Boxing will always be the number 1 fighting sport in our lifetimes and way beyond that.

You cannot change the course of history and the fact that its one of the few if not only sports that is performed the entire world over.

Attractions like khan-barrera, hatton-pacquiao are always going to be huge for the respective countrys the fighters are from because of the magnitude of what the fight represents.

The sport is suffering a downturn in american talent right now due to many reasons a lot of which are down to many decent heavyweight prospects choosing a lucrative NFL career rather than the up and down risks you get with a business like boxing.

We dont have tysons, ali`s, fraziers, prince naseems or mayweathers just now - but its only a matter of time until those characters return in newer fresher forms.

As for UFC/MMA its a great combat sport and a lot of fun but it doesnt and never will have the history and recognition boxing has. Beside outside of the USA the sport is virtually non-existent other than those hardcore fans who follow the sport religiously to the common man it doesnt represent any interest like the sport of boxing will.