What happened to in-fighting?

Yeah that definitely applies to him now more than a few years ago.

Now that he's slowed down he's WAY more watchable and less stinky, and though he's always been a very good infighter, it's simply displayed more now that he is less mobile.

 

Honestly, I don't think thats it. Everybody who puts on a set of gloves knows that getting hit comes with the territory.

I think it has more to do with the fact that we have alot of "athletic" fighters now who are relying on flashy moves in the ring and are not being TRAINED on how to infight or defend properly. Hell, they're not even throwing punches properly alot of times. So much sloppiness in technique, no accuracy, no power.

There's just not that many good trainers out there anymore. Plus the referees constantly breaking up the action doesn't exactly encourage fighters to fight inside.

 

I agree with your points, but do you really think balls has nothing to do with it?

I agree getting hit comes with the territory, and any pro fighter has some balls of course.

But there is no denying that fighters these days are more safety first and pussified than before, there's more stink than ever, more holding and avoiding exchanges as much as possible.

But with infighting you really are putting yourself in harm's way more than any style, but of course with the potential to do a lot of damage yourself.

I think it's probably 50% what you describe, style over substance, "afleets" etc, and 50% that fighting inside and taking chances in the ring isn't part of the mental makeup of fighters these days.

 

I think it's a lot easier to show balls when you know what you're doing.

 

You read my mind :rock1:

 

I've come to a final decision on this one after watching a bunch of fights with the question in mind - it's definitely refereeing.

 

No way, has refereeing changed that much? You think refereeing has had so much influence it's essentially discouraged fighters from fighting on the inside?

One argument against this is that holding is more prevalent than ever. If referees broke the action a lot, surely that would cut down on holding as much as infighting?

 

IMO, what would cut back on holding is stern verbal warnings and the odd slapped down arm. Then the action resumes at close range. Think Khan-Peterson. As is the holdee gets exactly what they want (the action to resume at long range) - and usually nearly instantly. Joe Cortez is particularly awful

 

it's not just refereeing... it's the influence of the AM game, as well

 

and the jews

 

Ronaldo knows :bears:::

 

goes without saying

 

:laughing: