[simple simon]

my answer is actually both

i mean i think it it the barbaric nature of it that attracts most fans

how cool is it that 2 people will bash each others brains in just for money, fame, and our amusement

at the same time, is there any athelete from any other sport that trains harder ?

[EmpireWF]

Any type of athletic fighting (boxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts) is a sport. It's two guys who dedicate their lives to keeping their bodies in the best possible condition. When they're in the ring/cage, they use training to win.

Of course it can be barbaric in nature, but it's not like it's cruel punishment.

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

Its way to barbaric for me and thats being said by a bullriding fan. For two grown men to stand and punch the s*** out of each other makes no sense to me. They have conccurred nothing but to beat the brains out of the other person.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I can see how someboday could say its barbaric, but as long as both parties agree to do it, have at it! I used to like boxing, but as I say about Nascar, it just not what it used to be.