Boxing In U.K. Dying

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30348, 25 January 1964, Page 18

Boxing In U.K. Dying

(Special Crspdt. NZ.P.A.) LONDON, Jan. 21. Professional boxing is dying in Britain, according to some sports writers. Statistics show that in Great Britain last year there were 157 promotions. There were

170 in 1962 and 212 in 1960. There were 83 promotions in London and this figure was boosted by 27 private shows promoted by the National Sporting Club. In the remainder of England there were only 51 promotions. In Scotland there were eight promotions last year and only Glasgow remains as an active centre. There were four promotions in Ireland and 11 in Wales. Last year 13 boxing centres died. In Europe the tale is the same one of diminishing activity. Last year, 34 British-based boxers went abroad and took part in 51 contests. They won 11. Fifty-six foreign boxers went to Britain and took part n 82 contests. They won 25.

“Perhaps as the standard of living has increased, as leisure produces softness in the young, as the sexes merge until now the suits that youths wear are as near costumes as does not matter, it was inevitable that the hard disciplined life of the boxer should become less attractive, the scars less honourable,” says one writer.