Why is boxing such an appealing sport to some people?

[SaltBoy]

I've been reading over the past couple of days about the controversy of "Sugar" Shane Mosley's win over Oscar de La Hoya.

I got to thinking as a result -- why is boxing such a big deal? Why is there so much prestige, glitz, and pomp over two men hitting each other? Why is it a big deal when a celebrity shows up in the ringside seats? Why are people across America willing to pay $49.99 to watch a match on TV when they could pay to watch other, more entertaining -- and complex -- sports events LIVE for the same amount?

I hate pro-wrestling, but I guess I can understand people watching it for the sheer ridiculous redneck entertainment it provides. Boxing, however, is a mystery to me. I don't get boxing. Do you?

 

Violence, it's human nature to see someone get the crap beat out of them

 

[SaltBoy]

Originally posted by: Roger
Violence, it's human nature to see someone get the crap beat out of them

I'd watch football, rugby, or lacrosse for that.

 

[Sid59]

i'd rather watch boxing than watching people run though terrain, on the streets or on a track.

I don't understand why people wanna watch people run.

 

That takes time, with boxing, POW

 

[damiano]

Originally posted by: Sid59
i'd rather watch boxing than watching people run though terrain, on the streets or on a track.

I don't understand why people wanna watch people run.

haha good answer
sometimes they run after a ball
fighting is much cooler to watch that running
i agree

 

[spidey07]

Anytime there is a possibility of physical harm and getting to watch the replay over and over again is a good thing.

Hence why sports are fun to watch.

Watch some of the "wreck" spots on "extreme" sports and you'll understand why. Its just so enjoyable.

 

[Codewiz]

Very simple. Two guys and their fists. I like seeing who is the best fighter.

 

[BigSmooth]

You think boxing is an appealing sport now? Try going back 25, 50 or even 100 years. Boxing was far more popular at one time and a much bigger part of our culture. It's increasingly looked at as too brutal and corrupt so it continues to decline in popularity.

Roger's point about human nature is true. Another reason people like to watch boxing is because there can actually be a lot of strategy involved (some call boxing the "sweet science") and the physically strongest person does not always win. There is also the fact that boxing is very intense and exciting, and even someone who is losing badly can win in the last round with one good punch.

 

[StageLeft]

It's more niteresting than that garbage football, baseball, etc.