Quote Originally Posted by IamInuit View Post
Great question and a very tricky one with several fine lines for blame. I almost hit fighter immediately and then paused and looked for system as an option or all of the above. We as individuals are void of any insanity, essentially responsible for all of our decisions. Enter science and the known effects caused by repeated blows to the head. Add massive ego to the party and you get Roy Jones. Now its at this point where some of those others on the list need to make a stand. Revoke his license to fight or you become complicit. I dont think pimps like Arum care about their fighters one way or the other. Bob barely batted an eye when his own son was killed. Family and friends need to quit stroking ego's and being yes men. I would actually blame fans and the press the least as crazy as it sounds. Most rational fans and press row know Roy is done and say so. Trainers need to take some but what a shitty position to be in. I'd wager Roach behind closed doors has already told Manny to quit and on more then one occasion.

Great thread.


You can vote for more than one option, @IamInuit .

Which is why you're right about it being tricky and having a lot of fine lines. I divided it equally between fighter, family and friends, and the licensing board. The fighter because when it comes right down to it.... you're the one solely responsible for your decisions as an adult.... and you should know better than to risk life and health for the sake of one more fight. Family and friends because they're supposed to be the fighter's safety net. The rest are in it for the money. But a fighter's family, if decent, should be there to stop a guy from making a suicidal decision. And the licensing board because the final say-so comes down to them. If they don't grant.... nobody fights. So they carry a huge part of the blame.

Next I'd say trainers, because they know the fighters almost as much, or better, than the fighters know themselves. A good trainer should discourage a fighter from taking that one last fight. If that doesn't work.... then walk away. Promoters are in it for the money, so they couldn't give a shit if the cash cow dies in the process of yielding its last payday.

And you're right about the press and fans. Most knowledgeable ones are quick to criticize and point out when a fighter shouldn't be stepping into the ring. Then again, we're also the ones with the least say-so in the matter.