MMAfighting reports: “”I don’t look at a man who’s expert in one area as a specialist,” McGregor told Esquire. “I look at him as a rookie in ten other areas. If you can box, what happens if I grab hold of your legs? If you put me face-to-face with Floyd Mayweather-pound-for-pound boxing’s best-if I fought Floyd, I would kill him in less than thirty seconds. It would take me less than thirty seconds to wrap around him like a boa constrictor and strangle him.”
Boxing is a controlled art form. As simple as it may appear the novice can get taken out quickly but there are rules for sportsmanship and to ensure that death does not occur because of cruelty or criminal intent. The Marquess of Queensberry made sure that the potential to turn an event into the Roman Empire of old did not happen and future boxing organizations made modifications and improvements.
Boxrec states: Established in 1867 by the Marquess of Queensberry:
1. To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a twenty-four foot ring or as near that size as practicable.
2. No wrestling or hugging allowed.
3. The rounds to be of three minutes duration and one minute time between rounds.
4. If either man fall through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, ten seconds be allowed to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner; and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the ten seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his award in favour of the other man.
5. A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down.
6. No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.
7. Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee (is) to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest, to that the match can be won and lost, unless the backers of the men agree to draw the stakes.
8. The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new.
9. Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction.
10. A man on one knee is considered down, and if struck is entitled to the stakes.
11. No shoes or boots with springs allowed.
12. The contest in all other respects to be governed by the revised rules of the London Prize Ring
MMA may look like all the rules have been abandoned but there are rules, and fighting is more reflective of the times than throwing punches in a squabble in the streets or the circle or the ring. It is at its best self-defense set to sport with all the associated winners losers and champions. I admire them because it looks more painful to me than fighting with boxing gloves.
Each fighting organization may have slightly different rules but at base there are basic rules that are adhered to so that any claims of being uncivilized can be put to rest.
FightingMMA reports: “Should a fighter fail to follow these rules they will be deducted a point or be disqualified from the match.
Theses rules and faults include:
• Butting with the head.
• Eye gouging of any kind.
• Biting.
• Hair pulling.
• Fish hooking.
• Groin attacks of any kind.
• Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent. (see Gouging)
• Small joint manipulation.
• Striking to the spine or the back of the head. (see Rabbit punch)
• Striking downward using the point of the elbow. (see Elbow (strike))
• Throat strikes of any kind, including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea.
• Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
• Grabbing the clavicle.
• Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
• Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
• Stomping a grounded opponent.
• Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
• Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck. (see piledriver)
• Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced area.
• Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
• Spitting at an opponent.
• Engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
• Holding the ropes or the fence.
• Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
• Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
• Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
• Attacking an opponent after the bell (horn) has sounded the end of a round.
• Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
• Timidity, including, without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
• Interference by the corner.
• Throwing in the towel during competition.”
Right now I would rather watch boxing because that is my history from the old Friday night fights to HBO, Showtime and the current Premiere Boxing Champions. Many of those prejudices came from that past history as well. The wrestling stars that many dismissed as not being able to stand up to a boxer of the time and thus matches were exhibitions hinging on supporters from each side getting the opportunity to declare a winner and feel good about it.
Few would believe that a professional wrestler could achieve anything but side show acceptance. Try it now when a barely covered fist is bouncing off your head after a take down. This is not Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki which turned into a complete farce as Inoki spent the fight on the ground kicking at Alis legs. Or Chuck Wepner who had fought and lost to Ali being tossed out of the ring by Andre “the Giant” in the third round. Consider this as a throwback to an old “…meet you outside…” fight without the pomp and publicity.
As to actual fighting and who would win, boxing is a beautiful sport to watch. But I live in that world where often in the streets or at home you may have to defend yourself or someone else. When that happens you cross over from pure entertainment value and struggle to save your life. If in a street fight I would want the MMA guy or girl fighter on my side.
