What is the best definition of boxing...?

Question

...the sweet science or the noble art?

Answer 1

the best way to get brain damage

Answer 2

getting the s**t kick of of you

Answer 3

noble art definitely!!

Answer 4

The sweet science to me !!

Answer 5

Hit and don,t get hit I know someone said it before me but he,s right plain and simple.

Answer 6

legalised violence.

Answer 7

Trying to dole out more brain damage than you receive.

Answer 8

It is impowering, confident and inspiring. It's a way to gain respect, and keep in excellent condition. It is thinking quickly and reacting.

Answer 9

"stupididity in male form"

Answer 10

My best definition of boxing is  The art of hitting ones opponent and not being hit in return

Answer 11

Personally, I've been a fan of both definitions for a long time.  The latter assumes there is "nobility" in fighting, and I agree, as long as it's one on one and organized.  Men used to stand in parlors and show off their stances for "when or if" they ever were to get into a fisticuffs.  A scene in one of my favorite movies, "O Brother, Where Art Thou". . . it shows this type of thing in a Woolworth's store, where George Clooney gets outboxed and thrown into the street.  

I think, however, that for THESE days and times, "the sweet science" better defines our beloved sport.  True, we still have our share of fighters who couldn't box their way out of a wet paper bag, but can punch like a ton of bricks.  The "art" of boxing is wasted on them, and also, it's wasted on fans that NEED that knockout.  That NEED blood, dismemberment, and annihilation.  I'll admit, knockouts are fun to watch (although it's disturbing to admit this in a civilized world).  Power punches are the sport's lifeforce for billions of fans around the world.  

This support is SUPPOSED to be about "hitting and not getting hit". . about defense, slipping punches, and using footwork.  When it's done correctly, it's actually beautiful.  True fans and students of the game get what I'm saying.  I fear, however, that some "bloodthirsty" fans will say that what I'm typing here is "too soft". . . .and stupid clones will say something totally incoherant. . . .but deep down, we know that "the sweet science" is the greatest sport in the world, and if the bloodlust doesn't simmer down a bit soon, we could slip into UFC-land in the blink of an eye.