Quote Originally Posted by ykdadamaja View Post
That has to be a fact. I can't tell you how disappointed I am, particularly with the Super Middleweights and up, to see how non chiselled and less toned these guys are.

Geez... has anyone seen that? Guys from that era if fighting and training in these days and times would cream anyone from this era just on the sheer physical conditioning.

Have you ever seen a guy like Sonny Liston train?? Training and calisthenics are insane. He had great agility, and back then he was seen as one of the least agile and mobile heavyweights of that time. No wonder why he was a champion, when you see him train BACK THEN!!

Guys like Chavez Jr., Andy Ruiz, Tyson Fury, Clifford Etienne, Chisora, Riddick Bowe, DeGale, Maidana, etc... are just depressing.

Best in shape guys these days that appear non-steroidal are Mayweather Jr., Bryant Jennings and GGG.

But, Pac, Mosely, Wilder, etc.... look roided up man.
Its always puzzled me. All this talk abound the inroads and changes/improvements made to the sport and athletes. Like what?

Nutrition. An overblown lump of coal. Designed more around effective weight loss and stability then to the engine.
17 divisions instead of 8- Claimed to be a counter to the size disparity of the species but in reality it was to increase sanctioning fee collections and give fighters in many cases an unfair weight advantage.
Day before weigh ins- This allows the 17 divisions to operate as intended and the weight cheats to operate with impunity. People showing up 20 or 30 pounds heavier then their weight class the night of the fight is bullshit plain and simple.
Better training and science- Another crock. The same training that worked then works now and all the technology and fancy devices are window dressing and that's why most fighters that have success use the same methods from past eras.
More belts-The theory....to long a waiting list for those waiting for a shot. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. What has it actually done? Its watered down a drenched system to the point of root rot. There are more titles then worthy champions.
Activity level-What activity level? With few exceptions maybe a fight or two a year with a bunch of crying about where and whose name appears first on the banner.
Technique-All show no go.
The primadonna effect- There are more in boxing then the freakin music industry.
Fuel consumption-Why is it all of these guys are gassed by round 6? Could it be because of those things mentioned above?

To be clear I still love the sport but its things like the British and Mexican domestic scenes that keep me captivated these days. It seems once a fighter has an ounce of success it all changes. The same kind of work ethic and desire to get there leaves once you arrive.