What does nationalism have to do with boxing?

[Gocougars3]

When I read the responses to Haye's disgraceful performance from so many of the Brits on this board, I am surprised to see how much nationalism plays a part in partisanship. If you objectively appreciate a fighter's skills and courage, why do you care where he was born? If a fighter lays down, even if he was born down the street from you, don't make excuses.

"Haye proved things", "Haye deserves a rematch". What are you talking about? Billy Conn-Joe Louis is an example of a great small man courageously trying to beat a great big man. This was a fiasco.

And another thing, men are bigger than we used to be; we need a legitimate 200-225 division.

[TitoFan]

When I read the responses to Haye's disgraceful performance from so many of the Brits on this board, I am surprised to see how much nationalism plays a part in partisanship. If you objectively appreciate a fighter's skills and courage, why do you care where he was born? If a fighter lays down, even if he was born down the street from you, don't make excuses.

"Haye proved things", "Haye deserves a rematch". What are you talking about? Billy Conn-Joe Louis is an example of a great small man courageously trying to beat a great big man. This was a fiasco.

And another thing, men are bigger than we used to be; we need a legitimate 200-225 division.

Have your first cool click. A newbie..... talking sense to some old veterans who should know better. And yeah.... the arguments tend to fall along nationalistic lines (with some notable exceptions). Hence the term "blind fan".

[Gandalf]

Seems some of those that said he was going to win aren't happy to concede anything and so the excuses come in. As a Brit I have no issues with saying Haye proved himself no better and probably worse than other Wlad opponents. Haye proved that he could dance and survive and he also proved that it has all been talk. I struggle to see a way back for him, his reputation which is built on 2 years of nonsense is shattered. Everyone is laughing at him.

[Gocougars3]

Here is what a courageous small man against a great big man can be.

http://youtu.be/-FQFuLoVpQw

[tysonesque]

I agree with the OP.

I am British and I wanted Haye to lose. I didn't like him before the fight and I like him even less now. He was an embarrassment and should hang his head in shame after the way he's been behaving since beating Valuev. He had it coming and I'm glad he's been put in his place at last.

Makes no difference to me where a fighter is from, which is just as well because most British fighters are shit!

I like fighters who are exciting and get on with it like Tyson, Hagler, Hearns, Pac Man, Hatton, Nigel Benn back in the day etc etc etc.

[Kev]

I agree with the OP.

I am British and I wanted Haye to lose. I didn't like him before the fight and I like him even less now. He was an embarrassment and should hang his head in shame after the way he's been behaving since beating Valuev. He had it coming and I'm glad he's been put in his place at last.

Makes no difference to me where a fighter is from, which is just as well because most British fighters are shit!

I like fighters who are exciting and get on with it like Tyson, Hagler, Hearns, Pac Man, Hatton, Nigel Benn back in the day etc etc etc.

You do realise you are actually disagreeing with his point here?

He's basically saying that British fans are blinded by their patriotic fervour for their fighters and so make excuses but you are proving the exact opposite.

It has nothing to do with nationalism. You are British and you thought Haye was a cunt too. As did I, and I'm another Brit.

So two Brits were both willing Wlad to knock out 'our' man.

Why do you agree with his post again?

[tysonesque]

The original poster says he doesn't understand why British posters are backing Haye. Read it again.

"When I read the responses to Haye's disgraceful performance from so many of the Brits on this board, I am surprised to see how much nationalism plays a part in partisanship. If you objectively appreciate a fighter's skills and courage, why do you care where he was born? If a fighter lays down, even if he was born down the street from you, don't make excuses."

He says he's surprised how much nationalism plays a part in people supporting a fighter, such as Brits making excuses for Haye.

I agree with him because, although I am not one of them, there are a lot of Brits making excuses for Haye and supporting him for no other reason than because he is British.

[Kev]

What British posters are backing Haye? Most of us wanted to see him get knocked out.

It had nothing to do with nationalism.

Some people hate Wlad for his style, others hate Haye for his mouth.

Those were lines this fight was divided along.

[BIG H]

When I read the responses to Haye's disgraceful performance from so many of the Brits on this board, I am surprised to see how much nationalism plays a part in partisanship. If you objectively appreciate a fighter's skills and courage, why do you care where he was born? If a fighter lays down, even if he was born down the street from you, don't make excuses.

"Haye proved things", "Haye deserves a rematch". What are you talking about? Billy Conn-Joe Louis is an example of a great small man courageously trying to beat a great big man. This was a fiasco.

And another thing, men are bigger than we used to be; we need a legitimate 200-225 division.

I objectively appreciate lots of fighters skills from different countries, but I will ALWAYS (unless it's Audley Harrison) want the British guy to win. That is Patriotism!!!
I am still objective about the skilss and chances of winning of British fighters though. E.g I have consistantly said I think Haye is shite for the past 8 years and I think his fights against Valuev and Wlad were absolute fooking poop!! I still wanted him to win though