In this article, we will take a look at the 10 countries that produce the best boxers in the world. If you would like to skip our discussion on the trends within the boxing industry, you can go to the 5 Countries That Produce The Best Boxers In The World.
As one of the oldest sports in the world, boxing’s history may be traced back to Sumerian times around 3,000 BC. Today, it has evolved into an industry that generates significant revenue, draws in passionate fans, and provides a pathway for athletes to achieve fame and fortune. Professional boxing is a multi-billion dollar industry, with significant revenue streams stemming from various sources. Major championship fights, in particular, play an important role in fueling this industry, often generating staggering amounts of money through pay-per-view (PPV) sales. In fact, in 2021, the Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant fight raked in an estimated 800,000 PPV buys, translating to millions of dollars in revenue. Television broadcasting is another growth accelerator for the industry, as television networks pay high sums for broadcasting rights to major boxing tournaments. For instance, a 2022 deal between Top Rank Boxing and ESPN secured a reported $100 million for broadcasting rights, showcasing the value of live fights.
Apart from PPV sales and television broadcasting, boxers, promoters, and sanctioning bodies earn a great deal through lucrative sponsorships from big brands. A 2023 study by Nielsen Sports found that sponsorship spending in boxing reached $3.2 billion globally, highlighting its significant marketing potential. Some of the leading stocks providing exposure to the boxing and sports industry include DraftKings Inc. (NYSE:DKNG), Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE:EDR), and Frasers Group (LON:FRAS).
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“We added to our position in DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ;DKNG), the leading mobile sportsbook and gaming operator in the U.S. While we lowered our estimates for the fourth quarter due to lower hold in the month of November, it is important to keep in mind that while hold can be volatile from quarter to quarter, the company continues to slowly increase hold over time (primarily because of a higher percentage of the handle being in higher hold “parlay” bets). We continue to be attracted to DraftKing’s dominant market share and the scale advantages that come with this.”
The International Appeal of Boxing Talent
The athletes are at the heart of the sport, captivating audiences with their skills and performances. According to the WBC (World Boxing Council), there are hundreds of active professional boxers worldwide, competing across 17 weight divisions. However, boxing talents are concentrated in certain countries, with certain nations frequently producing boxing champions. These countries are often listed among the top 20 boxing nations. These top boxing countries represent diverse continents, showcasing a broad representation of talent from around the world. North America demonstrates its skill in this field, with three of its nations ranking in the top ten countries for boxers. Europe is another continent where countries producing the best boxers in the world are situated. As a matter of fact, modern boxing arrived in England in the 18th century, with standardized rules and weight divisions emerging by the 19th century. Apart from the UK, the Netherlands is among the nations where some of the most reputed boxers originated. Boxers across the world are also among some of Highest Paid Athletes of All Time.
Furthermore, Asia also has a rich history of boxing, with several countries producing popular champions. Traditional forms like Muay Thai in Thailand and Lethwei in Myanmar predate Western boxing, emphasizing strikes beyond punches. Modern boxing arrived in the late 19th century, with Japan and the Philippines emerging as early powerhouses. South Korea enjoyed a golden era in the 70s and 80s, while more recently, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines continue to produce world champions.
Now, let's take a look at our list of the top 10 countries that produce the best boxers in the world.
10 Countries That Produce The Best Boxers In The World
We have shortlisted the 10 countries that produce the best boxers in the world using the number of boxing world champions they've produced across all professional boxing associations and weight categories. These countries provide essential facilities to encourage boxing talent across the nation. The countries have been ranked in ascending order of the number of boxing world champions they have produced as of 2024.
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10 Countries That Produce The Best Boxers In The World
10. Colombia
Number of Boxing World Champions: 36
Colombia has a long history in boxing, with boxers participating in the Olympic Games as early as 1972. The country has produced some notable boxers, including Antonio Cervantes, Oscar Negrete, Antonio Pitalúa, Edison Miranda, Ricardo Torres, and many more. They've secured multiple bronze medals, showcasing their talent on the world stage. While funding challenges exist, Colombian boxing, particularly the women's division, has shown promise.
At the 2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships, Colombia secured two bronze medals, highlighting their potential. Moreover, initiatives like the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing create opportunities for young fighters. These events provide a platform for both professional and amateur boxers to compete and gain experience. Colombia also has historic boxing gyms like the Cuadrilátero Gym in Barranquilla. This recently reopened venue signifies the country's continued dedication to encouraging boxing talent.
9. Philippines
Number of Boxing World Champions: 40
Boxing has a special place in the Philippines and has a long tradition. There have been many great boxers from the Philippines throughout history, including icons like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire. In the Philippines, boxing is also a symbol of culture that goes beyond the world of sports. It is a significant means of earning income for low-income people.
The life of Manny Pacquiao outside boxing serves as an excellent example of a man’s struggle against poverty on his way to becoming the greatest boxer ever created by the nation. The Philippines have a distinct cultural sport referred to as "Suntukan" or "Dirty Boxing that is played using only hands. This distinct style has influenced the strength and technique of Filipino boxers. Ceferino Garcia, Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Little Dado are some of the most prominent players associated with Filipino boxing.
8. Argentina
Number of Boxing World Champions: 43
Boxing is firmly embedded in Argentina's heritage, with several superstars rising through the ranks over the past century. The 1960s and 1970s were the golden years of boxing in Argentina, with famous boxers like Carlos Monzon, Pascual Perez, Horacio Accavallo, and Victor Galindez making their mark on the international stage. Furthermore, it has produced notable female boxers, such as Marcela La Tigresa, the country's first woman to obtain a boxing license.
The Argentina Boxing Federation has been attempting to grow the sport since 1920. The continued legacy of Argentinean boxing demonstrates the sport's lasting effect and the effort previous boxers put into pushing it to the top level. Thus, it is no surprise that Argentina holds an impressive record of 24 Olympic medals in boxing. The country is amongst the top 10 countries that produce the best boxers in the world.
7. South Korea
Number of Boxing World Champions: 46
South Korean or Korean fighters dominated the boxing arena during the 1970s, 1980s, and even early 1990s. Boxers from the country were must-see on televised boxing matches during this time. Shin Joon Sup, An Young Su, Jung Koo Chang, and Sung Kil Moon were among the most successful international boxers.
With Jung Koo Chang's excellent 16th defense of his WBA light flyweight title and Shin Joon Sup's gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, the country rose to prominence in boxing. However, South Korean or Korean boxing is no longer as popular as it once was, as most combat sports talent has moved on to MMA.
6. Thailand
Number of Boxing World Champions: 46
Thailand is well-known as the birthplace of Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing. Muay Thai originated in the 16th century. However, professional boxing became popular in the mid-twentieth century. It was during this time that Thai boxing superstars like Pone Kingpetch dominated the flyweight boxing division. Chartchai Chionoi, Khaosai Glaxy, and Saensak Muangsurin are examples of popular Thai boxers whose traditional training was adapted to incorporate worldwide boxing tactics.
The country has also won four gold medals at the Olympics, as well as 14 boxing medals overall. The Western interest in the art of Muay Thai has contributed immensely to increased interest in professional boxing. Moreover, companies such as DraftKings Inc. (NYSE:DKNG), Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE:EDR), and Frasers Group (LON:FRAS) have also contributed to the expansion of the sports industry and amplified the reach of boxing.
