By Mark Calooke: Fans like to argue that their nation dominates boxing. It’s irrelevant in all fairness and impossible to make a case. Some countries have more champions than other, but some countries are bigger than others. I don’t think the sports dominance is at the feet of boxers, but fans.
The Philippines have two great boxers, does that mean they could be a contender for dominance? Of course not. Many Filipino fans are very likely to turn their backs on boxing as soon as Manny Pacquiao retires. So they are not a boxing nation.
Mexico produces the best boxers in terms of courage. This means other countries take advantage by making them fight in less than favourable locations and at weights that are not natural for them. Everyone knows they will agree. So along with the many great wins, Mexico has a lot of losses.
England in all probability produces the best boxers in the world. other countries claim dominance over them by avoiding their best fighters and beating their less able boxers. They are among the most avoided nations. But they are a small Island. The amount of great boxers they produce is limited.
This leads me to a nation that is up there with the elite in everything, America. Due to its Ethnic diversity, the USA leads the way in terms of titles. But most of those are really Mexican or Puerto Rican. The bulk of American fighters are poor in their ability. The Mayweather’s don’t come along often enough. the USA fans are Equal to those in Germany and England, but second to none. A common conception around the world is that America rule boxing because of its TV networks. But that still boils down to fans doesn’t it? the target market is so big because the country is so big. And the market will tune in because they love boxing.
Imagine if America had the English fighters, with the German shows, whilst keeping its fans. No one would be asking who rules Boxing, they would all know.
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