Where Did This Tradition Go?

[Tony Trick-Pony]

I was watching an old fight the other night and I saw where a former champion entered the ring, shook hands with the fighters and waved to a triumphant ovation from the crowd.

Of course, the tradition even transferred into the movies in Rocky, with Joe Frazier, and Rocky III, with Apollo Creed.

I know this is not for every single fight, but I can't ever remember seeing it happen in this era.

It would be nice to see Roberto Duran climb into the ring and shake hands with the fighters in a lightweight title fight or well, hell, any fight, period.

Of course, lots of the other former champions wouldn't mind doing this. I'm sure they would love every second.

This is a tradition I'd like to see come back.

Of course, I'd also like to see the microphone lowered down to the ring from high above again, but my own crazy nostalgia aside, I think this would be a lot of fun.

[Anthony342]

I agree. I'm guessing sometime after the '70s or early '80s. There was a wrestler in WWE called Ken Kennedy that used to do his own introduction with one of those old school boxing ring announcer microphones, which would even be brought down from the rafters calling himself MISTEEEEEEEEEER KENNNNEDYYYYYYYY...KENNEDY. I wonder how the hell some electricians installed those. I believe the guy continued the tradition in TNA impact as Mr. Anderson.

[Tom Cruise]

Yeah i like that.

Im sure guys like Holmes, Lewis, Holyfield, Tyson etc would love to come out before a HW title fight.

Plus for casuals it helps them realise the significance of the title. "You see these guys you hear so much about/watched when you were little, this fight is for the same title they had."

Much rather this than another **** popstar butchering a couple of national anthems

[The Old LefHook]

Current champs and contenders would probably want performance fees, are signed with rival networks, etc., etc.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

I agree. I'm guessing sometime after the '70s or early '80s. There was a wrestler in WWE called Ken Kennedy that used to do his own introduction with one of those old school boxing ring announcer microphones, which would even be brought down from the rafters calling himself MISTEEEEEEEEEER KENNNNEDYYYYYYYY...KENNEDY. I wonder how the hell some electricians installed those. I believe the guy continued the tradition in TNA impact as Mr. Anderson.

Oh wow. Haha.

I'll look Mr. Kennedy up on YT. Sounds great.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Yeah i like that.

Im sure guys like Holmes, Lewis, Holyfield, Tyson etc would love to come out before a HW title fight.

Plus for casuals it helps them realise the significance of the title. "You see these guys you hear so much about/watched when you were little, this fight is for the same title they had."

Much rather this than another **** popstar butchering a couple of national anthems

I totally agree!

The national anthems take up too much time and are completely unnecessary. We know where you're from and you're proud of it. We get it. This is a fight. Get on with it!

Yes, I think the old greats would enjoy it quite a bit, as would the fans.

And yes. The young boxing fans can see who ruled the sport before and go back and look them up to expand their boxing knowledge, which is sorely needed with some.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Current champs and contenders would probably want performance fees, are signed with rival networks, etc., etc.

Oh I'm sure they would.

I was referring specifically to retired champs and former greats- no one who is active.

[ShoulderRoll]

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

[soul_survivor]

I also miss this tradition, seen it in a lot of older fights. They did it a bit with Lewis coming in for a recent heavyweight fight, can't remember which one it was. Would also be nice seeing leonard, oscar, tito, whitaker etc for welterweight title fights and so on.

[Scott9945]

Oh I'm sure they would.

I was referring specifically to retired champs and former greats- no one who is active.

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.