11.02.07 – By Wray Edwards: Well…that was interesting. Switching back-and-forth between HBO’s Boxing and Showtime’s “Elite Xtreme Combat” last night, gave one an opportunity to contrast and compare the two entertainment forms. Don King and Gary Shaw, who were together for last weekend’s “Super Saturday” in Kissimmee, Florida, went their separate ways as HBO and Showtime again went head-to-head in the fight game. I was very surprised by the emotional contrasts and the differentials in pace and form between the two styles.
There were several very clear differences which, IMO, proved that the Marquis of Queensbury understood what would be necessary in form and content to ensure the longevity and popularity of prizefighting. First, pace and rhythm, within a formal context of posture as the fighters square off, are essential to maintain interest. Second, strike weapon (fist only) and target surface limitations are crucial to keep the contest from introducing dynamics which might damage pace and rhythm. In my opinion, Boxing was far-and-away the better entertainment last night. Here’s why:
Last night’s Showtime MMA presentation clearly demonstrated that it is a “sport” which allows at least one too many assault choices to the fighters. That “one” is the grappler’s takedown and subsequent squirming around on the floor. From the time that the combatants tangle on the floor, to the time that they are ordered to their feet, the pace and rhythm of the match are almost totally interrupted. Almost like allowing horses in a race to stop on the back stretch for a drink. It got so bad during one of the matches, that the commentators began making excuses and uttered statements in and attempt to palliate what might be restlessness in the minds of new viewers.
In fact, it was during one of those sordid episodes when the fighters were squirming around on the floor which totally ruined the Main Event. Gracie had Shamrock pinned on the floor for the umpteenth time, when Shamrock began to strike Gracie in the head with his knee. The strikes were compared to rabbit punches by the ref and they are illegal in MMA. Critical body functions such as heart rate, breathing and other mission critical neurology are centered in the medulla. When Shamrock struck Gracie with his knee for the second time, Gracie rolled off in agony with an apparent concussion. Frank must have realized he had done a bad thing as he knelt over Gracie to check him out. Shamrock was subsequently DQ’d for the infraction.
Meanwhile, HBO had not only the “Hustle and Flow” of Boxing, but added advantage of covering one of its most fluid and professional practitioners. The rhythm and pace of Shane Mosley’s contest with Luis Collazo was classical pugilism at its best. In fact, the best moments during the MMA event occurred when the fighters stayed on their feet and kicked and punched each other. One of the best examples of that was the women’s fight between Julie Kedzie and Gina Carano. These two women were on the floor several times, but when they got up it was bombs away and they seemed to love the contact.
Why does Boxing potentially have better pace and rhythm than MMA? For openers, if one is allowed to kick, this increases the distance at which the fighters have to stand because of the greater range of the leg strikes. This distance (as long as it is maintained) reduces the likelihood of quick fist strikes unless the fighter is willing to lunge into range. Also, switching from kicking to hand strikes is inherently awkward. It may look glamorous and clever in a well choreographed sockie-choppie movie, but in a real fight it’s a bit inconvenient.
There were other dynamics from a media point of view which were quite interesting. In some ways the advertisements for the MMA event had higher production values than the actual fights.Also, Showtime made a curious choice of an opening act for their first MMA event. They showed the unrelentingly violent and bloody movie “Saw II” just before their MMA extravaganza. I thought that seemed counterproductive, from one perspective, as the violent intensity of that movie might make the MMA event seem tame by comparison…perhaps even a letdown.
On the other hand, perhaps they thought, or were hoping, that the movie might provide coattails for people who like such violent and bloody movies to ride right into the MMA presentation. This possibility might have stemmed from the opinions of many who consider MMA to be more brutal and few holds barred bloody. Recent statistics seem to indicate that MMA is safer than Boxing, as less overall sustained trauma is necessary to reach a decision in MMA.
Neither fighting style is perfect. MMA is too sporadic because of the long episodes of groveling on the floor. It is also herky-jerky because of the switches from kicking to hitting. Boxing would do well to limit weigh-shifting (a la Florida), have uneven rounds to get rid of the stupid draws, and invoke at least a national commission.
The aesthetics of Boxing as a result of its limitations on form and target are, overall, more even and dependable. Its three minute framing is well suited to human attention spans. MMA introduces so much random activity that it leaves itself open to the mess caused by the Shamrock “rabbit knees”.
Given a choice, I would opt for a Boxing show if it were opposite an MMA event. It was unfortunate that the wheels came off during their main event, but their sport’s form was mostly to blame. In parallel with this comparison, there was a movie playing opposite “SAW II” entitled “Hustle and Flow” about some Memphis men trying to break into the rap recording industry. Personally, I do not enjoy rap “music,” but the production values, evenly paced, great acting and coherent plot were completely captivating and authentic. In total contrast was the bloody, stop-and-go violence of “Saw II” with its uneven plotline and contrived violent vignettes, “Hustle and Flow” was terrific.
This is going to be a pretty good year for Boxing what with John’s Duddy and Murray, Chad Dawson, Mayweather/DLH and some real resolution and unification in the Heavyweight Division coming up. See you at the fights.