Thread: Nationalism in opinions on fighters and fights

Well someone had to say it, it had to be said....As I am a "noob" on the forum I dont know if this has been brought up. But, as I read through posts and opinions, I see alot of people over stating a fighters abilities or maybe discounting another fighters skills, then I see that they have a flag of their fighters home country. I've seen it alot on the Calzaghe fight pretty much a white - black thing on that one; I myself am guilty of it with the up coming Cotto V. Margarito fight (look through any post on this fight and youll see where my loyalty lies.)
I dont really think its a discrimination or racism thing, I see it as more of a pride and Nationalistic thing.

Do you see this too? Are you guilty of it? Do you discount anyones opinion because of it?

I think it's only natural for many to feel a certain affiliation to fighters that come from "their" part of the world, and only natural to view the fighter as representing them.

I never saw any poster on this site class Calzaghe-Hopkins as a "white/black" thing.. The MAJORITY here aren't as ignorant as Hopkins. Fact.

Nothing's wrong with it. I see no big deal. 'Just showing some supports for fighter from his beloved country.

I'm not a racist, but I'll never let a black person beat me in a debate.

Originally Posted by Pacstraightleft

Nothing's wrong with it. I see no big deal. 'Just showing some supports for fighter from his beloved country.

Not saying anythings wrong with it, like I said I have done it myself. But, at times it obscures objective opinions makes a person believe that there guy whoever that is has a chance against a way more gifted fighter etc.

Originally Posted by Jesse James

I'm not a racist, but I'll never let a black person beat me in a debate.

HAHA.

It can not be denied that It creeps in.Honestly Pride is a good thing as far as nationality .If your not proud of your country and or your Fav. Fighters ,Is the heart really in It??On Cotto Vs. Margarito,There probably is no more heated rivalry the last couple of decades than Puerto Rico and Mexico when those fighters meet??Unfortunately its when we fail to utilize our Head/mind as well.It can get carried away and the next thing you know Some are letting there ignorance shine with broad generalities and cursing Insults on Fighters and in the worst cases Other Forum Members .I must admit that when logic and reasonable debate fail,And the insults continued,I have Aimed some verbal Barbs as well.....BTW welcome to the Forum

Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'Nawlins

It can not be denied that It creeps in.Honestly Pride is a good thing as far as nationality .If your not proud of your country and or your Fav. Fighters ,Is the heart really in It??On Cotto Vs. Margarito,There probably is no more heated rivalry the last couple of decades than Puerto Rico and Mexico when those fighters meet??Unfortunately its when we fail to utilize our Head/mind as well.It can get carried away and the next thing you know Some are letting there ignorance shine with broad generalities and cursing Insults on Fighters and in the worst cases Other Forum Members .I must admit that when logic and reasonable debate fail,And the insults continued,I have Aimed some verbal Barbs as well.....BTW welcome to the Forum

thanks for the welcome, I totally see it and I know many do to but dont say or admit it. I think its fine and it doesnt bther me in the least even when it gets personal really I mean its only the f'ing internet I can brush comments on just that pride and nationalism. Its just when they start thinking that A there fighter is gonna "destroy" another as you and I were discussing on the other thread about Margo V Cotto. It aint no walk in the park for either fighter but there so many pro Cotto Ricans that make it sound like this is a sparring session for Cotto why because they wanna see thir guy win coo im all about it but dont discount the other guy (haha who happens to be my guy) because you are so narrow visioned because of the pride thing.

Anyway, its all good even makes the fights more exciting to watch!

I'm of the opinion that nationalism in any form is a bad and harmful thing, but that makes me a hypocrite because I am just as prone to it as anyone else. I seriously doubt I would be as big a fan of Steve Molitor if he wasn't from Canada.

Well, I think it's fine to support fighters from your area or country just you have still try to remain at least slightly objective. I'm from the Bay Area and tend to support a lot of the fighters from around here; Ward, Guerrero, Nonito ect.

But as always, you can't let that clout your view on the fighter. I like Ward, think he's going to be a P4P star and that would stay the same if he was from Cuba and not the Bay Area. But as a fan you have to be reasonable, I know Ward isn't going to be ready for Calzaghe right away.

Same with Guerrero, Guerrero is a great fighter but I'm not stupid enough to think he belongs in the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez.

So it's fine to be a fan of a fighter, whatever motivates you to be that fan whether it's his locale, skills, ring attire, ect. That's fine but you can't become what people on the internet call "fanboy", that's when you have a problem.

I'm from Canada and cannot call myself a fan of any Canadian fighter. Molitor to me is OK I guess, but if he fights De Leon or Lopez in the future, I want him to lose badly

I am biased because I like Power Punchers. it does not matter where they are from, the color of their skin, their religious believes, or how much they donate to charity. I just want excitement and drama.

I also enjoy slick boxers, but I am more picky when it comes to them. Guzman for instance, is incredible to watch.

I think Cutmemick , Gamo, Lyle, Danny, Saddo and myself are one of the most neutral boxing fans in here. That's 4 nationalities right there

Prove us wrong!!

I don't usually root for a boxer based on ethnicity or where they are from, I base it on willingness to fight all-comers and a good training ethic.

I'm trying to remember the last time a fighter really rallied for America, and used it as a point of pride. It's odd to me that many boxers live in America and have for a long time, but because they were born somewhere else they claim allegiance to their birth country.

You don't see too many American flags anymore.

Well theres a difference...

Some people go over the top... It happens. It's just the difference between controlling your emotions and not controlling them.

I learned this a while back and I learned it the hard way. I used to come on here and I used to log out pissed off and mad at debates I had going here and I thought to myself how stupid is it to go on line to try and relax and have some fun but instead end up getting pissed...

It's fucken silly, so now I don't pay attention to those who go "Country Pride" crazy on here. So as long as it doesn't disrespect anyone and they don't go overboard all is fine.
We have pride in our country/countries but take me for example both Cotto (whos PR) and Margarito (whos Mexican) are fighting each other those have been 2 of my fav. boxers for years but because my parents are Mexican that doesn't mean I rooting for Margarito. I'm actually rooting for Cotto.

Shit another one of my fav. fighters whom I've followed for years is Kess and the fuckers Danish...

Originally Posted by Deanrw

I'm from Canada and cannot call myself a fan of any Canadian fighter. Molitor to me is OK I guess, but if he fights De Leon or Lopez in the future, I want him to lose badly

I am biased because I like Power Punchers. it does not matter where they are from, the color of their skin, their religious believes, or how much they donate to charity. I just want excitement and drama.

I also enjoy slick boxers, but I am more picky when it comes to them. Guzman for instance, is incredible to watch.

How wrong can you be, I see Molitor beating PDL if they fight in the future. Molitors the future....

Originally Posted by Puya

I think Cutmemick , Gamo, Lyle, Danny, Saddo and myself are one of the most neutral boxing fans in here. That's 4 nationalities right there

Prove us wrong!!

Thanks Puya...

Originally Posted by killersheep

I don't usually root for a boxer based on ethnicity or where they are from, I base it on willingness to fight all-comers and a good training ethic.

I'm trying to remember the last time a fighter really rallied for America, and used it as a point of pride. It's odd to me that many boxers live in America and have for a long time, but because they were born somewhere else they claim allegiance to their birth country.

You don't see too many American flags anymore.

Great post killersheep... Well done