THE POPULARITY DECLINE OF BOXING
THE STRUGGLING AMATEUR GYMS OF THE MODERN AGE.
From its prominence in popular culture to a modest 16th place among the world’s most popular sports, boxing has undergone a slow and agonizing decline, affecting its very foundations — the amateur gyms. Once, these gyms were ubiquitous, offering the teachings of the ‘sweet science.’ However, the passage of time has seen many gyms shuttered, with the ones still standing grappling with limited resources, both in terms of equipment and coaching staff, often at the cost of exorbitant membership fees.
One historic institution caught in this struggle is the Lads Boxing Club in Norwich. Established in 1918, it has weathered various historical events while providing the city with top-notch boxing experiences. James Sharp, a former amateur boxer at Lads, reminisces fondly,
“Lads gave a level of intensity that instilled within you a sense of pride and made you want to work as hard as possible.”
Despite this storied history, Lads is not immune to the challenges posed by contemporary trends in boxing.
The challenges extend to training itself, especially for amateur gyms. While elite professionals benefit from cutting-edge training methods, many amateur gyms rely on volunteer coaches driven solely by their passion for the sport. The lack of a fixed schedule poses challenges, leaving boxers uncertain about their training sessions. Sparring, a crucial aspect of boxing, becomes logistically challenging, requiring extensive travel for coaches and fighters.
Equipment shortages further compound the issue at Lads. Heavy bags are shared among multiple individuals, skipping ropes are worn or patched up, and there are insufficient boxing gloves to go around. Many boxers are compelled to invest personal funds in equipment for effective training. James Sharp emphasises,
“The importance of reliable gear, highlighting the financial burden on amateur boxers.”
The decline of boxing can be linked to the shift to pay-per-view, where accessibility has dwindled, leaving only the most dedicated fans willing to pay for fights. This has resulted in a shrinking fanbase, as casual viewers are reluctant to invest in unfamiliar fighters. Ethan Phillips, a longtime boxing fan and Norwich resident, points out the diminishing interest,
“The facts remain simple, boxings fanbase is simply shrinking, no one wants to fork out money for a fight when they can watch the football for free or go to the pub to watch the football, pubs barely even show boxing anymore.”
Amateur gyms, once havens for the working class, now face an uncertain future. Norwich’s Lads Boxing Gym symbolises the struggle of grassroots boxing in the face of declining popularity. As the tide of interest recedes, these gyms, crucial for nurturing young talent, find themselves grappling with numerous challenges that threaten the very essence of the sport.
The slow death of boxing is not only a loss for the sport itself but also for the communities and individuals whose lives have been shaped by its presence. Efforts to revive boxing’s appeal and support its grassroots are crucial for preserving a sport that has a rich history and the potential to inspire generations to come.
-Mark Macasil
