Boxing is a dying sport. Between the fear of the long term effects of concussions, the rise of MMA, and the insane number of pro-boxing associations with all their different belts it’s just not drawing an audience or athletes.
It’s heyday…..
1984 Us Olympic Boxing Team (Los Angeles)
48 kg: Paul Gonzales (1st), Los Angeles, Calif. - gold medal
51 kg: Steve McCrory, Detroit, Mich. - gold medal
54 kg: Robert Shannon, Edmonds, Wash.
57 kg: Meldrick Taylor, Philadelphia, Pa. - gold medal
60 kg: Pernell Whitaker, Norfolk, Va. - gold medal
63 kg: Jerry Page, Columbus, Ohio - gold medal
67 kg: Mark Breland, Brooklyn, N.Y. - gold medal
71 kg: Frank Tate, Detroit, Mich. - gold medal
75 kg: Virgil Hill, Williston, N.D. - silver medalEvander Holyfield, Atlanta, Ga. - silver medal
91 kg: Henry Tillman, Los Angeles, Calif. - gold medal
91+ kg: Tyrell Biggs, Philadelphia, Pa. - gold medal
Boxing is not a dying sport.
It’s not really dying. There are just more choices of combat sports than there has been in the past. The number of people involved in combat sports is at a high point.
I would also add, the top fighters don’t fight very often and when they do, it’s pay-per-view. I remember big fights on ABC on Saturday.