Boxing has been a sport that has been around for centuries. It has always been a sport that has been defined by its champions, with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Mike Tyson all being household names. However, in recent years, boxing has been in decline. This decline can be attributed to the inception of multiple sanctioning bodies in the sport.
Sanctioning bodies are essentially organizations that are responsible for ranking fighters and arranging fights. The problem with sanctioning bodies is that there are multiple ones in the sport of boxing. This means that there are multiple rankings, multiple belts, and multiple champions. This has led to confusion among fans and has made it difficult for the sport to maintain its integrity.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the inception of multiple sanctioning bodies in boxing and how it has led to the downfall of the sport.
The Beginnings of Sanctioning Bodies in Boxing
Sanctioning bodies in boxing first began in the early 20th century. The National Boxing Association (NBA) was the first sanctioning body, and it was responsible for ranking fighters and arranging fights. The NBA was later renamed the World Boxing Association (WBA) and is still one of the major sanctioning bodies in the sport today.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) was established in 1963, and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) was established in 1983. These two organizations joined the WBA as the major sanctioning bodies in the sport of boxing.
The Problem with Multiple Sanctioning Bodies
The problem with multiple sanctioning bodies in boxing is that it leads to confusion among fans. There are multiple rankings, multiple belts, and multiple champions. This makes it difficult for fans to understand who the best fighters are and who the true champions are.
For example, there are currently four major sanctioning bodies in boxing: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and World Boxing Organization (WBO). Each of these organizations has its own rankings, its own belt, and its own champion. This means that there can be multiple champions in the same weight class.
This confusion has led to a lack of interest in the sport. Fans have become disillusioned with boxing and have turned to other combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA). MMA has a single sanctioning body, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which makes it easier for fans to follow and understand.
The Corruption of Sanctioning Bodies
Another problem with multiple sanctioning bodies in boxing is the corruption that can occur. Each sanctioning body is responsible for ranking fighters and arranging fights. This means that they have a lot of power and influence in the sport.
Unfortunately, this power and influence can be abused. Sanctioning bodies can be bribed to rank certain fighters higher or to arrange fights between certain fighters. This has led to many controversial decisions in the sport of boxing.
In 1999, the IBF was embroiled in a major scandal when it was revealed that they had accepted bribes to rank certain fighters higher. The scandal led to the resignation of several high-ranking IBF officials and damaged the reputation of the organization.
The WBC has also been accused of corruption. In 2017, the organization was criticized for allowing Floyd Mayweather, 49-0 at the time of the bout, to fight Conor McGregor, 0-0 at the time of the bout, for their franchise super welterweight belt. Mayweather had not fought in the weight class for over a decade, and McGregor had never fought in a professional boxing match. Many fans felt that the WBC had allowed the fight to happen for financial gain.
The Impact on the Sport
The impact of multiple sanctioning bodies in boxing has been significant. The confusion and corruption have damaged the reputation of the sport and have led to a decline in interest from fans.
Boxing used to be one of the most popular sports in the world. However, in recent years, it has been overtaken by other combat sports such as MMA. MMA has a single sanctioning body, which makes it easier for fans to follow and understand.
The decline of boxing has also had an impact on the fighters. The sport used to be a way for fighters to make a name for themselves and earn a good living. However, with the decline in interest, it has become more difficult for fighters to make a living.
The governance of multiple sanctioning bodies in boxing has led to the downfall of the sport. The confusion and corruption that come with multiple sanctioning bodies have damaged the reputation of the sport and have led to a decline in interest from fans.
Boxing used to be one of the most popular sports in the world, but it has been overtaken by other combat sports such as MMA. MMA has a single sanctioning body, which makes it easier for fans to follow and understand.
The sport of boxing needs to take action to address the problem of multiple sanctioning bodies. This may involve the creation of a single sanctioning body or the regulation of existing sanctioning bodies. Whatever the solution, it is clear that something needs to be done to save the sport of boxing from further decline.
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