The Great Depression and Boxing

During the late 1920s through much of the 1930s, the economy in the United States was in a poor state, and boxing was not immune to these difficult times. With unemployment higher than ever before, people were less willing to spend money on boxing matches and therefore many fighters retired to other jobs where they could earn a higher wage.

In this brief essay I will examine and analyze the effects that the economy in the 1930s had on the popularity and profitability of boxing through numerous sources. I also intend to share my opinions and beliefs on the topic. Overall, boxing and the fighters took a hard hit from the depression, however, boxing also resembled hope for many which helped to combat the arduous situation.

Cinderella Man

Against popular belief and according to the article “Cinderella Man” by Aqsa Zafar, “Boxing popularity grew significantly during the Great Depression. Boxing committees knew they would always have a crowd for their championship matches because boxing appealed to all classes. Boxing was an escape for those suffering from the Great Depression.” People turned to boxing as a source of relief from their hardships as it was cheap and fulfilling at the time. The more people had to endure, the greater popularity and support boxing would acquire. The profitability of boxing was struggling though at this time when the popularity was rising. Nobody has as much money to spend as in the 20s, this includes politicians and business owners. Boxing “ became a social event for many politicians, business executives and social leaders who wanted to be seen at these championship fights with their ladies in hand.” However, they did not have the same incentive or opportunity to attend as the previous decade which resulted in a lack of funds for the sport.

As the economy was able to recover though, so was boxing, and this is what I will discuss in the next blog post.