Woo hoo first post! Thanks for havin me!

First of all after reading the posts in this thread I've learned that one's opinion in sports is as adamant and sometimes as ignorant of facts as politics and religion.

That being said, I'm a huge MMA fan and watch boxing when its free on HBO in between PRIDE and UFC pay-per-views. Most MMA fans, including myself, are willing to play Devil's Advocate and look at both sides of the coin. They are 2 different sports and even though I'm not a huge supporter of boxing I respect the boxers and their fans. Myself being a MMA fan, I've heard nothing but criticism or immediate aggression from boxing fans and promoters alike. Usually when you go into a debate that way its a sign of desperation, maybe like you have something to prove? I myself respect all professional athletes who do what they love, and I would expect true fans of any sport to do the same. Oh well.

In retrospect, maybe Punisher136 actually does have a valid point. One COULD say that MMA isn't full of athletes, they are FIGHTERS. Its as much realism as a sport. And thats why its becoming so popular so fast. The young generation used to instant results are finding the much quicker and explosive fights more entertaining than the drawn out 12 rounders with the same defensive maneuvering. There are more fighters, more fights on the cards, and more heart in MMA right now than in boxing. Its really a dynamite attraction that can end in dozens of ways. I really don't have to argue for MMA though, the numbers will do the talking for me.

And thats my 2 cents. I don't mind being flamed so I'll happily be a text punching bag, fire away! It would be fairly easy for me to rip up boxing, but being on your turf on a boxing forum I'll be respectful. Remember though, its going to take a little more than "its crap -- cause I said so" approach to get me to appreciate boxing more. It just makes you, and your sport, look bad.