Mixed martial arts will dominate the future.
Boxing is dying.
Professional wrestling is next to wither.
They’ve heard all the theories on how MMA will ultimately silence boxing and/or professional wrestling.
“Manny Pacquiao fights for $20 million guaranteed,” said Sean Farley, trainer/manager for Lawrence’s pro boxing hopefuls Alexis Santos and Agustine Mauras. “They don’t pay that much money out total to all the fighters in any UFC pay-per-view. As long as there is still that kind of money in boxing, the game will always remain strong.”
Both Mauras and Santos, each of whom is at least relatively young in the pro fight game, remain steadfast that their means of employment is the best and hopefully will be the most lucrative choice that they could make.
The same can be said of aspiring pro wrestling talent Nick Carrozza of Haverhill.
Carrozza grew up following the golden age of wrestling, with the likes of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and so many others, dominating TV screens and pay-per-views. While interest has waned in the game, Carrozza says the pulse of professional wrestling remains strong.
“Wrestling is still wrestling,” said Carrozza, who recently finished his sophomore year at Merrimack College. “You’re talking about an amazing era, a part of history, that will never be duplicated. But the game of pro wrestling is still very strong.”
Indeed, WWE Superstars remain well-paid for their services, with your average star in the high six figures. A championship level entertainer, say like West Newbury’s John Cena, can bring in upwards of $2 million a year.
But there is more to this dream and this drive than money, according to the local combatants.
“There is something about boxing that is special,” said Mauras. “Standing there in front of the other guy in the ring. There is nowhere to run. It’s you and him. And when he hits you, there are no takedowns or whatever. There is a science to it, a skill to it, more than MMA or anything else.”
Carrozza, who currently wrestles under the name/character of Johnny Cromwell, says the rush of having people dangle on your every move will always satiate his drive to be the best.
“It’s just a thrill like no other, stepping through that curtain, hearing that music, and playing to those fans,” he said.
