WSB: An Adventure In To The Unknown.

A really good write of the recent match between the British Lionhearts and the USA Knockouts by 6oldenbhoy.


http://v2journal.com/3/post/2013/01/wsb-an-adventure-into-the-unknown.html

Can 6oldenboy please explain the selection process. More specifically, how can the USA pick Frogs and the Brits choose Estonians.

The stakes would be higher if national pride was at stake. I think WSB is missing a trick by diluting the national element.

Good article BTW look forward to more..

TheMackemMawler wrote:Can 6oldenboy please explain the selection process. More specifically, how can the USA pick Frogs and the Brits choose Estonians.

The stakes would be higher if national pride was at stake. I think WSB is missing a trick by diluting the national element.

Agreed!

I believe those two fighters where late calls up due to usual members of the team being unavailable but don't quote me on that. As far as I can see the WSB has a selection of back up boxers who can be called upon by any franchise.

TheMackemMawler wrote:Can 6oldenboy please explain the selection process. More specifically, how can the USA pick Frogs and the Brits choose Estonians.

The stakes would be higher if national pride was at stake. I think WSB is missing a trick by diluting the national element.

The draft is a way to for boxers from countries without a team to participate. Ireland have about 9 boxers participating, but no team. Similarly, it helps nationals who are weak in a certain division to beef up their roster. GB don't have a World Class Light-Heavy, so draft in a few foreigners to make them more competitive.

I agree that it dilutes the nationalistic element to a degree, but having been in attendance, I can say that the fans did get behind the boxers from different nations. Obviously, the home fighters got a better reception, but then some fans only came to see a specific bout. The Lionhearts are playing it smart when it comes to home fixtures. They go with their highest profile team, Selby, Nevin, Evans, Ward and Joyce most weeks. Everyone else generally fights in the away fixtures. With the Irish Seniors next month it will be interesting to see who lines out for the Lionhearts against Kazakhstan and what the attendance is like.