Any boxing fans?

[Tundra Tiger]

Short backstory: I grew up watching boxing with my grandpa, the same one that taught me to hunt, shoot, fish, and trap. He'd make popcorn, and give me coffee heavily watered down with milk. He always rooted against Ali; he strongly disliked a lack of humility in anyone. Anyway, my love of boxing goes back a long time. Since giving up team sports last year it's all I follow now.

To any Australian members who follow boxing, congrats on that monster win tonight with Kambosos over Lopez. It was an outstanding win with the right decision.

 

[Rob404]

Been a Boxing fan since I was a kid, I used to watch the Friday Night Fights sponsored by Papst Blue Ribbon and Gillette Blue Blades. I actually tried boxing sponsored by the Chicago Park District and I was quite good for the first 30 seconds until the 2 packs of Camels I smoked a day took over.

 

[DieJager]

Mostly MMA and kickboxing but when the heavyweights are boxing I will tune in.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

The heavyweight division, currently, sure is a lot of fun.

 

[curtism1234]

I grew up on professional wrestling via my mom of all people. I did watch boxing quite a bit in the Tyson vs Holyfield era and starting to get into it again as the wrestling storylines and gimmicks are weak. Boxing does seem to be having a resurgence in the States

 

[Pheroze]

Boxing is one of the greatest athletic endeavors. I recall when MMA was first starting the noise was about how it was more real with the tight gloves and mixed skills. But, boxing gloves are the big issue - deliver a blow unable to make a proper fist and with padded weights on your hands. I prefer the lighter weight classes because of the patient way they breakdown an opponent - but for all fighters the endurance and skill is amazing. Just ask Conor McGregor. No comparison.

 

[Doug3006]

My dad was a former amateur boxer, so I grew up following boxing. My era was also the Ali, Frazier, Norton, Foreman era. Roberto Duran was also an early favorite. I loved the sport, until it was completely taken over by crooked promoters, thuggish boxers and a ruined by a governing body out to make a quick buck. Perhaps it’s better now, I don’t know.

Sadly, I’m not into professional sports much anymore. They used to be a wonderful escape and a uniting force in society. Now, they divide us by bringing the disagreements and turmoil of the real world into the arena. If I want to hear about politics, I’ll just turn on the news.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I think it's better Doug, but not completely well. When I gave up professional team sports, I clung to boxing as my one sports outlet, which it still is. Does it still need work? Yes, absolutely. But there enough good fights and enough talented fighters that want to fight the best that enjoyment can be found, IMHO.

 

[Doug3006]

Hey @Tundra Tiger! You’re right. Let’s face it, the history of boxing, in the US at least, has many examples of sketchy characters. Back in my dad‘s day, Sonny Liston shocked many fans. “He rode with the muggers in the ”dark and dread” as Mark Knopfler’s, Song for Sonny Liston said. I started losing interest when Leon Spinks won the belt. An absolute gangster, old Leon. From my hometown too…so proud.

I may have to give the sport another try though.

 

[FrontLines]

Mostly MMA and kickboxing but when the heavyweights are boxing I will tune in.

MMA is the deadliest fight sport there is. i have been watching for awhile now.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

MMA is the deadliest fight sport there is. i have been watching for awhile now.

Just watched the entire fight card of UFC 286 until 02:00 this morning. Now Im feeling it.

 

[FrontLines]

Just watched the entire fight card of UFC 286 until 02:00 this morning. Now Im feeling it.

Do you have a favorite fighter already?

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Do you have a favorite fighter already?

Probably Justin Gaethje at lightweight and Shevchenko in the women's division.
They both bring violence.

 

[Bonk]

While I appreciate the physical skills and endurance necessary to be a skilled fighter I don't waste time watching any activity where they vote on the winner. Knockouts/tap outs are objective. Decisions are subjective and pointless. Add a lot of money to that dynamic and the inevitable outcome is corruption.

 

[fourfive8]

Did follow it some a long time ago. Used to watch Friday night fights with my dad- B&W tv. Quit watching most sports after many became venue for some agenda.

As to boxers?? Hearns and Tyson always impressed me. IMO, only a fool would get in the ring with either in their prime. The fastest I ever witnessed was a relative unknown competing in a Golden Gloves tourney in one of the lighter weights- 1965. Earl Large, IIRC from Clovis NM.
For sheer determination and dedication to the sport I have to go with Manny Pacquiao. Decent folks from Gensan (Mindanao) Philippines.

 

[Flewis]

Went to allmost all of the big fights in the 80s and 90s and a lot of the small ones too. Don’t even watch anymore. Manny was the last REAL fighter in boxing.

 

[fourfive8]

Manny Pacquiao is one of the most popular individuals in the Philippines not just as a fighter but as a man for the people. No matter where you go on Mindanao you will find his influence. Everyone wants to be associated with Manny. In politics he has been one of the few who actually represented the people who elected him. One morning you might see him or his wife at coffee at McDonalds in Gensan. The next day at a church service in the small community of Malungon. Ask about an elementary school in an isolated mountain village and find out he initiated the funding to build the school. He has done a lot of work for the average citizen, especially those in the poorest areas. My niece and nephews place is across the road from his original upscale family house and compound in Gensan. I think more recently his primary residence is just outside Gensan on Sarangani Bay. He is one of the self made successful super sports figures who has turned that money and fame into something very positive. An admirable quality, not common to a lot of super sports “heros”. But, I would not want to be in his shoes no matter all that fame and money. Can you imagine being constantly hounded by groupies and leeches… ughh

 

[DieJager]

Almost time. Can't wait to see Fury vs Usyk

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Watching it myself at the moment. Kabayel over Sanchez was a pleasant surprise, as was Cordina being upset. It looks like Breidis could still upset Opataia (11th round).

Main event: let's go Usyk!!

 

[DieJager]

Just tuned in only saw Opataia against Breidis. But the main fight is going to be a blast!