Taking the punch out of boxing

Boxing has reached a new level of popularity here in the Philippines. With the emergence of superstar Manny Pacquiao, boxing has entered the consciousness of even the most indifferent Pinoy. This new (or for those old enough, rediscovered) sport could not have come at a worse time, though. Boxing, as a worldwide professional sport, is on the decline. It’s being replaced by something that’s not only more painful, but also more scientific. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is set to unseat boxing as the king of combat sports. MMA is a better test of fighting prowess and has produced bigger names over the last few years than boxing has.

Since the retirement of Lennox Lewis, boxing has been without a bona fide heavyweight superstar, and that has hurt the sport. When big, slow Ukrainians started headlining pay-per-views and carrying titles, people started to lose interest, and boxing began to wallow in mediocrity. Of course, there were a few bright spots in the lighter divisions – the featherweight Pacman included – but those weren’t nearly enough to maintain interest worldwide. Your average fan wants to see big, talented superstars duke it out – the Evander Holyfields, the George Foremans, the Mike Tysons. After Lewis retired, there hasn’t been one. And, possibly, there never will be another one.

Boxing is no longer the ultimate test as to who is the most dangerous man in the world. I think boxers have realized this and have decided to expand their game.

Enter the world of MMA. Here’s a sport where you can fight however you please. Boxing, muay thai, grappling, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu – they’re all fair game. MMA is a more advanced science. It’s an amalgamation of styles and philosophies that make boxing look easy and one-dimensional. Put it this way: Mike Tyson wouldn’t be called the "Baddest Man on the Planet" if his opponents were allowed to put a chokehold on him.

MMA, made popular by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has produced bigger names in this century than boxing has. Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture are just some of the icons of this sport. These guys are all great fighters, not just great boxers. All have showcased their unique fighting styles to worldwide audiences. For example, Tito Ortiz is known for taking people to the ground and punching them out. Ken Shamrock is famous for being a submission specialist. Chuck Liddell is a mean stand-up striker. Randy Couture is an All-American wrestler. MMA brings something different to the table each time.

Ever wonder how effective taekwondo really is? Or who would win between a kick boxer and a wrestler? MMA provides the answers. It weeds out the weak styles of fighting (I haven’t seen a single fighter use taekwondo) and sometimes even spawns very effective ones. As a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) commentator once said: "Martial arts has evolved more in the last decade than it has in the last 600 years."

Even though boxing still shines in our minds, it may end up just a flicker of a dying light. Evolution is catching up with the old sport. It’s becoming obsolete. Mixed Martial Arts is a revolution. It’s only a matter of time before boxing gets knocked out. They don’t call them Ultimate Fighters for nothing.

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For questions, comments or corrections, please e-mail me at emailcarlramirez@yahoo.com.