Why We Accept Boxing Broken

It is something intrinsic.

Something primal and savage and animalistic that burns deep within every one of us, without exception.

It speaks to us through deafening silence, from a quiet place as the chaos unfolds.

It is this nearly unexplainable inherent quality that captivates us, that speaks to us on some higher plane.

And for this reason, despite all the poor judging, inept referees, full-scale riots, quarreling promoters, postponements and the like, still we love the Sweet Science.

There is no secret there is something terribly wrong with professional boxing, from the appalling sanctioning bodies, to the overabundance of champions, to the core issue of non-existent central authority. But we as fans soldier on with limitless patience, evangelizing to the non-believers, baptizing the casual masses in the names of Gatti-Ward, Vazquez-Marquez, and Corrales-Castillo.

We can accept the sport we love is flawed, even broken. But we cannot believe the heresy being regurgitated time and again, that “boxing is dead.” A wounded animal attacks when cornered and often comes back stronger. When boxing was on supposed life support after Sugar Ray Leonard walked away, Oscar De La Hoya was there to pick up the torch. When the Golden Boy started throwing promotional punches full-time, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather were primed and ready to carry the banner. And when the current kings are ready to move on, there are hungry fighters like Donaire, Ward, and Rios waiting in the wings; signs of life couldn't be more evident.

Like an addict with a moment of clarity, we know the risks of using, but the yearning overcomes us. Our mistress calls to us, and drunk with love we chase after her. Boxing is the last remnant of ancient Rome, where a city stood entranced by man-to-man combat. The modern distractions and shortcomings fade away as the Squared-Circle of Truth beckons. Our flames dance and flicker under the bright lights as modern-day gladiators prepare for battle.

No time-outs or substitutions.

No tools and no enhancements.

Coliseum to the core.