Total-Boxing Blog

With the Super Six tournament set to kick off tonight, the boxing world asks itself if this league and tournament format is the future for each weight division in boxing? A number of factors come into play, and many implications could make this competition format problematic. The following paragraphs consider just some of the factors, both positive and negative that the Super Six Tournament throws up and concludes just whether or not we have a boxing revolution on our hands.

Promotors

As we all know, promoters are somewhat of a controversial bunch. Its up to them to get their fighters opponents, to promote the event, to hype up their men and to ultimately make them rich and famous in boxing circles. Promoters are seen as ruthless, and money hungry. They protect their fighters from dangerous opponents, and con the general public into thinking their fighter is indeed taking massive risks against their “hand picked” foe.

In the case of the Super Six, the promoters have got to be applauded. They were most likely the first people to be asked about the potential format, and I am sure you can think of one or two opponents who would have given a stright “no” in response. The promoters involved with the six fighters all took the sugestion to their men, who in turn agreed to it.

Should this tournament work, many other boxers will be encouraged to compete in a similar style arrangement in their respective weight division. More and more pressure could be forced upon promoters by the boxers themselves to allow them into these events and even risk a precious no loss record.

Unbeaten Records

Unbeaten records are somewhat of a mixed bag in regards to their importance. We are however seeing more and more fighters undefeated, which in turn aids in their hype and time and again is used in the build up to fights. It is very much plausible for fighters these days to end their careers without a blemish on their records, due to the limited number of fights their take in a year. A seasoned fighter will retire with about 40ish fights to their name. A few decades ago, fighter were retiring with fight numbers into their hundreds and even two hundreds. Ultimately, somewhere down the line, they would taste defeat. But so what? It isn’t the end of them, they can come back and prove their worth.

The Super Six Tournament brings together not necesarily the top 6 fighters in the division, but 6 fighters with a good shout of being number one in that super-middleweight division. There are 4 fighters in the tournament with no losses, and they are risking losing that so called precious record. It is admirable that these guys are throwing it all on the line, risking their 0’s but ultimately believing in their own abilities to come out unscathed.

The future is sure to test both boxers and promoters alike in risking their precious records in order to stake a claim to be nmumber one in their division, which is what every boxer is dreaming about. No nonesense avoiding dangerous opponents, get in the ring and prove your worth.

Injuries

Injuries blight many fights, and 2009 has seen more than the average amount of fights cancelled or delayed due to injuries. This, in a tournament format can cause some serious problems. The very nature of the tournament means it will take a long time to complete anyway. As previously mentioned, boxers don’t have many fights a year. At the top level, they generally have 3 fights a year, at a push. Should an injury occur and the bout be pushed back a few months, the boxers won’t be ready for another fight for 4-6 months later, when their opponent will probably be scheduled to fight 2 months prior as originally scheduled. Delays could push the tournament to last much longer than originally planned. What more, a fighter may have to retire or take extended leave for more serious injuries.

Time Scales

Previously mentioned in this article, with the limited times boxers fight each year, add to that potential injuries, the league and tournament is set to last up to two years. Boxers could be put off by this, expecially if they wish to fight more frequently. While boxers in the super six can take on other opponents between their tournament fights, it isn’t likely they will take on anyone too dangerous. Aother prospects may prefer to take 6 risky fights in a year to work their way up the ladder of the division.

Top Divison Names

Relating to the above topic, these tournaments may not always include the biggest names in the division. The super middleweight division is packed with decent fighters, all of which are in with a punt as the top dog. While the super six includes 4 top names and 2 top prospects, the exclusion of some names such as Lucian Bute could dent hopes of the winner claiming to be the genuine number one in the division. Yet having more than 6 fighters involved means more time for the tournament to be compeleted.

After the event

Once the tournament is over and a winner is declared. He can stake claim to be the top guy in his division. But will he then in turn not allow his competitors in the tournament have anymore shots at him titles should he hold any? There could be alot of politics in the aftermath of the tournament and it could potentially damage a number of boxers’ credentials.

Is the Super Six Tournament the way Forward?

While this revolutionary event is generating heatwaves in boxing circles and seems like a genuine way to get the best boxers in the division to fight each other, it can come with its problems and this observer doesn’t see it all going smoothly.

It does have to be applauded though, and some major things have been overcome. Things like fighters risking their no loss records and the pay cut each fighter generates arranged. These are usually critical factors which decide if a fight is to go ahead or not.

The participants of the tournament could just have started something new here and it is genuinely an exciting prospect for this exciting division. But could it really be the way forward for the other divisions? Have your say!

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