The comment sections of boxing articles can be quite entertaining. In some cases, they can even be down-right inspirational to the writer.
This has probably never been more true than it has since the Pacquiao-Mayweather PED and blood testing debate began late last year.
I noticed a comment on a recent article–an article that had absolutely nothing to do with Pacquiao or Mayweather. Their names were not mentioned in the entire text of the piece.
It doesn’t matter. In comment sections of boxing articles, all discussions lead to Pacquiao and Mayweather.
In this particular comment section, “Guest” felt compelled to type out the following statement:
“Boxing is dead if Pacman retires.”
The comment is laughable to say the least. Could “Guest” actually believe such nonsense?
It wouldn’t be worth repeating, not to mention basing an entire article on, but the thing is; I’ve seen this very same sentiment repeated time and time again.
As a boxing writer and as a fan of the Sweet Science, I appreciate what Manny Pacquiao has contributed to the sport as much as anyone. The guy has attracted untold scores of new followers, racked up an impressive stack of awards and accomplishments, and is one of the most exciting fighters on the planet. But Manny Pacquiao did not give birth to boxing, nor will his retirement be the death of it.
Just how much of an effect will Pacquiao’s retirement have on the sport?
I asked the opinions of some local fans on the topic.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (AP Photo)
Dale Pippin of Seligman has been a boxing fan for over 30 years.
“I’m a fan of Pacquiao, Mayweather and boxing in general,” Pippin said. “Boxing won’t die when Pacquiao and Mayweather retire. At least not for me because I’m a fan of the sport. I’m not just a fan of one fighter.”
Michael Mayo of Springdale is involved in the sport as a boxing photographer.
“I love to watch Pacquiao fight, but I loved boxing long before Pacquiao every came around,” Mayo said. “It’s true that Pacquiao has been really good for the sport, but some people are just fans of Pacquiao, not boxing. Pacquiao isn’t the first great boxer, and he won’t be the last. Other great fighters will come along.”
It should come as no surprise that some die-hard Mayweather fans have been making the same statement about their hero.
An actual topic on a popular boxing forum began with this statement:
“Boxing is dead without Floyd Mayweather Jr.”
This was actually followed by an entire discussion of the point.
