the boxing commentator. According to him, there may be some opponents. For them, this system may force boxers into fistfights. But he doesn't seem to agree with that idea. He believes that if a boxer is skilled enough to land a good punch, he should also be prepared to defend himself against the attack. He said: “So the whole thing was fast paced.” It's time to bring back the second rule.
From scales to gloves: The impact of weigh-in timing
He said weighing in on the day of the fight, instead of waiting 24 hours as is done today, ensured the health of the boxers. Boxers today are often exhausted by the ninth round of a bout, whereas in the past boxers would fight until the 15th round.
Here are some key points: Needless to say, this post was inundated with comments, with followers taking sides: Though not confirmed, it appears that same-day weigh-ins ended in 1983. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad versus Michael SpinksHowever, other reports suggest that the system continued for some time longer and was followed by several famous battles.
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Unlike boxing, UFC uses a weigh-in system. Strictly speaking, from a sales point of view, weighing in before the fight creates more hype. Then, fighters have enough time to focus on their next fight. After cutting weight, they can drink fluids and eat food to restore hydration levels and get back in shape.
On the other hand, by weighing in on the day, a boxer will be the same weight whether it's the final weigh-in or when he steps into the ring – he won't have the benefit of rehydration. Many have pointed out that boxers who fight with a 24-hour gap between bouts are often at a much heavier weight than their opponents, and therefore, in theory, much stronger.
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But it is a well-known fact: the outcome of a boxing match is not necessarily decided just because one fighter enters the match at a heavier weight than the other. Therefore, weigh-in seems to be a viable alternative, since in the current system, no two boxers fight at the same weight during a match. The comparison of two fighters is done in a better way.
What do you think about the claims made by boxing commentators? Do you think it's enough to boost boxing's popularity or do you think something needs to be done?