Am I the only one that is noticing that in the "2012 London Olympics" news about boxing has been virtually scrubbed from the coverage and excitement (from an American perspective)?
While track & field, swimming, gymnastics, basketball and cycling have all gotten substantial coverage - boxing has been displaced to the second or third rung.
In the past a gold metal in the Olympics translated into a promising professional boxing career.
Wikipedia: Olympic Boxing Champions - 1904 to 2008
- Pernell Whitaker
- Oscar De La Hoya
- Michael Spinks
- Cassius Clay
- Leon Spinks
- Evander Holyfield
- Joe Fraizer
- George Foreman
- Tyrell Biggs
- Riddick Bowe
The Wikipedia list of Olympic champions shows that the USA does not dominate boxing.
There appears to be a "chicken in the egg" syndrome going on. The lack of top ranked talent coming out of the Olympics from America depresses the hype around boxing back at home in America. Fewer young people venture into boxing to replenish the "farm system" with new talent. Thus the cycle continues.
The "Mike Tyson Economy" easily created over a billion dollars in direct and secondary economic activities over the years that he was active. (House parties, Pay Per view, Sports Bars, t-shirts, Vegas gambling, etc). The sport of boxing needs several money makers in the various weight classes to enable it to return to its former glory.
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