Added to front page by Brent Brookhouse.  Despite that I think he is wrong that boxing is dying (dying sports don't get 1.25 million ppv buys at $55 a pop), Calzaghe is right that there are things that desperately need addressing to get boxing as a whole back to good health:

From espn.com:

"I think boxing is a dying sport. Globally -- in America for instance -- you've got UFC, which has taken a lot off boxing, business-wise," Calzaghe said, referring to the mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Calzaghe also gave his thoughts on why boxing is in trouble:

"There is too much politics in boxing, too many belts and too many champions, which dilutes real champions like myself," he said. "There are four world champions in each division and it's bad because there are no stars any more. It's a big problem."

"America only had one medalist in the Olympics this year," Calzaghe said. "In Britain, we did pretty good, but I'm glad I'm ending my career and not starting it because I don't think it's going to be that great in the future."

Calzaghe doesn't say anything ground breaking, but he does address a couple of interesting points.  First, I think it's obvious boxing is feeling the heat from MMA, especially in North America.  The UFC puts on a profitable pay-per-view every month.  Further, the UFC hasn't seen a drop of in popularity in the over three years since The Ultimate Fighter first aired.  This suggests MMA is more than just a passing fad.

Second, he's right about the lack of Olympic success hurting American boxing.  America loves champions.  One bronze medal simply doesn't cut it.  Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones Jr. were Olympic stars before becoming big name professionals.  A lack of Olympic success hurts boxing in America as sport.

Finally, it's striking how much everything Calzaghe said sounded like it came from Dana White.  White has long pushed the idea that boxing is the sport of previous generations.  Mixed martial arts is the combat sport of the future.  The UFC has done everything in its power to maintain its independence as a brand and keep from descending into the political mess that plagues boxing.  Zuffa has been able to create a mixed martial arts hegemon which can compete with boxing for air time, fans, and most importantly, money.  Boxers are beginning to take notice.