Bernard Hopkins and MMA

There's been a lot of hype and buzz surrounding B-Hop's recent disparaging remarks targeting MMA.

I don't understand why it is that many high profile figures connected to the sport of professional boxing feel the urge to downplay, dismiss and indeed even insult what is fast becoming the number one sport in the world.

Boxing is my favourite sport.

I am a huge fan of Bernard Hopkins. The Executioner is a genuine master of fisticuffs. His dismantling of Kelly Pavlik, Antonio Tarver, and Felix "Tito" Trinidad speaks for itself.

B-Hop has been the best middleweight for this generation. Period. Hands down.

In addition to his mastery in the ring, what he has had to overcome in his personal life as a young man is inspiration for everyone -boxing fan or not. I think he is great and definitely ranking among the all time best. He is a powerful role model for those that wish to transcend difficult challenges in their life.

So why is there a need to say the things he said?

B-Hop is not alone in this. Money Mayweather, Winky Wright and a lot of other marquee names have weighed in with the same sentiment. Even Bob Arum, Don King, and other heavy hitting promoters have offered their two cents in ridiculing Mixed Martial Arts.

Why?

I think that the recent huge success of the UFC and other promotions which showcase MMA pose a perceived threat to their detractors.

MMA critics from the world of boxing kind of come across as creepy ex boyfriends who have nothing good to say about their ex's sudden fascinations and intrigument with the "new guy".

MMA is slowly but surely taking away boxing's piece of the pie.

I consider myself primarily a boxing fan, who, also happens to love MMA. They are two different sports. One need not choose one over the other... Kinda like rugby and football. Two very different sports that might have glimpses of similarities.

Perhaps boxing could learn some lessons as to why MMA is the success that it is.

Promotions such as the UFC put on many exciting fights throughout the year where world class atheletes compete in a forum where anything can happen. The fighters come to fight - not to dance and spar. Those in line for a title shot get a shot. It is fan friendly. It is heavily promoted via the internet.

Can the same be said for boxing?

Rarely do high profile MMA fighters insult or dismiss boxing. If that does happen, it is usually in response to an attack on the sport of MMA.

There are many boxing fans like myself that see how both sports can coexist and flourish.

Perhaps if less energy was spent on devaluing the legitmacy of MMA and more effort on putting together boxing matches that people actually wanna see (i.e. Mayweather vs Pacquio) it would serve all involved for the better.

As a fan, I'm disappointed in B-Hop's comments.