Monday, October 10, 2005

What the alphabets are doing to boxing’s glamour division

Rating heavyweight fighters has always proven controversial. Sanctioning bodies, boxing magazines, and guys at your local tavern will never agree with precision on a firm top ten. In times past, however, disputes were usually settled in the ring. The inordinate control of boxing by the more well known worldwide sanctioning bodies, often referred to as the alphabets, is the subject of much derision among fans, fighters, managers, and most promoters who do not control some aspect of the ratings. Most of the ill feelings are well deserved. Fighters who toil in obscurity, skipping encounters with ranked – and feared – contenders all too often find their way into so-called mandatory title defenses only to lose and fall back into the shadows of the boxing world.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The more I know,the less I understand..."

Pardon the cynic in me for saying this,but perhaps that should have been the title of this article.Excellent job JE."The prrof is NOT in the pudding with these guys".(i.e. Their ridiculous ratings and actions defy explamation,and all but speak for themselves.) While the hardcore fans find this irritating,they are going to closely follow the sport no matter what quite frankly.However,this is one of the things that turn off the more casual fan and potential fans away in droves.In other words,one of the reasons why some of your friends make fun of you for liking this sport.I can remember growing up in the 70's and 80's,and reading the occasional boxing piece on a somewhat regular basis in the local (Seattle) sports page.But now??? Hardly a chance,unless of course Mike Tyson does something,a boxer dies,or George Foreman announces another 'comeback'.As JE pointed out,particuarly damaging is what these 'organizations' are doing to the 'glamour division' these days.Not only can your average sports fan not name the hvy champion,but even the average boxing fans are hard-pressed to.And for the 'wise-guys'? They can only state their opinions as to who they THINK deserves to be called champ.John L. Sullivan,would be turning over in his grave,as they say...

10:31 PM  
Blogger JE Boxing said...

Cruiser -- Thanks for the comments.

6:58 PM  

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