ABA: New School vs Old School
The Old School ABA
The American Boxing Association was formed in 1921, and it was a time of great change in the world of professional boxing. The sport had been dominated by a group of powerful figures, known as the "old guard," who controlled the major venues and the best fighters. But the ABA represented a new generation of promoters, managers, and fighters who were determined to shake up the status quo and create a more equitable and exciting sport.
The early years of the ABA were marked by fierce competition and bitter rivalries. Promoters battled for the services of the top fighters, and managers schemed and plotted to gain an edge over their rivals. But amidst all the chaos and turmoil, one thing was clear: the ABA was producing some of the most thrilling and competitive boxing matches the country had ever seen.
The most dominant figure of the ABA era was a boxer named Jack Dempsey. He was a fierce competitor who fought with a relentless style that left his opponents battered and bruised. He quickly became a national sensation, drawing huge crowds to his fights and earning the nickname "The Manassa Mauler." Dempsey's reign at the top of the ABA was marked by a series of epic battles with other top fighters, including Gene Tunney, Harry Greb, and Tommy Gibbons.
Despite the excitement and drama of the ABA era, the organization was plagued by a series of scandals and controversies. Many of the top fighters were accused of throwing fights, and there were widespread allegations of corruption and bribery. In response to these problems, the ABA was eventually dissolved, and a new organization, known as the National Boxing Association, was formed to take its place.
Overall, the ABA represented a crucial turning point in the history of American professional boxing. It brought new life and energy to the sport and helped to establish it as a major cultural force in the United States. The ABA era was a time of great change, turmoil, and excitement, but it ultimately paved the way for a more honest and fair sport, and for the fighters, it was a time to fight and prove themselves in the ring, with the crowd cheering and the smell of sweat and blood in the air.
The New School ABA
The American Boxing Association, or ABA, was formed with the goal of promoting the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act and protecting the rights and welfare of boxers. The organization aims to aid state boxing commissions with the oversight of boxing and increase sportsmanship and integrity within the industry.
One of the key objectives of the ABA is to act as a buffer between promoters, managers, and boxers, ensuring that the interests of the fighters are protected. To this end, the ABA plans to create an independent rating system based on a record of wins and losses, free from manipulation by those in charge. This would create open competition for promoters and enhance the integrity of the sport by enforcing national contract reform.
The ABA also aims to protect professional boxers from unlawful contracts that are not in their best interest or restrict their right to control their own destiny. Additionally, the organization plans to award one definitive National Title Belt and encourage the consolidation of separate organizations into a united entity in order to prevent the dilution of the prestige of the American Boxing Champion.
Overall, the ABA is committed to promoting a fair and just sport that is in the best interests of the boxers who compete in it. By working to increase sportsmanship and integrity, and protecting the rights of fighters, the ABA hopes to build a stronger, more united, and more respected boxing community in America.
Article written by Kit Coughran 1/16/2023