I think that part of the problem is the number of different world champions in each weight class and the lack of any consistently good match ups. Back in the day it didnt seem like the most popular fighters took so many "tune ups". And it seemed like they did fought the other top boxers of the day more often.

I think that it is weird thou, that people will complain about the violence that boxing is, but then they will watch the violent shows that are on the TV and not complain about that violence.