MMA and boxing to square off...in ratings

Andre Ward, right, and Carl Froch will headline in Atlantic City next month.

Time and time again boxing purists and mixed martial arts die-hards have been going at it over which combat sport is the best. It's an argument that nobody can truly win, because neither side will convince the other that THEY are wrong.

Let's be honest...well, we'll at least try to be, the only true way to tell which sport is popular is to look at ratings, ticket sales and total revenue. Yes, everything comes down to money especially in sports. And, if you hadn't realized that by now there is no hope.

While the UFC and Strikeforce have thrived as of late, just take a look at the UFC's TV deal with FOX Sports, boxing has taken somewhat of a backseat. This can be attributed to many reasons, but the simple fact is that boxing promoters are not doing as well as a job as they used to. Boxers used to be easy to follow and were talked about for years before coming onto the main stage. Nowadays most boxers are not well-known until they are headlining or co-headlining cards.

This battle between MMA and boxing comes to a fruition over the next two months. On Saturday Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz will do battle in the boxing ring, but they will also battle for ratings against UFC: Fight Night 25 headliners Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger.

Next month on October 29, Showtime will hold the World Boxing Classic Finals pitting Andre Ward against Carl Froch. That same night Georges St. Pierre will put his UFC title up against Chris Condit while Nick Diaz battles BJ Penn as the co-main event.

All four cards, and main events, are intriguing and the die-hard fans of each sport will show their loyalty. The attention of the casual fans is what will decide this war of words.

Follow me on Twitter @NiteshDutt