quick question

[mrbig1]

why do American Champion fight well past their prime and retire with nothing. European fight doesn't fight past their prime and have money in their pocket. I've been watching boxing for over 60 years. Please tell me why. Peace.

[TitoFan]

Interesting question you pose. Although I had never seen it as an American/European distinction, you do have a point. I've always seen another distinction, and that's heavyweights vs the lower weights. Heavyweights tend to hang on too long, relying on their power which is the last thing to go. Smaller fighters just can't compete with the speed they no longer have. The biggest factors are obviously money, addiction to the adulation, and the stubborn self-belief that you can still do it. Add to that the examples provided by others in the profession... and you've got the perfect recipe for over-the-hill fighters hanging on too long.

Obviously there have been some well-known exceptions to the distinction you posed on both sides of the pond.

[Spicoli]

Wonder if in the past it had much to do with larger more visible markets. That's obviously no longer the case but up until a number of years ago the two biggest platforms in boxing were stateside with many cards to fill on lesser networks. Back in the day entire franchises and spotlight were featuring the loooong comeback number 101 of so many former top stars, Duran, Camacho, Holmes, Foreman etc. Also tbh it seems in our nature to burn thru earnings, especially younger fighters with not much focus on 'life after boxing'. Might be more of a societal thing but also not to up to date on life in Europe for boxers outside the ring.

[Master]

I do not think it is an American thing. A lot of boxers end up broke regardless of their nationality.

European boxers traditionally made a lot of money because they hid in their countries and defended their second rate titles. Top fighters would generally have to go to US to earn big money.

Astute boxers should have the right teams that invest their money wisely but even then some end of broke because they cheat on their wives and have children all over the place.