The relationship between boxing and MMA is reminiscent to another in the sports world: the one between Formula One and NASCAR. The two are the two most popular and beloved track-based motorsports in the world, but yet are complete polar opposites - the the chalk and cheese of motorsports.
A siimilar relationship is shared by boxing and MMA in the combat sports world - a world where fans often debate which sport is superior once the rubber meets the road.
(The full parallel between the sports can be saved for another article, although one might think Formula One would be the “sweet science” while NASCAR is akin to the world of mixed martial arts.)
Formula One racing is held in high esteem throughout the world as the greatest form of motorsports on the planet. Aficionados get a kick out of analyzing the fuel-corrected qualifying times while the romantic’s heart beats faster at the thought of the G forces in the cockpit.
NASCAR fans will counter that, while not a perfect sport, when it comes to competition, entertainment and fighting, NASCAR is simply better.
One thing is fairly certain: fans of both will never see an event that features a race with F1 cars followed by a race which features modified stock cars. The logistics alone would be a nightmare, although the potential fights between pit crews just might be worth it.
This Saturday night, the world of combat sports will get its first real taste of what boxing and MMA will look like on the same fight card. Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. may not be ready to sport four-ounce gloves himself, but he is eager to promote the fighters who do.
“March Badness” will feature Jones Jr. in his latest homecoming fight, a light heavyweight tilt against the always tough Omar Sheika. The event will take place in Jones' backyard at the Pensacola Civic Center and will air on pay-per-view for a modest $29.95.
Headlining the MMA portion of the card will be a fight between former IFL and EliteXC alum Roy Nelson and former UFC menace and anarchist Jeff Monson.
Also featured is former WWE star Bobby Lashley taking on Jason Guida, a late replacement for Ken Shamrock, who was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for steroid use.
Reading through recent interview clippings, Jones’ mission is clear: to "bring together" the two combat sports. Whether or not this united we stand, divided we fall mantra lifts the sport to unprecedented heights remains to be seen, we all know that seeing is believing...or is it?
Whether or not hardcore or mainstream fans buy into the cross-promoting concept will quickly determine its financial fate.
The hybrid MMA/boxing fan remains a rare bird in the world of combat sports and this event will likely be a tough sell for those who have strong allegiance to one religion or the other.
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