Quote Originally Posted by TitoFan View Post
Good points all. But consider the following: A country like Mexico does not have a world-class amateur program, but is very successful in the pro ranks. Over here in Puerto Rico, we go through the same cycle every Olympics. We have several, very young, excellent prospects. But because they're young and comparatively inexperienced, we rarely medal. Then, for the next Games... these fighters have already turned pro... and we're back to a new crop of young, inexperienced prospects. Puerto Rico also has a great history in the pro ranks.

By contrast, you have some European countries who excel in the amateurs, and rake up the Olympic medals. Why? Because their boxers stay amateur into their 30's. And they become experts at the Olympic style of boxing, which rewards contact frequency rather than punch effectiveness. But these same countries then have few world champions in the pro ranks.

Apparently you can't have your cake and eat it too. I think it's a bit more complicated than just overhauling the amateur program.

Although on the other hand, and in favor of the point you make..... if you invest heavily in the amateur program.... just by the sheer increase in numbers (of boxers).... the probability of "the next great hope" emerging would certainly go up.
I agree with you on the fact that an 'Olympic style' of boxing rewards high arm punch output rather than effective punching and also that most European medalists are in their late 20's - early 30's. There's one thing though, in terms of pure technique and angle you'd have to agree that a deep background in the amateurs helps.

You make another good point in regards to mexico. As far as I understand it, there's quite a few boxing gym rivalries and also most boxers don't come from middle class or upper class backgrounds. It is not a sport that a son of a doctor or a lawyer would have a tendency to gravitate towards. That being the case and the GDP/head of Mexicans is lower than Americans.

More people perhaps seeing success in boxing as a way to move up the social ladder? This I don't honestly know but I would guess is the reason why.