Boxing and MMA
A recent thread on the message board questioned whether the rising popularity of MMA poses a threat to the sport of boxing.
My initial response to this thread is listed below:
“I find it odd how it (this kind of discussion) always ends in a MMA vs. boxing discussion (as if the two cannot coexist). I’ve been to SEVERAL gyms where mixed martial artists train alongside boxers. Everyone is welcome in the gym. The actual fighters get along and respect each other. You’ll often see boxers at UFC events and vice versa.
The fighters don’t seem to have a problem with the other sport, so why do fans get so upset, as if you need to choose one or the other. Fighters from all backgrounds deserve props. No matter what style floats your boat, it still takes balls to step in and fight.”
*****
I enjoy baseball, basketball, and football. Just because I enjoy watching the World Series doesn’t mean that I cannot enjoy the Superbowl or the NBA championships. The athletes from each event are exceptional at their chosen sport. I can’t understand why a true fight fan would not enjoy an action packed match, whether it be boxing, MMA, collegiate wrestling, or any other “combat” sport. Why does the fan need to choose one or the other?
Should a UFC fan not enjoy the IFL? Should a PRIDE fan not enjoy the UFC?
Of course not… It’s all nonsense.
If you enjoy combat sporting events, give each fighter their props. Whether they compete in your sport of choice does not mean that you cannot enjoy the action that two noble athletes produce in combat.
Personally, I enjoy all combat sports. Rather than hating on one sport, why not sit back and enjoy the action.
For example, check out the action from the first Ward vs. Gatti bout (video below). Watching this 9th round live was one of the most exciting fights I’ve ever seen.
And for those boxing fans who dismiss the mixed martial arts, how could you not enjoy the free telecast on Saturday night? These were world-class bouts that did not require a pay-per-view investment. Gabriel Gonzaga shocked the world with a devastating knockout of Mirko Cro Cop.
Ultimately, whether you are a boxing fan or a fan of the mixed martial arts, you still qualify as an official FIGHT fan. Enjoy the fights and stop hating on FIGHTERS from other combat sports.
Ross
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Great points, Ross. I watch both.
Ross, I respect all participants in combat sports, as I realize the dedication and training required to be successful. And as you say, because you enjoy one sport, you don’t have to dislike another. Like you, I enjoy them all, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, etc. To be successful in any of these sports requires a great deal of mental and physical effort.
I agree 100%, Ross. they’re all fighters. I’m just getting into UFC lately and it’s very entertaining and inspiring.
I haven’t seen many good boxing matches lately. I love watching Jermaine Taylor. The Manfredo fight was terrible, but I really liked his attitude in the Contender show. That fight you posted is unf******believable. How did they both make it through that round? Who won that fight?
Speaking of inspiring fights. Is there any classic Ross the Boss footage in the vault? It would be a thrill to see you in the ring.
Here, Here Ross. Excellent post. I find this in alot of walks of life. People always think they have to be this OR the other. Why not be this AND the other?
Chris
It’s a shame. It seems a lot of the same ignorant fans who boo fighters and call them bums are the same ones waging these MMA vs. Boxing threads online. It’s just their douchebag mentality.
Don’t forget, however, there are also a lot of boxers that are saying bad things about MMA and leading to these debates as well. It’s not just the fans who can be ignorant.
“Don’t forget, however, there are also a lot of boxers that are saying bad things about MMA and leading to these debates as well. It’s not just the fans who can be ignorant.”
Fighters from both sports are to blame, not just boxing, not just MMA, and not just the fans.
Ross
I’d bet money that most of the folks flaming for one side or the other have never taken a shot to the ribs or been put in an arm bar. You’ll rarely find anyone who has trained, let alone been in the ring, who disses other combat sports. Same as when you are watching a fight at a bar…the guys razzing the loser are always the ones that have never touched a heavy bag. I respect anyone who will train hard enough to get into the ring and put it on the line. Win or lose. Whatever their discipline.
Always good to read about MMA or UFC.
Can I ask though - how did you get this picked up and into google news?
Very impressive, is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?
Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..