Why do you people like boxing so much? (athletic, fan, sport)

[lentzr]

Why do you people like boxing so much? I have absolutely no desire to see two people beat the hell of of each other! What is the attraction to this violence?

[JackTheRipper]

it's entertainment.

[Bagger]

Originally Posted by lentzr

Why do you people like boxing so much? I have absolutely no desire to see two people beat the hell of of each other! What is the attraction to this violence?

I'm not a 'huge' boxing fan but I'll stay throw out an opinion... as much as don't like violence in the real world, I admire and respect their skill and courage in this entertainment venue. They are amazing athletes.

[Coolhand68]

When at it's best, you are witnessing two highly skilled and conditioned athletes, the best conditioned athletes of ANY sport, who are participating in a high stakes chess match of sorts. It takes a tremendous amount of conditioning, heart, determination and skill to make it to the top of the sport. It has been referred to as the sweet science, and it is just that, complete with strategies, instincts, reflexes and knowing how and when to punch, counter punch, duck, feint, jab, move on your feet properly, roll with a punch and to keep fighting forward through pain, exhaustion and sometimes fear. It is NOT a tough man competition, it requires a great deal of discipline, skill and conditioning.

[Coolhand68]

It's also a one on one sport, when things get tough there are no teammates to help pick up the slack, and no time-outs. It is the ultimate test of endurance and determination in sports.

[James Edwards]

Some people just love seeing action or something that seems crazy to beat each other to a pulp. but if you think of it as a skill you can appreciate the sport. Just like war. As long as the planet has been, there has been war even though for the most part majority wants peace. So if there is going to be war there might as well be some skill involved.

I personally am a boxer and boxing trainer. I like the art of boxing, it provokes a lot of discipline, respect and is one of the best fastest ways to get in shape. I preferably don't like to get hit or take a pounding so I appreciate boxers who master skills of rolling with a punch, slipping, blocking, and avoiding as opposed to seeing who can take the best shot and be punch drunk for the rest of their lives.

James

[Alexus]

Originally Posted by James Edwards

Some people just love seeing action or something that seems crazy to beat each other to a pulp. but if you think of it as a skill you can appreciate the sport. Just like war. As long as the planet has been, there has been war even though for the most part majority wants peace. So if there is going to be war there might as well be some skill involved.

I personally am a boxer and boxing trainer. I like the art of boxing, it provokes a lot of discipline, respect and is one of the best fastest ways to get in shape. I preferably don't like to get hit or take a pounding so I appreciate boxers who master skills of rolling with a punch, slipping, blocking, and avoiding as opposed to seeing who can take the best shot and be punch drunk for the rest of their lives.

James

Excellent post. Boxing is pure hand-to-hand combat by trained fighters. It's an art to fight with just your hands. This is why it's called the 'Sweet Science."

[goozer]

Originally Posted by Coolhand68

When at it's best, you are witnessing two highly skilled and conditioned athletes, the best conditioned athletes of ANY sport, who are participating in a high stakes chess match of sorts. It takes a tremendous amount of conditioning, heart, determination and skill to make it to the top of the sport. It has been referred to as the sweet science, and it is just that, complete with strategies, instincts, reflexes and knowing how and when to punch, counter punch, duck, feint, jab, move on your feet properly, roll with a punch and to keep fighting forward through pain, exhaustion and sometimes fear. It is NOT a tough man competition, it requires a great deal of discipline, skill and conditioning.

Well put. I will add this: while there are many boxing matchs that can be dreadful to watch, there is no sport that -- when at it's best -- can match the drama of boxing. Only in boxing, can a superior stylist completely dominate another fighter and yet still lose by dramatic late rounds knockout. And unlike team sports, only boxing is one of the few that come to mind where an individual has to use his speed, strength, athleticism, will, and coordination to impose his will on his opponent. Tennis comes close, but there is something more pure about boxing to me--no racquet, no ball, no net. Think of all the boxing metaphors that have made their way into the lexicon. Down but not out. Pick yourself up off the mat. Beat the count. Took it on the chin. Knockout blow. Etc. I think it is a testament to the high drama and triumph of the human spirit that boxing at the highest level embodies.