Why are the best boxers on TV not also competing in the Olympics?
In: Other
I saw this asked on another thread somewhere the other day, but basically it’s because it’s high risk, low reward for them.
Pro boxers, especially at the highest levels, make a lot of money per bout…participating in the Olympics would require taking a massive pay cut ($0) while risking injury or other outcome that could be detrimental to their career.
Some professional boxers prefer to continue making money through fights and promotional deals. Athletes don’t get paid to compete in the Olympics, and some might not want to train specifically for it or represent their country for various reasons
Money and contracts.
You can get seriously hurt in a boxing match. And professional boxers get paid way more to be on TV.
Because of that, boxers may also sign contracts where they can’t compete in any other competitions.
This applies to a lot of other sports. NHL for example, at times didn’t let players go into Olympics. And those are the best players in the world.
Until the last 50 years, Olympic athletes had to be amateurs, so therefore, professional boxers traditionally were ineligible to be in the Olympics.
Even after this was relaxed, and then removed completely, it doesn’t really make sense for boxers. Say you are Canelo or some other top ranked boxer, you are making $20M or so per fight. Would you really want to go to the Olympics, which could already mess up your current fight cycle, but even more risk getting hurt?
The prestige an Olympic medal would give them just doesn’t outweigh the other risks.
On top of the risk/reward many are saying, it’s also just a vastly different style of boxing. Olympic boxing rewards touches, so getting in and out clean is very important. Prize fighting rewards touches and power, giving bonuses to hard hits. It changes the flow of the match and the way you approach defense, and there are many top prize fighters who either aren’t suited for that style or are too out of practice on it.
How much money do you want to get punched in the face? Pro boxers get paid that.
Latest Answers