NationStates Jolt Archive


Boxing

Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 05:50
Boxing is not a sport. Boxing is not a game. Boxing is the sweet science.

I am not a violent man, but if I had to pick any contest that can be had between two people as my favorite, it would have to be Boxing. (Close second being Roller Derby, but that's another discussion) I've watched everyone from Ali to De La Hoya to Hollyfield and it's magic in a square.

I've talked to many of Boxing's detractors and listened to how they'll say that it's just two men (or women) in a "ring" pummeling each other, but I see it as much more than that. This is not Nascar or American Football or Cricket, it's true competition at its most basic and simple form.

Any thoughts from the group on Boxing? Yes? No? Whatcha think?

Oh, and sure, why not a poll?
Potarius
19-04-2006, 05:52
I like it.

My favorite boxer? The Brockton Blockbuster, Rocky Marciano. That guy put his entire body into his punches, and he had more heart than anyone.
Jello Biafra
19-04-2006, 05:53
I'm not disgusted by boxing, but I don't see why anyone would enjoy it, either.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 05:54
I like it.

My favorite boxer? The Brockton Blockbuster, Rocky Marciano. That guy put his entire body into his punches, and he had more heart than anyone.


Good call! I'll always be a fan of Ali for not only his style in the ring, but his style out of the ring. Though if I had to pick a all time favorite boxer, I'd go with Marvin Hagler or Arron Pryor. Both brought levels to the ring that can't be beat!
Peisandros
19-04-2006, 05:54
Boxing is fuckin' awesome. Came pretty close to joining a club and getting some training but didn't have enough time in the end. May be something I persue in the next few years.

Boxing is an art. Watching Ali and Foreman fighting it out.. Ohh, orgasim of the eyes.
The Nazz
19-04-2006, 05:55
I'm not a fan anymore, but mostly because I think the sport isn't as compelling as it was when I was younger. I know it's cliche to talk about how the sport used to be greater than it is today, but in boxing, I really think that's the case. Is there a current equivalent of Sugar Ray Leonard? of Roberto Duran? Tommy 'the Hit Man" Hearns? "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler? Hell, there's not even a Lennox Lewis anymore, much less an Ali or Frazier or Foreman (the young one) or Ken Norton.
Potarius
19-04-2006, 05:55
Good call! I'll always be a fan of Ali for not only his style in the ring, but his style out of the ring. Though if I had to pick a all time favorite boxer, I'd go with Marvin Hagler or Arron Pryor. Both brought levels to the ring that can't be beat!

I'd've liked to see Marciano and Ali fight each other in their primes. That would've been a hell of a match.
Wallonochia
19-04-2006, 05:56
I don't see how anyone could not admire the athleticism and dedication of boxers. I boxed once for three one minute rounds. I was in relatively ok shape back then (ran 2 miles in 13:00) and I wanted to die after 3 minutes of boxing.
Secluded Islands
19-04-2006, 05:57
Ali was the greatest, but i am biased because we share the same hometown...
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 05:59
Larry Holmes was highly underated.

That's all I have to say really.
AB Again
19-04-2006, 05:59
The boxing itself does not disgust me, but the idiots with more money than sense that pay top dollar to watch people beat each others brains out do.

If you want to box, go ahead and risk your life for the pure 'sweet science' of it. Just where is the 'sweet science' in paying for someone else to risk the integrity of their brain?
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 06:00
I'd've liked to see Marciano and Ali fight each other in their primes. That would've been a hell of a match.

Ali would have destroyed Marciano. No question.
Potarius
19-04-2006, 06:03
Ali would have destroyed Marciano. No question.

Can't say for sure. There were a lot of boxers Marciano faced that should've destroyed him, but couldn't.

Remember that running jump punch he did? That was perfect.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 06:03
Ali would have destroyed Marciano. No question.

Agreed. Props to Marciano, but Ali's footwork alone would have been devastating to Marciano's upper body style.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 06:05
Remember that running jump punch he did? That was perfect.

Aye ... but Ali could have taken 10 of those and came up laughing. Ali was one tough s.o.b. It's like you could hit him with a truck and he'd still get up and offer you coffee.
Vittos Ordination2
19-04-2006, 06:06
Myrth should box Myrth. He can throw harder punches than any mortal, yet he can't knock himself out.

The fight would go 2,972 rounds and would only end when all of the stray punches destroyed the universe.
Vittos Ordination2
19-04-2006, 06:07
With that said, I love boxing.
Potarius
19-04-2006, 06:09
Aye ... but Ali could have taken 10 of those and came up laughing. Ali was one tough s.o.b. It's like you could hit him with a truck and he'd still get up and offer you coffee.

True, true. I'd still like to see an entire match to see what would happen.

The odds are definitely on Ali's side, but a victory for Marciano's not completely out of the question.
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 06:21
True, true. I'd still like to see an entire match to see what would happen.

The odds are definitely on Ali's side, but a victory for Marciano's not completely out of the question.

Well, if you discount Ali's reach and weight advantage, maybe it would be a fight. But given the fact that he was bigger taller and faster, it's not really much of a contest.

Marciano was a small man, and in my opinion not a heavyweight boxer by modern standards. (Now I am waiting for the evander hollyfield crowd to show up and dispute this.)
Potarius
19-04-2006, 06:23
Well, if you discount Ali's reach and weight advantage, maybe it would be a fight. But given the fact that he was bigger taller and faster, it's not really much of a contest.

Marciano was a small man, and in my opinion not a heavyweight boxer by modern standards. (Now I am waiting for the evander hollyfield crowd to show up and dispute this.)

One guy Marciano fought was 6'5" and ~240 pounds. He was also much faster than Rocky.

I forgot what his name was, but I remember that he was from Iowa. Rocky won, of course (note that he was 49-0).
The Nazz
19-04-2006, 06:23
Well, if you discount Ali's reach and weight advantage, maybe it would be a fight. But given the fact that he was bigger taller and faster, it's not really much of a contest.

Marciano was a small man, and in my opinion not a heavyweight boxer by modern standards. (Now I am waiting for the evander hollyfield crowd to show up and dispute this.)
I think you're right. I also think that Ali would have handled Holyfield easily as well--he was an undersized champion in a period where there wasn't a dominant big guy.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 06:24
The odds are definitely on Ali's side, but a victory for Marciano's not completely out of the question.

Agreed ... that would be one hell of a fight.
Potarius
19-04-2006, 06:25
Agreed ... that would be one hell of a fight.

Ali - Marciano was my favorite matchup on Fight Night Round 2. Too bad I no longer have it.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 06:27
I think you're right. I also think that Ali would have handled Holyfield easily as well

Ali wouldn't have even had to bite off an ear.
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 06:31
One guy Marciano fought was 6'5" and ~240 pounds. He was also much faster than Rocky.

I forgot what his name was, but I remember that he was from Iowa. Rocky won, of course (note that he was 49-0).

Obviously he wasn't really faster. It's axiomatic in boxing that a good big guy will always beat a good small guy.

I'm not going to say more because I have strong opinions about marciano, most of them unpleasant.
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 06:35
I think you're right. I also think that Ali would have handled Holyfield easily as well--he was an undersized champion in a period where there wasn't a dominant big guy.

Yah, I think Lennox Lewis put that question to bed. (despite holyfield's headbut.)

Anway, if'n you want to celebrate a white boxer, Henry 'glass jaw' Cooper. I think he could have beaten marciano too.
CanuckHeaven
19-04-2006, 06:41
Boxing is not a sport. Boxing is not a game. Boxing is the sweet science.

I am not a violent man, but if I had to pick any contest that can be had between two people as my favorite, it would have to be Boxing. (Close second being Roller Derby, but that's another discussion) I've watched everyone from Ali to De La Hoya to Hollyfield and it's magic in a square.

I've talked to many of Boxing's detractors and listened to how they'll say that it's just two men (or women) in a "ring" pummeling each other, but I see it as much more than that. This is not Nascar or American Football or Cricket, it's true competition at its most basic and simple form.

Any thoughts from the group on Boxing? Yes? No? Whatcha think?

Oh, and sure, why not a poll?
When I was growing up, I was a huge Ali fan. After seeing what the sport (if you can call it that) did to him and others, I not only lost interest in it, I also felt that it was barbaric. Boxing is a brutal blood sport that should not be encouraged, nor promoted. It is time for man to move forward.
Jello Biafra
19-04-2006, 06:44
When I was growing up, I was a huge Ali fan. After seeing what the sport (if you can call it that) did to him and others, I not only lost interest in it, I also felt that it was barbaric. Boxing is a brutal blood sport that should not be encouraged, nor promoted. It is time for man to move forward.Yeah, it seems to me that if people are going to watch people hurt each other, then they'd might as well give the contenders weapons to use.
People without names
19-04-2006, 06:53
Yeah, it seems to me that if people are going to watch people hurt each other, then they'd might as well give the contenders weapons to use.

this is a good idea, remind me when i conquer the world to reopen the gladiator games
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 06:56
Yeah, it seems to me that if people are going to watch people hurt each other, then they'd might as well give the contenders weapons to use.

There is a purity to boxing. It's no bullshit, just you against the other guy. And what people forget is the the thousands of hours of hard discipline spent before you ever cross the ropes.

Plus, you learn a lot about yourself. I found, for example, that I don't like being hit in the face.
Keruvalia
19-04-2006, 06:59
Boxing is a brutal blood sport that should not be encouraged, nor promoted. It is time for man to move forward.

Ok cool. :) I was looking for diversity. Rock on.
The Nazz
19-04-2006, 07:02
Plus, you learn a lot about yourself. I found, for example, that I don't like being hit in the face.
Didn't take boxing for me to figure that out. :D
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 07:14
Didn't take boxing for me to figure that out. :D

Yah, it's pretty self evident Mr. Nazz. But there is a difference between thinking you don't want to be hit in the face and knowing how much it truly sucks. Bhuddists could probably explain it better however.

That said, boxing was a thoroughly positive experience for me. When I first started highschool I was frequently bullied because bigger children had decided I was homosexual. My alcholic father thought that the whole thing was funny, and decided that such taunts were well deserved in any case, but I was fortunate in that my grandad enrolled me in the local boxing club. Needless to say, my problems soon cleared up.

And actually having the shit beaten out of you several times is quite self empowering. At least you know the worst that can happen when you decide to stand up and get counted.
The Nazz
19-04-2006, 07:25
Yah, it's pretty self evident Mr. Nazz. But there is a difference between thinking you don't want to be hit in the face and knowing how much it truly sucks. Bhuddists could probably explain it better however.

That said, boxing was a thoroughly positive experience for me. When I first started highschool I was frequently bullied because bigger children had decided I was homosexual. My alcholic father thought that the whole thing was funny, and decided that such taunts were well deserved in any case, but I was fortunate in that my grandad enrolled me in the local boxing club. Needless to say, my problems soon cleared up.

And actually having the shit beaten out of you several times is quite self empowering. At least you know the worst that can happen when you decide to stand up and get counted.I went through the bullying thing too--I've worn glasses since kindergarten, and I was a Jehovah's Witness. Plus, I had a tendency to shoot my mouth off at inopportune times (hard to believe, I know :D ). I caught my share of ass-whippings on the playground, and I handed out a couple as well--but I was on the losing end more often than not, at least until middle school, when I put on 3 inches nad 30 pounds over one summer. But I'm generally a peacable sort, at least when it comes to physical confrontations. I try to avoid pain whenever possible.
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 07:41
I went through the bullying thing too--I've worn glasses since kindergarten, and I was a Jehovah's Witness. Plus, I had a tendency to shoot my mouth off at inopportune times (hard to believe, I know :D ). I caught my share of ass-whippings on the playground, and I handed out a couple as well--but I was on the losing end more often than not, at least until middle school, when I put on 3 inches nad 30 pounds over one summer. But I'm generally a peacable sort, at least when it comes to physical confrontations. I try to avoid pain whenever possible.

Hmm, I had a similar experience, in that I was a 'late developer'. I went from being the kid that was punched in the face all the time to being a back on the rugby team. (Mostly though the boxing really helped, it does teach you how to fight).

These days I am pretty mellow myself. But I do get irrational when I see bullies, and thus tend to shoot my mouth off at them. I've not found one that actually wants a real fight however:p .
Cheese penguins
19-04-2006, 07:53
I used to get loads of shit at school aswell, i took up some boxing training, and started weights... no one hits me anymore that is for sure, but they will still taunt asthough they want to try it on. Im confused by this lack of brains showed by them.
But on boxing i love it, stay up late to catch it on ITV and watch teh fight live!! :D loved the fight about 3 weeks ago my memory is sketchy but it was a undefeated welshman (tall and skiny(ish)) against an undefeated american heavyweight (smaller but alot broader), winner took 2 titles, loser left with nothing, the welshman showed what boxing was all about, fast footwork and quick jabs and perfectly executed technical boxing left the heavyweight in the dust, he took the 12 rounds and both the titles. That is 12 rounds of 3 minutes of constant left and right jabs and other technical shots that were perfectly thrown, think of the stamina in him. :)
Lacadaemon
19-04-2006, 08:03
I used to get loads of shit at school aswell, i took up some boxing training, and started weights... no one hits me anymore that is for sure, but they will still taunt asthough they want to try it on. Im confused by this lack of brains showed by them.
But on boxing i love it, stay up late to catch it on ITV and watch teh fight live!! :D loved the fight about 3 weeks ago my memory is sketchy but it was a undefeated welshman (tall and skiny(ish)) against an undefeated american heavyweight (smaller but alot broader), winner took 2 titles, loser left with nothing, the welshman showed what boxing was all about, fast footwork and quick jabs and perfectly executed technical boxing left the heavyweight in the dust, he took the 12 rounds and both the titles. That is 12 rounds of 3 minutes of constant left and right jabs and other technical shots that were perfectly thrown, think of the stamina in him. :)

Are you talkng about Lockett v. Eastman?