By Axel Bowen-Dale: What is the true reality of boxing’s future? With the recent rise in popularity of mixed-martial arts will boxing die? Is boxing already dying?
These questions I will be answering in this Article or atleast providing you with the information you will need to make up your own mind on this current situation in modern sports.
Before we begin to assess the actual heights MMA could get to, I will be asking you to imagine a few things. If you will; please close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Prepare to imagine the following notions in the reality of a modern world.
Now ask yourself:
Could I imagine watching the news and the latest MMA results headlining? Highlights of the latest flying knee knockout being shown on daytime TV for all audiences?
Could I imagine two responsible parents taking their young son/daughter into an MMA gym to learn self defence and participate in amatuer fights/competitions?
Could I imagine classy celebrities, political figures and presidential candidates cage side?
Could I imagine wealthy businessmen and celebrities taking their wives/girlfriends/dates to a UFC or Cage Rage event before going out for an expensive dinner date?
Could I imagine a national anthem playing before two men step into a cage (death metal plays in background, naturally) and the national pride felt through millions of women, men and children as two proud warriors hug- .. slug it out?
Could I imagine MMA in the olympics? (this one is the most plausible and it’s still never going to happen)
Now considering all that; you’ve probably made up your mind already. I mean if you didn’t know it already you should now be completely convinced that on a global scale MMA will never overtake boxing as the main fighting sport. It’s just not going to happen.
But that’s only on a global scale.. Is there more to acknowledge here?
Oh yes boxing fans, there’s a whole lot more to take into account here.
Let’s bring our attention to America and it’s culture when regarding sports:
One real reality is that in America elegance and class are not necessarily required in top sports and entertainment forms. We have seen this with Ice Hockey and WWE (barely acknowledged in Europe). This is not a dig at American culture, this is just how it is.
Sports in America/Canada differ from that of other any other countries. I mean immensely, It’s crazy. Let’s bring some things to light.
American sports fans are generally impatient and desire high paced, all action sports forms. As sad as it is true. Here I list international sports and the American “high action” counterpart. Watch as I explain:
– Cricket: A hugely popular sport in places like Australia, Africa, the Middle East and England. Played internationally with many top level leagues all over the planet.
– Baseball: The American counterpart. Extremely high paced compared to cricket. Majour leagues are exclusive to the US.
– Rugby: Huge in all countries accept the north Americas. Played internationally with an offical World Cup tournament and many top level leagues around the world.
– American Football: The American counterpart. Involving exiting collisions. Top level leagues exclusive to America.
The list goes on. You understand where I’m going? The American public adore these high impact all action sports. They value entertainment over tradition.
In America and Canada you have to consider sports like Ice hockey are very popular. This is a sport that allows actual fistfights and assualts to take place in the sports arena. This would never be accepted in Europe.
I’m not saying this is right or wrong so don’t be gunning me. I’m just stating the facts.
So to the list of American counterparts to global sports you have to wonder if MMA will be the new “improved” American version of the current main fighting sport (boxing). We’ve seen it done before.
And so taking all of this information into account we come to the clinching question:
Will MMA ever overtake boxing?
In America: it could very well do.
In Europe/globally: not in a million years.
Thanks for reading.
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