Posted by Duffless at hide101.suffolk.edu on January 30, 2002 at 14:15:23:
In Reply to: Re: Put an end to Boxing.... posted by old man on January 30, 2002 at 13:39:42:
Don't get me wrong, i think that boxers are atletic, and they go through a hell of a lot of training, and there is a total mental aspect of it..a level of extreme dedication....however, the end result is hurting or injuring your rival physically..and I just don't think that is a sport to me...
: We're all entitled to our opinions, but I completely disagree with your statement that boxing is not a sport. Its a whole lot more than two people punching each other until one can't take it. I don't want to present myself as an expert, but I have been learning/training to box the past 2 months and its probably one of the toughest sports I've been involved in. Its far more mental than most people give it credit for. You need to perceive what is happening and react in the appropriate manner all in the time that it takes someones fist to travel 1-2 feet. And then the next one is coming even quicker. You have to train yourself mentally to the point where it is just natural. And then there are the physical requirements. Boxing requires an amazing ammount of endurance and quickness. Strength is nice, but a lot of the punch power comes from quick punches and proper form. But you really need to do it to understand it. I was talking to a former professional fighter last week and he said you can't have a true understanding of the demands until you step in the ring. Even the guys that everyone calls a chump are impressive atheletes.
: As for your other points I don't necessarily agree or disagree, but those same arguments can be made for just about any professional sport.
: : Allow me to vent.....
: : Boxing is not a sport. Two people punching each other until one can't take it anymore is not a sport...just because they are athletic and train to do it, doesn't make it a sport...In my opinion boxing is a travesty...promoters take young black and hispanic men off of the street and train them to Box, little is done for their education and they are reared to love and embrace violence, they are made slaves to their masters...Don King is a slave master, It is also my opinion that boxing is fixed and has been since the 1970's, can I prove this, no.....but that is how I feel....why do you think that Tyson is a violent ear biting rapist...because he is a psycho....he may have done all of those things without boxing, but we will never know, I certainly don't think that boxing served as an outlet for his violent expressions, more so as a catalyst for his rage....I don't think Boxing should be banned, as two adults hitting each other is their business, however, shame on all of us americans who pay countless dollars to support this industry...to quote the simpsons"just don't look"......maybe it will go away