5 Ways BoxRec Could Change Boxing for the Better

I don't have to tell anybody reading this that boxing is stagnant. The truth is that most of the articles written today are how Pacquiao-Mayweather isn't happening, and how there are too many champions and weight classes.

Meanwhile, the UFC has just signed a contract with Fox Sports to put themselves on network TV.

Boxing is behind the times. Archaic thinking with outdated business models and impractical implementation make it somewhat embarrassing.

One of the few things that has embraced the modern era is BoxRec.

This website has given boxing a new tool, and a place for fans to go to meet up with others who have the same passion.

It is one of the true 21st century improvements boxing has seen and it could go even farther.

I believe that BoxRec could spearhead the change that boxing so desperately needs right now starting with...

Streaming Fights

This is the easiest thing to change. The truth is that most people don't have premium cable. Especially not in this recession. However, most people haven't given up their Internet, and streaming live fights would be a great way to build up the fan base again.

Most of the site's visitors are hardcore fans who will watch any boxing program available by any means necessary. There is no way that pay-per-view fights could be shown, but putting fights on with prospects who are taking their first step-up in competition would be a smart idea. This would help introduce them to the fans, and begin to build a real fan base for them.

The best part is that they wouldn't even have to leave their hometown so they could build a hometown fan base at the same time.

Getting Third Party Promoters and Fighters Famous

Unless a fighter works for Golden Boy Promotions, Top Rank or Al Haymon, they don't stand much of a chance of getting on HBO or any other network.

BoxRec could change this. Fans on the forums and the site itself usually trumpet names that the casual fans don't know about.

Never heard of Roman Gonzalez? BoxRec has. The young man who was mentored by Alexis Arguello and and seems to blow his opponents away is setting the Internet abuzz. A fight between him and Giovanni Segura would be exciting, but because average fans and network executives don't know about it, we won't see it.

If BoxRec had more pull, this might be something we see as an opening bout on an HBO triple-header or an ESPN2 main event.

People like Kathy Duva of Main Event Promotions or Joe Deguardia of Star Boxing might also get a chance to shine if they were given some of those big money dates. However, most of the suit and tie types haven't heard of any of them and don't know enough to make an informed decision.

BoxRec and the fans that populate it have, though, and even if the fighters and fights they put forth aren't HBO main event types, it might still help shake up the status quo.

Stopping Certain Fights from Happening

It is honestly sad that this even needs to be a slide, but it does. The fact that fights and rematches are made that nobody wants to see and no one watches is sad. The amount of money paid to see them happen is inexcusable.

Most people who run boxing programs should know which fighters and fights to run with, but some times they don't.

Boxing fans find themselves frustrated by the ridiculous and idiotic decisions that these people make every day, and the blatant favoritism they seem to show.

Getting BoxRec involved with the decision on what shouldn't be on television would be step towards improving it.

Changing How Boxing Is Marketed

ESPN's major sponsor for their fights is Just For Men. That tells you just what demographic boxing holds. It doesn't mean that it isn't an important part of the audience, but it does mean that it might be time to change how things are done.

Boxing seems to have a phobia about Twitter, Facebook and anything else related to the 21st century.

BoxRec is one of the first things to break through that barrier and make it into daily use. If they could somehow incorporate these other Internet mediums, it might help make boxing relevant again.

While that might make some of you wince, it is the truth, and boxing fans need to accept it before our sport gets buried.

Making a Champion

Follow me on this one. I realize that their rankings are messed up sometimes, but is anyone else's any better?

I believe that because they have computerized rankings that it would help to clarify the divisions and who is the best.

They don't have anyone who would make money off of sanctioning fees which would mean less favoritism for certain fighters.

BoxRec staffers and fans also come from all over the world so there would be a lack of favoritism for certain fighters such as the case with the WBC stripping Sergio Martinez so that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. can win a belt.

One champion per division and rankings that are explained. It seems to make the most sense.

Things Change

Nothing stays the same and time is constantly moving forward.

Boxing seems to want to live in years past, but it's the present and things will only keep moving forward. BoxRec is the future of boxing, and I believe something that can transform and save boxing if those who have power are willing to let it happen.

Boxing needs to change, and BoxRec could be that future.

That is if boxing decides it wants to have a future.