Quote:
Originally Posted by Sully
I'm that guy.
When I watch boxing, I see guys circling, hugging, with a few punches thrown in. I've never been in a boxing match. I have no frame of reference.
However, I wrestled, I've been in fights which were far more like a MMA fight than a boxing match. I've got more of a frame of reference. And, yea... there is more action.
I'm to fighting as newer fans are to other sports.
I love the hell out of a pitchers duel.
I love to see a defensive battle in football.
But in fighting, I want to see action.
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And that's perfectly reasonable. There is often more action in MMA than in boxing. However, the skill level in top level MMA is vastly inferior to the skill level in top level boxing. That doesn't mean it's not entertaining...I'm often more entertained by watching UFC than boxing. It just means that the sport still has a LONG way to go before it's fully matured.
It isn't just about the fighters, either. It's about the trainers. It's about the fans who grow up watching the sport and taking it up their entire lives. It's about the prize money being large enough to lure top level talent away from other sports.
I've mentioned before that Matt Mitrione was a friend of mine. He didn't take up the sport until after he had retired from the NFL, got bored of the corporate gig, and decided to take up fighting. Next thing you know, he's one of the top fighters in the sport. He's a great dude, and that's awesome for him, but let's be honest. If he had decided to box instead, he wouldn't be ready to line up against Klitchko any time soon.