Hopkins vs. Dawson Results: Disappointing Title Bout Proves Boxing Is Lost

When's the last time you saw an entertaining title bout in boxing?

Crickets.

This is what it's come to in the once-glorious sport of boxing, a 46-year-old falling backward and injuring his shoulder, effectively stopping the light heavyweight championship of the world in the second round.

That's what happened on Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, when referee Pat Russell stopped the fight via TKO after Hopkins apparently was lifted off his feet by foe Chad Dawson and fell backward in slow motion.

It was comical, it was unreal, it was everything we have come to expect from a sport that once boasted title fights fit for champions, when even the losing fighter was applauded for his bravery and determination.

The most ironic thing about Saturday's title fight, which also predictably ended in boos from the audience, was that Hopkins was always the ageless wonder we cheered for, the man who appeared to become Father Time himself.

Why did this man, this man of all people, let us down? What was that? Where did it come from? This was a man who stared retirement in the face for a decade, starting in 2001 when he was supposed to succumb to Felix Trinidad and simply knocked him out.

Do you see what has become of diehard boxing fans? We are hoping for a great fight when it used to be that came standard for a title bout. We are searching for Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. when it shouldn't just be about two individuals.

Even in the older days when such giants as Muhammad Ali reigned supreme, there were always contenders to battle them to the end, through thick and thin, to make boxing fans proud of the sport they virtually worshipped.

The promotion of fights has grown while the quality has sunk to an all-time low.

It's no wonder boxing has fallen to the ever-rising mixed martial arts scene. It's because we don't have to put up with this level of controversy in mixed martial arts.

Sure, there is boasting and promotion in the UFC just like in the WBA. But the difference is the UFC delivers. And this is coming from a writer who has always greatly admired the sport of boxing.

How many more times will boxing fans put up with utter disappointment? How many more promises broken?

There are thoughts that a Pacquiao-Mayweather clash would save the sport of boxing.

The reality is, one fight won't make up for all of this.

The sport of boxing must save itself first.