Ask Sir Charles: Boxing and the short shelf life of 'Happy New Year'

Q: The death of Joe Frazier has got me thinking a lot about boxing. Specifically, about the decline of boxing as a spectator sport. Do you think heavyweight boxing will ever bounce back, or is it destined to simply fade away?

- A boxing fan in Abington

A: Bro, boxing is the sport of kings. It's been around for thousands of years. It's not going anywhere. The fighters may change, as do athletes in any sport, but the contests endure. People probably said after Jack Dempsey retired that that was the end of heavyweight boxing. Then Joe Louis came along, followed by Marciano, Frazier and Ali and all the other great fighters. It's a cycle. There are a lot of talented young dudes in the boxing game today. As long as people are willing to pay to see people slug it out, the sport will continue long after we're gone.

Q: When is it no longer cool to wish people a happy new year?

-A well-wisher in Bensalem

A: Well, if it's April and you're still saying "Happy New Year" to people, then I think you need to give it a rest. I'm usually done wishing folks a Happy New Year by about 7 p.m. on New Year's Day.