Quote Originally Posted by VanChilds
Ok Sequitorian, thats a post that I can respectfully disagree with. I don't know why boxing has had such a slide in America. I think the Alphabet Orgs with their proliferation of belts, BS mandatory defenses and shoddy rankings combined with very few good fights on free TV have turned off many American sports fans. This in turn has hurt boxing at its grass roots which is the neighborhood gyms and amateur program. MA has such a wide variety with something that can appeal to everyone. Every thing from "family friendly" TKD to hardcore Muay Thai. I'll agree to certain extent that there has been, for lack of a better term, a "pussification" of America. American parents don't really want to see their kids getting punched in the face. But I think its quite a leap in reasoning to suggest that the downturn of boxing and influx of other combat sports is a strong reason behind problems in America. I really can't comment on your beliefs about Eastern Philosophy. I just think its wrong. MMA does not appeal to alot of people especially old school boxing fans, but its top competitiors are typically world class atheletes that bring everything they got every night.
Well said. CC

I sort of see what Sequitorian is saying with the culture/boxing relationship, but I have to disagree with -

"Something was being lost and that something is inextricably tied to the influences of Eastern Philosophy and the decline of Boxing, - and the lessons that Boxing brought out of the ring, into the street, and into American culture at large."

I think that some of the cutural issues seep into society as a whole, and show up in unlikely places - like the ring - but I think blaming it on Eastern influences is stretching it a bit.