Amateur vs. Professional boxing…

Kevin Schofield: I ask you: how can you keep a straight face when protesting the judging in a so-called “sport” where the main goal is to beat your opponent unconscious?

The problem with Kevin’s comment is that this isn’t what amateur boxing is about. Amateur boxing is about technique and dominance. Do knockouts happen? Yes. But the rules are designed to protect boxers as much as possible. It’s about being better than your opponent, not hurting them.

It’s when they turn pro that the bread and circuses come out. Pro boxing is an abomination, but one with a long history.

But don’t think that they’re the same, just because they use the same equipment.

it’s legalized assault, and it’s glorified violence

so is wrestling, judo, american football, the way the NBA plays basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, water polo (watch the under water cameras, or try playing it yourself)… And pretty much any sport where you’re competing against others directly instead of against other performances.

Put two people in a ring against one another, and guess what? conflict happens. that’s human nature. Been that way since two bored cavemen picked up sticks next to the fire and beat on each other to see who was sleeping with the sheep that night.

You might also want to read:

1. Today’s Shared Links for March 3, 2011 Photo Editing 101 – Surviving the Tidal Wave of Data Boxing clever...
2. Naturography: Professional Nature Photography: The Price of Admission Naturography: Professional Nature Photography: The Price of Admission: Lots of people want to be professional photographers. Making a living expressing your creative vision can be...
3. More on the economics of professional sports teams.. As kind of a follow up on the Sonics to San Jose thread…. First, a nice piece summarizing the current state of disorder up in...