Where Did This Tradition Go?

[Tony Trick-Pony]

That would be neat to see again. It emphasizes that boxing has roots and tradition.

That's a big advantage over UFC IMO. The tradition boxing has going is like no other sport.

I hope this comes back.

[Viti Ben-Wa]

I used to really enjoy that when I was young and watching syndicated fights from Madison Square Garden. Joe Louis would almost always get the biggest applause. It was cool watching them wish good luck to both corners.

Not only cool, but classy.

[rightsideup]

when Robinson retired I believe he had a farewell where the each man he won the title from ,CB, randy turpin, fullmer and possibly bobo olsen were in each corner apparently lamotta was not invited because of his throwing of the fight incident. this was a great tradition.

[- Ram Raid -]

I'd hazard a guess that it became less plausible time wise when fighters began to be gloved and warmed up before entering the ring rather than lacing them up after they'd stepped through the ropes. It was usually when the combatants were having their gloves put in that the ex champions would enter and take a bow.

With that said I recall Ali entering the ring before the Tyson vs Holmes bout so that would contradict my above stab in the dark.

[rightsideup]

i remember reading that ali got a incredible ovation prior to Duran moore

[- Ram Raid -]

Previous to this apparently is wasn't uncommon for pre-fight challenges to by made by boxers in person or via telegram before the combatants came up to scratch so to speak.

This practice was stopped when the legendary promoter Tex Ricard started to introduce former ring champions before the fight. So we're a little wiser as to where the practise started but not as yet to why it stopped.

[Anthony342]

Yeah, these days, the closes thing we have is when they show a shot of a retired fighter in the crowd during a fight. You see this at UFC events too, sometimes even are interviewed and asked to make a prediction. My guess would be because fans and viewers these days have shorter attention spans and just want to get to the fights already. That's why I tend to wait until I get a recording of a fight and chapter skip right to round 1.

[fanofslug]

Sonny Liston entered the ring to shake hands with Ali and Patterson. I remember Willie Pepp, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson do some pre-fight handshakes. It was good to know you're actually watching a fight some of the greats were watching live, added more interest in the fight for some reason.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Found a great example with the Salvador Sanchez-Wilfredo Gomez fight.

Wilfred Benitez is introduced before the fight and shakes hands with both fighters.

He wasn't retired but still worth noting.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Sonny Liston entered the ring to shake hands with Ali and Patterson. I remember Willie Pepp, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson do some pre-fight handshakes. It was good to know you're actually watching a fight some of the greats were watching live, added more interest in the fight for some reason.

Yes it does.

Celebrates the great boxing tradition.