Has anyone here waffling about "the good old days," one belt, regular title defences, great promoters and perfect "judges" ever researched/read the history of boxing? The only thing that's changed is fighters are far, far more in control of their careers, have more opportunities and much better off. They aren't forced to fight, they choose too, like we choose whether or not to buy/watch.

EVERYTHING is about risk-reward, always has been for every professional fighter.

When facing Tunney, Dempsey hadn't fought in years yet it's The Ring mag upset of the decade. On the morning of the fight he was poisoned by someone in his team, there were huge bets involved, gangsters, missing officials and all round reported shady shit.