by Ronnie Jordan: Boxing politics is discussed and often furiously debated by fans in websites and forums. Often reading an article about the sport can feel like an extract from a scientific study or government dossier. You could be forgiven for losing interest with the, ever changing rules and regulations, different governing bodies, possible substance abuse, and drawn out financial negotiations being discussed before even mentioning the actual sport it self. This incessant drivel about controversial subjects may appeal to die hard fans but to the average follower it’s becoming increasingly boring.

The recent talk of audiences turning to UFC and MMA enforces the idea of boxing’s fall from grace. Perhaps among other reasons this trend of bringing such political issues to the fore has done little to help. I’m not a fan of UFC, and after watching Randy Couture vs. James Toney on Saturday night, I was again left puzzled as to what the appeal is. And also couldn’t understand what the crowed was screaming about. Sure, their hero beat a boxer which to some deluded fans meant UFC is now officially the better method of fighting. If I paid good money, however, to watch a fight and what commenced was three minutes of static wrestling on the floor, I’d be inclined to demand a refund. This is a familiar outcome in the sport. It often descends into a grappling match. One of the biggest fights in UFC history that took place last month Lesnar vs. Carwin, ended in similar fashion. I’m sure I’m probably missing the intricacies in skill and technique of mixed marshal arts but I see boxing as a far superior form of combat and eternally more entertaining to watch. I can’t help thinking maybe people are just tired of the extra baggage that comes with boxing.

It’s frustrating to hear boxing is losing its audiences, because for a hundred years it’s been one of the most popular sports in the world and any could probably write a long essay passionately describing all the facets that make it so great. For me, I can appreciate the sport on many levels. The dedication and hard work it takes to be successful is incredible, boxing training is widely believed to be the toughest there is. Top fighters go through hell having to work on every aspect of there fitness including strength, speed, power and cardiovascular. Often fighters have to be obsessive in there training regimes with some living in solitude in order to prepare physically and mentally for fights. A fighter’s psychological approach is an important aspect of being successful.

All fighters have there own individual ways of dealing with nerves and pressure, with some liking to remain silent and calm and others trying to gain advantages with bravado and trash talk. There is no right way to conduct yourself it’s just down to the individual. Boxing also rewards tactical thinking and intelligence. The boxer usually beats the brawler so being smart pays off. The varying styles conjures up ideas of different tactical approaches and the new techniques being taught by modern trainers who are instigating the progression of the sport means its ever evolving.

To me its nearest thing we have in modern times to the gladiators of Rome. The build up to the top championship fights can border on hysteria and unless fighters can keep strong and handle there anxiety they will be eaten alive. Its hard to imagine whats going through a boxers mind sitting in the changing rooms preparing to step out into Madison Square Garden or a huge football stadium. Not only dealing with the prospect of getting seriously hurt but the idea of being beaten in front of thousands watching in the stands and millions at home. I think for this many people have a huge respect for all champions.

The appeal of boxing runs deep so to see so many articles about things besides the actual sport itself puzzles me. Boxing isn’t alone in dealing with difficulty as most sports have there problems but far more than any other, it does seem to air out its dirty laundry in public. Who cares about the promoters and governing bodies and financial disputes; it’s the fights that matter and it’s the fighters we should care about.