History or Today

[El Kabong]

Well, like most boxing fans, I want boxing to continue to thrive for the next 100 years and beyond. I do think there were the so-called "Golden Ages" of boxing, back when the sport was without some of the maddening negatives we have now, such as PEDs, and the failure of the top fighters to meet sometimes (either because of the many alphabet orgs, or through shoddy, greedy promoters). But yeah we can't live in the past and expect the up-and-comers to gain popularity. So although I like the history of boxing, I try to be more enthusiastic about what's happening today.

There were "Golden Eras" but there were also some very filthy people in boxing. People who would make Don King look like a saint. Jim Norris a promoter in the 1950's had Mafia ties for example, and that doesn't even cover when guys like Dempsey were fighting or Johnson or Sullivan. I am certain there was much more filth around back then than there is today & cheating was easier as well.

[Spicoli]

Its a balance now. Before the internet () it was hard to stay current with the exception of weekly shows and papers. You didn't get a chance to 'look beyond' what your were being given where as history had already been written on older fighters so you delved in..there for the picking. Also you certainly did not get exposed to the massive talent over seas like you are today. Today and with the ease of information and more so awesome places like this you have up to the second info and perspective and great insight to keep it ALL current. I think a healthy respect and appreciation for history is a must to get the big picture of today, know where you came from to know where you are going. But not so much that you miss whats right in front of you. Today will be history before ya know it.

I agree, it's easy to be a historian and stay current with what's happing as we speak. The Internet still amazes me every day. Good post, you said it better than I could.
The problem today is filtering the information not gathering it!

Thanks bro. It's a trip, to go from not enough info to almost too much all at once It has changed everything. Long gone are the days of calling a 900 # to get ALL of the results or thumbing through Boxing Illustrated Balance is great. "living" a certain era is where we are all grounded, it makes sense. We build from there.