Boxing: The Sport Where the Past Outshines the Present

Boxing is a unique sport where the athletes of the past are considered superior to the athletes of today. While most sports see improvements in athleticism and performance over time, boxing seems to defy this trend. Mike Silver, a renowned boxing expert and author of 'The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science', argues that boxers from the past had an edge over modern boxers due to factors like experience, craftsmanship, and technique. The abundance of weight classes in boxing provides a better comparison of performance across eras, as fighters of the same weight can be compared. Even in the heavyweight division, where size differences exist, the past fighters have proven their ability to defeat larger opponents. Silver also highlights how the sport has evolved, with modern boxing becoming more brutal and lacking the artistry and skill of the past. The emphasis on knockouts and power has diminished the beauty and technique that once characterized the sport. Experts and former fighters also point out the importance of experience and intangible qualities like mental toughness and craftsmanship that were more prevalent in the past. Overall, boxing stands out as the sport where the athletes of the past shine brighter than those of the present.