By Pedro Reyna: Boxing was once the #1 sport in America. Much has changed since those days. Many on this website have discussed why is it that boxing is falling while UFC (and other MMA leagues) are rising. There are several reasons why boxing is falling apart, however, the fans have every resource to make a difference in the sport. One may not believe it and say to themselves, “How can I possible save boxing?” Yet, it is not just one person, it is millions of boxing fans around the world that are saying the exact same thing. Millions of fans… and nothing is being done to better the sport.
1. UFC, produces fights that involve the best vs best. Rarely, does that happen anymore in boxing. The fighters are so worried about building a name that will never be forgotten. A legacy that will forever be spoken of. Yet, these great fighters are so scared of fighting other great fighters because of fear of losing. Losing does not eliminate the opportunity for greatness, it only gives the fighter the opportunity for redemption. Greatness is being able to get back up after a fall. There are a hand-picked amount of fighters right now that are not afraid to lose and duck no one. I love these fighters for who they are and represent. They are the blood that barely keeps boxing alive. Boxing needs every fighter to have their mentality. Promoters make the fights, but the fighters are the ones that agree. I guarantee if every fan writes a letter to the promoters demanding to see certain matches made…. We will see what we want.
2. Many believe that Pay Per View events are destroying the sport. Yet, how is it that UFC is striving with success after having every event on PPV as well. UFC 100 is up soon on PPV! 100 PPV events within 6 years! And price to order an event of UFC is very equal to what boxing PPV charges. The huge difference is that UFC packs their fight cards with exciting bouts. Boxing used to do the same, however, now it is only 3 lackluster bouts followed by the main event… sometimes it is only 2 lackluster fights followed by the main event. This needs to change. PPV fight cards need to have at more fights and less talking in between the bouts.
These 2 fixes will definitely give boxing some life. Many say that boxing should be televised more often. UFC is televised on Spike channel and it is mostly old fights… hardly ever live bouts, so that’s not much the case for boxing.
The majority of fans believe that the fighters and promoters are in control, but the fans are supposed to be in the driver’s seat. Without us… they do not exist. They do not eat. They do not pay bills. They do not survive.
“Fans can dictate the sport… so let us speak out.”
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